5 comments about America's 25 Favorite Christmas Songs.

1. We love our hymns and good Christmas music. Too old for the new pop stuff. Great Tape, very uplifting.



2. I was looking for a basic CD of classic Christmas songs that could easily be sung along with. While I enjoy other types of instrumental Christmas music, often sung collections are either particular artists' "interpretations" (and thus hard to sing along with unless they're the original modern era) or are simply lacking in breadth (ten songs and that's it). This CD, however, contains a solid collection of classic songs, with no gimmicks, sung nicely by a full choir. The bright and briskly paced arrangements make it easy to sing along with, and I like the variety of familiar religious carols and some modern songs. All in all, a collection I'll be happy to play with my children around so they can learn all the verses to the classic carols. Recommended!



3. I enjoyed the happy music of "deck the halls" it was beautiful but I still like the ray conniffs christmas songs. they are excellent songs for winter seasons.



4. This is one of the most wonderful Christmas CD's that I now own (and I own many). There is a great collection of songs on one CD. The singers are so talented! What beautiful voices they all have that make this CD a real winner!



5. There are 25 songs on this cd even though it shows only 14. This is a good bargain because you have 25 songs for the price of one cd (which usually contains 10-14 songs). I bought this cd and it is very beautiful! Both young and old can enjoy because they sing traditional christmas songs compared to modern songs today which is usually revised or changed in some way. Young,teens,middle-aged,etc can enjoy too because it DOESNT sound too much of boring church music or something really really old. No need to skip tracks!There is NOTHING boring on this cd and it never drags because some of the songs seem short but all are worth listening too--most of the songs you may be familiar with/grew up with. It's great for the family and/or just for singing/listening along with..if you're looking for traditional xmas songs, this is GREAT! Voices are beautiful and music is fun! Below is the complete list of the cd that the review left out:

   1. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ,2. O Come All Ye Faithful,3. Silent Night, 4. O Little Town of Bethlehem,5.Angels we have heard on high, 6.O holy night, 7.Away in a manger, 8.Good Christian Men Rejoice, 9. What child is this?, 10. It came upon midnite clear, 11. Go tell it on the mountain, 12. Joy to the world, 13. The first noel, 14.We Three Kings, 15. Little Drummer Boy, 16. I'll be Home for xmas, 17. Deck the Halls, 18. White xmas, 19. Let it snow, 20. Jingle bells, 21. O xmas tree, 22. Have yourself a merry little xmas, 23. Silver bells, 24. Winter Wonderland, 25. We wish you a merry little xmas

5 comments about No One Else.

1. KURT CARR AND THE KURT CARR SINGERS DID AN AWESOME JOB ON THIS PROJECT. ALL OF THE SONGS AND EVERYONE THAT HAD A LEAD DID AN EXCELLENT JOB. THEY LET THE LORD USE THEM IN A MIGHTY WAY AND IT REALLY SHOWS. THIS IS THE FIRST CD THAT I HAVE BOUGHT OF HIM AND BOY WAS I IMPRESS. THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE. THE BEST SONG ON THE WHOLE CD IS FOR EVERY MOUNTAIN. THIS SONG IS AWESOME. YVETTE WILLAIMS IS AN ANOINTED SINGER. THIS SONG REALLY SHOW THAT SINGS FOR THE LORD. HER VOICE IS SOO AMAZING.
   
   SO IF YOU DONT HAVE THIS CD YOU NEED TO GET IT. YOU WILL BE BLESS.



2. Kurt Carr is one of my favorite writers and producers. The only thing better than listening to their CD is going to a live concert. This project is wonderful and provides a lot of good material for choir directors and worship leaders that are looking for challenging & fun music for their groups. This is a "must buy" if you like gospel music.



3. You will enjoy this.
   
   Tracks...
   
   1) Intro
   2) Kumbaya
   3) For Every Mountain
   4) The Lord Strong & Mighty
   5) Grateful
   6) Narration
   7) If It Wasn't For You
   8) Do You Know Him?
   9) 2nd Narration
   10) No One Else
   11) Been So Good
   12) Songs That Brought Us Over medley
   13) Holy, Holy, Holy
   14) Hold On Be Strong (Bonus)



4. listening to this CD makes me think I'm sitting in church! This group is truly an "Awesome Wonder".



5. My favorite is "For Every Mountain" it has gotten me through so much in my life. I was inquiring if there was a way to get the words to the song on line.

1 comments about A Thanksgiving of American Folk Hymns.

