5 comments about Odyssey.

1. I have been listening to David Meece's music since I was a kid. My first memories of his music are actually from an 8-track tape in my mother's car when I fell in love with his song "Gospel Train." David Meece is an extremely talented musician, and anyone who has ever had the opportunity to see a performance should be able to attest to his genuine faith and love for Christ.
   
   This CD is a particularly good purchase as it has many of the best songs from other CDs. Furthermore, I enjoy David's music (both on this CD and others) because of the excellent piano accompaniment. Several of David's songs feature classical music by composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Pachelbel. The music is wonderful to listen to for encouragement, relaxation, or even to sing along.
   
   One of my favorite aspects of this CD is considering each of the songs and the promise by God that it conveys. These songs all have a Biblical base, and the lyrics are very relatable to my life. When I first listened to this CD I felt a variety of emotions, ranging from the immense joy in the privilege of being a Christian to the familiar tug that I still have work to do for Christ.
   
   On this CD:
   
   God's Promises/Rainbows in the Night (New)
   Ezekiel 36:26
   A promise on the subject of grace.
   
   Falling Down
   Romans 8:28
   A promise from God for when we have failed.
   
   Higher Ground
   1 Peter 1:6-7
   A promise from God for when troubles hit your life.
   
   One Small Child
   Isaiah 7:14
   God's promise concerning the birth of Jesus.
   
   You Can Go
   Mark 16:15
   Our responsibility to God.
   
   Tumblin' Down
   James 1:2-4
   God's promise concerning hard times.
   
   Forgiven
   John 5:24
   God's promise to us concerning eternity.
   
   His Love Was Reaching
   Philippians 1:6
   A promise for when we are overwhelmed with doubt.
   
   Count the Cost
   Philippians 4:19
   God's promise in regard to discouraging times.
   
   We Can Overcome It All
   1 Peter 4:3-5
   God's promise to us when we are spiritually lukewarm.
   
   And You Know It's Right
   Hebrews 10:23
   A promise concerning God's timing.
   
   Seventy Times Seven
   Matthew 18:21-22
   A promise concerning forgiveness.
   
   We Are The Reason
   1 John 4:10-12
   God's promise to us concerning love.
   
   Early in the Morning
   John 11:25
   God's promise in regard to eternal life.
   
   I Can See
   Hebrews 11:1
   A promise on the subject of faith.
   
   The Rest of My Life
   Psalm 33:4-5
   God's promise concerning righteousness.
   
   If you enjoy Christian music or are already a David Meece fan then I highly recommend this CD. You will not be disappointed.



2. I was searching for his song 'I Can See'with no success until I came across his web site by accident. I was able to find the CD Odyssey in a local Christian bookstore. I had no idea what the CD would sound like never having heard David. The version I had by another tenor vocalist I did not like. David's you can hear the words but I was disappointed that the piano etc overpowered his voice, especially since the program I wanted to play it for the words had to be more audible. I think his style is better suited for our younger Christians than we seniors...although, I'll play it in the car and give it a fair chance.



3. David Meece is by far the most underappreciated artist in music, not just Christian music, history. Its not that there is anyone out there that doesn't like him, its that there is nowhere near enough people out there (particularly those new -- last 5 years -- to Christian music) that know about him. Talent wise, I'm not aware of anyone in Christian music, who's better (and yes, I'm a big Michael W. Smith fan). Meece is a classically trained pianist, and some of that comes through in his music. His voice and range is as good as it gets this side of Elvis. The problem he's had is with labels and, to some extent, a lack of promotion.

   Odyssey is a collection of songs from some of his earliest works -- including those in the '70s. It starts with an original arrangement, Rainbows in the Night, that is just awesome. He even includes some techno-pop (well done, that is) stuff on this and various other CDs that should draw the interest of even the hippest Christian music lover.

   Buy Meece's classical stuff while you can. CD labels that produced these are no longer in business.




