3 comments about Live at Carnegie Hall.

1. The first three tracks on this cd alone will make you happy you purchased it. Beatitudes starts with "blessed are.." and no matter how bad your case of the blues, you will raise your head by the end of the song. Run, Run, Mourner Run showcases not only the separate harmonies working together but a playful interaction with the live audience as well. Wade in the Water is a fluid, soulful rendition of this church song. All of the good reasons you might go to church are contained in these songs. The cd continues with adventurous harmony, political statements and rises to climactic endings as in Our Side Won. No one can beat their arrangements and voices working together - truly the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And in this case the parts are excellent as well.



2. this was a recording that i had years ago and finally felt the need to repurchase on cd.
   if there was any recording that one would require to cover your Sweet Honey In The Rock needs, this has to be the one....it is quite simply flawless...
   the energy of their live performance that comes across is amazing...the group is amazing and having had the luck to experience them live, to have a recording that matches that energy, majk & vitality is truly fortunate...
   
   do not hesitate to acquire this masterpiece...



3. I was browsing Amazon to see if I could get my hands on this amazing CD. (I'm glad to know I can.) From beginning to end, each song is riveting and entertaining. "Beatitudes" is one of the most beautiful songs you'll ever hear. "Dear Martin" is a wonderful performance of a poem. If you enjoy a variety of music, incredible harmonies, and worldly, timely subjects, you'll love this CD.

3 comments about Ordinary Servant.

1. Sha has a unique voice, one that you will never forget. This project was good, I was expecting more but it's good for a first project. She is definitely on her way to doing somethings for God.



2. When I received my CD the case was broken. This is not good for giving as a gift.



3. This CD is awesome from begining to end. Sha' has such a powerful annointing in every song on this CD. You can feel the holy spirit moving though the stereo system. This CD will bless you in so many ways. "Rain" will have you on your on your knees. This is a must have for all worshippers.

5 comments about Gaither Gospel Series - Still The Greatest Story Ever Told.

1. Not a big fan of most of these songs, group sounds good--I love close harmony--but bought for just the one song.



2. This is the first CD with David Phelps, and unfortunately they don't feature him much. This is a VERY good Christmas CD, one that you will play in the summer. 'Mary did you know' is awesome, and so are 'Hand of sweet release' and 'Go tell everyone.'



3. I have always loved the GVB music and this album was not a disappointment. There are so many great songs and the Gaither Vocal Band belts them out as they would a regular album. This is an album that can easily be listened to all year around. I highly recommend this album!



4. THIS IS A GOOD ALBUM, HOWEVER I THINK, BACK HOME IN INDIANA, TESTIFY, SOUTHERN CLASSICS II, LOVING GOD LOVING EACH OTHER WERE BETTER ALBUMS...THE HARMONY ON THIS ALBUM IS NOT AS GOOD...SOME OF THE VOICES ARE TOO PROMINENT, ESPECIALLY THE TENOR...SONG SELECTION IS VERY GOOD...I LIKED THE ALBUM OVERALL...IT IS JUST THAT SOME OF THE VOICES NEEDS TO BLEND BETTER...



5. This album is one of the best albums I've ever heard, period. Not just for Christmas, or Southern Gospel, or Gaither Vocal Band. The production is superb. The singing is fantastic. It's just one of the best!!! Only one word can describe this album...beautiful!!

   The gems of this album are "Mary, Did You Know?" (penned by Mark Lowry), which showcases the power of these mens' voices, and "Hand Of Sweet Release," a moving song that tells how a little baby born in a manger was the one who would save us all.

   If you don't own this album, BUY IT!! You will DEFINITELY be pleased!!

2 comments about The Donut Man's Favorite Active Time Songs.

1. We have several Donut Man Videos and love them. All four of our children, ranging from 2-6 years old sing and dance with these tapes. The messages are great!



2. My two year loves this video. It's fun and lively, he loves to dance to it. We will be getting more donutman video's for sure.

5 comments about Almost There.

1. This is a wonderful cd by Mercyme. It has great christian songs that will touch your heart, especially the song "I Can Only Imagine". I think anyone would be happy if they bought this cd, it's the best!!!



