5 comments about Hillsong - Mighty To Save Live.

1. Awesome DVD. The live worship was awesome and a blessing! The 2nd DVD has great teaching resources on worship and playing the songs with guitar and other instruments.
   
   Highly recommended!



2. The Hillsong team leads an arena full of people into musical worship for 18 songs. The musicians and the audience seem to be completely focused on God, unaware of the many cameras that are capturing everything. Just a powerful and moving display of praise.
   
   The drum workshop on the bonus DVD is excellent, teaching drummers to play 3 of the 18 songs. It's pretty detailed, explaining the feel of the song before demonstrating each part of the song. There's also a guitar workshop and two documentary features on the bonus DVD.



3. This DVD is very highly recommended. I have had this DVD for about 2 months and it is always a blessing whenever I play it.



4. Hillsong church has God's anointing on their song writers. The music is great, the lyrics are reflective of hearts. Relevant worship that will lift your spirit to enter His presence.



5. Although not a fan of the swirling cameras and jump cuts in the DVD, the music is excellent. As a guitar player in a praise band, I found the guitar workshops very helpful. They show you how to play a few songs (3) and share what effects they use to get their sound. If you play in a praise band and want to get your tone closer to Hillsong, this DVD will definitely help (with a little practice of course!)

5 comments about WOW Hits 2005.

1. Years later this is still one of my favorites of the WOW series, unless 2009 brings out something better. Great uplifting music, still one of my favorite and most-played CD's!



2. From the stirring moments of Mark Shultz's "Letters From War", Selah's "You Lift Me Up", Avalon's "You Were There", and Mercyme's "Here With Me", all the way to the upbeat songs, WOW Hits 2005 is a definite favorite.
   My favorite song is a song listed above, Avalon's "You Were There" from their 2004 release The Creed. This song is about Christ being everywhere "in the midst of danger's snare" and "in the unclear", and also about Him rising from the dead. The perfect song for Easter, this song gets my vote for the very best.
   Also featured on this spectacular compilation is Steven Curtis Chapman, Matthew West, Newsboys, Stacie Orrico, tobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Third Day, and more.
   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!:)



3. If you love Contemporary Christian music, as my son does, you will love this. It includes all the hits from 2005 that you really want to listen to.



4. I just like the mix of top songs they have in this series.



5. Beautiful music. It is perfect to listen to with impressionable young children in the back seat. Only a couple songs were too sugary the rest were great.

5 comments about Grace Like Rain.

1. The song, Grace Like Rain is SO awesome. I sign to music and this song is my favorite. The way God's grace washes over us is so moving. The other songs on the CD are great too!
   I just saw Todd in concert and he is so humble, like someone you'd just want to hang out with. He points you to God, not himself. He tells you you are just like him, he just gets recognition for his job and you don't but that we're all the same.



2. I bought this CD for the Thunder Song. I wasn't a fan of his use of Amazing Grace before purchasing the CD, but now I just love it. His music is fresh, worshipful, and enjoyable. Great CD.



3. His music is definately a ministry. Not just another
   "Christian" singer singing secular music. Great lyrics.
   A highly anointed minister of song.



4. This has to be in anyones collection. It is a great album with powerfully written lyrics. Agnew has a unique voice and you easily recognize his voice. He has an awesome reworking of the song Amazing Grace into the song "Grace Like Rain." The first time I heard he redid the song i was wondering what he was thinking by redoing such a classic song but after hearing his version I was speechless it was good. Also the songs "This Fragile Breath" and "Romans 12:1" are very powerful songs. This is a must have CD.



5. Some very good praise lyrics are included in this album. Two of the songs are very good - Grace Like Rain and This Fragile Breath. In addition to those two, Romans 12:1 is pretty good.
   
   Most of the rest of the songs on this CD are ok, but nothing too great. If I were to do it over, I would probably get those three songs on I Tunes and pass on the album.

5 comments about The First Decade, 1983-1993.