4. I have been a David Meece fan for 15 years and this cd is definately his best ever. I believe this mostly because it is a compilation of some of his most inspirational songs, but also because of the first song on the cd. He is truely talented to be able to write such uplifting and beautiful songs. I would highly recommend this cd if you have heard David's music before, but I would recommend this mostly to those who have never listened to him before and want to get a taste of his music. Happy Listening!!!



5. This CD is a best of from David Meece focusing on two of his previous releases, "7" and "Candle in the Rain." There are songs from other albums, but the main focus is on these two.

   The CD opens with a new song, the powerful "God's Promises." The linear notes then reflect this theme by listing the promise of God each song represents. And there are some great songs and promises on this CD, too. "His Love was Reaching," a reminder that God is always there for us. "We Are the Reason," God loves us so much He sent His son to earth for us. "Early in the Morning," Jesus rose!

   While there are only two songs that a die-hard fan might not already have, "God's Promises" and David's version of "One Small Child," this is still a wonderful collection to have. It's uplifting and comforting while being challenging and honest when it needs to be.

   David Meece is one of my favorite artists. His CD's are still played quite frequently in my house. If you can find this one, you'll be glad you made the purchase.

5 comments about I Love to Tell the Story: 25 Timeless Hymns.

1. All of the hymns Andy sings are older hymns which my mother enjoys. He has a great voice, and he sings selections suited to his voice.



2. In his golden years, Andy Griffith has bestowed a tremendous gift upon us in his "I Love To Tell The Story" collection. I've heard critics complain that he does not offer the slick polish of a young man's voice, but I wouldn't trade the sincere feeling and heart-touching depth Andy Griffith can put across for anything. There's a lifetime of warmth that resonates through his voice in these beautiful old songs. Creating such meaning with voice comes from time spent living. Listening makes me wish I'd grown up in his part of the south. This is my second of Andy's CD's, the first was The Christmas Guest (truly superb - a must have). I Love To Tell The Story arrived only a few days ago but has already logged many hours playing. If I had to choose favorites on this cd, (two of them tied for absolute favorite) they would be (1A) Precious Memories: gentle sweet and peaceful (1B) Sweet Prospect: both tenderly reverent and compelling; makes an excellent showcase for the gentle power of Andy's classical trained voice. (2) Softly and Tenderly: lovely, heartfelt and moving (3) How Great Thou Art: like listening to his sincere private conversation with his maker (4) Amazing Grace: stirring rendition. All together it is a beautiful collection, well executed, classically. This is not flash, this is substance. This will be in my collection always, played often.



3. As a member of a musical family (even my detective in TDA sings) that still gathers at the piano to sing many favorite songs, including the good ol' hymns of yesteryear, I love Andy's CDs. When I need a lift, I pop one into the CD player...car or home...and sing away. They're great to use for family get-togethers when there's no piano handy. Andy's background musicians are also superb. I cherish Andy's CDs that I own. Keep singin' and recordin', Andy! We can feel your sincerity in each number.



4. Hymn-singing doesn't get much better than this. Andy Griffith, who has entertained audiences for decades, proves once more to be an engaging, thoroughly enjoyable performer.

   The arrangements give vocal and instrumental support but never overpower Griffith's honest and straight-forward delivery or detract from the simplicity of these traditional tunes.

   Actually, I was amazed at how good Griffith sounded. This is not a young man. Yet, his voice sounds remarkably fresh. His rhythm and pitch are exemplary and his vibrato and general tone are amazingly smooth and even throughout his range. Even more important, he delivers the text clearly.

   The hymn choices and combinations are excellent. All are standards and should be familiar to anyone who grew up in a Southern church. I was particularly tickled with the combination of "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and "What a Friend we have in Jesus" -- the first two hymns I ever learned to play. From the vigorous "Shall We Gather at the River/Will the Circle be Unbroken" combination to the reflective "Wayfaring Stranger" this is a tour de force from a great performer.

