5 comments about Michael W. Smith - Worship.

1. If you've never seen MWS leading worship, this is the next best thing. I've listened to the CD of this concert for years, and this DVD just adds a greater personal element. I would fly across country to be a part of one of his worship concerts. Keep him in your prayers. He is a great minister of the Word in the Body of Christ.



2. The recent purchase came quickly and was in very good condition. I don't know if I read the description wrong or if it was listed wrong. I was under the impression that the item was a CD , however when it arrived it was a DVD. It's good but I thought I was getting a music CD. Please sellers be sure it's very definitly listed as CD or DVD.



3. A fantastic DVD, a real sense of the presence of God comes into your living room.



4. This CD has helped me get to a place were I can get into God's presence.



5. I got this DVD a few weeks ago, and of the many Christian artist DVDs I have, this is by far the most powerful. This was recorded live at the Skyreach Centre in Edmonton, Alberta, and I can't watch and listen to it without being touched, no matter how many times I play it.
   
   Just get it, and be blessed. Michael is very sincere, I know sincerity when I see it.

5 comments about Amazing Grace, Vol. 3: A Country Salute to Gospel.

1. as a christian i love hymns. what christian doesn't like hymns? well this CD has some of my favroite hymns on it and they might not necessairly sound wrong on this CD and the singing of them might not be done with the worong motive but look at some of the people singing them. Should a country singer fresh out of rehab be abel to sing "i'll fly away?" Of coarse not that is pure hypocracy.



2. Now here is a great collection of traditional hymns of praise & worship that you'd expect to be fabulous listening given the great voices offered on this cd. The problem lies in the really crappy arrangements. Here you will get to listen to LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS, arranged to sound like something you'd hear at a cocktail lounge! Songs whose tempo should be somewhat upbeat like, NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD, is slowed down to a really boring cadence that becomes just plain irritating. There are much, much better versions of all these sacred songs to be found on other recordings. The only one worth listening to is the last track: HE TOUCHED ME, by The Isaacs, and they couldn't mess up any song even if they tried. Save your money & skip this one.



3. This album is not what I consider gospel music at all. Rather, it is many of my favorite old hymns sung country style, just the way I like it. I love this album and could listen to it for years.



4. If you really like gospel music don't waste your money on this CD. These beautiful hymns deserve better treatment. Flat and uninspired is a generous description for this CD.



5. Let's just say it's a good thing these singers have day jobs. Don't quit them anytime soon. Except for a couple of the songs (Softy and Tenderly, Victory in Jesus, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, and maybe one other one), this CD is a waste. Totally uninspired singing, basic and unoriginal background music - my church's youth group can outdo this bunch of country westerners singing gospel music songs!

4 comments about Echoes of My Soul (Tender Moments, Volume 1).

1. I bought this as a gift for my father for fathers day. We had a 78rpm album of Shea's when we were kids and played it on our wind up Victrola. My dad loved it so I got him todays technological version of Mister Shea. He loves it. George is truely an inspiration.



2. How beautiful the voice and the soul behind it! George Beverly Shea is a wonder. This album showcases his colorful bass-baritone voice excellently, revealing a man dedicated to God and spreading the Word. The arrangements are tasteful, with the accompaniments neither being overpowering, cloying, nor pompous... which can be hard to find in a modern gospel recording. And those who have read some of my other reviews know I love powerfully written and performed music.
   I must take the opportunity to thank Mr. Shea for recording This Is My Father's World, which is one of my favorites. Kudos are also deserved for Steal Away, one of the most beautiful of all the spirituals. He does I Will Sing the Wondrous Story as a personal testimony to God.
   George Beverly Shea, to my ears, has always sung in a manner that shows a vast respect for God and the people he sings for. God bless him!



3. George Beverly Shea does an excellent job with the songs on this CD, especially Little Brown Church. No one can sing that like he can!! I'd recommend his CDs to anyone, anytime. He's the best!!



4. I like to think that I can emulate Bev. Shea. I have sung many of his renditions in church. I would recommend his recordings to anyone. His rich mellow voice thrills me and I appreciate being able to hear him using my computer. Thanks for this. Regards, Rod Daley

5 comments about Legacy of Love: David Phelps Live.

