4 comments about WARchild.

1. I really enjoyed this cd, it has a hip hop flavor that talks about real topics instead of the usual bling & hoes lyrics that artists talk about now. Don't get me wrong, I love 50 Cent, Akon, Lil Wayne, and T-Pain, but it's nice to hear something real for a change. I would recommend buying this album, it's definately worth it. I'm the poorest law student there is right now and even I coughed up the $16 to get it.



2. I ordered this expecting something comparable to most U.S. rap, and instead discovered a very tribal, interesting rap. If you are a fan of Hip/Hop and enjoy a positive message willing to poke at popular culture this CD is for you. His message of survival and desire to be different are refreshing.



3. Emmanuel Jal's 2005 CD, Ceasefire, was a musically brilliant and daunting collaboration with Northern Sudanese artist Abdel Gadir Salem. With lyrics a mashup of Arabic and Nuer, segmented by occasional outbreaks of English, the music carries a heavy load. For those of us stuck in the land of English, it brings the message through.
   
   In his new CD, Warchild, Jal brings the message to us directly. Except for occasional lines that drop into Nuer (which end up sounding a lot like scat singing), Jal raps entirely in English. Gone, too, is the powerful and melodic Sudanese musical background that was such a strong point for Ceasefire. In its place, is a more basic "rap sound," with heavy bass lines supplemented by bass, guitar and percussion. The always regrettable "sampling" is, thankfully, entirely absent.
   
   Despite the occasionally flat delivery which does not enhance the message of songs like "Many Rivers to Cross," (a rewrite of a Jimmy Cliff song), the CD contains may powerful and moving songs. I would put "Shadow of Death," "No Bling," and "Emma" at the top of that list. Even if you don't know Jal's backstory, I think you would find these songs powerful.
   
   Listeners with an aversion to an overtly Christian message probably will find much not to like about Warchild. From start to finish, Jal makes no bones that "It's only love that I bring/Representing the King of Kings." For others, whether Christian or not, the message of peace and hope will resonate. Like its predecessor, this is a thematic work.
   
   I missed the Sudanese music of Ceasefire but overall, found Warchild a welcome addition to my musical library and one which will bear a lot of listening.



4. This is somewhat of a continuation of Emmanuel Jal's mission of spreading peace and love that began with his compilation with Sadir on Ceasefire. Most of the songs pertain to trying to effect peace in Sudan and other African countries. This time the album is mostly in English which gives it a different sound and feel from Ceasefire.
   I like Jal, but he needs to work on his delivery when using the english language. I understand that he is sharing a message of peace and sharing his story and that of other Sudanese lost boys, but for it to be effective he has to be an effective performance. Jal seems effect great responses from live crowds, but its not the same on wax.

5 comments about Supernatural.

1. there are, and was, many good Christian bands, but none influenced my teenage years as this band. I'm still listening to them...
   This album is great.
   
   Highest respect to dc Talk.



2. The two previous albums "Free At Last" and "Jesus Freak" are now considered classics in Christian Music. Every song on those albums are very well crafted songs and there are no fillers. Because I loved their two previous albums I was anticipating that I would love "Supernatural". Well back in 1998 I bought the album the day it came out and was dissapointed. The album didn't seem to have the heart that the two previous albums had. The lyrics and production seems very forced. For some reason I can't stand "My Friend So Long". It sounds like they are judging some other Christian band for going secular. That song and other are examples of too much production and annoying vocal stylization that is all over this album.
   
   Some great stand outs on this album that can compare to some of there older stuff would be the "Consume Me" which is a softer ballad and "Supernatural". Now Supernatural has that odd vocal styling and the loud instraments BUT it is only in the chorus where the cacophony of instraments accours. It is a pretty well balanced song.
   
   My recomendation is instead of getting this album buy the new dc talk Greatest Hits that came out in 2007. It takes some of the better tracks from this album: Consume Me, Godsend, Supernatural, and Red Letters. This songs sound so much better when balanced with tracks from Jesus Freak and Free at Last.



