5 comments about Beautiful News.

1. There is such a variety on this CD, yet I Love each song in its own way. I am so impressed that Matt writes his own music, and it powerfully speaks to me, and honors the Lord. Everyone gets blessed!



2. I love this CD and gave it to a friend so she could play "Never Let Go" over and over.



3. WOW! I just can't get enough of this C/d. The songs causes you to enter into true worship with God. I love every song on the C/d and have no favourite. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!!!!!!



4. Beautiful News is another great worship album by Matt Redman. The title track, Beautiful News, brings you right into the spirit of praise, and sets a good tone for the main theme of the album, which is spreading the gospel . . . the "Beautiful News" of God's love displayed in Jesus' sacrifice 4 us. Other favorite tracks are Take It To The Streets, All Over The World, Blessing, and my VERY favorite, Fearfully And Wonderfully Made. Matt Redman sings softly in Fearfully And Wonderfully Made, and at times his voice almost cracks with emotion, and the message is very powerful.



5. Beautiful News is a great praise album by Matt Redman. It is one that will not disappoint.
   
   Redman is not only a very gifted songwriter, he is also a great singer. This album is full of songs that are Scriptural and focused on praise. Redman, along with Chris Tomlin, is the cream of the crop in writing and singing praise and worship tunes.
   
   All of these songs are very good. Two of them are real standouts: 'You Never Let Go' which is based on Psalm 23 and 'Shine'. These are really 'must have' tracks on this album.
   
   Highly recommended.

5 comments about Relient K.

1. At first I gave this cd 3 stars, but now I think it's good eungh for 4 stars. Even if you like Relient K you might not like this cd. But overall I like it.



2. If you like some of the latest Relient K stuff this is a good album to see where they came from. The lyrics have a 80s foundation, and maintain the Relient K fun factor. One of my kids had a tough time, because it doesn't sound like MMHMM, or Two wrongs..., but we all like it.



3. When the band made their debut in 2000, you could hear the crickets chirp. The album was evidently written by teens, which is forgivable if you grew up in the 80's, but the rest of us didn't get it. Nancy Drew, Matchbox 20, Marilyn Manson, Back to the Future, Charles in Charge, and 17 Magazine--all referenced in the music--made focal points of the songs. While some are amusing and witty, "`It's three a.m.,' she said. `Who are you Matchbox 20?'"
   
   Other references are irritating and utterly pointless. The vocals lack, and while glimpses of tune are visible, most are simply forgettable. "Softer to Me", the highlight is an edgy rock song that croons the plea, "Life could you be a little softer to me. ... This world is hard, it's cruel, and I wish it could be ... softer to me."
   
   Overall, the album is amusing to a degree, but it's juvenile, and this all but murders the album's good points. Even the band admits they hate it.



4. Don't get me wrong, Relient K is the best band ever in my opinion, but this is only their debut. Don't judge a band from the cover, check out their newer stuff beginning with MMHMM and I promise you will be amazed. Their 2nd and 3rd album are great as well. I don't know what I could do without songs like "Pressing On" "Sadie Hawkins Dance" "Chapstick" "Moodring" "Forward Motion" "In Love With The 80's" (they really can write some good stuff) but I can do without all the songs on this album and so can Relient K. Matt Thiessen blatantly asked people not to listen to this stuff because this is NOT who they are. They have grown up since this and so have the fans, so do yourself a favor and overlook this album but do NOT overlook the band.



5. Okay, this is definately not Relient K's best album, but it is great. I like their older songs because they actually say "Jesus" when they're talking to him, unlike in their newer stuff. Anyone who doesn't like them because of religious songs heres wut i say to you, "GO DIE YOU FRICKING CRACKHEADS!!!" hehee that was fun. anyway, yeah good CD and yeah and um....
   YEAH!!!!

5 comments about Learning to Breathe.

1. This cd is by far the best of all of Switchfoot's cds. With amazing lyrics and gorgeous melodies, it's one that you'll never get tired of listening to. For those who have only recently jumped on the Switchfoot bandwagon, you'll recognize "Dare You to Move" on this cd, in it's original (and better) form. Every song on this cd has a great message, and is worth listening to over and over. Every fan should own this album.



2. My all time favorite cd from this band. It includes Switchfoot's biggest hit "Dare you to move". I liked this the first time I heard it, and it remains my favorite cd. This is a must for any Switchfoot fan.



3. Learning to Breathe is a very enjoyable album. It contains some very interesting and good music along with good vocals and positive lyrics.
   