1. I love David Phelps' voice but this was not what I expected and I wish I had my money back. I guess I didn't pay close enough attention to the description. I was expecting more of the same as he sang with the Gaither Vocal Band, but this is too contemporary for this old lady.
   
   I also didn't realize it was live and I don't like live recordings...the applause etc. is distracting to me. My mistake.



2. I feel this is David Phelps at his greatest. His voice is magnificent. I listen to this CD over and over again.



3. First of all, I'm a huge phelps fan. Huge. He is an incredible talent both vocally and as a song writer. But, i'm concerned about his tour schedule and his more contemporary vocal style. It seems to be taking a toll on his instrument and he doesn't seem as strong as he was five years ago as a performer. He also seems awkward on stage in the dvd and not as seasoned as i would expect. Especially when he's talking. Many of the songs are live repeats of better previously recorded tracks. Get it if you must see phelps live, but I'd stick with his studio albums. Take care of your self Mr. Phelps...I want to be able to continue to enjoy your voice.



4. I really didn't know about David Phelps until I heard about his upcoming concert in Freeport, Illinois on June 24, 2007. After watching and hearing one of his songs on his Legacy of Love live dvd I was hooked!! He is a wonderful singer and very genuine. I can't wait to see him live in Freeport!!! I purchased this cd/dvd set and it's a perfect cd to walk to - upbeat and inspirational!! Tickets are still available and there will be Church youth groups selling food and drinks. This is being held at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds so there's plenty of parking space. Hope to see lots of fellow David Phelps fans! Thank you David Phelps for sharing your faith and tallent!!!!!!!!!!!



5. David and his family love the Lord. This live CD is great, every track! And listen to the Les Mis song "Bring Him Home" no Jean Valjean ever sang it better! My teenage son got me interested in David as "Virtuoso" may be the most listened to Christian tune by our Christian youth today. The DVD that comes with David recording this CD in concert demonstrates David's sincere love of Christ. Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, SONICFLOOd, Jars of Clay, Delirious, Avalon, you are all great but move over for David Phelps - THE BEST VOICE IN CHRISTIAN MUSIC TODAY!!!

5 comments about Come to the Quiet.

1. I HAVE EVERY CD THAT JOHN MICHEAL TALBOT HAS RECORDED. MY FAVORITE IS "THE PAINTER". HIS MUSIC IS WONDERFUL . HE HAS A BEAUTIFUL VOICE AND RECORDS SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSIC I HAVE EVER HEARD AS FAR AS CHRISTIAN MUSIC. ONCE YOU HEAR HIM YOU WILL NEVER FORGET HIM. I HAVE LISTENED TO HIM FOR OVER 20 YEARS. FANTASTIC ARTIST.



2. This is JMT's finest and most popular recording; the worshipful tone and the folk-hymns are unforgettable. The songs have substance, and shine in a sparse accoustical performance. Talbot's voice is unique and perfect for these contemplative settings of (mostly) the psalms.



3. Other reviewers have given good background info on John Michael Talbot, so let me just add that this is one CD I have consistently come back to time and time again over the years. In fact, recently I misplaced this CD, so I decided to buy another of Talbot's CD's. After listening to the other CD though, I had to go out and buy another copy of my misplaced "Come to the Quiet". It's not that the other CD was not good. It certainly was very good. It's just that "Come to the Quiet" is that much better. The music has a sacred sound, but it is not old or distant or stale. At the same time it does not sound pop, and there is no hint of the commercial in it. It is personal, and spiritual, and soothing. Talbot's amazing voice, his music, and the lyrics all come together to bring a sense of peace no matter what is going on around you. It is truly an amazing CD.



4. This is music that was truly inspired by the creator. Praise the Lord that someone with such talent has been led to share it with the world and those of the kingdom seek to praise His name together.



5. John Michael Talbot was always called to music, and by the early 1970s he was rising through the ranks of rock stardom. However, the rock-n-roll scene left him feeling empty and betrayed. John began studying the world's many religions, and in 1977 he found God. In 1978 John joined the Franciscan order, planning to become a hermit. But, he could never leave the music, and before he knew it John he was a "troubadour for the Lord."
   
