Do the names Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach or Red Hot Chilli Peppers mean anything to you? If not, I suggest you leave this album well alone. However, if they're your type of music, I suggest you check this album out. It's not a clone of the above bands by any means, having a great deal of originality. It has its melodic moments ("Said the Sun to the Shine", for example) but is generally very energetic music in a nu metal sort of way, but (thankfully) without the overly abrasive, hateful and self-destructive edges. It even has some harmonies. There are a few vocal tricks that bear more than a passing resemblance to late 70s Yes or Genesis (sorry, lads), but the overall sound is very 21st Century.
One of the best albums I've heard this year, if not the best, so visit your local CCM emporium and get them to play you the first track. It won't disappoint.
9/10 Paul Ganney (October 2001)
Right from the start, let me say that, this live praise & worship album is one of the good ones. All too often, you're left feeling that maybe you had to be at the event to appreciate everything, but not on this occasion. The whole congregation are led by both the Waves and Whitewings singing groups, and just what an impact the voices make. A whole host of well known tunes are given new life, including 'There's a Wind A Blowin', 'Quiet My Mind' and 'He Is Risen'. From as early as the second song 'My Jesus, My Saviour', you are literally drawn into worship and praise of the Lord. You actually feel as if you are with the congregation as they bounce their way through 'I the Lord of Sea & Sky'. Quieter numbers like 'Sing to the Lord' and 'Lord, You Have My Heart' just leave you wanting more. A must for p&w fans. 8/10. (August 1998)
This is a CD you need to sit down and listen to, to enter into the atmosphere of this event - special this year as we celebrate the millennium. Ralph Ward and his band lead much of the worship, accompanied by John Hardwick, Greg Leavers, Simon Parry, Claire Morgans, and their respective bands. Geared towards children aged approx 5-10 years, the album has been put together well, with a good variety of quiet, reflective, and lively! Ralph Ward gives some short talks with a clear gospel message and this is an added bonus. My teenage daughter, Joanne, noticed a similarity in backing music to that of chart sensations Five with "Raise Him Up", and Steps with "Show Me the Light". My own favourites were "Praising Jesus Everywhere", "Our Father", and "Come On, Let's Celebrate".
This is a good children's CD with plenty of new songs and giving a clear gospel message. 8/10. Pam Robinson. (September 2000)
Geoff said he'd send me something different this month, and he certainly has! This lot hail from the US of A, and if the dance scene is your thing, it's worth a good listen. I say 'dance scene' but that's a gross generalisation - what struck me about this album was the diversity. Although there are programmed drum sequences, excellently produced, running throughout, the content of the tracks varies considerably. The title track reminded me of early 90s dance, with an element of Depeche Mode creeping in, but this changes to a much heavier sound in 'Defender', and then again to a dance type ballad in the final cut, 'Nightfall & Splendor'. Incidentally, I thought this to be the best track on the album, with a good lyrical style and vocals. Other tracks to grab my attention were 'Waterfall' and 'December'. Overall this is good, well produced material with a lyric style that is not too blatant but sets the brain ticking over. I just wish they would use Chrissy Franklin's vocals a little more next time, as I feel the tracks she fronts are the better ones. Having said that, Joey Belville's vocals are pretty good too, apart from perhaps 'She's Gone Tragic' which didn't seem quite to cut the mustard. But, all in all, a polished production and definitely worth checking out if you're tastes are more towards the dance end of the spectrum. 8/10 Julie Lord. (March 2001)
Recorded in West Yorkshire, England, I still find it strange that it's an American company that is behind this band. Featuring the likes of Sarah and Richard Lacey, David Bird, Jon Large, and Terl Bryant, this is Eden's Bridge's 5th album, and 2nd in the Celtic Worship series. It would be easy for me to say that these musicians are an Iona clone collection, and there's a touch of truth when listening to "I Will Change Your Name". However, it soon becomes apparent that there's a lot more to these people than that. Sarah's vocals are just as good as Joanne Hogg's but the tones are a million miles apart. Pete Seegers 1962 classic "Turn, Turn, Turn" has been recorded by many artists over the years, and this version stands alongside the best of them. If it's peaceful sounds you want, then try "Sarah's Prayer" or the simply delicious instrumental "Seascape". There's pipes, guitars, various keyboards, miscellaneous percussion, and many odd sounding instruments on display throughout the album and the overall sound is one of sheer bliss. Take "Who Can Bind Your Heart". 6 minutes of priceless vocals, riding high upon the waves of engrossing music. "Refiner's Fire" is, perhaps, the best of the more traditional numbers, where the tune remains the same but given the Eden's stamp. For Celtic fans, and more, everywhere. 8/10. (June 1999)
Billed as playing "straight ahead authentic rock & roll", The Elms bring guitar music to the fore with this follow up to their critically acclaimed debut. I never heard that one, but this is a gem. With traits of Petra at their best on tracks like "Speaking in Tongues" and "The First Day", there's distinct cutting edge to their music. "Burn & Shine" says "let's get out and tell the world about God" instead of just thinking about it. It's another top song and very radio friendly. Then, there's the jangly sound of "Let Love In". It's a cross between the Byrds "Mr Tambourine Man" and Big Tent Revival's "Letting Go", but still contains it's own individuality. To be honest, there's not a bad song on the album, it's just filled with terrific rock & roll. That is, with the exception of the closing song. In sorrow and despair, when all seems dark - there's a time to let it go. "Smile at Life Again" is one of the most touching songs I've ever heard. One of the releases of the year so far. 10/10 (April 2003, Album of the Month)
