5 comments about Alabaster Box.

1. I had this CD when it was first release and misplaced it....I had to get another one! This CD is inspirational and dear to my spirit. I love CECE Winans, because she knows the true meaning of worshiping God in spirit and in truth. I will be sure to hold on to this CD and continue to recommend it to others.



2. The CD sounds great, arrived in excellent condition, and in a timely manner. I can't complain.



3. This was a beautiful album...My mom bought it by mistake...and I fell in love with the ministry that God gave Mrs. Winans....Fill My Cup....was a beautiful intro.... I lift it up Lord" ... a psalm unto God... "King of Kings" was the single of 1999...as soon as the beat dropped...you'll begin to rock...and groove in the spirit.. "It Wasn't Easy"...is an Easter song to remember....she really sang and spoke from the prospective of God.... "Alabaster Box"....was simply heart touching...she sang as if she were the woman in the Bible who knelt at the feet of Jesus... I believe I first heard this song while someone did interpetive dance to it... and I got the message...."OMG"..... "Comforter" is a quiet jam...."Love of my heart" reminds you of an Erika Badu selection....the melody kept ringing in my head... " I know this song from somewhere else" ...then I got was watching Brown Sugar...I think.....and Whop...there it was.......nice spin though....."He's not on his knees yet"....wondering plea....perfectly expressed..... "One and the Same" was great...especially to hear Take 6 with BGVs.......this album was a petition to God...prayers and psalms and spiritual songs....great message...one of my first Gospel CDs.....



4. Cece has done it again. Besides "Alone In His Presence", this is my favorite!!!!! Don't get me wrong, I love ALL of my christian, anointed sister's CDs. It is obvious that Cece has a personal relationship with GOD. Her gift magnifies HIS presence; and I have been blessed on many occasions by listening to here music. I LOVE Cece!!!!! She never fails to lift my spirit. To everyone who has not purchased this CD, do!!!!! CECE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT, BUT MOSTLY FOR PRAISING OUR ALMIGHTY GOD!!!!! MAY YOU CONTINUE TO USE THIS WONDERFUL INSTRUMENT TO UPLIFT SPIRITS AND HONOR THE FATHER!!!!!



5. I purchased this album in 1999, I love the message through out this album. I love every song. CeCe sings with Confliction and Reflection. I cry when I first listened to this album. My Personal Favorite is Alabaster Box. I also give all these songs a Five Star Rating. Every song is ties into each other getting you to feel the mood CeCe was expressing. She is clearly devoted and proud to proclaim her Love for her God and Lord.I would encourage anyone who is looking for album to get them into the Praise & Worship or who is a new christian to purchase this album this will get you into the prescence of God and the Lord.
   1. Fill My Cup 5 Star
   2. King of Kings (He's a Wonder) 5 Star
   3. It Wasn't Easy 5 star
   4. Alabaster Box 5 Star
   5. Comforter 5 Star
   6. Love of My Heart 5 Star
   7. Without Love 5 Star
   8. He's Not on His Knees Yet 5 Star
   9. One and the Same 5 Star
   10. Higher Place of Praise 5 Star
   11. Blessed, Broken & Given 5 Star
   12. King of Kings (He's a Wonder) (Reprise) 5 Star
   
   Please I encourage everyone to buy this album. It is in a Class of it's own.

5 comments about The First Decade, 1983-1993.

1. I really love this cd, and its awesome, i listen to it every single day,
   I have liked New Kids for a very long time, and they are totally awesome.



2. All of the songs here are good.
   
   However. Some of Michael W. Smith's Best Songs came from 1985 and earlier..... but he very conspicuously ignores those songs, which I think is rather odd. (And the Friends version is a remake from many, many years later... not the original Amy Grant/MWS version from this time period.)
   
   Just off the top of my head, he left off Wired-for-Sound, Rocketown, Hosanna, I Am Sure, I'm Up, Restless Heart, Could He Be..... ALL major hits on the 1983-85 charts. Perhaps he should have used TWO discs instead of just one disc to cover his first decade, so that he could more accurately represent his Discography. As it stands now, a proper title would be "1987-93" since the early years are so poorly represented.
   
   Disappointing.



3. I must admit i have not heard Michael's other songs but i really love "do you dream of me?",there's something about it that lifts my soul and at the same time makes me want to cry as it's so sad.
   Good on ya Michael!