   This album, which came out in 1980 is (in my opinion) one of John's best, if not the best. The music is not Christian Rock or Christian Contemporary, or any other label you wish to apply to it. Instead, what this music is is deeply moving spiritual songs, worship wrapped up and given voice in music. I love this album a lot, it moved me deeply when I first bought it so many years ago, and it still moves me. If you are a Christian, then I have no doubt that you will love the rich sound and deep spirituality of this wonderful album.
   
   I give it my highest recommendations!

5 comments about Simply Nothing.

1. Whoever discovered this guy, I would love to shake their hand. This guy is awesome. There is so much packed into the lyrics of these songs. I hope he continues to keep his focus.



2. I purchased this album before amazon offered the music sampler. I bought this cd because I really loved one of the songs. I figured that there had to be something else on the cd that would take my breath away. . . umm . . . not quite! The songs began to sound the same after awhile, and it left me feeling dissatisfied. After playing it several times, it sort of grew on me; but, I would definitely recommend that you--the consumer--listen to the music sampler before purchasing!



3. 'Simply Nothing' is a very good collection of acoustic songs. The lyrics are very solidly Christian. They are a tribute to the Creator of the Universe.
   
   Several of the songs are very catchy and get the listener to sing along. My teenage daughter really enjoys this album as do I.
   
   Some of the songs on here that are particularly good are Beautiful, All I Need, Take This Life, Have You Ever, and Here I Am. One that is even better than these is Gravity.
   
   If you haven't listened to Shawn McDonald, you may want to get this album. It is one that will continue to grow on you the more you play it.



4. This is the best of the best you'll ever find - anywhere. Shawn McDonald excels on every level in ALL of his songs. And that's saying something - he's the only musician I know of in whom I can say I like every single track he's released. The crowning gems of this album are "Take My Hand," "Gravity," and "Take This Life," however, every single track is an A+
   
   This is the best music I've heard yet. I first bought the album about 2 years ago... and I still haven't found anything that tops it. All of Shawn McDonald's music is from the heart. He's no faker - he really means what he says and that's what makes his music so entertaining. He also has a very unique approach and sound to the instruments and recording techniques he uses and every song is just so interesting when you start listening to everything that's going on in the recording.
   His live recordings excel as well due to his raw, genuine honesty and unique vocal/acoustic guitar blend.



5. This is my first Shawn McDonald CD, and it won't be my last. I can just let it play all the way through, every song is great.

1 comments about Duets.

1. The tracks contained here are truly great because they are associated with Sandi Patty, one of the greatest Gospel singers of all time. Sandi Patty has always been associated with superb artists, extraordinary songs and quality production values as this album demonstrates. There is a wide variety of
   selections on this album from many different segments of Sandi's career.
   
   Unfortunately, the tracks are not re-mastered and the sound varies depending on the original recording. There are no liner notes without even a mention that there are no less than three Grammy Award winning tracks ("More Than Wonderful", "I've Just Seen Jesus" and "They Say"). The re-mastered version of "More Than Wonderful" from the Greatest Hits package "The Finest Moments" is not used. Instead, this CD contains the "Live-More Than Wonderful" album version of the "More Than Wonderful" song including concert applause. One of Sandi's best duets recorded for Word ("He Watches Over You" with BeBe Winans) is missing.
   
   While the buyer may not need to exactly beware this compilation, the purchaser seeking the ultimate Sandi Patty Duets CD could be disappointed by this set. However, this collection is so soulful and inspiring that it is still a welcome addition to the Sandi Patty discography and a significant record of her amazing unique talent connected to other gifted artists. Songs for the Journey

1 comments about Perceptions.

1. So, "Even Heroes..." was amazing, but I dare to say that "Perceptions" tops it. Unbelievable the depth of the lyrics and the range of the musicians. A must have for any lover of Christian rock. Simply put, I LOVE IT!!! and I think you will too!!!

5 comments about Smile, It's the End of the World.

1. I love this cd!! It is real catchy and has good lyrics. My favorite tracs are everything you ever wanted and zero. i recommend the album highly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



2. I played in a show with these guys when they were touring with i think their first cd. After meeting the guys and hearing the music they play, I would never buy a cd and will tell all of my friends not to. The band members were some of the biggest jerks. As for being Christians and playing at huge Christian events, they have lyrics that don't represent what they believe. They tell the kids that it is okay to move around and live with your girlfriend. Totally not cool.