1. I really love this cd, and its awesome, i listen to it every single day,
   I have liked New Kids for a very long time, and they are totally awesome.



2. All of the songs here are good.
   
   However. Some of Michael W. Smith's Best Songs came from 1985 and earlier..... but he very conspicuously ignores those songs, which I think is rather odd. (And the Friends version is a remake from many, many years later... not the original Amy Grant/MWS version from this time period.)
   
   Just off the top of my head, he left off Wired-for-Sound, Rocketown, Hosanna, I Am Sure, I'm Up, Restless Heart, Could He Be..... ALL major hits on the 1983-85 charts. Perhaps he should have used TWO discs instead of just one disc to cover his first decade, so that he could more accurately represent his Discography. As it stands now, a proper title would be "1987-93" since the early years are so poorly represented.
   
   Disappointing.



3. I must admit i have not heard Michael's other songs but i really love "do you dream of me?",there's something about it that lifts my soul and at the same time makes me want to cry as it's so sad.
   Good on ya Michael!



4. First off, yes...some of these songs scream late-80's/early 90's corny pop. Richard Marx instantly jumps to mind upon the first few seconds of the first track, but after a few listens, whether you're a fan of this kind of music or not, you really appreciate these songs.
   
   No, Michael W. Smith has never been known for his amazing vocals *although his voice is distinguishable.* What this really shows is his strong songwriting. He along with Amy Grant pioneered the art of balancing a successful pop career along with staying a respectable Christian artist.
   
   Although not quite as successful as Grant in the pop field, Mr. Smith did have his flash as a pop music star in the early 90's. "Place In This World" was a big hit hitting #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of his strongest songs to date. "I Will Be Here For You" *cowritten by the amazing Diane Warren* was also a big hit hitting the top 40 and becoming a staple at adult contemporary and lite rock radio. These are the two biggest hits, but not the only worthy songs on the album. The kick-off track "Do You Dream of Me" may be seen as cheese by some, but deep down, it's a gorgeous, heart-felt ballad. "Go West Young Man" is upbeat, catchy pop at it's best.
   
   "Friends" and "Great Is the Lord" have since become contemporary Christian favorites and are still widely sang and enjoyed years later by millions of Christians....not many 80's pop artists can say the same...well...none of them can except maybe Amy Grant.
   
   Highly recommended. You don't have to be a Christian to appreciate him either *although it definitely helps ;)* He's a great songwriter and puts his heart and soul into his music. Probably one of my top three choices in my music collection.



5. Great collection of Michael's best stuff. I would of course added about 3 more tracks. Best Of and Greatest Hits don't regularly include "lesser known" songs. 'Cross of Gold' is pure gold and many others are well deserving. This collection is a must for any fan of GOOD music. This is something you can listen to anytime.
   
   I couldn't disagree more with the reviewer above. Synthesized? (spell check?) I don't think so. If you've seen him live (I doubt you have) then you would know MWS has talent and caters to almost every musical taste. And if you made music in the eighties, which he did, you're going to have synthesizers in your production. Your comment is unfounded and down-right rude.
   
   Smitty has repeatedly recorded songs that Christians and non-believers alike have come to enjoy and become some of their favorite songs. I think "nails on a chalkboard" should be reserved for more appropriate genres.
   
   I read your reviews of Clay Aiken and had to laugh. Your discrediting a God fearing musician that actually plays several instruments and "licking the dust of the shoes" of someone that didn't win a talent show. Do the math. I hope you give MWS another try and listen to more than just a few songs. You might find more than you bargaind for.

5 comments about Go.

1. It's amazing that the Newsboys are able to reach such a wide variety of people. This is an absolutely incredible CD that we first received as a gift, went to the GO concert and fell in love with the Newsboys. (We're in the upper 50's, too!) Since then, this is the CD we give as gifts. If you are not stuck in a rut somewhere or even if you are, get this CD and open your eyes and broaden your music interest. The message is so clear! A wonderful Christian group and CD!



