No comments about Christian Rock Classics.

5 comments about Tramaine.

1. I can't believe no one has mentioned anything about the quality of this CD. This was one of my favorite gospel albums and I was excited when I found out it was available on CD. However, I was horrified when I received the CD. First of all, the artwork replication is very blurred. The CD itself sounds HORRIBLE! It sounds as if it was mastered from a cassette tape on someone's computer. I am very disappointed in the quality of this CD. If this is the same quality that Light Records gives on all of their CD releases, then shame on them. Hopefully, in the future, this album will be remastered properly and given the reissue that it deserves. For these reasons only, I am forced to give this release only one star.



2. this particular cd brought back a lot of memories. It was great listening to it and reflecting.



3. This is a fantastic cd and is wonderful spiritual music. The quality of the recording is superb. I first heard these songs years ago and am thoroughly refreshed by such spectacular music.



4. This CD is the very essence of GOSPEL MUSIC!! This CD brings back so many memories..as my mom bought this recording as an Album,and listening to this on Saturday afternoons got me in the mindset for Sunday School and Church. Track number 1 was my 1st lead in my church's youth choir and track # 2 was my 1st Solo selection. The Hawkins Family truly paved the way for so many artists. This is a wonderful trip down memory lane.



5. I have always loved Tramaine Hawkins and the Hawkins family's gospel songs, since the 70s. Their songs were the essence of Renaissance, but remained holy and anointed. I was amazed that any of their songs could be found today. The design of her music fits right in with today's music, but better. I appreciate the fact she incorporates words such as God, Jesus, heaven, holy, etc., in her songs, which most gospel artists, today, leave out. Makes you wonder who are they singing to.

5 comments about Candle in the Rain.

1. With only 5 reviews of this album, I felt I must put my 2 cents in.
   
   I am drawn to "musicianship" and "intelligent lyrics." Both are on this album. There are great stretches of music, changes in volume, tempo, and instruments, with excellent usage of background singers. I really like the saxophone on God Only Knows. As far as intelligent lyrics, the song All is God's Creation is wonderful. The first line, reviewed elsewhere, "I see ten thousand wars fought on a distant shore in a baby's toy," just begins a vastly intelligent song.
   
   None of these songs are "bubblegum" Christianity. They all are deeper and based on good theology.
   
   Buy it and enjoy.



2. I've been a fan of David Meece's work for years. I even tracked down his old 70's records so I could have a complete set. Yet this CD is not my favorite of his works by far and seldom gets listened to.

   The problem seems to be that it differs too much in style from his other stuff. It was originally released in 1987 and musically, it shows. Also, David wrote fewer songs on this CD then any of his others. "Nothing to Forgive" and "The Water is Fine" are much weaker then normal for him as a result. I do still enjoy "All is God's Creation," and the CD gets strong once you reach the songs he wrote himself. "His Love Was Reaching" is a powerful ballad that deserved more recognition then it gets and is followed by the fun "Amor Conquesta Todo."

   Long time fans will want to get this CD to complete their collection. There are several songs that definitely make it worth the effort. If you're new to David's wonderful music, start with his much stronger CD's "Learning to Trust" or "Once in a Lifetime" or either of his best of collections. And there's always "There I Go Again," his new release that it actually in print.




3. I love David Meece, so anything he writes is good. This CD is not his best, but it is definately worth buying. He is spiritually uplifting in everything he writes and sings. "Higher Ground" is by far the best song on the cd. It just makes you want to sing out loud. Definately a must have is you need a pick me up.



4. ... but don't get me wrong, I love the guy!

   Of all of David's albums, this is the one I would say was farthest from being true to himself musically. A scan of the credits reveals that many of the songs were written by others. This recording attempts to have a "bigger" sound, employing more backup singers and using more keyboards, but it makes the true Meece fan miss David's simple, catchy tunes such as "You Can Go," and the unforgettable "Falling Down." I think my favorite track on this album is the lighthearted "Amor Conquista Todo." (Now that I think about it, I have been to six of his concerts and this is the only song from this album I've ever seen him sing live.) "His Love Was Reaching" sounds more like one of David's lovely ballads. Many of this album's songs are just not satisfying in lyrics or music... "The Water Is Fine" and "Hold On" being prime examples. David's unique, edgy voice sounds great despite the material he is working with.