3. DC Talk is one of the most versatile groups around, even compared to secular circles, few can match the range of diversity of music styles that seems "natural" to DC Talk, yet as the title alludes to, there is something deeper, beyond the 'normal' scope here. Their ability to express their Christian experiences in such an array of music is a very enjoyable experience to take-in & listen. "It's Killing me" speaks very honestly of the struggle between flesh & spirit; "Hey I'm into Jesus" though gives a revelation of Joy that only serving Christ with a committed love & devotion can bring, and it's obvious these guys know that Joy very personally. Take them up on this treat of the spirit, and you will be blessed beyond your expectations.



4. I just wish all Christian music could sound this great. This is probably one of my most favorite cds, Christian or secular. The vocals are incredible, the musicians are the best and the lyrics are meaningful. Love it!



5. Following up on 'Jesus Freak', the colossal album that changed DC Talk from just a rap group into one of the most important artists in Christian Music, could not be an easy task. But listening to 'Supernatural' makes it sound like it was the easiest thing in the world to put out another great CD.
   This release is ALMOST as good as 'Freak' (and in some ways it even surpasses it). Almost every song on this CD is top-notch - from rockers like 'Since I met You', 'Dive' and the title track to lovely ballads like 'Red Letters' (perhaps their finest song to date). The band morphs from one style to another througout the set, bouncing between fun and purpose freely, sometimes within the same song. 'My Friend' is a good example of that, with fun creative wordplay that betrays the dramatic story beneath it.
   The major shortcoming that I hear is that this ablum doesn't sound as fresh as 'Freak' did. One case in point is 'Godsend', a fairly mellow piece that is not without merit, but somehow it comes off as a second-rate clone of 'Just Between You and Me'. And "It's Killing Me" could have been more powerful, but it sounds like they are trying too hard to restrain themselves (at least until the endo of the song).
   But those are small potatoes. Overall, this is a fine CD that can brighten any collection. It is a pity that their solo careers have put the group on the back burner. In my book, DC Talk is greater than the sum of its' parts.

2 comments about The Greatest Hits.

1. Grits is a great group. And the unrelessed tracks on disc two are pure gold. Stop reading this and buy the album already.



2. A "must have" for any GRITS fan.
   Disc 1 has the best of the best and disc 2 has previously unreleased tracks that belong on disc 1 because they're so good!!!

5 comments about Age to Age.

1. This is the first Amy Grant album I've ever listened to. It's not her best but there's however five classic songs and five other great songs too. "In a Little While", at first, is a peaceful song. Quite an unusual for an opener but it's a great song, and very very touching. "I Have Decided" has much more power, and great lyrics too. "I Love a Lonely Day" is a peaceful song which makes I listen to with a smile because I know that when there's me and God there's peaceful day and I can trust Him although I may have sometimes hard. "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" is Amy's most powerful songs. "El-shaddai" is a peaceful but the best song in the album! Other five songs are great too. "Fat Baby" has strange lyrics and a strange melody but I eventually started to like it.
   Stars: El-Shaddai, Sing Your Praise to the Lord, I Have Decided



2. Amy Grant was my first introduction into the Christian Music scene and this gem was the MAIN reason I fell in love with her music. EVERY song included on this album is FANTASTIC, except for "Fat Baby" which, for me, was a little goofy considering HOW WELL the rest of the album is. My favorite song on the album, probably my FAVORITE Christian song of ALL TIME, is "Arms of Love" which is the last song. You know how they always say SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST, well that is CERTAINLY the case here. The lyrics to the song are amazing and Amy Grant's voice, with her heartfelt delivery, are enough to give you goosebumps. If you want to buy a solid album, filled with uplifting, inspirational and emotional songs, "Age to Age" is the one to buy.



3. I love just about every song on the album. Its older but the songs are fabulous. Really fit just about every mood you have.