2. I've been a Newsboys fan since I was 4 and I loved songs like "Shine"
   and others but when I heard they were going to do a new album,I was happy and surprised and I thought it wasn't going to be not good but I WAS WRONG
   This is there best cd since Shine:the hits{Highly recommended}I like songs
   "Go","Something beautiful","In wonder",Secret kingdom and everything else!
   YOU MUST BUY IT!!!!!
   P.S if you are thinking of buying the Remix version of this,save your money,buy this instead!



3. This album gets boring toward the end. The first couple of songs are good, but the rest is just OK. Nothing that interest me. The special edition is good for long time fans, with the following of the band, and a behind the scenes look. But overall, not their best album, but STUPENDOUS compared to the rest of the stuff they've come out with so far in the decade. Still looking for the old Newsboys.



4. I already had Newboys "He Reigns: the Worship Album", which I love. I bought "Go" specifically for the song "In Wonder", which I think is one of the best songs that the Newsboys have ever done. Well, the whole album is GREAT! It is not so much praise and worship, but rather really, really good music.... especially for driving! I have a mix of albums in my changer, because sometimes I do like to sing along with praise and worship songs, - but other times I just like to crank up the volume and enjoy the artistic talents of this band. I give this album an enthusiastic five stars!!



5. I purchased this cd after listening to 'Something Beautiful' on the radio. I am so glad I did, because it's a great cd. One where you don't skip any of those 'ok' tracks. All I can say is if you're a fan of newsboys,(or you enjoyed some of the sample music) this is a great buy, and you won't be disappointed!

5 comments about Blueprints for the Black Market.

1. These guys rock! Stephen Christian is one of the best singers I've ever heard. Some good pounding guitar playing, too and even some thoughtful lyrics.



2. This is Joanne's daughter, Gabrielle, whose online name is SmoothPoet09 typing this review. We use this one account for the whole family. It's more convenient that way.
   
   Anyways, I am a huge fan of anberlin. I can't say it enough that anberlin is an amazing band. Their music is insanely good, and you can't beat their first CD to come out. This CD shows their potential of a band, with a great opening start for their continuing work. Not only are there amazing lyrics, but the music behind it match them very well. If you like Alternative Rock, or Rock in general, this is so totally a CD for you. It will not let you down where music is concerned. Believe me, anberlin makes great music. You owe it to yourself to know a great band like them.
   ~ELLE~



3. Having lived in Winter Haven for two years, and thirty minutes away for most of my life, I feel the band is like my hometown band.
   
   Anberlin is a breath of fresh air in the circle of Christian rock. The singer's voice is nothing short of unique. The music is original, yet appealing. Most surprisingly are songs like "Cadence" where the songs are actually catchy, and stay in your head after listening.
   
   Overall, I proud to say they're my hometown band. They're a great group that isn't afraid of going against the grain musically or vocally. Good debut, and a good starting place for their budding career. Hopefully we'll here a lot more from these guys in the years to come. You don't have to agree, but it's my opinion, and I'm sticking with it.



4. I have Anberlin's two other cds, kind of found out about them when their 3rd cd was being released. I know kinda backwards but lets forward to know i finally bought. The first cd by them "Blueprints" and yeah i can see why they are in this business, first off i love the way they title some of their songs like "Foreight Languauge" and "Naive New Orleans". The latter being one of my fav songs on the entire cd. I dont think there was a song that i didnt enjoy after the first listen.
   
   But the obvious choice for song i press play on over again is "Cadence". Love everything about the song, vocals, background and the overall feel of the song in all aspects. Anberlin is seriously talented and whatever your preference is on music. You can find something from this super talented group on the way up to enjoy over and over again.
   
   PS-also check out "Never Take Friendship Personal" and "Cities" by Anberlin as well. Fantastic 2nd and 3rd releases as well.