4. First off, yes...some of these songs scream late-80's/early 90's corny pop. Richard Marx instantly jumps to mind upon the first few seconds of the first track, but after a few listens, whether you're a fan of this kind of music or not, you really appreciate these songs.
   
   No, Michael W. Smith has never been known for his amazing vocals *although his voice is distinguishable.* What this really shows is his strong songwriting. He along with Amy Grant pioneered the art of balancing a successful pop career along with staying a respectable Christian artist.
   
   Although not quite as successful as Grant in the pop field, Mr. Smith did have his flash as a pop music star in the early 90's. "Place In This World" was a big hit hitting #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of his strongest songs to date. "I Will Be Here For You" *cowritten by the amazing Diane Warren* was also a big hit hitting the top 40 and becoming a staple at adult contemporary and lite rock radio. These are the two biggest hits, but not the only worthy songs on the album. The kick-off track "Do You Dream of Me" may be seen as cheese by some, but deep down, it's a gorgeous, heart-felt ballad. "Go West Young Man" is upbeat, catchy pop at it's best.
   
   "Friends" and "Great Is the Lord" have since become contemporary Christian favorites and are still widely sang and enjoyed years later by millions of Christians....not many 80's pop artists can say the same...well...none of them can except maybe Amy Grant.
   
   Highly recommended. You don't have to be a Christian to appreciate him either *although it definitely helps ;)* He's a great songwriter and puts his heart and soul into his music. Probably one of my top three choices in my music collection.



5. Great collection of Michael's best stuff. I would of course added about 3 more tracks. Best Of and Greatest Hits don't regularly include "lesser known" songs. 'Cross of Gold' is pure gold and many others are well deserving. This collection is a must for any fan of GOOD music. This is something you can listen to anytime.
   
   I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer above. Synthesized? (spell check?) I don't think so. If you've seen him live (I doubt you have) then you would know MWS has talent and caters to almost every musical taste. And if you made music in the eighties, which he did, you're going to have synthesizers in your production. Your comment is unfounded and down-right rude.
   
   Smitty has repeatedly recorded songs that Christians and non-believers alike have come to enjoy and become some of their favorite songs. I think "nails on a chalkboard" should be reserved for more appropriate genres.
   
   I read your reviews of Clay Aiken and had to laugh. Your discrediting a God fearing musician that actually plays several instruments and "licking the dust of the shoes" of someone that didn't win a talent show. Do the math. I hope you give MWS another try and listen to more than just a few songs. You might find more than you bargaind for.

5 comments about Nothing But Worship.

1. Very inspirational music and messages! It was a treat to hear the duet featuring John P. Kee and Fred Hammond. I rather enjoyed that! I usually play the CD while getting dressed for church on Sunday mornings. It's a blessing, despite the dishonest and poor service from the seller of the CD (Dirtcheapmedia).



2. The music is joyful and great fun to listen to. I play it in the car when I need a pick-me-up.



3. I love this CD. I play track #1 all the time. The songs are fresh, vigorous and completely filled with God's anointing. It encourages me every day when Ilisten to it. This is the 3rd copy I have purchased. I hope that every one goes out and purchases this CD. Please do not buy the Bootleg. It aint worth it.



4. John P. Kee has done it once again! He along with the New Life Community
   Choir lift their voices and sing songs of praise and worship. If you weren't uplifted you will be after hearing these selections; especially cuts 1, 4 and 9. They have the old school soul-stimulating gospel flare that is always certain to get an Amen and a hallelujah, too!



5. John P. Kee, signature style, is obvious to those of you who are familar with music. I believe that this cd has more praise than worship music on it but it's good if you like the P.Kee style.

5 comments about Today's Gospel Favorites.

1. This is the best Gospel music CD I have ever heard. Great songs and wonderfull voices to make wish there were more to listen when it is all over.



2. The Statler Brother's Gospel Favorites is one of my husband's favorite cd's. If you like good old songs gospel music this is the cd for you.



