1 comments about Stronger.

1. On her latest album, Tammy Trent manages to be simultaneously musically effervescent and lyrically deep. The production is light and breezy, making this an infectious pop collection that will grab the listener by the ears. The dominant theme is hope shining through the darkness, and Trent, who lost her husband in a 2001 scuba accident, delivers it with authority and compassion. "I'm Letting Go" is a poignant song of surrender, while "You've Already Shown Me" serves to remind us that God amply demonstrates his love. But the centerpiece of this collection is the achingly vulnerable ballad "Edge of the Water," penned by Trent and Alisa Childers. This is powerful music from a survivor who continues to move forward with a sweet spirit and a voice filled with unfailing hope and faith. --Deborah Evans Price

5 comments about Wow 1999: The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists & Songs.

1. I have been a big customer of this CD series. I have bought every one of them from 1996-2005. The first few CDs in the series were not that great, because they would have a few contemporary christian songs and then they had a whole bus load of the crummy Gospel music. However, the WoW 1999 was the first year where they really said o.k. lets lose the gospel and stick to the contemporary rock/pop/alternative/rap Christian music. This set includes Third Days wonderful song "Agnus Dei" originally recorded by Michael W. Smith, Third Day takes it into a new genre Rock. Then there is The W's The Devil is Bad a hip swing tune about the temptation of the devil in our lives. Then we have one of the first appearances of Nichole Nordeman and Jeniffer Knapp.
   
   To tell you the truth, if the company who puts out this series had not put this album out, I would not have bought another WoW CD simply because Gospel is not my kind of Music. However, because this CD was released I have continued buying into this franchise and I have been very pleased with every album since. Thank you for reading my review!



2. This is one of the best Wow's ever made. It is such a random compilation that it actually works. There were some great bands back then. Three of my favorites Christian Artists, Smalltown Poets, Newsboys, and dc Talk all make an appearance on this stellar album.



3. The only reason this album doesn't get 4 stars, is the inclusion of a few songs that I didn't feel mixed well into the collection. Namely, "His Cheeseburger." Don't get me wrong, the Veggietales are great, but the song on its own doesn't make much sense without the video.

   However, the album is terrific regardless. It features one song that I am surprised didn't get more airplay "Strollin' on the Water". A very unique sound, that really resonates the longing to take those leaps of faith with Christ. To be fearless for God.




4. This is by far the number one WOW cd of all times. Its got some of the best bands ever on it, like the Newsboys,DC Talk(Before they broke up), Smalltown Poets, Jars of Clay, and Supertones. What a combination! The WOW cds are a great alternative to burning cds. Why do you burn cds? so that you can get all of your favorite songs on one cd. WOW allready has most of my favorite songs on it. So I can legally listen to them. What a great idea!



5. I absolutly love the first tape/c.d. in this set, the songs are well aranged to compliment and contrast each other. It's uplifting to listen to, and I never hit the skip button. However....the second tape, I don't like at all, and never even listen to anymore, I don't think the songs sound good together, and I just don't think they're as good as the first tape. But, in the end, I'd have to say that the first tape is worth paying for the full set.

5 comments about Sunsets & Sushi.

1. When I first got the CD and found out that it was just a CD full of remakes of songs that I mostly had on other CDs I felt extremely disappointed. It only took the 30 seconds to pop the CD into my music player to change my mine. The CD is a masterpiece. All of the song are vibrant and alive. If you enjoy any of David Crowders music, you will absolutly love this CD. I would recomend it to anyone.



2. Great to listen to christian music. Totally not which you will hide from others, no matter whether they are christians or not.



3. A bunch of remixes. Unless you own all other Crowder albums (as I do), I would pick another instead (the original versions are better, though a few well done on this album.)



4. COOL! If you prefer sushi to burgers, or the smooth sounds of synthesizer over guitar rock anthems (ie. Stryper) buy this!!



5. If you are looking for good christian music with a hint of electronic sounds, this is it! I love this CD I share it with all my friends. It is happy music to me. I hope more music like this for chrisitian listenrs are in the making. A must have in your collection if you enjoy dancey music. Daivd Crowder, what a blessed musician.

5 comments about Cut and Move.

1. Day of Fire also records with Fireflight...be sure to check them out, too! If your teens want excellent punk/rock/metal but don't think it's possible in a Christian band, get them this CD...it will definitely change their minds!