I've got to admit to being one of the few who didn't think much of Elvis' music until long after his death. Since then, however, I've become to appreciate the depth of the music, as well as the phenomenon that was Elvis himself. This video charts his progress from childhood attending an Assembly of God church with his parents through to concerts by Southern Gospel Quartets like the Statesmen and the Blackwood Brothers. There's plenty of interviews with former members of these groups, as well as the legendary Jorannaires. There are a couple of concert songs featured, like "american Trilogy" and "How Great Thou Art", but others are either used as backing music for the narrative, or from amatuer film clips. There's some great stories included, like the time Elvis prayed for one of the members of the backing group who had just been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour. The next day, the tumour had disappeared. To watch the full 90 minutes in one sitting was a bit much, but I was still fascinated by it all. 8/10. (April 2000)
Rarely does an album contain so many songs that really search, deeply, about the important things in your life. 'Am I Lookin' Good' kicks of with an indie/rock feel and homes in on the fact that we spend so much time on our outward appearance that we forget about the inside. 'God Only Knows' is very radio friendly but 'Hacker's Prayer' sounds morose and easily forgettable. Tired of living life under your own steam? It's about time you really gave yourself to Jesus, so says the ballad 'Giving Up' in a Bryan Adams sort of way. There seems to be times on the album when Eric gives carte' blanche to everyone to do their own thing, as two or three different tunes appear at the same time. However, if you're honestly ready to be challenged, buy the album and be prepared to pray. 7/10. (August 1998)
This is the lady who got her recording contract in a cyber cafe! Sounding very much like Suzanne Vega, Erin takes you on a trip around her life. "Be Still & Know" is not the chorus song that many of us know, but a happy ditty that cheers you up the moment you hear it. "I Will Trust in You" is a slower track, complete with summery feel, but that happy feeling still shines out. Looking back on your pre-Christian days, you may find that God was there, even in the darkest of times. That's just what Erin admits to on the classy "Even in My Youth". She's the nearest thing to Amy Grant I've heard for some time and the overall strength of the album is in it's simplistic but memorable lyrics.
It's a good debut. 8/10. (August 1997)
I've got say that I can't make up my mind about this album. I've listened to it a few times and find it infuriating to the fact that songs which sounded good first listen leave me cold, while songs that, at first, passed me by are now beginning to grow on me. Take, for instance, the title track. Nothing special on first time of hearing but, then, sounds totally different on second listen. In fact, so much so that many listens later, I'm still singing along! "Your Love Will Get Me There" is another one, and I'm really beginning to like this one, too. Erin, herself, has a voice that sounds a little like Sarah Masen but the songs themselves are in the style of, say, Natalie Imbruglia. "There You Are" tells that even if we wander off from Jesus, when we return, He hasn't "moved an inch" and has His arms are still open to welcome us back. Maybe I should have listened to this album for a month or so before reviewing? There again…….7/10. (May 2001)
When reviewing Worship CDs I normally look for one of two things: new songs and/or new arrangements. In short, something to justify adding this CD to my non-trivial collection. This, however, doesn't really fit, being more of a "greatest hits" kind of thing - it doesn't need to add to the cannon, just collect together some of the "best bits" (as the title "Essential..." implies). So, is it? Well, all of the arrangements and performances are very competent and clear (important if you're going to sing along). However, it lacks energy, especially on "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?". The more melodic stuff works very well, though, such as "You Are My Portion" (a new song to me, so passes one of my two Worship CD tests). Stand-out track, though, is "Open the Skies" (not that I could imagine our congregation singing it, mind) which has a wonderful rhythm running around behind it (and some very subdued powerchords). Essential? It all rather depends on whether you already have worship CDs with these songs on. If you don't, then you could do a lot worse than to buy this. Of course, you may already have done worse, in which case this'd be worth getting so you've got some decent versions of your favourite songs. 7/10. Paul Ganney. (January 2004)
The ever expanding range and style of worship albums released shows no sign of abating and this one is quite a worthy addition - taking a selection of popular songs and re-interpreting them in a more atmospheric/ambient style designed to provide respite from the pace and pressures of everyday life. Cool grooves abound, and within that context the 10 songs chosen are a good selection, with three in particular standing out for me: a great, laidback "In Christ Alone", a surprisingly effective reggae version of "Jesus lover of my soul" and a superb recording of "Light of the World" which is more than a little reminiscent of Right Said Fred, spoken vocal and everything. Not all the songs are as effective as these, but none of them are ever less than interesting, uplifting and (of course) relaxing, with some nice variety in the vocals, sweet harmonies and simple arrangements. Turn off the lights, close your eyes and go with it. You won't be disappointed. 8/10 David Cooper (Jnaury 2004)
Forward to the next archive
Back to the archives index
Back to the current edition of NFN
Back to the ESL home page