3. For someone who's musical tastes range from the neo-Cajun Pine Leaf Boys to hard rockers like Def Leppard and Motley Crue to edge-of-Country bands like The Mavericks and the Desert Rose Band, you'd probably think that a review of a Statler Brothers' album would seem out of place. However, I must admit that I have a very soft spot in my heart for these guys. Growing up in southwest Louisiana, my dad ruled the radio and was the primary music buyer in the family. I was treated to acts like Merle Haggard, Jimmy Swaggart, Fats Domino, and Marty Robbins. I also got a healthy dose of the Statlers who, other than Merle, were probably my dad's favorite artists. My first concert was a Statler Brothers show and I would eventually see them again in Dollywood a few years later. Their sound has stuck with me forever.
   
   This particular album shows the Statlers at their finest: singing Gospel music. I'm not talking about modern Gospel sounds. Nope, I'm talking about Southern Gospel, complete with four-part harmony, string pickin' and plenty of "oomph" to get you on your feet. Contemporary Christian artists can't hold a candle to traditional Southern Gospel sounds. From the wonderful "Just A Little Talk With Jesus" to the upbeat gem that is "I'll Fly Away," this album is wonderful. My personal favorite tunes include "Precious Memories" and "Turn Your Radio On."
   
   Yes, a kid who grew up with Guns N' Roses, Whitesnake, and Metallica does know what good music is. You may not fancy my other tastes in music, but give the Statler Brothers a try. You might be surprised at how much you will really enjoy them.
   
   Highly recommended.



4. This CD is a treasure for any Christian and Statler's fan. It will keep you humming all day.



5. Yes! This CD is a winner!! Cannot beat the harmony of the Statler Brothers and there were plenty of selections for wonderful listening. Buy it!!

1 comments about Songs of Praise.

1. Kids love the songs and the cd helped me rember the words to these kids songs.

5 comments about The Live Experience.

1. Tamela Mann has the best voice god ever created.The live Ex. cd/dvd is incredible, every track is better than the next-it is hard to pick a favorite. If you dont know God just listen to her cd & watch her dvd you will. I cant wait for her next project(cd). Maybe she will bless us with a xmas cd this year. I bow to her anointing and beautiful gift of song that she willingly and joufully shares with the world. Whenever she performs i feel the prescence of the lord. I listen to lots of artists but Tam reigns tops for my husband & i. Her performance of "Step Aside" in What's Done in the dark we will be talking about for the next 50 yrs,unbelievable. Just when i think she can't amaze me or get any better she instantly takes it to another level. God bless her, & may we experience her talent & love for the lord for many years too come. She is a marvel& wonderful talent. To all of you that have never listened to Tam if you are going through give her a try and all will be right with your world, trust & believe. Mrs.Fondtella Baril



2. This is a wonderful CD/DVD combination. This is one of the greatest Concert performances I have ever experienced. This album will definately be a tough of to top.



3. in case you're not familiar with her, she is on the Madea videos. She has an awesome voice and you can tell she really loves the Lord.



4. Tamela is unbelievable...her singing is blessed and annointed...When you experience something like this, you know that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Oh God, what a blessing.
   
   PS...ask any of my friends...I don't like anything and I hardly feel moved to write reviews.
   
   But watching the DVD moved me. The songs are excellent. You see, the annointing is a gift. Not everyone has it. Not even many popular gospel artists. Tamela's got it. Thank God for his gifts to us.



5. The CD was not what I actually expected. The presentations are good just not exactly what I expected.

5 comments about Sharecropper's Seed, Vol. 1.

1. I am so glad I listened to the other positive reviews of this CD. As usual, Nicole C. Mullen did not disappoint. This CD is full of very touching, heartfelt ballads. Very soothing to the soul, and music that touches the soul - makes you appreciate God, family, children, and your heritage/family history.



2. This is an amazing CD, I love it. Her expressed insight and depth of character is uncommon for someone so young. She shares generations of her family in a profound and intimate way. It is clear that she is deeply grounded in the Lord, and that is, in part, a result of the sacrifices made by those who went before her. What an encouragement, what a beautiful work of art.



3. Another superb project from Nicole C. Mullen. She has recorded a pair of my all time favorite songs -- "Redeemer" and "Call On Jesus" (the latter is my favorite of all time). Thus, it should not surprise you that I listen to each of her new projects listening for songs that could join her classics.
   
   Two songs fit that description, and coincidentally they are two of the three Nicole co-wrote instead of writing by herself (as she did "Redeemer" and "Call on Jesus"). Those two are "Convinced" and "Under The Shadow."
   
   Some of you who like her more R&B sound may be disappointed. But those who like good uplifting Christian music will enjoy this project.