   The words in this CD are definitely focused on the Creator of the Universe. Here are some examples of lyrics:
   
   Learning to Breathe - I'm finding that You and You alone can break my fall.
   
   You Already Take Me There - You meet me where I am, forgive me where I am.
   
   Love Is The Moment - Why God gave His life to put motion inside my soul. It's bigger than cold religion. It's bigger than life.
   
   There are really no bad songs in this collection. Two that are real standouts are Dare You To Move and Learning To Breathe.
   
   If you like Christian music, this is a good album to get. If you like Switchfoot, it is a must have. If you are not in either of the above categories, I'd recommend it anyway. It is a very creative effort and you will likely enjoy it.



4. "I Dare You to Move" first drew me to this band and so of course I had to check the other little music clips Amazon provides. Learning to Breathe is a little less polished then The Beautiful Letdown, but in a nice way. It actually works better for this album I think.
   Musically, Switchfoot has a very distinctive and gripping sound. Most of their lyrics avoid direct subject references that can turn some people off to secular music, and so this album stands on it's own because the music is just great.



5. I first listened to 'Dare You To Move' from the movie 'A Walk To Remember' and I was instantly wanting to know more about this band so I purchased their album 'The Beautiful Letdown' and since that first time of listening to that album I was hooked. This self professed christian trio have not let down fans with this their 3rd album but have cemented themselves as a must listen band in the soft-rock genre. The first 4 songs of this album is the reason I gave the album 4 stars in rating cause in my opinion the 4 songs are some of the best that Switchfoot have created. 'Learning To Breath' takes your breath away, it is intoxicating. Another great song is track 4 'Love Is the Movement' which sounds more anthem popish than rock. This is a less spiritual feel to the album than the first 2 Switchfoot album but there is a feeling of messages of hope for youth and those who are facing problems that seem to big. Another nice song is 'The Loser' which would not be out of place on one of those sappy teenage romance films in vogue at the moment. This album is for all christian band fans and soft rock genre fans in general.

5 comments about Newsboys - Shine, The Hits Live (One Night in Pennsylvania).

1. Newsboys has great music and I really like the drummer.
   One of my favorite songs are; Breakfast, Take Me to your leader, Shine
   Thank you for letting me to write to you
   David Aiello



2. I'm sure the music and concert are/were great but this DVD is so poorly edited that it's almost unwatchable.
   
   The standard edit is 3 seconds -- that's the MINIMUM about of time it takes for the eye and brain to register an image. I counted edits here at one second and two seconds--it's impossible to focus on the concert because you see the guitar player for a second, then you cut to the audience and then to the singer and so on.
   
   The music videos are okay -- poor transfer from video to DVD leaves them with runny colors. The best of the bunch is probably "Take Me To Your Leader" because it's visually memorable.



3. Just got through listening to the boys at Creationfest '04 and this DVD only complements that concert. I recommend this DVD for any age, as the Newsboys are great listening for Boomers and X-ers alike. One nevers tires of watching this DVD...



4. Its the best DVD ever! The concert is nice and long. Really great if you like contemporary christian music. The concept videos arent the best, but the concert makes up for them!



5. While I would have preferred actually seeing stuff from the Shine the Hits tour I loved the Step Up to the Microphone tour so it was great fun. The whole concert is actually there - its quite entertaining and to top it off all of the music videos Newsboys have ever produced are there too - just watching them progess (with the band members and styles of the times) is hilarious. Its really just awesome.

5 comments about A Skaggs Family Christmas.

1. I bought this CD less than a week ago on Amazon, and I was hoping for a great bluegrass album, but that's not really what I heard. As I looked through the booklet, I noticed there's only one song with Jim Mills playing the banjo. I listened to the whole song, "Deck the Halls", and I waited and waited for a great solo by him, and it never came. Someone else reviewed and said that a Kentucky Thunder Christmas album was a good idea, which I agree with whole heartedly. I guess I don't know what I was thinking when I purchased this, as I am not a big fan of the Whites, which is pretty much all that this is, and I would have liked to hear more of a bluegrass rhythm in this album, and AT LEAST one solo by Jim Mills. If you disagree with me, then there are a lot of other reviews that put mine to shame, but for a truegrass bluegrass lover like me, I would suggest another bluegrass christmas album for you, called "Christmas on the Mountain: A Bluegrass Christmas". It's got everything a bluegrass lover wants. If Ricky Skaggs decides to make a volume 2, I hope it is more bluegrassy. Oh well, off to eBay...



2. This has now become an annual Christmas ritual for me, to search CMT for such a show, having first found real enjoyment with Alan Jackson's Family Christmas special found by chance (see his excellent CD "Let It Be Christmas."
   