4. I had this on a cassette and I am so happy to be able to listen to it on cd now. I love Amy Grant's music.



5. This is one of favorite CD's of all time. I first bought "Age to Age" when it came out in a cassette tape and loved it then as well. Of course, I couldn't help but buy the CD as well. I have many of Amy Grant's CD's, but this is still my favorite. As a Christian, these songs are very meaningful for me and evoke many spiritual feelings. I highly recommend this CD for anyone.

5 comments about Group 1 Crew.

1. The first song I heard off this cd is Can't Go On..So that's the reason I bought it. It's a really really great cd!



2. Cannot remember where I heard these guys for the first time but once I did, their music and message became infectious! I bought the entire CD, run it on my Ipod all the time and workout...yes that is right...workout at the gym all the time to them....! My favorite is warming up to "Clap Ya Hands"! Talk about an uplifting way to reach your target heartrate :)!! This is a must have CD!!!



3. I just heard this group for the very first maybe 3 weeks ago while watching INSP and I was Amazon looking up a copy of their cd by the time the video went off the tv!!! I am hooked now. Great cd!



4. I first heard the group Group 1 Crew featured on the hit TV show One Tree Hill! Their song Forgive Me was featured on this hit show and oh my goodness as I listened to the words and the chours about Palms 23. I was like oh my goodness whatever this song is called and whoever this group is I have to find them!! So I went on the the CW website and found the One Tree Hill part of the site and I remember finding that song and when I did I was so happy!! I downloaded the song and when I finally got to listen to it up close and personal I was like WOW!! This song has hip-hop and R&B beats with a positive message that will reach young people like it did myself.
   
   A few weeks later I was looking up information on the WinterJam 2008 concert that was coming to my area I wanted to see who was going to be performing etc... As I was looking at the list of performers not only was the group Skillet going to be there but, so was Group 1 Crew!! I was so excited and knew I wanted to go not only to see Skillet but, Group 1 Crew as well!!
   
   January 12, 2008 came and I was so bummed out because I didn't think that my Mom & I would be able to go and if it was not for my sister we probably would not have been able to attend. We get to the civic center and while we are waiting for the show to start I was looking at the booklet that was being given to people as they were coming in the door and my Mom showed me the page where Group 1 Crew was featured and I started reading a little bit about them. Now here is the part where I have to be honest I was not sure while waiting for the show to start if I was really going to become a fan of their music or just really really like the song Forgive Me that was featured on One Tree Hill. When Group 1 Crew was announced and I started listening to Blanca Pablo and Manwell I was just amazed at how well that these 3 totally different voices sounded so beautiful together!! The energy and the compassion they have for what they are singing about will get you up out of your seat, bed, couch wherever you are and you will want to sing and dance!!
   
   Now because I had already loved their song Forgive Me before I had seen them live I knew I wanted to give their music a chance and so my Mom bought me a T-shirt CD combo pack and I got home that night just floating on cloud 9 not only because I had fallen in love with this group's music but, also because I got to meet them and get their autographs!!!!
   
   There is one more thing I absolutely love about them not only is there music awesome and beautiful but, there are no stars in this group it is about everyone in the group and everyone's contributions and what each member brings to the group it's not just about one person it is about the group as a whole and that is where their name Group 1 Crew comes in at.
   
   So, all I'm trying to say is if you are looking for a group who's music has R&B & Hip-hop beats with a message of true love and hope and when you're feeling down and out and feel that no one on this planet loves you and all around has a great mesage about our Heavenly Father's love for all of His children and you are looking for encouragement and peace then look no further as Group 1 Crew if you buy their album I promise you, you will not be disappointed!!!



5. Oh man, when I stumbled on this group, I was thrilled! As everyone else has said, their style is very unique and just really accessible for all types of music lovers! I can't believe this is Christian music - so refreshing! Great message, great music - they have tremendous amounts of talent and can't wait for more from them!
   