5. This CD is absolutely amazing. In fact, it is by far the best collection of music I have ever heard. Cold War Transmissions all the way through the end of the CD is one of the few segments of my music library I can listen to over and over without ever getting tired of the songs.
   
   The only songs that I think less than perfectly of are Foreign Language and Glass to the Arson. Other than that this is simply an amazing disc and one that any music lover should own.
   
   "We Dreamt In Heist" did get stuck in my head for the longest time, so watch out for that. ;)

5 comments about Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances.

1. This is a great 2 CD set if your a gospel music fan and a must have if you're and Elvis fan.



2. I bought this 2 CD set for my beloved because he had lost his CD. I listen to these myself and these 50 Christian songs have become a tremendous blessing to me, in fact I intend to buy a copy for myself as well. There are songs on these 2 CDs that fit every situation that person goes through in life. One of the most amazing things about it is that as you listen to these songs it gives you a glimpse into the spiritual life of Elvis in spite of the tremendous temptations he went through in his life. His early introduction to Jesus in his childhood influenced him his entire life. He never lost his love for Jesus nor the Christian hymns that touched his spiritual life. It is obvious that these songs had meaning for him and the other performers and that they enjoyed the experience of recording them. Surely these songs he recorded were a blessing to him in his final days on this earth.



3. This is a great selection and is very well done. I highly recommend it.
   JIm Mixon



4. I bought this album for a friend for Christmas because I have one myself and I love it so much. It is my favorite Elvis Presley album. He had such a beautiful voice and sang all the hymns with his whole heart. How Great Thou Art is the most powerful hymn ever written. Anyone who loves Gospel music should purchase this album.



5. The double plastic CD case was cracked when it arrived. I did not know it until I had already opened the package. It had a cardboard sleeve over the double case which prevented me from seeing the crack. Is there any recourse now?

5 comments about Jars of Clay.

1. im not going to do a in depth review, all im going to say is its a classic you must own.



2. Jars of Clay hit the music scene at a time in my life when I had graduated from college and I loved the alternative rock bands Collective Soul, Toad The Wet Sprocket and Weezer (I still do) but I didn't know Jesus. I grew up thinking being faithful was Jesus+church, works, etc. The song Flood came out on the radio and MTV and I needed to hear more by this new band, similar to how I felt about The Fray's debut album in 2005.
   
   The first few seconds of Liquid had me hooked on Jars of Clay (and ultimately Jesus) forever. The Gregorian Chant, the driving beat and then the completely spiritual lyrics floored me and made me want to know Jesus as did my other favorite songs Love Song For A Savior, which really is my story as I longed to fall in love with Jesus, and Worlds Apart, an all-time classic which just wrecks you if you really pray along with the song.
   
   Ultimately this is one of the all-time best albums in the history of Christian music and it led me to seek Christ for which I'm eternally grateful.



3. This is one of the best acoustic albumns ever! Even after 13 years I still love listening to these songs, and they don't feel outdated at all. If you have never heard this albumn I suggest you get a hold of it and have a listen because you are in for a real treat. Full of clever, meaningful lyrics, interesting melodies, with strings used extensively for delightful countermelodies. You won't be let down by this one!



4. Saw them in concert with my daughter. Recognized "Flood". My daughter asked for the cd for X-Mas. We all love it!



5. The debut by Jars of Clay is an album that seems to get better the more one listens to it.
   
   When I first got it, I really liked a couple of the songs. As I began listening to it more, I started liking more and more of them. It is really a CD packed with very good songs. Some notable standouts include the following: Flood, Liquid, Sinking, Love Song For a Savior, and Like A Child.
   
   This CD has really become a classic. I consider it a must have for any fan of Christian rock.

5 comments about Business Up Front Party In The Back (Diamond Edition).

1. If you're looking for good, clean fun, look no further. Also, be sure to check out their new CD, "Dance Or Die", out 8/19/08. And if you EVER get a chance to see these guys live, GO! They are pure entertainment both on stage and in the stereo.



