4 comments about The Best of Steven Curtis Chapman.

1. This is actually a rehash of the "Early Works/Tuesday's Child" CD released by Sparrow in 1996. Madacy (a budget division of Sparrow?) somehow got the rights to produce this now after the big success of "Speechless", with Steven's fans chomping for his September 2001 release. Don't get me wrong, the 10 songs on the CD are each great, but I doubt SCC had any input on this compilation (as compared to his very well assembled 1997 "Greatest Hits" Sparrow release). If you truly want a "Best of SCC", get "Greatest Hits" along with a copy of "Speechless", or if you want his earlier work as SCC intended, get "First Hand" and "Real Life Conversations" in their original forms.

   Coincidentally "Newsweek" just listed this "Best of" release as Steven's latest album. If you are unfamiliar with Chapman's work and are thinking this CD will represent the kind of music Steven is currently writing and performing you will be misled. Get the before mentioned "Greatest Hits" or "Speechless" CD's (or "Heaven in the Real World", "Great Adventure" or "Signs of Life"). Steven has come a long way from his first two albums.




2. Don't get me wrong-- I love practically every song I've ever heard written by Steven Curtis Chapman. The problem is not with his artistry-- that as always is exellent-- the problem is in the packagaing and marking of this disc. Yes, it is a low-cost collection of the "best" of his first two albums, with great music, but a lot is missing. The packaging is very poor. There isn't even one photo of Steven. This isn't just a problem for those starry-eyed female admirers, it's a problem for any buyer. Many CDs sell based on their visual appeal alone-- any marketer would agree-- and many also sell because of recognition. Browsing the isles of the CD store and you can't remember the guy's name? A picture is tremendously helpful here. No liner notes or words are included either-- something I always look for when I buy the CD. If you're a fan and want to add someof Steven's old stuff to your colection, this is a great disc, but don't look for anything special in the packaging.



3. Is there any other singer that even compares to SCC? His music touches your heart, heals your soul, and stirs a desire in you all at once. No one else can do all that in one song; I love this cd and seem to have all the songs memorized. Anyone can relate to his music; it is the ultimate in Christian music. TheLord is defintely honored.



4. When speechless first hit the racks, and you thought Steven Curtis Chapman had stretched himself to the limit, you were wrong! With his newest release, 'Best of Steven Curtis Chapman', you can now have his best select titles, all on one disc! I definately recomend SCC as one of the best acustic, christian singers out there!

No comments about Salvation Celebration!.

2 comments about America's Favorite Inspirational Songs & Artists.

1. Have been a big fan for years. With the CO incident I have been called by the Lord to start a spiritually grounded teen community center in El Paso TX. Problem, no response from the churches yet, and this project will not be funded by state, city, or federal monies. Does Jim Nabors do any sort of fund raising benefits? Thank you for your time and response. GBY

   Joy Hill El Paso TX (915)755-4322




2. THIS IS THE SONG THAT CAN MAKE ALL AMERICANS PROUD OF THEIR HERITAGE. IT IS HEARTWARMING AND INSPIRATIONAL.

3 comments about Songs from the Penalty Box.

1. When I bought Songs From the Penalty Box 2, I was just buying it because it had a reasonable price on it, and I saw a few bands on it that were being talked about. So I was curious to hear what they were like. So, I heard it, and...WOW! It was the greatest Christian hard-core/punk compilation I ever heard! So, I thought, if this is a Volume 2, there's gotta be a Volume 1. So the search was on. I went to every Christian bookstore within 15 miles, and finally, at the last bookstore, the had it in the computer. I ordered it. When I got it, I was blown away, yet again, by another great Christian hard-core/punk compilation! I couldn't believe that there were so many great Christian hard-core and punk artists! If you like Christian music, and you like hard-core or punk music, this is the crossroad between them. You won't be found in he pit of disappointment with this one.



2. This cd is great. It incorporates punk, emo, and great christian hardcore. I recamond it ninety to one.



3. The first time I picked up this CD was from a friend who had just turned me on to Project 86 and Blindside. I was amazed at the methods these bands were using to get their message across. I figured anything labeled Xtian was automatically gospel-type stuff, but jeez was I wrong. If you're just getting into Xtian metal, hardcore, or punk music (or would like to), pick up this CD. Better yet, if you're into any type of thrash music (especially mainstream), grab this for something harder.

   Oh, and for all the god-boys out there who claim this music ain't Xtian, read between the lines. These bands have a clear-cut (well, not always) message on keeping faith and how to not be part of the problem, but the solution.

   Killer track: Sorrow is a Sage by Strongarm. The closest mainstream comparison I can think of would be Cannibal Corpse, and they don't even come close. Plenty of indeceipherable lyrics, but just enough to sing along too half the time. Lots o' musical stylings too (from punk verse to HC chorus). Definitely one of the most energetic tracks I've listened to in a while.

3 comments about Testify.

1. I've loved the Gaithers along time, they are my favorite gospel singers! And I think this is a really good CD, that they released. My Mom really loves their song "John the Revelator." I like it too! And I also like "Lord feed your Children." and I like "Build An Ark." Those are my 3 favorite songs off of this CD. I haven't listened to it all yet but I will get to that! :-D Hehe. If you like some really good good gospel music BUY THIS CD TODAY! DON'T WAIT! IT'S REALLY GOOD! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)



2. I really enjoy the Gaither Vocal Band. This is definitely not one of their albums that I enjoy the most, however. Although the group's harmonies are as good as they always are, I am disappointed to admit that no song on this album really "moved" me the way I am ordinarily moved by their performances. I guess I could summarize my review by saying buy this album if you're trying to build a "complete" collection of GVB albums. Otherwise, you may enjoy some of their newer albums more than this one.