2. This cd ROCKS!!! I am a diehard Christian Rock fan (Stryper, Third Day, Kutless, etc.) and this is one of the best CDs I have heard in a while. It is a down to earth straightforward hard rock Christian cd. The music is awesome fist pumping, headbanging Rock and Roll!!!!!! I caught these guys on the tv show Soundcheck on the Daystar network. The live performance got my attention and left me wanting more. I ordered this cd immediately. If you like good hard rock 'n' roll with no frills, this cd is an absolute must!!! These guys are going to be at the state fair in NC in October opening up for Daughtry. I will be going to the show mainly to see Day of Fire.



3. This cd is a good cd and I would recommend buying it. I have been a Day of Fire fan since they first came out and I cannot decide weather I like this cd or the old one better. The first one was definatly more catchy but this album is better and more complex musicly. It is good but slightly differant than the older album. It is heavier than their old one but not by too much. Their live show really brought this album to life for me so I would recommend seeing them live every oppertunity you get.



4. First, I loved the first album, but it seemed a little jumpy to me for some reason...great album but it seemed like the syle kept changing. Cut and Move however is simply a straight rock album through and through. I can remember the first time I heard 'Love', the riff was a hook and it immediately got my blood pumping...from there on this CD had my attention.
   
   There are a few erks though, some songs like 'when the light' seem drawn out. And the songs get a little to repititous at times, sticking to the same Verse chorus Verse bridge chorus out formula. As a musician I know how easy it is to fall into this trap but the songs are so fast and intense it really doens't bog it down that much. Another thing that kind of dissapoints me is that lyrically it isn't as Christian as the first. Sure songs like "Hole in my Hand" and "Reborn" are dead giveaways, but I'm just one of those kinds of people who are starving for more 'bold in the word' bands like Disciple.
   
   Some people don't like 'too much spiritualness' in bands but that is what really makes a good Christian band to me. Overall, the CD is a fast, adrenaline pumping rock album and would recommend it to anyone.



5. I have a 200-song playlist on my MP3 player that randomly plays tunes from various bands including Day of Fire, Decyfer Down, RED, and DecembeRadio. As the player churned through the list, some song would come on, and I'd say "wow, that's a great song. who does it?" I'd glance at the artist name, and every time, it was Day of Fire. A great band, and great in concert too.

5 comments about Better Questions.

1. Better Questions does just that, question if there are better ways to live and show your love for Christ. I attended church with Todd as our Music Director so I could've personally taken offensive at some songs but instead knew it wasn't about our specific church but all churches that need to ask questions of themselves; if you don't know what those questions are then listen again with a more open mind & ear. That's why our church is called "the perfect place for imperfect people", are all churches that way? Are you that accepting of others or just showing up? These songs test you and make you look hard within yourself, the way God knows you.



2. This reflects some of his best work. It is refreshing and his vocals are heartfelt. One of my favorites.



3. This is a very unique sound. Great for new believers and young ones(because of the wording it fits young in the Lord crowd). I bought this for my husband but my teenage daughter loves it and wont let it go. If you love a country sound this is great, if you love the blues this is graet ,if you love pop this is great, not just one style but many and its wonderful!



4. Every new CD Todd puts out I expect to finally be sub-par to the previous. However, I have yet to be let down. His newest spin is a great addition to his previous releases. I love his sincerity. He speaks from the heart and his songs are like the psalms, real, honest and applicable. Better Questions... how does he keep doing it?



5. My teenaged daughter and I have been Todd Agnew fans since "Grace Like Rain" came out a few years ago. In October, we went to see him in concert and it was the best musical experience ever. Todd is a gifted singer/songwriter but he is humble, funny and very articulate as well. An all around genuinely nice guy and his love for God shines through. Our favorite songs on the "Better Questions" CD are the rock-n-roll tunes, "Least of These" and "The War Inside." Most of the songs are very deep and thought provoking. It is evident that he put his heart into this project; I am so grateful that he shared it with us!

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 Bethany Dillon.

1. Her voice is so crisp and clear, and she is such a talented singer/songwriter. You would enjoy this for sure!



2. This project landed somewhere between alternative and folk. There are several good messages in the project, not just the same old same old in Christian music. The best songs on the project are "Revolutionaries", "Great Big Mystery", "Move Forward", the hit "All I Need", the Amy Grant cover "Lead Me On", and "A Voice Calling Out".