   I would rather listen to one of David's older albums like "Count the Cost," which, though a bit cheesy at times, is honest, heartfelt, and fun. After "Candle in the Rain" came what could be considered David's best work to date, "Learning to Trust," so at least he learned from the mistakes of this album.

   Obviously, if you're a true Meece fan, you have to have it. So get it, listen to it, enjoy the couple of true bright spots on this album and enjoy the picture of David in his jean jacket trying to brood musically. David's new album is due out soon and it will be very interesting to see how years of silence have influenced his work.

   Don't get the impression that I don't think much of David's work-- he is amazing, inspiring, charasmatic, and one of my all-time favorites. He puts his heart into his music and is a wonderful witness for our Lord. Don't pass up a chance to see him in concert!




5. Although I bounce around from genre to genre and rarely review Christian music, I have to say that the works of David Meece, and this one in particular, are golden. Out of the 80's genre of Christian music, I would have to say that this album is one of the most memorable, not to mention one of my most favorites. (I would like to find "7" again as well on CD as well) Now, considering the range of music I cover, this speaks worlds on the album's behalf.
   The reason I think this is a wonderful showing is because of how memorable the work is (I still remember lines from it six years after the fact), and how much passion it seems to carry. I always recall the two sets of lines from "all is God's creation;
   "I see ten thousand wars fought on the distant shores in a bay's toy."
   +
   "I see a poet in a cell trapped in a cold, wintery hell that has no voice. And though he's tortured and weak, he turns the other cheek and says, "Rejoice, rejoice."
   The strength of this album, with Meece's apparent writing skills and music that can be range from inspirational to mood setting to energetic, make it a sure bet. This, combined with the fact that it is almost impossible to find, makes it a sure bet to those who can appreciate this expressional venue.

4 comments about Comin' on Strong.

1. We have this CD. I ordered this one for my niece who loves the Lord with all her heart. Carmen's music is straight from the heart. His gift is sharing God's message through music. Amen. Keep it up Carmen. People of all ages can and do enjoy his music.



2. Has great songs that are powerful and do not compromise His Holy Word!!! Praise His Holy Name!!



3. Carmans music has always been fun & hee gets Christian music a chancefor thee teenagers to get interested into Jesus & Religion with a tempo of music they aree used to listening to.



4. Carman is a wonderful story teller. Many of the songs will draw you into the high energy stories. Lazarus is the best cut and really set his career off. On a personal note I worked with Carman at CBS Records, and he is a truly great person and a sincere christian.

5 comments about Christmas.

1. I agree whole-heartedly with one of the other reviewers. This CD is definitely going for the "ethereal" and coming out with eerie. Very disappointing from Ms. St. James, and not a good mix with her already unique (and usually beautiful) voice. Give me the traditional any day.



2. Rebecca St. James is my number one gospel rock artist, and this Christas album is like music in her most famous album "God". She sings beautifully and there's great melodies. Of course, Iäm little disappointed in "Silen Night" because it is too long. Still, there's 8 great Christmas songs and two not-so-good ("Jesu' Joy of Man's Desiring" is the worst song in this album"). I always love to hear new versions of the classic song "What Child Is This". How ever, the best songs in this album are "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "O Come All Ye Faithful". This is a perfect Christmas album for them who liked the album "God". There's even a peaceful song "A Cradle Prayer" which is made by Rebecca!
   Stars: O Come All Ye Faithful, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, One Small Child, What Child Is This



3. A fan of Rebecca St. James, I found this album to be disappointing in the end. I originally loved the album and enjoy her takes on "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "O Holy Night," but the loud, head-banging selections on nearly every song on this album make it a near headache instead of a worshipful experience. St. James could have done better with her album. Those who are fans of her album "God" will enjoy this album. Those who prefer the techno-driven "Transform" over the heavy-rock inspired "God" would probably have a hard time listening to "Christmas."



4. Rebecca St. James' Christmas cd is neither sappy nor traditional. It has crisp lyrics and smooth beats. Songs are well paced and distributed, neither all fast nor all slow. Will appeal to pretty much anybody who has any bit of sentimentality for the Christmas season past or present.