   If you like the inspiration of hymns, this is one for you. (And if you like this, you will also probably like Griffith's Christmas album "Christmas Guest" -- available September 2003.)




5. In this wonderful CD, acting legend and singer Andy Griffith (b.1926) sings a selection of the hymns that have inspired him throughout his life. Few know that Mr. Griffith's first career choice had been to be an opera singer, and that he graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in music. Deeply religious, he had originally enrolled as a pre-divinity student, and though he switched over to drama, he never completely lost that first love.

   This CD contains twenty-five classic Christian hymns, sung in Mr. Griffith's distinctive voice. Shall We Gather at the River flows into Will the Circle Be Unbroken, as he takes us along down memory lane to the great hymns of yesterday. I found this to be a great CD, one that gets better with each listening. (My favorite song is Wayfaring Stranger, which Mr. Griffith makes a very moving song to listen to.) It is a great CD to relax to, and just be carried off. I can't recommend it enough!

5 comments about Change.

1. Sierra is one of Christian music's best-kept secrets.Although they are not as well-known as some of the other Christian groups, I think they are far and above the best group out there! Their harmonies are just simply amazing, their lyrics speak to the heart and they truly love the Lord. I hope the rest of the Christian music listening world tunes in because Sierra deserves to be heard. This CD is just wonderful. I love the title track "Change" and "As long as you need me", as well as all the other songs. I had the opportunity to hear these ladies in concert recently and they are not only wonderful singers, but talented musicians as well, playing the keyboards, guitar and flute. I was also impressed with their testimonies. Thank you Sierra! And I thank God for you! Beautiful music! If you want to be uplifted, buy this CD!



2. I first came to listen to Christian music by Sierra's first CD. It changed the way that I listen to music. This new CD [Change] is of equal quality. God has gifted these talented ladies with words, sounds and emotions that will touch your heart. Many times when you buy a CD you will find a few songs that you really like, I liked each and every one on this CD. I look forward to thier next project!



3. Change is the most fitting title the girls could have come up with for this album. From changes in group members and changes in sound to changes in the hearts of all who listen to this music, change is in the air! In my opinion, this is Sierra's best album yet. Overall, the songs have an uplifting aura to them. If I'm feeling down, listening to Change is sure to brighten my spirits and remind me of the defining work Christ has done in my life.

   The title track describes the state of mind we all find ourselves in at one time or another and how we need to look to Jesus to make changes in our hearts. The Proof's In My Heart reminds us that faith is a matter of knowing without seeing. These songs have a driving beat and make you want to dance. The next two songs are a bit more relaxing. Everything is the most beautiful worship song I have heard in a long time. It resounds with praise to the Father of how He is everything in the life of a Christian. As Long As You Need Me is a beautiful tribute to a friend in need of support. With All My Heart is VERY lively and fun. Good Things is a song you can't resist singing along with. It is guaranteed to make you count your blessings and smile. Trust the Mystery is also about faith. (Jennifer's solo songs on Change seem to focus on this subject.) Bring Christ Your Broken Heart would complement an alter call. It is slow, moving, and it draws us to the healer of all our pains. Freedom talks of the sweet abandon of life's burdens and the liberty Christ gives us. It will make you tap your feet and hum along. Finally, Make Me slows down your pulse rate at the end of the album and speaks of the continuous process of the way Christ cleans up and rebuilds a person who finds Him.

   If you love Jesus and you love gorgeous harmonies that will make you feel good and draw you closer to God, Change is the album for you.