3. Bethany Dillon has one of the BEST VOICES I have ever heard! Her music grabs your heart, and doesn't let go. What a truly AMAZING TALENT!!



4. I love Bethany Dillon!I saw her CD in Borders and listened to a clip. I thought it sounded pretty good so my parents bought it for me for my birthday. I fell in love with the CD! I wrote her management and they sent me an autographed picure. I bought a Bethany Dillon shirt at her concert and she signed the back of it.
   
   She has the most touching lyrics! I was going through a rough time and her song "Hallelujah" from Imagination really touched my heart.



5. This is one teenager with a truly amazing voice. With a voice like this at 15, it will be a real treat to hear it when it has matured a bit. She may be in a category by herself by the time she is twenty.
   
   Bethany has the best super young voice I've heard since Lean Rimes first started singing professionally at twelve or whatever she was at the time.
   
   This CD has a big advantage over even Rimes. Bethany Dillon has meaningful songs with well written Christian lyrics. With those words added to her sound, she has a truly incredible combination.
   
   One interesting thing to me is the first song 'Revolutionaries.' On that song, her voice sounds a lot like Jennifer Knapp, who is one of my favorites. In the rest of the songs, her sound is quite different, but equally good.
   
   Some of the songs that I think are particularly good are: 'Revolutionaries', 'Beautiful', and 'All I Need'. None of the songs on this album is a dud though.
   
   Although I hadn't heard her before, I will definitely be watching for her recordings in the future.

5 comments about Scars Remain.

1. Great songs on here some of them are better than othiers. alot hard beating than the very release before. Like Regime Chage and Dive as well as Game On. Which disciple displays great rock songs on here.



2. "Scars Remain" is one of Disciple's heaviest offerings to date. The self-titled album preceding this one had a more melodic tone to it, and that can still be found here, but this Southern Gospel has a whole lot more barking, screeching and clawing to it. In short, this is full-on heavy metal that rocks. Songs like "Regime Change" and "Game On" provide plenty of fist-pumping, and "Fight For Love" has anthem potential despite being one of the tamer tunes on the album. The entire album is very addictive, and you'll find yourself barking along with the whole album soon enough.
   
   If you enjoy heavy metal with blistering guitars and screeching vocals, this is the album for you. It's one of the best I've heard from current Christian and secular metal bands. I highly recommend it.



3. Disciple stormed the scene in 2005 with the release of a self-titled CD. Though it was not their first release, the album showed a maturity that their previous efforts did not fully achieve. Just over a year later, they returned with a blistering release entitled Scars Remain. Despite releasing two CDs in less than 2 years, the music on this release is exceptionally strong. In fact, they returned somewhat to their older ways, including many aggressive tracks on SR.
   
   Songs like Regime Change, the title track, Game On, and Fight for Love are sure to melt your face with their straight-out heaviness. Drums are pounding, guitars are wailing, and vocals are screeching. As far as heaviness, this album makes their previous release seem almost pop-ish. And yet there remains a certain amount of melodic beauty to this one. The choruses are extremely catchy and are, for the most part, singable by the average person. It's in the verses that lead vocalist Kevin Young turns it up a notch. Screams that for me personally, at times amaze while at other times irritate.
   
   There are two ballads on SR, in a sense duplicating the format of their previous release. Despite their contrast to the rest of the album, they are powerful in their own way. "After the World" and "No End at All" are so different from the rest of the album you'd think a different band stormed the studio and forced their way onto the album. But it's Disciple, make no mistake.
   
   Lyrically this is a brilliant album. It remains rooted in Scripture as their previous releases did. I love that these guys are not watering down their message for a more universal acceptance. When you are as talented as these guys, recognition will come despite, and maybe even because of, their Christ-centered lyrics. This is a great album from start to finish, and I recommend it heavily (pun intended).



4. I like the music but I'm still listening for some hidden gems I can really get hooked on - I wish the lead singer didn't have such a whiny voice! They need Scott Stapp...



5. Before this CD, I didn't particularly care for Disciple. But after seeing them in concert the week it came out, I decided to try it and fell in love with their music. This CD has a song for everyone. If you're more into the inspirational or slower stuff, I'd suggest "After the World" and "No End at All." For those of you who like the heavier stuff that Disciple is known for, I'd suggest "Scars Remain," "Game On," "My Hell," and "Fight for Love." It's a great CD, a great band, and a great message that they're putting out there. After listening to this, I went from not even knowing the names of the band members, to knowing every single lyric to every song on this CD.