1. This is a fabulous DVD of faith-filled music, done with an incredible spirit. I have thoroughly enjoyed the CD for over 10 years and when I came accross the DVD I bought it. The final song, "Come Thou Fount", is worthy of a finale from any of the greates performers. I highly recommend this DVD.

5 comments about Grateful.

1. Coko is back again, doing what she does. Many of R&B's best are going back to their roots, gospel. Coko's voice is better now than ever! Songs like Midnight give Coko the ability to show how awesome her range and runs are. You have to be VERY CAREFUL when redoing a Clark Sister song, Twinkie Clark loses her mind and is NOTHING to play with when it comes to runs and range, but I do think Coko & Co. Endow Me did justice to the original. On one part of the song all four of them have lost their minds and are screaming and doing runs all over the place, it just gives me chills. I really enjoyed her Hymm Melody, no doubt she can sang! Overall, some of the songs she could have left off, I have to skip a couple of them, they just don't do anything for me. I am a big Coko fan so I would have bought this CD either way. For someone who may not have been a fan they may only be moderately happy with this, but the good songs make up for the bad.



2. I have been a fan of Coko's since SWV. This is a good CD. She has an annointed voice, and I think that she will draw more people into a relationship with God (with her angelic voice) because music is a ministry for God. The CD has a little bit of everything upbeat gospel, traditional gospel, and contemporary gospel. She is still singing like a siren ! This CD is not just for christians or believers, anyone even a non-christian would appreciate her musical talents. The compositions are beautiful.



3. COKO HAS BRANCHED OUT INTO ANOTHER REALM OF MUSIC WHICH SUITS HER WELL. MUSIC UPBEAT WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ARRANGEMENTS RANGING FROM RAP TO HYMNALS. GREAT LISTENING FOR YOUR SOULS.



4. I am currently going through some emotional trials and tribulations in my life right now. I went to the Father for support by focusing on the Word of God. But in addition to this, Coko's CD has given me the inspiration I need through her lyrics to help me began the healing of my broken spirit. I highly recommend this CD and may the good Lord bless her.!



5. I just bought 2 copies of this cd for friends becuase i figured they wouldnt find it in stores. if u liked coko in SWV, u'll love this cd. her singing is so inspirational. she really has one of the best voices ever in music. i wasnt sure about the content as i'm not a christian music kinda guy but its so good that i can just appreciate it as great music.

2 comments about Songs 4 Worship Platinum.

1. It is a great CD, exactly what I was looking for. I play it every morning on my commute to work.



2. WOW. Brian Doerksen's "Come, Now is the Time to Worship" (acoustic version), Robin Mark's "Days of Elijah", Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord", Lincoln Brewster's "Lord I Lift Your Name on High", Paul Beloche doing "God of Wonders" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart", plus the revelation that is Kathryn Scott on "Hungry (Falling on My Knees)" and "I Can Only Imagine", along with various artists on "Lord Have Mercy", "Awesome God", "Here I Am to Worship", "Above All", "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" and more. There are a couple of songs on here I could do without, thus the almost perfect. But the performances here are so uniformly outstanding they collectively represent the state of the art of contemporary Christian worship music. A glorious and inspiring collection. Plus a DVD with live performances--some of this I can live without, but don't miss the gripping and powerful performance of Zschech doing "Potter's Clay". May God continue to move mightily in this generation through this music.

3 comments about How Great Thou Art.

1. I agree with the two other reviewers but to the fan from Virginia, it should be noted that this "How Great Thou Art" release is in the best-ever sound and in the original context, as opposed to those great but overwhelming collections.
   
   This is a classic (and under-heralded) Elvis album that deservedly is back in stores in better than ever sound, despite the minor cover art imperfections as noted by the other reviewer. There may be an extended "FTD" release of this album soon by Sony for its die-hard collector label for who like all the outtakes (etc.) but until then, this is a total gem, and at budget prices, well-worth picking up with all the two-other remastered gospel albums by Elvis.



2. The plethora of remastered Elvis sacred anthologies has made the original individual albums obsolete, but afficianados still appreciate hearing the music in its original context and enjoying the original cover [booklet] art. The remastered sound (done in 2007, apparently0 is excellent, and the additional of three tracks, including Elvis' Grammy-winning "You'll Never Walk Alone", is a nice bonus. Nitpicks: "Peace in the Valley", the final cut on the original 1967 album, has been cut (the 1957 track is available on myriad CDs), and the cover art has been cropped (especially noticeable on the top and bottom) and reproduced darker and more color-saturated than the original, which does nothing to improve it..