4. If you are seeking God by praising your way out of your circumstances to get into His presence for worship, the anointing in Sierra's voices WILL draw you. Whether you are driving your car, laying prostrate before the Lord, getting up from bed or going to bed, or going through some tough times, listen to "Everything," "Make me" and "Proof's in my Heart." "Freedom" is a song that takes one out of her shell. It describes the breakthrough in one's life, the true liberty. Sing it out loud, and take pleasure in true freedom. "Good Things" makes you realize what God has given you since the very beginning, and that we can have joy in all we have because He has given them to us. "Everything" is my all-time favorite worship, intimate love song to our Father. It is the ONE song i've ever listened to for 3 hours straight, as i laid before the Lord and declared with every fiber of my being that He is my everything. Play this song at least once, and i GUARANTEE that you will see His Spirit manifest in your life, feel His presence, His face resting upon yours, His tender embrace, and hear His heart pound inside you. This is love responding to love. I bought several copies to give to family members and friends. If you ever listen to Sierra live, expect to be touched by His Hand. "Change" is an awesome work done by three anointed women of God. I give them 5 stars out of 5, with a standing ovation. Thank you Jesus!



5. I own one other sierra cd( Sierra) and heard both others, so I was excited to see this one come out. And I was definitely not disappointed. The whole cd is beautiful, and shows more maturity than their previous releases. "The Proof's In Me" and "As Long As You Need Me" -a friend's song- are my personal favorites, but every other one is gorgeous too.

5 comments about Live: Having Good Old Fashioned Church Part one 1.

1. These are some good old fashioned, shouting and dancing songs that everyone will enjoy! Bishop Ronald Brown did a excellent job of singing these old classic songs that make you want to praise God! One of my favorites on this CD is Lead Me. I just love that song. If you don't have this CD yet, please go out and get it, you will definitly enjoy it!



2. I am only 25yrs.old and this cd makes you remember what you were taught about old fashioned holiness. the new music is great but this cd will definitely take you back. I have uploaded all of the songs into my ipod and i take it to work with me everyday.
   
   It is a GREAT cd!!!!!



3. If you are looking for a cd that has some good, traditional, congregational songs, this is the one for you! This cd allows you to praise, worship, clap, and dance the way church used to be! It's inspirational, it's uplifting, and it gave me that feeling that dates way back when the church would sing til you felt something! Praise God for Bishop Brown and his anointing; the cd is truly blessing my soul, over and over again!



4. Saints and Friends, forget worship, forget praise, forget the 'new sounds', forget the riffs and the beats. This is THE greatest compiliation of historic, 100% gospel music at its finest! From the opening prayer, to "Go Down by the River", you will truly experience testimony service like we used to have it on Sunday mornings and Sunday nights. This is the stuff our great evangelists, bishops, church mothers and missionaries sung to us during revival meetings. These are the songs we sang to ourselves when in need of comfort and encouragement. If you're not interested in hearing the base, or drum, if you want to experience good ole hand-clapping, toe-tapping, jubilation...pick up this CD, no matter how old it is! You're going to love it. May the Lord bless all who hear this CD.



5. This is one of my favorites CDs (along with Bishop Brown's other one). The intro prayer sets you up to be truly blessed. I feel like I am transported in time back when I was growing up in a santified church (COGIC). I start my day with this CD and God's presence just lingers from then on. I HIGHLY reccommend this, it will stir your soul and draw you to "GET RIGHT" with GOD. I thank God that there is music still out there that does not compromise or follow the trends that refuse to cry out...Holiness OR Hell!

5 comments about Heaven in the Real World.

1. Such a wonderful blend of music. Some songs are fun to listen to and others are very meaningful and thought-provoking. Steven is an amazing writer and God has blessed many people through the songs that he has written. This CD is no different. I can't say it will change lives, but even if it doesn't you've listened to some pretty good music.



2. For his sixth studio album, Steven Curtis Chapman had a tough act to follow. The Great Adventure (1992) and its tour (captured on The Live Adventure [1993]) had catapulted him to the very top of the contemporary Christian music (CCM) scene. How could Chapman at the least maintain his new top pop artist status and, preferably, expand his audience? The 31-year-old singer/songwriter answered that question by both continuing successful trends started on his last studio project and taking new risks. The result was Heaven in the Real World (1994), his most successful album for many years.
   
