5 comments about More to This Life.

1. In the days I was purchasing mostly cassettes so I can listen to them on my Walkman (the 1980s/90 miserable equivalent to the iPod), I bought this CD back in it's heyday because of the bonus song.
   
   To this day, this is my favorite CD by Steven and his others just don't measure up. I have always enjoyed Steven's music which is contemporary and mades "religious" music more appealing to me back in my younger days. This album seems to find the perfect balance between Pop and Christian with some acoustic work and without the cheesiness that is evident on previous albums.
   
   This album has more ballads with very meaningful lyrics than uptempo and so that may be a drawback for those wanting more upbeat music. In a way, I like that about this album because sometimes we need to slow it down and think about things that are more important than our everyday activities.
   
   My all-time favorites on this album are:
   More To This Life
   Waiting For Lightning
   I Will Be Here
   Treasure Island
   Way Beyond The Blue
   More Than Words
   Out In The Highways



2. Steven Curtis Chapman's More to This Life holds a soft spot in my heart, as it was the first album of his that I ever heard. (I was already familiar with some of his previous singles, such as "His Eyes.") Released in the summer of 1989, it easily contained the young (still in his mid-20s) singer/songwriter's best work to that date. Gone were the pop/rock sounds of Real Life Conversations (1988) that Chapman indisputably needed to grow into before he could effectively use them. Instead, More to This Life found Chapman majoring on a country/pop style with which he clearly was comfortable. The ability to play to his musical strengths may have allowed Chapman to spend more time on lyrics; the cliches found in abundance on his previous two albums mostly are missing from this go-round. Consequently, Chapman sounds considerably more confident and comfortable in his own skin on this album than on his first two projects. As a result, he created a near-classic contemporary Christian music album.
   
   The album contains at least two classic Chapman tunes. The title track that opens the album begins with a sobering set of observations concerning everyday people and leads Chapman to ask the big questions that everyone faces at some point in his or her life: Why am I here? What makes life worth living? Chapman answers these questions by pointing to Jesus Christ's death on the cross. At the album's midpoint, "I Will Be Here" is a song of marital commitment amidst difficulties that quickly, and justifiably, became a standard evangelical Christian wedding song. (It was the first dance song for me and my wife!) Both of these songs may have lasted because they relate to personal situations in Chapman's life: he thought of the lyrics to the title track when returning from a relative's funeral, and the lyrics to "I Will Be Here" served as Chapman's declaration of commitment to his wife after his own parents divorced later in life.
   
   The other songs are almost invariably very good in quality. "Love You With My Life" is a catchy pop tune about commitment to God. "Waiting for Lightning" is a moving ballad about how Christians too often miss God's direction because they're looking for signs and wonders. "Who Makes the Rules," which lyrically calls listeners to obedience to God, is mercifully the only imitation-Huey Lewis song on this album; Chapman's handlers evidently were finally getting the picture that their artist couldn't be fit into that box musically. (Mark O'Connor's violin on the song also helps distance the song a bit from Huey Lewis imitation land.) "Treasure Island" and "Way Beyond the Blue" place in the forefront Chapman's grounded, practical imagination: comparing following God to a pirates' adventure and Air Force service provides the same type of metaphors that would become more prominent with Chapman's breakaway hit "The Great Adventure" a few years later. "In This Little Room" and "More Than Words" are personal, intimate declarations of intention that may prove moving to listeners.
   
   That leaves only two subpar songs, and even they're still good. "Living for the Moment's" lyrics go hand-in-hand thematically with "More to This Life" and "Love You With My Life," but it lacks effective musical hooks. "Out on the Highways" was the album's bonus CD track, a marketing standard common when CDs were relatively new and music companies were trying to get people to switch to the new medium. There's nothing really wrong with the song, but despite a people-on-the-street theme that somewhat hearkens back to the album's opening track, it's neither all that memorable nor as effective an album closer as "More Than Words."
   
   Speaking of "More Than Words," I'd argue that both it and "Way Beyond the Blue" are still, 18 years later, two of Chapman's most beautiful songs. The sense of longing in Chapman's voice for his prayers, lyrics, and vows of commitment to God to be "more than words" is palpable. Here in a few places, and more completely on "Way Beyond the Blue," he lets his voice soar to a greater height than it had before. In fact, Chapman stretches himself vocally and writes more personally than on previous albums, to excellent effect.
   