5. Rebecca St. James has created a reputation for orchestrating a symphony of guitars, electric or otherwise, drums, strings, synths, and producing an almost girl-punk sound, but for this album, added a small amount of seasonal cheer to old Christmas tunes. A new version of "O Come Emmanuel" with powerful bridges gives the old a new meaning. John Lennon's "War is Over (Happy Christmas)" couldn't be done any better, and I had never even heard "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" until I bought this CD. Surely one of Rebecca's best! If you love to rock, and you love Christmas and you love to buy good CDs, maybe you should think about maybe getting ahold of one of these before next Christmas.

5 comments about Tree63.

1. There are no words for this cd. I don't think that I have ever owned a cd that brings you this close to God. So many christian groups these days sing the same lyrics over and over, and the songs all begin to melt together, but with Tree63, the songs are all different and unique. They sing with such truth and conviction, and seem to really touch people's hearts. If you are looking for a great worship cd, as well as one that will lift your spirits and make you get up and dance, this is the one for you!



2. This CD is so utterly fantastic and so-unlike most other forms of modern-day rock or worship (it's really a combination of the two) that is pretty much defies words. You just have to hear and allow their transforming and humbling message to emmanate through your heart. I heard these guys in concert as an opener for RSJ and was hooked by the time they finished. They're soo high-energy and their name, Tree63, stems from the fact that they are from South Africa and the 63 Psalm talks about a tree full of LIFE out in the middle of a desert. This one is def. better than their second CD (Absolute Truth), so if you're even thinking about buying it, do so today and you won't be disspointed!!!!



3. I first heard this group on Christianrock.net, and the song was "1*0*1". I was a fan instantly. I finally bought this CD after several months... It's great! The music is great, the lyrics are wonderful, and the group is just great! 1*0*1 is still my favorite song on the CD, but "Look What You've Done" and "Joy" are both very good. If you like alternative Christian music, you'll love this CD. I can't wait til the next CD comes out (according to their website, it should be in the fall of 2003).



4. This album is so unbelievable. The music is so original and the words really stick in your heart. If any open-minded person listened to this album they would no longer be so close-minded to todays Christian rock. I really can't compare this group to any other, Christian or secular, so just check it out (if you like great male vocals and catchy melodies that you want to repeat over and over again - especially "1*0*1")



5. This Album will definitely change your view on God. The songs are God centered rather than self centered. Here are some examples to illustrate what I mean: "What can I do FOR YOU my Lord?...It's NOT a question of what you can do for me..." "My great reward is IN YOUR eyes" BR>The only draw backs with this album is that musically, though beautiful, one gets tired of it rather quickly. Also, song #9 is boring both musically and lyricaly. I wonder also how biblical the song is.
   Over all it's worth getting, believe me.

1 comments about The Fine Line.

1. This has been my very favorite Wayne Watson CD. It is powerful and challenging. If you are interested in Christian growth this CD will make you think and reevaluate yourself. It sets a standard to live up to and it's great to listen to as well. I loved it.

5 comments about Heaven to Earth.

1. I am a big Michael English fan, but this CD is one of my favorites. The songs are simply produced, no big fanfare, but so meaningul. "If You Only Knew" can bring you to tears. I recommend this one.



2. I'm 60 yr. old and like different types of music. I just listened to Michael English's Gospel and Heaven to Earth. They are both excellent. His voice is met for soft balleds. He gives such meaning to them. Of course no album would not be boring if it didn't have some up tempo songs on it. I play the piano. Many people hide their mistakes with so many instruments and back-up singers that their voice gets lost. I like his up tempo songs but think would sound better without the other singers and especially all those electric instruments. He can carry any song all by himself. I like the way he does his own version of a well known song by changing it ever so slightly. I'm thinking of getting an album for each of my adult children. Hope he keeps up the good work.



3. Michael English has lost his voice. It's a shame, but this record and any recent recordings portray his voice in a horrible way. Michael had one of the biggest ranges I've ever heard and never did he lose control. In this record and everything since "Hope", his vibrato is out of control and is range is gone. Sad story.



4. I bought this cd two years ago after Michael English gave a soulful performance at our church. I tend to prefer the very soulful sound of contemporary African American gospel. So I was departing a slight bit from my usual musical genre to purchase this cd. I listened to it once then put it away, not sure if it was for me. Well, fast forward to two years later, I saw Michael English performing on tv a couple night ago and decided to revisit this cd.
   