   The album's theme, elucidated in the opening title track, was inspired by Chapman's service with Prison Fellowship Ministries. It calls on Christians to be active in their spheres of influence, bringing the hope and peace lacking in the world to individuals and communities. Chapman wrote to his audience in the lyric booklet, "Now is the time for those of us who embody this kingdom [of God] to defend the truth, overcome evil with good, and live lives that proclaim and display heaven in the real world."
   
   Chapman weaves this theme throughout the remainder of the album. "The Mountain," a reflective country/pop ballad, reminds listeners that God gives times of renewal and strengthening not so that they can stay "way up high" with God, but to facilitate their ministry to others in "the valley." "Remember Your Chains," a beautiful, moving ballad in which Chapman compares Christians to prisoners who have been set free by Christ, most obviously reveals the Prison Fellowship connection. "Heartbeat of Heaven" emphasizes the need to reach out to others. The theme, though often implicit, can be discerned on every song in this collection.
   
   The seriousness of this theme is counterbalanced, however, by a sense of fun that surpasses even that found on The Great Adventure. The second and third tracks bring this tendency to the forefront. "King of the Jungle," the album's second single (after the title track), tackles the issues of stress and busyness by humorously reminding listeners that God is in charge. "Dancing with the Dinosaur's" metaphor, meanwhile, springs from Chapman watching his children dancing with popular American `90s kids' superstar Barney. The song emphasizes the need to "liv[e] our lives with conscience and conviction" and served as the third single.
   
   And when Chapman isn't using lighthearted analogies, he's often making his songs rock harder than he ever did in the past. "Treasure of You" and "Facts Are Facts" provide the best examples of anthems that lift the listener so high that the songs never come across as serious as their messages suggest. ("Treasure of You" deals with low self-esteem, while "Facts Are Facts" is an almost mini-creed in its confession of Christian truths.)
   
   By the time of the Great Adventure tour, Chapman had found that family stories connected with audiences, so Heaven in the Real World gives us two of them. "Love and Learn" is another of Chapman's many songs to his wife Mary Beth. "Still Listening" is a song inspired by Steven's and Mary Beth's bedtime prayers with their children. Both are moving ballads.
   
   On Heaven in the Real World, Chapman returned to the pop/rock field that he previously left behind after Real Life Conversations (1988). He never seemed entirely comfortable with the demands those genres placed on him when making his first two albums. Heaven in the Real World, however, finds him conquering this territory confidently and successfully. Evidently, he just needed to grow in this area. The pop/rock approach also undoubtedly contributed to the album's success, as staying with the country/pop approach of the previous three albums could only take him so far.
   
   Most of the songs on this album are excellent both lyrically and musically, but there are a few good songs that do not measure up to the other ones. "Burn the Ships" calls on Christians to get rid of everything that hinders their Christian lives. With its sobering message and crunching guitars, it unfortunately comes across as too dark for this album. (It's also the first example of Chapman putting one hard rock song on each album, a trend that continued for many years.) Chapman evidently felt strongly enough about "Heartbeat of Heaven" to use it as a reprise that closes the album, but the bluesy song never takes off musically or lyrically when it should soar. "Miracle of Mercy" provides the customary personal, affecting song for this album, but it's too low-key to be memorable.
   
   Heaven in the Real World would prove to be Chapman's last (to date) project with Phil Naish as either sole or primary producer. (Chapman himself co-produced some of the albums made under Naish, including this one.) While the singer would move on to greater artistic heights under producer Brown Bannister, Naish should be remembered as the one who brought Chapman to front-runner status in the CCM industry. The fact that he could help Chapman successfully navigate through three different genres (country, pop, and rock) is also impressive.
   
   And Heaven in the Real World is a remarkable accomplishment. Of all of Chapman's studio projects, it is his most lighthearted one even while it addresses serious concerns. There's a fluidity present that carries along even the album's less successful songs. It lives on the border between four stars and five stars, only missing the higher rating because it is somewhat less impressive than other Steven Curtis Chapman albums that deserve that grade. Four-and-three-quarter stars.