   More to This Life somewhat reminds me both musically and thematically of Rich Mullins' Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth (1988). Like Mullins on that album, Chapman is just beginning to hit his stride here. Also, again like Mullins, Chapman's tackling serious subjects. And like Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth, More to This Life is an album that can contribute well to Christians' spiritual growth, providing that its truths are applied by the listener.
   
   Because in the end, what you have with More to This Life is an album that looks seriously at what it means to have a meaningful life. It's an album that points to both the joys and the sacrifices of the Christian life. Chapman would surpass himself quickly with his very next album, but More to This Life, though somewhat dated (particularly musically) now, still has considerable power and is quite enjoyable from a pop perspective. Four-and-a-quarter stars.



3. The songs "More To This Life" and "I Will Be Here" are the most inspirational songs of this album.



4. Released in '89 under the Sparrow Records label, 'More To This Life' was the third album/CD by Christian songwriter/singer Steven Curtis Chapman. Containing -11 tracks- of not only enjoyable, uplifting music and lyrics, but also conveying a level of depth and introspection that set this collection of songs above most of the other contemporary Christian music being released at the time.
   
   'More To This Life' was not formula-matic and predictable and it fully displayed Steven's ability to touch on so many different concerns in life and present the gospel message in an intelligent, unoffensive manner. I think the biggest praise I could give this CD is that you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy it. After all, isn't that the true intent of Christian music? You can't convert anyone if you can't get them to listen.



5. This CD is perfect. I wouldn't change a single thing. I thought this the first time I heard it in 1989, and I still feel that way! There are only 2 other CD's I find perfect: Amy Grant's "Lead Me On" and Allan Hall's (from Selah) "House of a Thousand Dreams". If you like Steven Curtis Chapman but are bored with his new stuff, or just want an inspiring, wonderful CD, I would get "More to This Life" right now! My all time favorite song on the planet is "Way Beyond the Blue". As a teenager, I made a cassette (didn't have a CD player then!) of this song, filling up an entire side, so I could listen to it at night over and over without having to rewind after each play, until I fell asleep to the words "His love is wider than the sky above you/And He has plans for you that go way beyond the blue". Words can't describe the impact this song and entire CD had and still has on my Christian walk, and actually making me believe in a very real way that God knows who I am and cares for ME (and you) with a love that is beyond human comprehension. I would recommend this CD to anyone of any age. I liked it at 16, 25 and now at 31!

1 comments about 50 Years of Sermon and Song.

1. This is an inspirational CD, collecting some of Rev. Graham's sermons and heartwarming music from his many years of service to the Lord. Who can resist Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, The Lord's Prayer, Just As I Am, and others - they bring tears to the eyes and lump to the throat.

5 comments about Thank You.

1. Thank You is one of the most enduring Christian albums for me. For a while I turned away from God, but the song Thank You kept popping into my head. I love this album.



2. The "Thank You", "Sheperd Boy", and "Here Comes A Miracle" songs contain messages the church, even today, must listen to. I don't get tired of listening to this album.



3. one of the best christian cd's i have ever heard. with standout tracks including the title, sheapard boy, and someone stood up for steven, this cd is a great addition to any collection.



4. This was my second cd I bought of his and I liked it about as much as Honor and Glory. Everyone has probably already heard Thank You before and it is one of the best songs on this cd, but I personally love the last song we are his heart the best. the whole cd is well worth buying for this one song alone--just one listen to it is bound to make you cry--but the rest of the songs are solid too. Plus I like the fact that it's a christian album that actually sounds like one. You can most definitely tell how much Ray loves God and it shines through almost perfectly on this album.



5. Ray sang this in our church a few weeks ago & brought me to tears! It is such an incredible song & I am going to write letters to past Christian mentors in my life thanking them for Giving to the Lord & touching my life.

No comments about Sacred 2000.

5 comments about Healing.