2. If I could rate this cd with 0 stars, I would. It does not even deserve a star. My pastor mentioned that he was attending a concert of this group and I wanted to check them out. It goes to show the sad commentary of our times. The Lyrics are disgracful, and non majestic and not deserving of true praise of our Lord and Saviour but the music with it's over emphasis on rhythm over top of harmony and melody is worst then sad. It is sinful. The Holy Word talks about a New Song. Not new in Quanity, but in QUALITY. We are not to have our music like the world's music. our Music is suppose to be heavenly, majestic, inspiring of reverence and awe. The lyrics are suppose to be didactic, full of doctrine that the word may dwell within us RICHLY. This music does not fit any of the above. Music can be moral or immoral depending on how it is composed. Music can stir the emotions in many ways. The way this music is composed is immoral to the Sovereign Lord and harmful to us. I do not recommend this group or any other CCM worldy styled groups. Stick with the timeless and endless beauty of Psalms and Hymns of bygone past. One last thing, this music falls under the category of entertainment which in no way belongs in the Church of God, the house of the living God.
   
   The Reformed Baptist



3. Imagining this project would take them seven years, gathering the lyrics and well worth the time spent. After six independent records before signing with INO records, Almost There was released in 2001. This Christian group contains the genres of Pop, & Inspirational/Worship music. People who enjoy their style will also enjoy artists such as Casting Crowns, Big Daddy Weave, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Peer reviews show that if the artists that inspires you enjoy are FFH, 4Him, and Newsong, Mercy Me will be an added pleasure to a list of favorites. I also own these artists for their realistic look at the beauty of Christianity.
   
   A collection of favorites, the WOW album adds them the positive for a purchase of this Mercy Me album destined to touch all ages, all religious beliefs, and all hearts whether soft or hardened. The first time I heard the group Mercy Me was on the radio, shortly after the loss of a very dear relative. I was immediately captivated with the words to the song titled "I Can Only Imagine"; it is truly a favorite. This enabled me to be much more at peace with the loss of my aunt, because I felt she was in such a better place. The lead singer Bart Willard captures what many wonder about heaven or what it may be like. After listening to these words "Surrounded by your glory what will my heart feel, will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still. Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall, will I sing Hallelujah will I be able to speak at all. I can only imagine." I would have to say I can truly only imagine this beautiful sight.
   To share some lyrics of my favorite lyrics and share the feeling: Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
   Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
   Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
   I can only imagine.
   
   I do not feel it was coincidence this CD was released in, keeping in mind, post September 11 tragedy left the nation in need of a spiritual song as this, 2001. The present reception of listeners is all about asking what is next; they want more from this group, and so do I. This CD provides a definite tribute to the Lord's options by presenting words for the believer in him. Interestingly, the band also hears from DJ's around the world telling them that people who do not consider themselves to be in the Christian walk call and thank them for playing their music because it is so uplifting to them. Bart Millard, the lead singer, is quoted as saying "People who have never met Christ are now starting to question eternity; and he is working in their hearts each and everyday." This quote was published in a review by Christianity Today.
   The first of eleven tracks on this CD "I worship you." For those who have been reborn to Christ, the words in this song so touch the new burn that is felt.
   I've been walking with a big grin
   Singing with my eyes closed
   Lifting up my hands
   
   The feeling is electric
   The power and the glory
   Just move me where you will
   
   These are very freeing words during the times of opportunities; one ponders at what it means to be a follower of Christ.
   "House of God," track 8 of 11, would probably be my least favorite due to the volume/style of this music. I do not have any dislike for the lyrics, but due to the "rock" style of this track, I lose the overall meaning of the song.
   In closing I would say fans will be pleased with this CD as well as with their 2004 release "Undone" Future plans for this group include an individual CD by lead singer Bart Millard title "Hymned," and their first Christmas CD. An interesting fact I learned was that one of the first individual CD's prior to the 2001 release, was a lullaby CD which I will purchase next. Thanks to this research, I was made aware of their early work.
   Some fan comments were as given by Bart Millard to Christianity Today 1. A dad at one of their concerts who had 4 teenagers, and just lost his wife, the teenagers came to accept Christ as their Savoir at the concert. 2. A 56 year old father complimented them on how their lyrics spoke directly to God.
   Clearly, this group is here to stay. The arena of fans will continue to grow with all age groups, and nationalities, as they are listened to across the world and by different countries. With the changes, we all face in today's world, and opportunities that evolve with everyday life situations. I proudly rate this CD a five star rating. So sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of this artist.