3. Released in early 1967, this was Elvis' second, full length Gospel album. It was a hit in the US climbing to 18 on the album chart and eventually being certified MULTI-PLATINUM by the RIAA and being award a Grammy. It was a bigger hit in the UK reaching 11 on the album chart there. It includes Crying In The Chapel which was a huge hit worldwide; it peaked at number 3 on the US singles chart in 1965 and stayed at number 1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart for 7 weeks. It also topped the charts in the UK as well as several other countries. This release is made even better than the original with the includsion of bonus tracks including You'll Never Walk Alone which was a minor hit in 1968. Elvis' performance of these songs is excellent!
   
   While this is an excellent CD, there are better Elvis Gospel collections available now, such as his excellent Ultimate Gospel CD.

5 comments about The Ringing Bell.

1. I loved Derek's debut album "She Must and Shall Go Free" due to my following him with Caedmon's Call and really respecting his desire to make his own "message" album and that is still my favorite. I liked Derek's other work in between but found the lyrics to be stronger than the melodies. He returned to form on "The Ringing Bell" with possibly his strongest lyrics overall and definitely his best melodies. I love "I Wanna Marry You All Over Again", "Name", and "I Don't Want To Fight" and it's my 2nd favorite overall.



2. I have been searching for Christian music that breaks the mold. Derek Webb has definitely put out some music that has done so. However, this album seems to be one that is accepted by the American "Christian culture". It's good, though...the songs "The End", "This too shall be made right", and "Savior on Capitol Hill" have excellent lyrical content, and will make you think about where you stand on life and how the government is relied on to solve our problems. Long story short...buy the album, it's got some solid songs on it.



3. Another great album by our generation's Dylan, Heard, Mullins, etc. This is a must for every Christian.



4. I really enjoy this album. It is very fresh, honest, and real. I look forward to more work similar to this album.



5. This comparatively brief album draws heavily on Beatles-like rock arrangement for several of the tracks. The album begins with a strange, unexplained sound, like a heart monitor being listened to while underwater. No explanation what this was about.
   
   Once again, many of the songs are political, while two of the best songs are non-political (being about his wife). The first song is mostly uninterpretable. So little context is given you can't figure out what he's meaning to say, or to whom he is speaking. Also Beatles-esque, musically, in that it's like two different songs stitched together into one.
   
   Webb sings in a direct manner, without lapsing into the hoarse, grinding affect he used in previous albums. The volume at specific points in specific songs seemed to surge up and down at odd places, though I'm not sure if they were produced that way for effect, or if it was caused by my equipment (I think the former, since it never happens with any of my other CDs).
   
   My personal problem with the album is that I think Derek Webb's political ideas are indefensible. I'm not scared by them, or dislike my envelope getting pushed. I just flat out don't agree with him. Webb is a Christian artist. The Bible describes Jesus as unconditionally supporting the Old Testament. Webb implies that Jesus was a pacifist in one line. But Christ never taught pacifism, and even told His disciples to carry weapons, in Luke 22:35-38. Webb simiarly criticized capital punishment in 'Mockingbird', even though the Bible requires capital punishment in certain cases. So Webb's "spiritualized" political ideas aren't coming from the Bible.
   
   Webb has complained that people put a name on him ("left"), as if listeners are wrong to recognize the general framework of his ideas. I feel that if an artist wants to promote political ideas, then he shouldn't fuss about people recognzing what sort of ideas they are.
   
   So: Really like the album musically, but really disagree with Webb's unscriptural, illogical pacifism.

5 comments about Freedom.

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



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



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



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



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

5 comments about Adoration: Live in Atlanta.

1. This CD is a perfect prayer tool. I use it whenever I feel overwhelmed and need to transform my mind in order to enter a moment of praise, worship and heartfelt prayer with the Lord.



2. This was a wonderful CD performed by Richard Smallwood. I live in Atlanta and went to the concert, but to have the CD is really heart rendering, soul searching and very spiritual. I can feel the Spirt of God moving throughout this entire CD. Every song is beautiful.



3. I had this CD and listened to it until it was worn out. It will uplift, bless, and encourage you to face one more day. I especially loved Total Praise and It' Working, well, the entire project.I love how Mr. Smallwood writes with such passion and conviction in every word that's sung.



4. I have looked for this CD for the past 3 years, Richard Smallwood is phenomenal and the Song Angel has significant meaning to my wife and I.



5. Adoration has some of the most outstanding music that Richard Smallwood has ever written. I am a huge fan of his work, and I believe that this cd is one of the best. The songs that touch me the most are "Total Praise" and "Thank You." Richard keep on doing what you're doing!!!! I am 16 and I LOVE his music.

No comments about Air.