3. this is the best album in christian music yet!all 13 songs on here are amazing!even the 56 second reprise at the end!i love the songs heaven in the real world,king of the jungle,dancing with the dinosaurs,treasure of you,and remember your chains!
   
   YOU BETTER BUY THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!



4. In my opinion, this cd has AWESOME songs, with GREAT tunes, lyrics, and messages. My favorite SCC album.



5. I have to believe it's the fact that he has more control over his own sound, but Chapman sounds like he's really having fun making this album and that makes it another step up for him. For the first time, SCC joins with Phil Naish to produce and his voice sounds stronger and he takes more chances with it (and with the music for that matter, including his first genuine rock number).
   
   HIGHLIGHTS:
   The title tune kicks things off with its call for life change NOW...rather than in a future paradise. ("Where is the hope?/Where is the peace?/That will make this life complete/For every man, woman, boy and girl looking for/Heaven in the real world") Knowing Jesus personally, of course, offers that "real world" peace. A percussive track is the foundation for "King of the Jungle"..the jungle being the "rat race" of modern life. It's Chapman's reminder that "the Lord of the gentle breeze is Lord of the rough and tumble",too. "Dancing with the Dinosaur" celebrates the "old fogey" label placed on those of us who assert traditional morality. ("Right is right and wrong is wrong just like it has been all along....") "Treasure of You" is an electric guitar charged self-esteem boost. ("You are a treasure/Worth more than anything under the sun or the moon/God's greatest treasure/the treasure of you...") "Remember the Chains" urges believers to remember their sinful pasts in order to better appreciate their freedom in Christ. ("Remember your chains/Remember the prison that once held you/before the love of God broke through/Remember the place you were without grace/When you see where you are now, remember your chains and remember your chains are gone..") "Facts are Facts" isn't very deep lyrically (more or less God said it, I believe it, that settles it..) but it's a quality rock-edged rave-up.
   
   LOWS:
   "The Mountain" is tuneful and "nice" but not especially memorable. SCC sounds remarkably like Dan Hill on "Love and Learn"'s call for marital reconciliation. Again, it's pretty but not really on par with past "love songs" like "I Will be Here" or "Go There with You".
   
   BOTTOM LINE:
   While I think those saying this is his BEST record are being too generous, (ALL THINGS NEW, SIGNS OF LIFE and DECLARATION are decidedly superior on all levels) Chapman does advance his craft again here and turns in a very solid disc. A must for all Chapman fans and most CCM fans in general will probably enjoy it.

5 comments about Squint.

1. So much of what's known as Christian music is safe & shallow, touching on only the most superficial emotions, and completely non-thought-provoking. SQUINT is quite the opposite, and stands as a lonely reminder of what Christian music *should* be -- real, relevant, and intelligent. I've often jokingly said that I would not place this CD on top of other Christian CDs lest it crush them!
   
   Other reviews here will get more into what the individual songs are about. But I'd like to make special mention of the powerful "The Finish Line" (note how much of that power comes straight from the tense, edgy music) and the under-mentioned "Curses" which strongly addresses "absentee" fathers (a subject touched on earlier in the Chagall Guevara song "The Rub Of Love").
   
   If there's a weakness to SQUINT, it's that a few songs are tied to current events in a way that threatens to date them quickly. And yet while "The Moshing Floor" is definitely tied to its time, its message (kids reflect what their parents put into them) goes beyond it. "Easy Listening" actually puts a date on its message ("2044," looking back to the "turn of the century"), but it's really about the time it was written in. The rather confusing "Sock Heaven" is largely about the failure of Steve's band Chagall Guevara, and thus is a little out of place here lyrically.
   