1. Really great songs of worship inspired and anointed by the Holy Spirit and Pastor Benny is well known to be a great healer by the power of God the Holy Spirit. If you can't attend his crusades like me here in a far province in the Phils, you can always listen to this audio CD. Just the same, the same Spirit can touch you and make you whole. The anointing of the Holy Spirit upon Pastor Benny takes effect through the listening of this audio CD and thus the Spirit can heal and make you whole through the songs here in this CD. The same Spirit that empowers and anoints, He who tests can bring healing and He who baptizes can make you whole. The power of God the Holy Spirit can create miracles! This audio CD is worth listening to, but mine isn't with me. May God bless you and make you whole.



2. Prior to attending the Azusa Centennial, I admit I was a bit skeptical about Brother Hinn's healing ministry. However, the anointing was so heavy in the room, that I was convinced in a matter of 5 minutes of the worship service just how incredibly anointed his ministry is! Praise God. I purchased this cd after I got home because I knew it would be wonderful. It is, though I wish some of the songs had been in a different order, but its definitely excellent and anointed.



3. Great album, very Spirit-led. I sang this song while being baptised.
   
   This man is unfairly persecuted by Pharisaical Christians, but meanwhile trillions of Asians are becoming Christians.



4. "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect."



5. I have this cd for a couple of years and I listen to it in my car and during morning worship. Some of the songs bring tears to my eyes and some get me up jumping for joy! A wonderful selection of hymns. Thank you Benny Hinn for a spectacular cd.

5 comments about Susan Ashton.

1. Susan has the best female voice on the planet..and this album is so awesome..every song touches you..she has such a clear, and bright voice..with an amazing range. Summer Solstice, Hold the Intangible, Heart Like a Rock, Agree to Disagree are my favorite songs on here..but every song is a hit. There is no way on earth that you could dislike this album..even if you dont like contempoary christian music. Her best of vol. 1 is so fabulous also. She writes a lot of her songs too. Buy it..you wont be diasappointed :)



2. I well remember the first time I heard Susan Ashton. I was in a Christian bookshop in Chelmsford, England, and this CD was playing. I was going through a tough time in my personal life. Then "A rose is a rose" came on. I just had to stop and listen to the whole track, wipe away a tear or two, and then buy the album there and then! This album is charged with truth and emotion, and I would challenge anyone to question the divine inspiration which runs through it.
   This is an album of the highest quality imaginable: beautifully crafted songs, a voice that reaches out and grabs you, and a team of musicians and technicians who know exactly how to get the best out of the two. I'd happily recommend this to anyone - of any religion or none.



3. I remember when this first came out the words and lyrics and music are awesome and gave a few insights to susans soul and the way she sang. Her heart was really in this album and I hope she continues to keep it in the right place.



4. This is a wonderful album, but the Amazon review has one piece of info wrong - this was Susan's third solo album, not her debut. Her debut is called "Wakened by the Wind" and "Angels of Mercy" followed that. Terrific singer with the sense to pick strong songwriters. The opening two songs "Summer Solstice" and "Waiting for Your Love to Come Down" are worth the price of the CD alone.



5. Susan Ashton is one of the best artists in the world of contemporary Christian music. This CD is wonderful--Susan has a beautifully pure voice and pours the deep emotion of someone who has "been there, done that" into the lyrics of her songs. I never get tired of listening to her!

5 comments about Freedom.

1. Michael English is a fine talent who sings, writes, and interprets song & lyrics with great musicality. I strongly recommend him to others who are looking for an established but little known talent.



2. I bought this cd when it first came out. I loved it then, but regretfully sold it. It has taken me 7 years to find it again. Why music stores don't have this I dont know. The words to every song touch your soul in some way. This is a very hot cd and his roots are in Christian music. I couldn't believe that! I recommend this to everyone.