3. I first became a major Hawk Nelson fan back in 2005, when I heard "Letters To The President". However, I got the special edition. So far, this album has been out for a year and a half, and no special edition. And I might just be paranoid, in fact I know I am, but I suspect that if I buy this album, they'll come out with a special edition, and I'll have wasted ten bucks for bad timing. So until there's definitive proof there will be no special edition for this CD, I'm not buying it.
   
   But that won't be the only reason, the album is a step down from the debut in my opinion. In the debut they tackled issues with a blazin' guitar anthem, i.e. "Letters To The President". This time, they tackle them with the interest of a gnat, or at least I had the interest of a gnat. "Zero" and "Everything You Ever Wanted" suit the Christian radio crowd just fine, but for Hawk fans it just doesn't work.
   
   "Something On My Mind", "Hello", "The Show", are highlights of the album, and would have fit great with their debut. "One Thing I Have Left" tries to channel the debut, but in my opinion comes out to hard rock, which I don't care for when taken to the extreme, except in special instances. However, a totally interesting song, totally surprising, and strangely works for me, "Fourteen" is a haunting song. What it haunts about, I have no idea, but hey, the song works for me, in some strange way.
   
   Don't tell the feds this, but I listened to the album illegally. But, that's the only way I'm listening to it. The band cut a title track to the album, which didn't make it, but it would be great for a special edition, but no, they won't set anything in stone yet. And it's not even a great album, just OK, with the highlights being the only songs worth listening to.



4. As soon as I heard Hawk Nelson at the 2007 Winter Jam Tour in Mobile, AL, I knew I just HAD to get one of their CDs. A couple days later my dad picked up "Smile, It's The End of the World" for me, and since then my sister and I have been blasting this CD on her stereo almost daily! Every song is extremely catchy, especially "Everything You Ever Wanted", "Zero", and "Head On Collision". At times the band could start to "scream" instead of "sing", and some of the songs sound almost non-Christian, but the album is still better than average. When I say that some of the songs are almost "non-Christian", I mean that they turn into almost "love" songs. Also, this album ISN'T for adults or young children--I think only teens will enjoy this one.
   However, all in all this CD is still one of my favorites--and Hawk Nelson seems like Stellar Kart's twin!!



5. From the first time I heard "Every Little Thing" from Hawk Nelson's first CD, I have loved this band. Fortunately and unfortunately, they have greatly matured from their first album to create Smile, It's the End of the World. While traces of their old style remain, this album sounds much different than their last one. While it is still as "unfocused" as their past work, this album is on a different side of the pop/rock spectrum. Fans of the old record might be appalled by the change of style, as was I, but will most likely be quickly converted. Every song has something to offer. Some are happy and poppy, others edgier, and some even throw in a little Gospel flare.
   
   Overall, this is a CD that does what it does right. No matter the atmosphere of the song, it is communicated effectively, and ultimately catchy. No one who enjoys this genre should miss out on this one.

5 comments about This Is Who I Am.

1. I have waited for a long time for Kelly Price to release another CD... This gospel CD was well worth the wait.. She is excellent as usual and she adds surprise guess artists that are out of this world! Well done Kelly...



2. I consider this particular cd to be her best. She shows why she belongs with the gospel greats.



3. I am currently going through some emotional trials and tribulations in my life right now. I went to the Father for support by focusing on the Word of God. But in addition to this, Kelly's CD has given me the inspiration I need through her lyrics to help me began the healing of my broken spirit. I highly recommend this CD and may the good Lord bless her.!



4. This is a great album, from the first track to the last. Kelly Price is supremely talented, and I wish I'd known about it when it came out last year. She is one of the few artists whose albums I will buy before hearing a single track - just off of the strength of her previous material. Keep the good music coming, Kelly!



5. I LOVE THIS CD. KELLY IS OFF THE CHAIN ON THIS CD. MY FAVORITES ARE #2,3,4,6,7,9,10,11. # 1 AND 8 ARE COOL BUT THE REST OF THEM ARE OFF THE CHAIN. SHE IS AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND #3 TELLS MY STORY. THANK YOU KELLY AND I PRAY THAT GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS YOU TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC AND SOUL STIRRING SONGS.
   THIS IS A GREAT CD!! PLEASE PURCHASE ONE AND PRAISE GOD ON #4!!!!