3. I have become a GVB fan in recent years and bought this CD because of "Lord Feed Your Children". I was not familiar with the lead singer on here but after listening to this CD several times since receiving it on Thursday it has become one of my favorites. Love the up-tempo stuff, their wonderful harmonies and the change of pace with "Build An Ark". This CD shows the incredible range of talent that Bill Gaither has managed to assemble over the years as he keeps re-creating his group.

No comments about Nature Songs.

2 comments about Put Your Hand in the Hand & Greatest Inspirational Crossover Songs.

1. This was a gift for someone. I hope It turns out to be a great listening experience.



2. The songs were relaxing and nice to listen to before I went to bed but they are not too fun to listen to when you have a lot of energy. I reccomend listening when you want to relax and sort of forget the world for a while.

5 comments about Home Free.

1. I have been a fan of Wayne Watson's ever since his 1987 breakthrough hit "Watercolour Ponies" (if you have never heard this song and you are a parent, you need to hear it). But as popular as that song was, most Wayne Watson fans will tell you that his best album ever was the 1990 release "Home Free."

   The title track from this album was written out of the pain Wayne felt from the soon to be death of a close friend of his, Sandra Kirkham. Although everyone around her was praying for her complete recovery, God opted to call her home. The song "Home Free" deals with the conflict that is inherent in all of us: allowing God's will to be done even when it hurts.

   A good companion to the title song is "When God's People Pray," a reminder of what all can happen when God answers our prayers.

   There are many, many more songs on this album that should be taken to heart. And each one will move your heart towards God if you will let it.

   This album is a must have for not only Wayne Watson fans, but soon-to-be Wayne Watson fans.




2. In response to the first review I read, I first heard this song when my then 3 year old brother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. My mother played it over and over making it her prayer that God's will be done - in life and in death. It was a unique source of hope and strength that God was there, with us, in the midst of everything - no matter what.

   My brother just turned 15 in 2003.




3. My sister was dying from a brain tumor and we were returning from a fishing trip, that we knew would be her last. When she heard Wayne Watson's song Home Free she let us know that she wanted to hear it again and again. It made her feel better for herself and for us. She asked us to have someone sing it at her funeral. There is no better song to help heal the greiving. My family listens to it often and I always give this CD to anyone I know who is dealing with the pain of losing someone to an illness. We love the WHOLE album.



4. I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to hear Wayne perform "Home Free" for the first time in public. It was when his friend was still in alive. (That he had wrote this song about.) (Just after that concert, he had found out she was near the end, or had passed away... I don't remember which.) After I heard that, it just made that night even more memorable! If you're not sure which Wayne Watson cd to start with, this would be the one! (Thought I like all of them!) Enjoy and God Bless! P.S. If you'd like to hear about another memorable evening I had "with" Wayne Watson, feel free to email me! (I had the priveledge of interviewing him! ) :-}



5. I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to hear Wayne perform "Home Free" for the first time in public. It was when his friend was still in alive. (That he had wrote this song about.) (Just after that concert, he had found out she was near the end, or had passed away... I don't remember which.) After I heard that, it just made that night even more memorable! If you're not sure which Wayne Watson cd to start with, this would be the one! (Thought I like all of them!) Enjoy and God Bless! P.S. If you'd like to hear about another memorable evening I had "with" Wayne Watson, feel free to email me! (I had the priveledge of interviewing him! ) :-}

No comments about Gospel Kids Present...Christian Soldiers.

5 comments about Always and Forever.

1. Sincere and rock-solid from beginning to end, this album really demonstrates the band's evolution; a quantum leap in quality and professionalism from their first, experimental 'You Alone.' The Maori-language song 'Aue,' with which the album begins and ends, will blow you AWAY.

   If I had to choose favorite (English) selections, they would be:

   Always and Forever -- a lovely song of love and trust given added momentum by a gentle beat.

   I'm Your Servant, How I Long for You, and Pure and Holy -- if these aren't pure heart-cries of worship, I don't know what is. Listen and you'll know what I mean.

   I Fall Down -- Chris DeJong at her exuberant rocking best.

   All in all, this album has that 'something' (hmmm...maybe talent married to a true anointing?) that just makes it WORK. An early effort, yet it may prove to stand as one of their best.




2. The first time I listened to this CD, I thought I'd wasted money. However, over the next two weeks I listened again and totally changed my mind. I now consider it the best Christian worship CD out there. Their music is diverse, the vocalists are extremely talented, and whoever did the mixing did an exceptional job. This is not a mushball Christian CD, this is unfettered worship!



3. These "down-unders" are really bringing forth the most awesome worship songs. "How I long for You" is worth the purchase. It is a refreshing CD both with the lyrics and the music. Honest, intimate expression of worship that you'll probably wear your CD player out with.



4. I'm not sure which of the Parachute Band's albums this actually is, their New Zealand releases are You Alone, Always and Forever, Adore, and Love. I presume its the most recent one. Anyway, they're all good and have changed the shape of praise and worship in NZ over the last 3 or 4 years. Their songs are real and honest.



5. They are truely on the top of my list for music. Thier songs are meaningful and their music is incredable. I loveit!