5 comments about Anybody Out There?.

1. I took got to see Burlap to Cashmere when they toured with Jars of Clay. Absolutely amazing performance and interaction with the audience. This remains to this day one of my favorite albums I bought in my teen years and the fond memories will carry on for a lifetime.



2. The CD has a strong spanish influence. I do not care for the fast paced music. But I love Treasures in Heaven.



3. THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST ALBUM EVER MADE!! Hearing about them breaking up just breaks my heart- their music is truly unique and their sound is incredible. I'd pay twice as much for half the number of songs just to get another album. The guitar player is incredibly talented. I highly recommend this albumt to anyone with ears.



4. Here is the true and tragic story of Burlap to Cashmere.
   
   Burlap to Cashmere started gaining popularity in 1997 into 1998 and did a tour with Jars of Clay. I had the opportunity to see them open for Jars of Clay at the University of Iowa in 1998. There were probably under a thousand of us there in a small room so it was a real intimate feel. Even those standing in the back were not more than 50 feet away from the stage. What we saw that night absolutely amazed every single person in the audience. I'll never forget watching members of the band playing different instruments seemingly each and every song. One guy in particular that played percussion on one song was literally running back and forth from one side of the stage to the other to play different instruments. Each song was a clinic on how to play many different instruments on the same song. Each song the crowd got into more and more and by mid-way through their set every last person was in awe. Absolutely everyone was 100% into the music. When they finished their set we screamed for an encore and then another one but sadly they had to stop playing. Jars of Clay came on next and put on a good show. At the end of their show Jars of Clay said they'd like to meet all of us and offered to sign autographs after they had a few minutes to rest and get some water. As we were streaming out of the auditorium everyone was saying the same thing in different ways "Jars of Clay was good but we want to meet Burlap to Cashmere!!!" The funny thing about it was the chatter going into the room was "Who in the world is Burlap to Cashmere? Have you ever heard of them??" Everyone was so taken by Burlap to Cashmere that their table was 10 people deep waiting to buy their album while only a few were at the merchandise table of Jars of Clay.
   
   Their CD "Anybody Out There?" went on to sell very well and the band rose to stardom and their fans eagerly awaited their next release. Sadly, no studio album was ever released again as the band members started fighting about where to take the music and eventually broke up. Their only other release was a very short live album called "Live at the Bitter End" Stephen Delopolous (one of the lead singers) put out a solo album that, in my humble opinion, is terrible.
   
   I can't pick out any highlights off of this album as each and every song is a highlight that I rate as 10/10. Buy this album and treasure it for the amazing musiciansip, amazing lyrics and for what could have been.



5. In the post grunge wake of the early 90's, music took a nosedive towards the incoherent. Burlap to Cashmere is one of the best exceptions of the decade of angst ridden pop. The songs are deeply moving and stirring. The classical-nylon guitars are virtuosic in their performance and dynamic sensitivity. I haven't heard anything like it in recent years. The sheer passion of the music comes through the CD with great clarity. The world beats and complicated rhythmic meters are stunning in their execution. The desperation and simultaneous hope of the lyrics come through. I have no idea why we haven't heard more from these guys. They easily are one of the best bands to have come in the modern era.

3 comments about Greatest Hits.

1. This is an awesome collection by a great band.
   
   I think that dc Talk is one of the best groups in music history - of any genre. This CD contains many of their finest songs. As with any greatest hits collection, there will be disagreements about what should be included. There are two songs on this CD that I think should not be and there are others that I think that should have been included, but were not.
   
   As one who has all of their albums, this was really not a necessary addition to my collection, so I bought it for my daughter.
   
   Not only do they have a great sound, they are able to do it in a variety of musical styles. They also do it while having meaningful Christian lyrics.
   
   This is a great CD for any casual fan who does not own all of their albums. It is also excellent for anyone who may want to check out this fantastic group. For a taste of their live sound, I would also recommend 'Welcome To The Freak Show' Welcome to the Freak Show: DC Talk Live in Concert. For anyone who has not heard them before, this would be a great place to start.



2. DC Talk is without a doubt one of the most influential Christian groups of all time. This greatest hits album is great, but it does nothing to quantify and bring together the absolute poignancy and amazingly moving music that DC Talk has made.
   