   I was entranced by this bluegrass family special, switching as it did from family remembrances of Christmas among them to than performing the songs, a collection of seasonal favorites, but most important their uncompromising focus on The Christ!
   
   One could easily observe and listen to their committment to this music and to the Lord! I quickly fell in love witht his, and enjoy the music which varies from their stylized favorite carols to new pieces for me, such as "Love Came Gently" "Mary, Did You Know" "The Christmas Guest" "Go Thee Down."
   
   Especially knocked out by "Do You Hear What I Hear?" with its wonderful harmonies, Oriental sound and penny whistle.
   
   As others have related, if this is first volume, can't wait for others. Will be looking also for more of this on CMT and for local concert of this to take in.



3. Great Seller - This is one of my favorite cd's - Too, Too Cool!



4. Ricky Skaggs and family provide knock-out entertainment with multiple instruments and singers to bring a Christmas present to every listener! Molly Skaggs' treatment of "Christmas Time Is Here" brought tears to my eyes. This CD is worth every cent.



5. I am, admittedly, not a bluegrass fan, and I had never heard of the Skaggs family before this CD, but one of the internet streaming sites I listen to kept playing songs from this album, and they were great, so I decided to take a chance. The music is traditional Christmas songs, mostly religious, done really beautifully, including the best version of Mary Did You Know I've ever heard.

5 comments about Blue on Blue.

1. If you are a fan of the gentle, gliding voice of Leigh Nash, you will enjoy the selection of Blue on Blue. Leigh has a way of infusing each song with melody beyond the music. When I play the record I find my mood elevating as I am lead by her sweet vocals into the careful lyrics. Some of the songs are pop-y, but I don't mind that because she is such a pleasure to have in the atmosphere. Each song is like a little joyous morsel that I look forward to unwrapping as the previous song ends.
   As a fan of Sixpence and her Delerium track, I am happy to have found Blue on Blue. It's definitly worth the buy.



2. I have to agree with another reviewer. For fans of Sixpense this album will get you part of the way there but not all the way. What is lacking is the essential harmony and sweet discordance that was created between Matt Slocum's guitar and Leigh's voice. I'm not pulling any punches here and being brutally honest the songs lack depth. Matt Slocum is just a better song writer and his absense here is very evident. I bought this Album because I heard and fell in love with the song "Charmed Life". One of Leigh's few solo efforts after Sixpense None The Richer. For those that are seeking that vibe - this is not the album that will give it to you.



3. I loved this album. Although, to be fair, this definitely is not a bubble gum pop album that telegraphs within 15 seconds if you are going to like a given song or not. You really need to pay attention to what is going on and it might take two or three listens to really discover how accomplished, complex and graceful the overall album is. People who like poetry and savor listening to great lyrics will find "Blue on Blue" to be a treat during a long commute or maybe quiet afternoon where you just want to relax and contemplate things.
   
   Leigh Nash has a particularly memorable voice that is supple and sweet without sounding too polished. And in this album, her sound is beautifully showcased with a low-key rock sound and, as I already said, some great songwriting. In fact, every time I listen to the album I'm more and more impressed with that aspect. Every song has something intriguing going on musically and the lyrics are universally intelligent, and emotionally wise. There really isn't a bad track on the whole album.
   
   As a side note, I recommend you also check out Nash's work as a guest vocalist with Delerium. Other reviews mention that Nash was mostly known for being the lead singer for Sixpence None the Richer. But she's lent her voice to the rock-electronica band Delerium and that partnership produced some great songs. The sound is more up-tempo, but check out "Innocente" (from "Poem") and "Run for it" (from "Chimera").



4. Leigh Nash released this, her first soloalbum, 4 years after the break-up of her band Sixpence None the Richer. Though some may feel that the album lacks a bit of the edge that can be heard on Sixpence None the Richer's albums, fans of the ballads of that band are bound to love this album too. Nash co-wrote all songs on the album, which is full of fine songwriting.
   
   One of the very best songs "Nervous In The Light Of Dawn " was written with Sixpence None the Richer partner Matt Slocum, and it was really great news that the band in early 2008 announced their reformation.
   
   Leigh Nash has a very beautiful voice and with so much great material it should not go wrong - and it doesn't. Most tracks are really not that different from SNTR, but the guitars are generally more in the background on this album. A nice exception to this is the rocking "Blue".
   
   Other stand-outs are the opener "Along the Wall" - a nice ballad dominated by piano and nice vocals.
   
   Another exquisite ballad is "Never Finsh" with its gorgeous chorus. The same could be said about the moving closing track "Just a Little".
   