   I guess my ears have been cleaned out in the past 2 yrs because I love this cd. His soulful delivery of his songs really conveys his genuine faith. Listening closely to his words reflect the Lord's faithful forgiveness and deliverance from troubled times (almost all songs on the cd) -- something to which we all can relate -- as well as our need to depend on Him ("All Day, All Night").
   
   From a purely musical standpoint, I love "Always Be There." My daughters, ages 4 and 1, like to dance to it. It harkens back to the 80's pop sound that I enjoyed. I recommend this cd for everyone's collection.



5. Thank you Michael for not only showing us but helping us to have a heart of true repentance. This CD is trully a heartfelt masterpiece that comes from true love toward the Father. The CD allows us to understand forgiveness and restoration in it's fullness which only the Father can give. This is one of the best CD's I've heard, maybe because I really am a believer that God can restore you to the place from which you have fallen and He shows this with this awesome return of Michael English. It trully is a CD to add to your collection it will bless you beyond anything that you could ever image and bring you into a place of repentance, forgiveness, and the presence of God. Michael keep up the awesome testimony that you are. We never forget to pray for you. Continue to stand tall and strong.

5 comments about Top 25 Hymns.

1. For those who appreciate the hymns together with excellent performance and quality, this is a great set. It is the only one, so far, that I have chosen to own, in style and effect being neither steeped in the traditional restraints of the "acapella-only-for-congregational-music" types nor weakened by so much of today's modern yet lame and annoying remix versions. I have been many times let down and irritated with either the blandness of some of the more traditional productions... or the obnoxious noise and "whining-ness" of so many modernized versions afloat recently.
   
   Some of these arrangements constructed are fabulous. The more mellow will soothe or inspire, while the the upbeat is uplifting. I wish I could experience certain ones (i.e. Pass Me Not, Jesus, Lover of My Soul) live by those who actually performed them for the album.



2. I really Enjoy for the most part, But sometimes some of the songs get on my nerves. If I had the choice to buy it again, I would.



3. You get tons of hymns on this CD. They are all great selections. However, I was hoping for something more traditional, especially coming from Maranatha. There are arrangements that are modernized and some where it's only instrumental. It's not a consistent compilation.



4. I have always loved anything that Maranatha Music puts out and this c.d. is no exception. It is a wonderful compilation of classic hymns done beautifully. Maranatha does a wonderful job of having both traditional parts, as well as their own parts that are not necessarily contemporary, but more traditional Maranatha music. Two disks of great traditional hymns and a great buy!



5. Maybe,this is the best CD ever bought.

   storong song make my heart awake.

   I've made up my mind to buy this CD more for my friends.

   God blessed America!! We love this CD and U.S.A .

5 comments about Festival Con Dios - Volume 1.

1. The best music sampler you can get. Honeslty, this CD led me to a whole lot of rock bands that I (and how could I?) have not heard of before. Buy this, and you may just discover a new favorite band!



2. I don't know how they did it, but they managed to make my favorite cd cost just 5 bucks. I listen to it almost every day. This is how the wOw series should sound, with exciting rock songs that everyone loves by bands some love and others you've never heard. Its simply perfect and never skips a beat.



3. This is a great CD that will truly bring you closer to the Lord. You won't be able to get the songs out of your head, they are so catchy! This CD introduced me to new groups which I had never heard of, like Tree63, The Benjamin Gate, and others. This reminds me of the WoW CDs, except almost everything is upbeat!



4. This cd is awesome. The good thing is you get 16 awesome songs for only 5 to 8 dollars in the price range. I had never heard a song done by Pax217, Phat Chance, Pillar, Benjamin Gate and some other groups. I loved what I heard except God Man by Cadet. It gives the cd a country feel which I don't like. All over me by The Benjamin Gate is a beautiful song. It made me cry. Open your eyes by Pillar is a declaration to all Christians to open their eyes and witness to non-believers. The popular One Time by Earthsuit is a pleaser. The Supertones have a new style. It is punk. They sound great with their new style. An awesome cd go get it as soon as possible. God is not a secret is also an awesome song done by the Newsboys and Toby McKeehan of Dc Talk who raps. An awesome rapper.



5. This is one of the best CD's I've ever owned. Even a friend of mine who knows nothing about the artists said it was great and wanted a copy! I listen to it every day, and since it has sixteen different artists on it I don't get bored of it.