   Steve has never claimed to have a great voice, but unlike on some prior albums, every song here works for him vocally. As a songwriter, he is without equal in the history of CCM. It's a sad commentary on the state of Christian music that Steve couldn't make it in the business, not making an album since this one. I'll never understand why so many people are so willing to unload this CD so cheaply, but pick one up while you can.



2. I used to own this album. I loaned it out and never got it back. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore. I had to go out and buy another copy. Not many albums are worth buying twice, but Squint is worth it.
   
   This album carries Steve Taylor's trademark mix of satire, humor, and serious messages. Sock Heaven is about socks vanishing in the dryer, yet it carries a serious metaphor. Cash Cow is an almost cinematic thriller centered on the golden calf of the Israelites still haunting people today.
   Steve takes a break from humor to prove that he can write powerfully moving lyrics in Jesus Is For Losers and The Finish Line. And these are just a few of the highlights.
   
   Steve has typically gone with a light pop-rock sound. His time with the rock group Chagall Guevara seems to have changed him. Squint carries a much more edgy sound than his other albums with more of an alternative rock sound. His vocals remain pretty much the same, but the guitars are a lot thicker now.
   
   Steve carries a note of fun due to his humor and energy level, but his lyrics are so deep they might be over the heads of some. If you want music with substance, spiritual importance, catchy melodies, and a sense of fun look no further than Squint.



3. First off, I admit I'm not a sophisticated music critic. I enjoy many different artists and styles, but I simply don't have the vocabulary to describe them meaningfully. Thus, most of this will review will focus on Taylor's lyrics.
   
   And wow, what a thing to focus on. Steve Taylor creates the funniest and most piercing satire I've heard in a long time. Not content to sit pretty on our "good Christians" position, Taylor targets both the Church and the non-Christian world.
   
   The opening track is a confessional by certain Desmond R.G. Underwood Frederick IV about his shortly approaching death, backed by driving hard rock. Desmond (etc. etc.) has been very active in self-help and inner healing, but finds everything cut distressingly short. What good does all of this do him, as the chorus reminds: "Freddy, get ready to meet your maker."
   
   "Smug", another of the jewels on this album, is about depressingly self-righteous people freely scattered about the church today. Instead of loving people and showing them the way to God, Taylor charges that many churches seem bent on creating more people just as stuck-up as they are. Despite all of this, he admits, some people are able to find their way, "Hey, get off your knees/ that part don't come till later./ God will not be pleased."
   
   "Jesus Is for Losers" is a title bound to shock anyone who thought they were picking up a Christian album. Turning Ted Turner's comment on its head, Taylor admits that yes, Jesus is for people who are completely helpless and desperately in need. This quietly introspective tune is an appropriate follow-up to "Smug" as Taylor admits his own pride and how he repeatedly needs to be reoriented to God. "Just as I am./ I am stiff-necked and proud./ Jesus is for losers./ Why do I still play to the crowd?" As he says, if you're strong and self-sufficient, turn somewhere else. Jesus is for those who know they need him.
   
   Taylor finishes up the album with the ridiculous, yet pointed "Cash Cow". Over a weird musical background (I could picture They Might Be Giants performing this), Taylor warns of the dangers of materialism. He carefully points out that even if you're not rich, you can still easily fall victim to greed. He wraps the song up with the admission: "I too was hypnotized/ by those big cow eyes/ the last time I uttered/ those three little words:/ 'I deserve better!'"
   
   To keep this review short, I've skipped over several fantastic songs. If you have even the slightest interest in modern Christian music, you should pick this album up. Steve Taylor is one of the greats of the field, and this is his best work. Although he's done many wonderful things since, I'll always regret the day he stopped working as a performing artist.