   Among the bonus-tracks there is another Matt Slocum collaboration - the upbeat "Run Together".
   
   Vocally Nash often touches upon the same sentiments as another great songwriter Suzanne Vega; though her approach is obviously more "pop". A fine album.



5. This CD is great. It's really rare to find a CD where every track is something interesting and melodic, but this did not disappoint.
   The second cut, "nervous in the light of dawn" will stick to your brain for days, begging you to play it. And you will oblige because it's such a beautiful song. Leigh's voice is lovely and soothing, if not slightly haunting. In a good way.
   Great CD. Buy it! It will become an indie favorite.

5 comments about Kansas.

1. Perhaps the classiest Christian album of all time. While this isn't strictly a religious album per se, the Christian elements are definitely there, and quite obvious on most songs. Despite it being a decade old, Knapps' CD has stood the test of time beautifully, and its full of inspiring hook-laden tracks that work great as powerhouse rock songs, or simple devotional hymns set to some gorgeous instrumentation.
   
   Ironically, my favorite track is the opener "Faithful to Me" (actually an interlude), and its' own reprise (which acts as album closer). Folk music fans will find a lot to love here as well. Despite the pop-rock sensibility of the album, its more toward folk-bluegrass if you have to box it down into a genre. What I especially liked was the way Knapp drew upon her own possibly Christian experiences to craft an album that speaks of ones' spiritual conviction with a nobility and grace that is rarely witnessed.
   
   I also liked the fact that this was not an overtly Jesus-loving album. No "Your Name is Grace" and "Only in you will I find Salvation" on this one. Though a true believer, Knapp is wise enough to craft music that should likely appeal to listeners of varied religious persuasions. Indeed, I was introduced to this back in the day by a non-Christian, and there are so many people I know who listen to this album despite not being very religious or spiritually oriented themselves.
   
   Prime cuts here include the wonderful "Whole Again" (from what I understand, this is the `best moment' on the CD), and the stunning "Romans". "Refine Me" is another track that's deserving of repeat play. What will strike you about this album (which is also a rarity in Knapp's own catalog - considering she herself couldn't make an album as good as this one post this record) is how it seamlessly transcends genre and enters a realm all its own. I would also advise listeners of the album to have the lyrics in front of them before they begin their listening experience as the songwriting is top-notch almost in every track.
   
   Knapp would later go on to attract the wrath of her own Christian fan-base (she is now an out Lesbian living away from the industry and no longer makes music), but irrespective of her orientation or interests, you can't deny the pure power and passion behind this inspired recording. Rock, Pop and Folk fans alike will all find something to listen to on this album - Five well deserved stars for the timeless "Kansas".



2. My Lord, I love Jennifer Knapp. I love her rich voice, I love to watch her play guitar on her videos, I love the passionate lyrics and simple arrangements of her songs, I just love everything about her music. I have seen her three times in the past in concert and I really do not ever get tired of her music. Whenever I can't decide what to listen to I usually put 'Kansas' or 'Lay It Down' in my CD player because I know that I will enjoy them. Jennifer is extremely talented, and in a day and age when the 'popular' music is some blonde with a whiny, high-pitched yodel (Even in the Christian music industry!), she is on a completely different wavelength. Her music is beautiful and comes with a variety - not a disk full of love songs, or deep regrets, but a range of subjects and styles. Keep making music Jennifer! You will always have a fan in me!



3. I listen to a lot of music, mostly alternative/indie type, and I love many bands, and while I don't want to discount their artistry in any way, at the end of the day, Jennifer Knapp is my all time favorite artist. Her vocals are beautiful, her music is soothing and lovely, her lyrics...oh her lyrics. Poetry that vocalizes what my heart feels. She only recorded three albums before moving on from the music business, and this is my favorite, while I adore her other two albums as well, there is something so honest, raw and real about this album. This is music that defies ages or genres, it doesn't matter what you usually listen to, whether you like Joni Mitchell or Mewithoutyou. Jennifer Knapp's music is for anyone, whether you like Christian music or not, whether you usually listen to aucoustic folk flavored pop/rock, whatever your taste, it's worth a listen because the artistry is genuine, it is pure, and it's beautiful.



4. Jennifer Knapp is a style unto her own as many here have already described. An unashamed testament to faith and her own (and Mankinds collective) shortcomings, Trinity is an inspired, insightful song causing one to look within one's self for their own core values. It has a great deal of meaning to me personally and I would suspect others would find it as such as well.
   
   Praise God that Ms. Knapp and others like her have chosen to give their unique talents and gifts back to Him.