4. I've been a fan of Gospel songstress Nicole C. Mullen since she released her major label eponymous debut in 2000 which contained the smash Christian hit "Redeemer". Her style has always been different from the rest of the Gospel folk, a bit like India.Arie and Erykah Badu's style; heavy bass, acoustic guitar, and some hip hop flourishes.
   
   Her most recent release "Sharecropper's seed Vol. 1" is very different from her 3 previous major label studio releases. It has a more stripped, Folk sound, with story telling lyrics. Songs like the title track, "When I grow up" and "I wish" feature just guitar and strings backing her voice. "One touch (press)" (which is based on the Biblical story of the woman with the issue of blood who touched Jesus' garment) is a lovely guitar/string song with percussion coming in and building to a grand climax. Similar is the waltz-like "Fall" which also builds to an almost Rocky climax with gently crashing percussion. "Baby love" is a string filled lullaby to her daughter Jasmine and son Josiah.
   
   The closest in style to her older albums are the upbeat soulful "Elohim" (with hip hop beats), the African sounding "Under the shadow" with just rich percussion and tamborines backing the sweet harmonies and vocals. "So in love" features her famous sparse deep bass, clattery percussion and a very funky sound, my favourite! "Convinced" (in which she declares she is convinced neither death nor life can seperate her from God's love) also has bass and electric guitars, with some jangling African guitar and male chanting in the closing moments. I guess she picked up the African influences from her connection with the Ghanaian organisation she is a member of which works to free Trokosi slaves (ritual servitude of young girls).
   
   I really love this album, it is soothing, melodic, and contemplative with lyrics you can tell are heart felt. Nicole is planning a more upbeat Volume 2 which I'm also looking forward to.



5. One of her best. I play it a lot, and have given away several and had to buy myself another.

1 comments about Country Bluegrass Homecoming, Vol. 1.

1. What a huge disappointment. When I buy a Gaither Gospel Series video, I expect to see and hear plenty of the Homecoming Friends harmonizing with whatever guest personalities happen to be present. This one was way too short on homecoming friends! Watching/hearing George Jones work his way through old hymns isn't my idea of Country Bluegrass. Furthermore, this video was produced without Gloria Gaither, and she was SORELY MISSED! I was sadly disappointed in this video.

5 comments about Kingdom of Comfort.

1. I was sad to learn that one of my favorite alternative rock worship bands Delirious? announced shortly after releasing the amazing Kingdom of Comfort, that they were taking a break from music to spend more time with family and work on other projects. From 1997's debut Cutting Edge until now, Delirious? has consistently delivered that genuine Brit-Rock sound blended with unashamed preaching of the Gospel and is truly the original Christian version of U2, Radiohead and Coldplay and you can hear all 3 British influences on this amazing (last?) album, which is top 10 of 2008 in my opinion.
   
   From the opening notes of the title track Kingdom of Comfort, I knew I was in for a musical journey with challenging lyrics. This album listens like 2 mini-albums in my opinion. The first five songs including the excellent single Love Will Find A Way and ending with Eagle Rider all have that alt. rock style and then the album becomes more of a praise and worship album starting with my favorite song We Give You Praise paired with the amazing worship song How Sweet The Name which I can imagine singing in church soon like former classics Majesty (Here I Am), My Glorious and I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever. The album builds from there to the powerful closing song My Soul Sings and the excellent radio mix of We Give You Praise.
   
   This well may be the landmark album of the legendary career of one of the most influential bands in Christian music!



2. UK Christian Rock band Delirious? are my favourite Gospel act, well until dc Talk come back (and that looks like it will be a loooong time!).
   
   "Kingdom of comfort" finds their edgy U2/Radiohead sound amped up to the max; highly melodic rockers with enough sonic flourishes to give them individuality.
   
   The opening title track opens deceptively downbeat and acoustic before kicking into high gear, with lyrics requesting salvation from the trappings of worldliness. The cheery "God is smiling" sounds very much like what Coldplay would do, highly melodic with driving guitars.
   
   Lyrically, they tackle weighty topics on some songs; The upbeat "Stare the monster down" talks about a bout with cancer ("Eighteen weeks of chemo/Six doses of hell/A family bucket of pills a day/To make my father well"), while the sombre and atmospheric ballad "All God's children" was inspired by meeting prostitutes and their children during a visit to India.
   