   They really do remind me of the Black Eyed Peas, but I would go out on a limb and say this is BETTER... And I do like the Black Eyed Peas!
   
   THANK YOU GROUP 1 CREW!!!

5 comments about Open Book.

1. The CD is ministry about Christ, so off the bat, it's poppin'. I read some of these reviews about Christian music and have to appeal for the ones who are sold out to Christ. Why would we insist to critisize something of God? There are some Christian CDs I purchase and rarely listen to, but because it's ministry I dare not "assess" my opinion about God's saving work. Especially on the internet. Forgive me because I don not speak as someone who has "arrived", but we must realize the hard work these ministers of Gospel Rap are putting in and show some respect. That's all. I'm off my soapbox. Enjoy the CD, or give it to someone else.



2. I have always been a fan of Da Truth/Cross movement since his first album, but each album steps up the game and this is no exception! This CD (as are his older cd's) are a great way to minister to anyone who loves hip-hop. The beats and creativity are off the chain! I Highly recommend purchasing - and I look forward to the next album!



3. TRUTH really brings God's Word to the unsaved youth in such a way that they can relate to it, probably for the first time. And for those who are saved, his lyrics place jewels in our mind in whatever area we may be struggling, to holds us accountable, give a fresh perspective, or revelation. The music is great for anyone who likes east coast hip-hop, even though on a few songs he stretches his skills to invite southern rap fans. Over all it's a Great Album.



4. I have this album. I think the production gets better each album he puts out. The lyrics are very good though I think the lyrics from his last album are a little better. This one could be more listenable(for lack of a better word)to most.



5. This is a great cd. Had to give it 4 stars because i always skip over the song the 'rose' and '13 to 30' (I believe that's the name) But he'll really preach to you through these songs if you let him. And the best part is, he's not trying to get the glory so it makes it that much sweeter. He's one of the best christian rappers out there, and he's trying to back up his talk with his walk. A must have a long with his other two albums!

5 comments about World Service.

1. This is by far & away an amazing album. Delirious? just keeps producing great music & without fail, everyone i introduce to these guys ends up falling in love with their music too. My favorite tracks are... Hmm, wow... Hmm, too hard to decide. Let's go with Inside Outside as "the most played" track. Yeah, every track is good here & to my picky ears that's rare. Please check out their follow up album 'Mission Bell" too.



2. "World Service" is easily the greatest Christian Album of all time. "Inside Outside" and "Rain Down" are my favorite songs of all time. Enough said.



3. Delirious continues to grow musically. They are truly blessed by the Lord. I think this is their best album yet.



4. After going for their concert, with Hillsongs, during the Festival of Praise in Singapore, it was one of the most fantasic experiences ever. Their songs are Power House! Loads of energy and loads of stage presence. Their album is just as good as their perfomance, and is a great album to buy even if your not a christian. A must buy!



5. Delirious? are a band whose songs you knew before you knew them. I was introduced to them through their Accessed album where songs such as "The Happy Song" and "Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble" caught my attention.
   
   I heard three songs from this album, "Majesty" "Rain Down" and "Every Little Thing" before I heard this album and they were a brilliant taster of what was to come. This album puts Delirious? in the rank of the top Christian Band around and Martin Smith must be hailed as one of the best song writers out there. His lyrics are both personal but open and inviting, making songs as accessible as possible but allowing the band to pour out their hearts on a CD that is fresh and plays like a live concert.
   
   Stand out songs are "Rain Down", "Majesty" and "Feel It Coming On" as for me they go that bit further, taking Delirious' music to a new place. The chorus of "Majesty" has become a well known theme for churches across the country and after seeing the band live was, for me, one of the most powerful songs that I have experienced. "Rain Down" has a strong chorus that is uplifting but honest and the line "all around the world is singing" makes you truly believe that all around the world people would be singing this song.
   