5. Music can speak to people and touch them to lift their spirits, and faith in God. I think that this music is real and speaks to many.. I wish I could send it to everyone I know. I am working on it. : )

5 comments about Mercy Me - Live.

1. I had just gone to a Mercy Me concert and had to have this DVD. It was like reliving the live concert, in the comfort of my own lazyboy...



2. The concert was good. As some have pointed out, the continuity is disrupted by unfortunate edits. One big problem; the DVD will not produce 5.1 surround. It has the setup menu and declares that it is DD 5.1 on the case but when it goes to play it reverts to standard stereo. Same result on multiple players. So don't expect great sound if you have a high-end sound system.



3. Am a big MercyMe fan, saw this concert broadcast on a local Christian television station before purchasing the DVD. Don't have much to add to the positive reviews written here, just wanted to add my two cents that I thought the opening and closing numbers surprised me, the closing song in particular had me for some reason moved to tears, as the band paid tribute to one of the best Modern Rock bands in the past 30 years, and did it in a way that totally glorified the song as a worship song. No spoilers here, watch the DVD and maybe you'll catch a glimpse into what I mean. Found the concert footage and inter splicings of extra footage to be very intimate and personal. Loved it!



4. i am going to keep this short. just read the reviews about this dvd. everything these reviewers wrote is true. however, with all do respect, the review written by DAN THE MUSIC MAN has me baffled. i can't help but to disagree with his review. i felt that the breaks in the concert were tastefully done. i have seen alot of concerts where the breaks in the concert were very annoying and edited really bad. a good example of this is on a dvd entitled JAMIE CULLUM LIVE AT THE BLENHEIM PALACE. an amazingly talented guy but i found myself fast forwarding through the extras to get to the next song.however, another must have dvd. now, back to mercyme. one of the best bands i have ever experienced. worth every penny.



5. I'm a big MM fan and even had the pleasure of sitting front row a couple of years ago when they toured with MWS. It was a fantastic show. I'd been waiting for a live dvd and when I saw this one available, I wasted no time ordering it. Big, big disappointment. Lifeless. It seemed like the band was simply doing a 'sound check' and wanting to get through their songlist. They were very methodical. There was no passion in the singing, no emotion, no spirituality. The studio versions are overflowing with emotion and passion. But not this live dvd.
   And every few songs the concert is edited out and a bit of other footage is edited in for a couple of minutes. Then back to the concert. Totally took the momentum of the concert out. I hope the next one is better. It wouldn't take much to be better than this one. Will I still purchase MM cd's? You bet. Will I still pay to see them perform live? Without a doubt. I'm just disappointed that they couldn't deliver something with a little bit of soul.

3 comments about Believe: Songs Of Faith From Today's Top Country & Christian Artists.

1. Every song on this CD is great. My favorite is by "Brooks and Dunn".



2. I ordered this item around Thanksgiving to give to my mom for her birthday. The item arrived damaged (via USPS) in a box that was twice its size with no internal packing material. Amazon paid for the return shipping and was very quick to send out a replacement (replacement was sent the day before I sent the damaged item back). Unfortunately, Amazon wouldn't send out another replacement until two weeks after it shipped (and the day after my mom's birthday) when USPS lost it (I had requested UPS). When I finally got them to send out the item for the third time, they refused to send it via UPS and couldn't guarantee that it would arrive before we celebrated Christmas. When I called to complain, all they could offer me was a $5.00 promotional certificate and refused to budge on that when I told them I would never use it and only did my shopping online this year because I was pregnant and on bed rest. They eventually told me that they were issuing me a refund and wanted me to refuse the item. Thankfully, my sister found the item at Shopko for half the price that I paid on Amazon. Unfortunately, I haven't seen my refund get posted to my credit card yet... On the bright side, my mom loves the CD!



3. Comprised of some of the best country singers singing songs worth listening to!

5 comments about Just a Closer Walk with Thee.

1. This is an outstanding collection of Patsy Cline's and Loretta Lynn's sensitive and expert renditions of southern gospel hymnology and favourites. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy this type of music.



2. Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn deliver the title hymn simply and beautifully. All the hymns are movingly rendered. Definitely one of the most reverently performed versions of Just a Closer Walk with Thee, and you want to sing along !



3. I thought I was getting a CD with equal songs by Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. Unfortunately, it was mostly Loretta Lynn, which is fine, but not what I thought.



4. I love this CD and have told many people about it. Patsy and Loretta are wonderful and the songs are great.
   By the way the service was great all so.



5. I really like this CD, as it has a lot of the old Christian songs on it.