3. At the beginning of this particular record project, Michael lifts you into an African beat and feel with powerful lyrics "What we all need is freedom in our hearts"... It swings into "Your Love Amazes Me" which was great but even greater when compared to John Berry's version of the song. "I Wanna Know" is an emotional track inspiring thoughts of sensuality and vitality into this Michael English pop recording. "Why Didn't I" comes across powerfully with lyrics such as "lay you on the moony sand and kiss you all over, why didn't I" and beautiful song for a beautiful voice to sing. The point on this album where Michael shines his best is likely to be the Englished/T-boned "When I Need You" a beautiful old song that you would want to hear only one way until you hear Mike do it, it was absolutely breaktaking. Other tracks such as Tommy Sims' "The Wind" and "Love Has A Mind of It's Own" also were an incredible showcase of Michael's vocal talents as well. I was personally pleased with not only hearing the african-style "Fields of Freedom" but certainly "Find My Way Back to You" on which he had collaborated with Marabeth Jordan (formerly of the Christian Rock group "First Call") to write probably the most beautiful love song he has ever sung. This album should have sat on Billboard's top 50, but nonetheless it remains underrated and uncovered by a handful of lucky listeners such as us. Please purchase this record, it is certain to leave you smiling that "English Smile".



4. I have really fallen in love with his sound and emotion in the music! Michael surely created a masterpiece with this cd.. I would recomend it to all my friends! A+



5. I bought this CD when it was first released and recently rediscovered it with a new appreciation. Although Michael had previously cut the song Healing for The Silent Fall soundtrack, this is his first (and only) secular album. My favorite cut on this CD, by far, is Find My Back To You which was co-written by Michael English, Marabeth Jordan (formerly of First Call),and Garry Jones (former pianist of Gold City Quartet).This sounds like a song with the soul and passion of Michael Bolton (but not overdone), but with some orchestration added (ala Chicago). It is reminiscent of mid '80's to '90's love ballads but with a new treatment. This is the way a love song is SUPPOSED to sound like. I find it ironic that it took gospel artists to write such a great love song. Another choice cut is The Wind. This has a more acoustic laid-back feel. The chorus reminded me somewhat, of The Eagles' song Desperado with a more modern arrangement. Michael's slant to the country hit Your Love Amazes me, after a few listens, makes you forget the original. Why Didn't I is also a nice cut. The verses are laid-back, but then build to a more powerful and emotional chorus. He also puts the "English Touch" to the old song When I Need You, bringing it into modern times. Other songs add an African beat and feel. All in all a good A/C recording. Whether by a lack of promotion, or the current "throw-away" mentality of pop music, this didn't take off like it should've. The voice and style are definitely there. Michael has now returned to Contemporary Christian music (yay!), while maintaining part of the growth his style took on this pop recording and his maturity gained after the hard times he's endured. (See Heaven To Earth)(which is possibly his best solo album to date.)

1 comments about The Cathedrals: Southern Gospel Series.

1. I bought this for my Mother, a devout Christian now being tested with illness at the end of her life. Being blind and recently being diagnosed with Alzheimers, I look for anything that will bring her peace and comfort during these troubling times. I've found she can no longer listen to TV as she confuses it with reality. So I started buying her the music she's loved all of her life and it has really been a blessing for both of us. She can be highly agitated and I'll put on this CD and before you know it her agitation is gone and she's singing along with the group. I just wish it had about 40 songs as I have to play it over and over several times for her. Now I find myself singing along with the songs. I've now purchased her a couple of other CD by The Cathedrals and we love them all.

2 comments about Hymnscapes Grace volume 9.

1. I OWN 5 HYMNSCAPES CDS, ONE OF WHICH I PURCHASED THROUGH AMAZON MARKETPLACE. A PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. YOU'LL HARDLY BELIEVE THESE ARE HYMNS! EACH CD IS SO EXTREMELY RELAXING AS BACKGROUND MUSIC AND I FIND MYSELF QUIETLY "HUMMING ALONG" WITH THE ONES I RECOGNIZE. THE MUSIC IS ENCHANTING. I PLAN TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE SERIES.



2. I am writing this review as I am ordering the remainder of the entire "Hymnscapes" series of CDs (1-12) I happened on #9 (Grace)and purchased it as I enjoy instrumental Christian hymns. This CD is now one of my favorites as it contains old time familiar Christian hymns performed with quiet, relaxing contemporary instrumentation. This is great "unwind" music that brings to mind the thoughts surrounding Christian hymns. OUTSTANDING! I am looking forward to receiving the rest of the CDs in this series.

No comments about Renewal.