   This album is a very strong witness as well as an album of worship and honesty. Martin Smith's vocals have got even better and more powerful. My only complaint with this album is its structure, as I felt that some songs were placed in the wrong order, making it a little bit difficult to listen all the way through without shuffling it around a bit.
   
   Definitely one of the best albums I own and very exciting for Christian music.

5 comments about Phenomenon.

1. I got Thousand Foot Krutch's latest CD "The Flame in All of Us" and couldn't stop playing it so I bought all their CDs I highly recommend this one.



2. 1 PHENOMENON 9.5/10
   2 STEP TO ME 10/10
   3 LAST WORDS 8/10
   4 THIS IS A CALL 7.5/10
   5 RAWKFIST 9/10
   6 FAITH LOVE HAPPINESS 9.5/10
   7 I CLIMB 9.5/10
   8 QUICKEN 9.5/10
   9 NEW DESIGN 8.5/10
   10 BOUNCE 9.5/10
   11 ORDINARY 10/10
   12 BREAK THE SILENCE 12/10
   
   AN AMAZING ALBUM! A must buy!



3. I just looked at my play count the other day for this album on my ipod, and the count for every song was in the thirties and forties and "last words" was at 58. Yep, it's that good.



4. Anybody can enjoy this CD...It seems some of the best songwriting and CD's are coming out of the often overlooked Christian genre. I highly recomend this to any fans of strong melodic hard rock. Also check out Fozzy All That Remains Reloaded with the WWE wrestler Chris Jericho...another oustanding CD from an unusual source



5. Look you need to just buy this album and experience it for yourself. Truly a great experience. The Holy Spirit is truly a Phenomenon.

1 comments about Reiterate.

1. Reiterate is definitely better than the previous Redemption album. Grits seemed to hit the jackpot on a lot of experiments here: from some throwback beats like Something About You to mainstream-type arrangements like Fly Away. There are great mixes of vocals too. Few overused backup vocal arrangements will be I Run & Reminds Me (they start out nice but then get pretty repetitive towards the end). Overall rating: 4/5.

5 comments about Our World: Fallen.

1. Ok, Flame HAS to grow on me, I just don't feel him right off the bat. But I do like the production and most of the songs on here. I like the way he praises God and shares his views about the Fallen World. His flow or the way he presents himself is what i'm trying to figure out. But nevertheless, the man is very good. I like the tracks: When you Step, Fallen world, Goodbye, the Intro, and Call Him. I would recommend you get this if you love rap and can handle the midwest flow!



2. Flame is truly a talented artist. I have been saved for almost a year now and I am now starting to listen to gospel rap and gospel hip-hop. If you have heard anything bad about gospel rap don't listen to everything you hear. I heard a pastor say that there is no such thing as Holy Hip-Hop and a person might as well listen to secular music. I know he was talking about the beats of the songs but to get to the younger generation the beats of songs is what attracts us to songs. As long as the lyrics are glorifying Christ and his love for us I am for gospel rap. Flame raps about everything that happens in the world that everyone can relate to especially this one song he has on there "Goodness to Repentence". In this song he raps about the rappers that have got shot and still alive "You would think God's goodness would turn people to Christ". I recommend this CD to anyone whos saved or unsaved this CD is the truth! I also recommend Lecrae: After the Music Stops another CD that won't disappoint you!



3. Still Listening, So far I love:
   
   'Desires in Conflict'
   
   'Goodbye'
   
   
   Keep up the good work FLAME.
   
   
   A.P from the NC



4. i at 1st was very hesitant to buy this artist, now im glad i did, he has a lot of points, his songs wherent what i expected from a christian artist, he has very valid points...



5. This is my first Flame album and I was impressed. First thing I noticed is what an awesome hip hop voice he has. After that I noticed how good his lyrics are and how well they represent the Gospel.
   
   Good album to reach out to youth with. Flame and Lecrae do a great job of making music that appeals to the secular crowd but they both rep Jesus in their lyrics. That's an awesome ability.
   
   God bless.