   The gently pulsing and chiming U2-esque "Love will find a way" is truly beautiful with lovely harmonies. The tender piano ballad "We give you praise" is a song of praise and worship to God. It starts off gentle, building to an exultant climax. "How sweet the name" is an almost hymnal piano ballad with a rocky coda featuring distorted vocals. The ballad "My soul sings" (laden with electronic flourishes) closes the CD in a worshipful choir mood.
   
   My absolute favourite song is "Eagle rider", a simply awesome faintly Latin tinged Rocker with jangly guitars and metaphorical imagery about a flight on the wings of the Holy Spirit. Truly awesome!
   
   It's always interesting to see Delirious? constantly pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone, lyrically and musically.



3. This latest release from Delirious is excellent---what I've come to expect from them. Soul-searching lyrics and a good mix of fast and slower songs. Faith is front and center, but not cheesy.



4. Let me first state that Delirious is my favorite band (with David Crowder Band coming in a close second). So I had very LARGE expectations with this album and I can proudly say that this is my favorite album of 2008 so far (even better than Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" and Leeland's "The Opposite Way"). Delirious brings their signature sounds with Kingdom of Comfort (great guitar sounds, passionate vocals, and thumping bass and rhythm). And in my opinion, this is their BEST album to date. The D-Boys bring songs that are both catchy, thought-provoking, and action oriented. It is an album where the music and the lyrics are at the top of their game.
   
   My favorite songs are: God is Smiling, Love Will Find A Way, We Give You Praise, Kingdom Of Comfort, Wonder, and How Sweet The Name...although I could probably add Break The Silence and Give What You Got to that list, too. And that shows you how many great songs are on this one disc.
   
   I just saw Delirious live the other night (in Virginia) and they were amazing. It was almost two hours worth of song after song after song that was amazing. What a bunch of talented individuals who had a smile on their face the whole night. And it says a lot that when it was over, I could think of at least a dozen songs that they DID NOT play that I wished they had. That's how great they are. Buy this CD IMMEDIATELY and you will not be disappointed. These guys are still putting out quality music that gets better and better each disc (whereas some groups seem to be on the decline).



5. This is wonderful!! Great, inspired lyrics and really good music...such a good follow up to their last release :)

5 comments about The Essential Jars of Clay.

1. This compilation CD is all any Jars of Clay fan could hope for - excellent choices of songs, logical order, great enjoyment. Absolutely excellent!



2. This is the best greatest hits collection available for this groundbreaking, innovative, Multi-Platinum selling, and Grammy Award winning group. This set covers the spectrum of their career from their first big hit, Flood, right on through their latest recordings. This group not only dominated the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) charts but also scored mainstream crossover hits with songs like Flood, Crazy Times, and Unforgetful You. If you like acoustic-based, progressive music, you will like Jars of Clay!



3. It doesn't include lyrics! To me, that is a major drawback. While most diehard Jars of Clay fans know all the lyrics, some don't. I would highly recommend it, nonetheless. :)



4. I would recommend this to evry Jars Of Clay fan or for everyone who wants to get to know Jars and doesn't know which CD to get first. This has almost every song that I would have chosen for a "best of".



5. Like most greatest hits albums, it only gives you taste of the greatness of this band. I agree with the other poster that it was a big mistake to exclude "Show You Love," which has been featured in television shows and should be considered one of their most loved hits. "Flood" is what put them on the charts, but they continue to churn out great music over a decade later. This album paints a good picture of the band from the beginning until now and will give you a good taste of their music without investing a lot of money, especially when it comes to the rare music, some of which was only released on a fan club album called "The White Elephant Sessions," which is a rare and expensive album only for the die hard fan. They include four songs from their recent album "Good Monsters," which I consider their weakest and darkest album, though others consider it their strongest. One of those songs is "Oh My God," which I know some consider a masterpiece by Jars. "Mirrors and Smoke" done by Jars and Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer), which is a tribute to Johnny Cash and June Carter. Dan and Leigh have collaborated before and always sound great together. As far as I know, Johnny Cash and Dan Haseltine were friends.
   
   Overall, this is a solid collection, and I think most fans will enjoy it. This would be the perfect album to give someone who wants a taste of Jars of Clay to see if they like it, and I think it was about time Jars of Clay did a greatest hits album, too.