2. This album is so fun and energetic you could work out to it. Also If your having a bad day, it totally lifts your spirit.



3. I had downloaded most of the tracks off of this album a good while back before I ever really knew who FF5 was. Yeah, I don't really think you can call them a "Christian" band in the sense that they are not beating people over the head with a Bible or preaching the gospel message from behind the mic stand. Personally, this doesn't bother me. The majority of the music I listen to doesn't fall inside the Christian spectrum anyway. Still, this album does deserve some redemption simply from the song Face Down. I heard it on a local Atlanta radio station and bought the album. Sure, most of the songs are songs that have been done before in style by probably a hundred different rap rock artists with better vocals and talent, but FF5 isn't that bad of a group, just not the best. I have never seen them live, don't really know what kind of people they are away from the stage, etc., nor do I really care. Their relationship with God is simply that, THEIRS. As far as driving beats and crazy music go, it's relatively a fair listen. I'd still recommend Thousand Foot Krutch over them(at least their first album-for style)- but I'm not gonna bash FF5 either. If you want your music up front with a message, then go listen to Third Day or something like that. If you just want a fun disc to listen to, yeah, you could do better than FF5, but heck, you could do a lot worse too.



4. This was definately worth the $9 I paid for it. Probably the best $9 I ever spent! I absoulutely love this cd. They have such a unique sound and style. I can't even describe it. They're kind of similar to like children 18:3, but not really.
   
   I love every song on this cd. It's just amazing. Definately splurge on this one rather than the first because "Never Let Me Go" is on this one and I love that song. They really put on a wonderful concert too! That's where I fist heard them. It always puts a smile on my face to hear them jammin. There is not a doubt in my mind that you will love this cd as much as I do. Definately in my top 5 cd's EVER!!! Yes, it's that good!!!!



5. Crunk rock... whoda thunk? Family Force 5 really lays it out with this incredible release. The Diamond Edition is certainly one of the biggest improvements over an original I've seen. Without, "I Love You to Death" this album wouldn't be half as good... That being said, "Earthquake," "Kountry Gentlemen" and "Cadillac Funque" are some of the most infectious songs I've ever heard (Face Down is also a haunting rock/hardcore punk "ballad?" that shouldn't be missed." Overall, if you have a high standard for quality, and refuse to listen to the profanity ridden trash that's released nowadays, you'll really enjoy this album. However, if you're looking for deep meaning and truth, you won't find it here. Thousand Foot Krutch anyone?

5 comments about Freedom.

1. I'm not a big fan of Michael W. Smith's, but this album is absolutely brilliant.



2. This is an awesome instrumental CD. Michael W. Smith is incredible. The title track is by far my favorite. It keeps building and building until finally, you are expecting the sky to open up and see Christ coming to take us home. I like all of the tracks. Personally, there's not one that I would "skip" on the album.



3. My friend made me listen to this cd first w/o telling me who it was by so that the experience wouldn't be ruined. I loved it. I couldn't believe that it was Michael W. Smith. I count it as one of my all-time favorite cds. Great instrumental cd.



4. I absolutely love this album! Of course, I love any music that Smitty writes; but this fully instrumental and beautifully written album truly shows what a talented musician and music writer he truly is. I could listen to him play the piano all day.
   
   He has since moved on to also writing movie soundtracks for movies like "Joshua" and "The Second Chance". Both are wonderful movies with great messages and his music just adds another layer to the stories they tell.



5. Michael W. Smith does something different here. He doesn't do the normal pop music scores in this CD, but instead he dedicates a CD to one of his friends that has died. He creates beautiful, dramatic, and inspiring pieces that are sure to bring you to put this in the CD player more than once. I'm really definitely not a huge fan of Smith's earliest CDs, but this later one I can enjoy many times over. He uses some of his great piano talent, as well as there are orchestral sections. This is a must for anyone that enjoys beautiful and sometimes dramatic music with Christian overtones.