   DC Talk started as a group of friends and matured into the voice of Christian teens growing up in the Nirvana / MTV era. DC talk's music is as relevant as it has ever been.
   
   Long story short, get this album, but you're better off starting with Nu Thang and working your way up through their catalog to this album to appreciate the maturity and excellence that this group has provided Christian rockers. I 100% agree with the reviewer before me. Jesus Freak is easily top three albums of all time, even though my music tastes reach far beyond Christian rock now.



3. DC Talk in the 90s was one of my favorite groups. In the late 80s and early 90s hip hop was the thing and if you were into hip hop music and you were a Christian you loved dc talk. In 1992 they come out with the mega hit album "Free At Last". It seemed like everyone loved this album... it was catchy and the lyrics actually discussed life issues and it wasn't "cheesy" like their previous albums. I was actually proud to be a dc talk fan.
   
   As the 90s progressed there was this movement that started with groups like Pearl Jam and Nirvana called "alternative music". Most "alternative music" in the 90s was a shift to a rock format and even though it was billed as the "new" thing it really was a return of 70s classic rock. The public was subjected to drum machines, keyboards, pop, and dance music throught the 80s and people were getting bored of it. The shift had hurt many bands who tried to continue using the formula that had worked for them for nearly a decade. So now you have dc talk that made it big with hip hop. How were they going to survive this shift in the public's taste... they went alternative too!
   
   At first I was a little suspicious... how could dc talk, a hip hop/dance group, go alternative. Well they did it! and they created probably their best album in 1995 "Jesus Freak". With "Jesus Freak" they created an album that really didn't sound like much anything else in christian music at the time and were probably a huge influence to other up-n-coming Christian artists that followed. Many Christian artists would replicated note for note the styles of their secular counterparts... dc talk, within the alternative genre, created their own sound. I remember back in 1995 driving home from youth group listening to "secular" alternative radio and hearing them play dc talk's "Jesus Freak" and people who weren't even Christian were digging it. They crossed over but never compromised. Very cool.
   
   Three years passed with no new output from the group. With such a huge success they had with "Jesus Freak" people were hoping that the next album would be even bigger. Regretfully in 1998 the album "Supernatural" never lived up to the hype. Don't get me wrong, It was a very good album but it was no "Jesus Freak". There were a few good songs like "Supernatural" and "Consume Me" that are featured on this compilation are great.
   
   2 years later dc talk announced that they were going to take a break... they would still get together from time to time but not to record an album. They released a greatest hits album title "Intermission"... as the title suggests they were only taking a short break. It is now 2007 and they are still not together. TobyMac has become a superstar in Christian music on his own and can call his own shots on what goes on his albums. I wouldn't blame him if he never wanted to get back together with dc talk and go back to having to clear it with two other guys what goes on an album.
   
   This brings us to today. Dc talk releases another greatest hits album featuring music form their three most successful albums. There is so much variety on here it keeps this album from getting boring. You can also see on this compilation that within a short time they covered so many genres and one thing that remained consistent is the wonderful socially conscience lyrics that speaks to our hearts and will continue to inspire for generations to come. Another thing I notice is some of this music is 15 years old here but it still sounds fresh.
   
   Some are going to wonder, why would dc talk release a new best of with a good one out there already? I don't have the answer to that but I have some ideas...
   
   (1) Having the greatest hits album out there titled "Intermission" is a reminder of the promise that was never fulfilled so maybe the record label felt it was time to replace it.
   
   (2) An opportunity to profit on a population who would love to see and buy anything "new" with the dc talk name on it.
   
   (3) Introduce a new audience to this great music.
   
   (4) Refresh the sound quality by taking advantage of the new remasters made of their albums.
   
   I think all the above is most likely the case and I don't have a problem with that. One thing that this collection does is remove the "new" at the time teaser songs to get completest to buy the collection and replaced it with some true classic dc talk songs from "Supernatural".
   
   RECOMMENDATION: If you don't have ANY dc talk albums this is an great place to start your collection and if you are a casual fan this will be all you need. This represents THE BEST of dc talk. If you like the hip hop side of dc talk also check out "Free at Last" (remastered), If you like the "alternative" side check out the new 10th anniversary edition of "Jesus Freak" featuring a bonus cd with alternate versions and live tracks that include the hit "Wish We'd All Been Ready".
   
   JLB