4. This is one of the best albums I own, and that's saying quite a bit. Steve Taylor is a bit like combining the conviction of Keith Green with the satire of the Simpsons, and I think this is his best album. The production values are above his previous releases, and the songs don't sound musically so dated. But through the surface silliness of songs like "Cash Cow" and "The Lament of...etc. etc." comes powerful messages for the church of America to repent and the people of America to realize the empty philosophies they've invested in. Taylor even turns the satire on himself in "Sock Heaven", my least favorite track. Silly but never without a point, honest without being rude or sarcastic, Steve Taylor writes the kind of music Christians need--songs that probe deep and avoid cliches. I think The Finish Line is the most moving prodigal son type story I've ever heard (after Keith Green's Prodigal Son suite), Jesus is For Losers is as honest and blunt a portrayal of an oft-missing part of the gospel as you'll find, Bannerman manages to be both silly and respectful. Get this album, and get it now.



5. Steve Taylor challenges his listeners' minds, as well as their hearts, through his sarcastic, biting, and direct lyrics. His "heavier" musical styles on many of these songs make this a challenging CD, also. Taylor is funny, spiritually concious, and not afraid to put his message "in your face." This CD is relentless, from "The Lament. . ." right through "Cash Cow." "Sock Heaven," "Jesus is for Losers"--don't let the title fool you--and "Easy Listening." Taylor doesn't let you catch your breath, so don't even try. Pay attention and be ready to be challenged--maybe even shocked. Taylor doesn't mince words and doesn't mind making people feel very spiritually uncomfortable. His intentions are good, and, if you take his words to heart, your spiritual life can/will improve. He has been doing cutting edge work like this for years, going all the way back to his early albums (I WANT TO BE A CLONE, et al), and many have dismissed him as being crazy, fringe, or inappropriate. Don't let the sarcasm turn you off to his message . . .

1 comments about His Passion.

1. This is one of the best cd's to add to your collection of praise and worship music.

5 comments about Leave Here a Stranger.

1. I used open source linux command line tool [ecasound] to convert the mono into simulated stereo. I'm listening to it in lush sounding stereo it sounds great. mono = yuck.
   
   example:
   
   rm -f stereo.wav
   ecasound -i "02 - Can You Play Drums_.mp3" -etf:10 -o stereo.wav
   lame -m s -q 0 -b 256 stereo.wav "002 - Can You Play Drums.mp3"
   
   rm -f stereo.wav
   ecasound -i "03 - When I Learn To Sing.mp3" -etf:10 -o stereo.wav
   lame -m s -q 0 -b 256 stereo.wav "003 - When I Learn To Sing.mp3"
   
   I created an intermediate WAV file then did a super HQ q0 encode
   to 256kb/s. Its in stereo now thanks to ecasound.
   
   other than that, this album is 5 stars. I give ecasound's fake stereo 5 stars also.



2. I do like most of Starflyer's music, but I never thought they were truly "great". This album is truly "great". I liked Jason Martin's choice to put more melody in the music and less distortion. I'm not sure how he does it, but the songs are simultaneously haunting and friendly. You get the impression that this not a depressed person, but also not a naive person either. Well done.



3. This album is unlike any other album that Jason has done. It is musically complex, melodic and addictive. I love all of SF59's work but this album is one of the top albums.



4. Leave Here A Stranger is SF59's best album. I believe the late Gene Eugene (Adam Again, Lost Dogs) took SF59 from being good to being great in the late 1990's. His influence on Jason Martin and SF59 is obvious. But his untimely death left the band without a producer. Jason was a life-long fan of Terry Scott Taylor (Daniel Amos, Swirling Eddies, Lost Dogs, solo) and it was only natural for him to be selected. (Terry Scott Taylor is master of rock music and has produced many great albums). His direction and creativeness combined with Jason Martin and the SF59 crew to make what is pretty close to musical perfection. The producer-artist match on this album is probably the most perfect match ever. For one reason or another, they only worked together on this one project. Aaron Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu, solo) picked up production on the album Old and Jason Martin produced Talking Voice vs Singing Voice.



5. i always return to this record. it has accompanied me on every city bus, car drive, run and post break up since it came out. Awesome record.

No comments about End Of The Beginning.

No comments about Christmas Is Here.