4. This is quite simply one of my favorite CDs of all-time. Even though I've had it for a few years now, I still listen to it often. The songs are so powerful and inspiring, really capture the heart of worship.



5. During the 1990s, especially the late 90s, churches began moving away from traditional hymns towards praise and worship music. As a result, many new praise and worship songs were written for the church to satisfy this need.

   Christian radio, and most Christian music groups, were slow to catch on to the wave. However, 2000 and 2001 saw an increase in the number of groups and singers putting out their own praise albums. But these were groups and singers who were already established on the scene. Surely it was only a matter of time before a praise and worship group burst onto the scene.

   Then it happened. A praise and worship band called MercyMe, after six independent albums, signed with a major studio and released "Almost There." This was in August of 2001. Their first single, "I Can Only Imagine" slowly started making it up the Christian radio charts.

   Then came 9/11 and the face of the world changed forever.

   Millions of people, both Christian and non-Christian, turned back to God for strength and comfort. With this renewed interest on our Lord and Savior, "I Can Only Imagine" began tearing up the charts. The song almost single-handily took the album Gold.

   "I Can Only Imagine" aside, MercyMe is a terrific praise and worship album, with new songs that breathes some freshness into all the stale redos that many artists have begun doing with some of the older songs. These songs are from the heart of not only the group members, but of God as well. If you will let it, God can and will minister to you through these songs.

1 comments about Eclipse.

1. I bought this Cd in 1995 as i follow a fair bit of Christian Rock without actually going to church. There is some great Christian rock bands and this band is one of them along with Petra, Whiteheart and Newsboys to name a few.Their 1991 album is even better and i have heard a single from their hard to get alsbum of the late 80's( the golden era) and it is a ripper too.
   
   If you can get your hands on Liason's self titled album, released in 91' - it features the late Jeff Porcaro (toto) drumming on all tracks.Kick it Down is an absolute classic hard rock melodic track.

1 comments about Worth Dying For.

1. You couldn't ask for a more energetic and devoted group of young musicians. God bless them and speed them on their way to the top.

5 comments about Resurrected.

1. The song that I first heard on my internet station was "Red Wine". I then decided to order the cd to see what other songs I would like. I was pleasantly surpised by the tracks.



2. Although I find Tony Rich's vocals rather out of tune, there are some highlights here: 'Red Wine', 'Travelling Alone' and 'Don't Call Me' are good (in terms of melody)
   The lyrics are sometimes a little out of place and stupid.
   Maybe if he had put in better tunes, it would make up for the awful vocals.



3. Tony Rich is part of the school of black musicians such as
   Vernon Reid,Prince,Terrance Trent D'Arby,Lenny Kravitz and the
   immortal Jimi Hendrix who see no distinction between R&B,funk and rock n' roll-they're just classic black music to them.And
   of course this album contains songs in ALL those styles.From
   the hard rockin' "Future Daze" to the sublimely grooving "Free"
   these songs varriate from hard to soft and back in the space of
   15 selections.And I can't see ANYTHING but good come from that!



4. Having shaken off the stagnation of his Arista shackling Tony Rich has regrouped and come back with another great album. While his last effort (1998's Birdseye) didn't contain much in the way of singles it was seen by fans as arguably better than the platinum, grammy winning Words. Now on Compendia Records he has room to breathe and without the wish to release singles can concentrate solely on making a consistent LP. His labelmate Terence Trent D'Arby has experienced a similar scenario as regards his artistically satisfying Wildcard Joker's Edition also.

   Future Daze is a funky, edgy start on an album frequently more rock influenced (Read guitars high in the mix) than the past work. Free is a defiant manifesto for his post major label emancipation while Red Wine's groove recalls the commonly emancipated influence Prince's classic 1987 number Strange Relationship. Tony doesn't let down the fans as regards ballads either with the radio play success Travelling Alone. Don't Call Me's country twang and the plaintive When I Miss You are other examples of The Tony Rich Project's continual quality on the slower tempo material. There's even a chance to throw in a live track with Yeah! Yeah! taking us out in style.

   Resurrected may not top any charts or permeate the mainstream (No singles or videos almost guarantee that) but it's quality cannot be doubted so critically he can expect great reaction like the reviews here demonstrate. With a live album and DVD in the works, The Tony Rich Project community is one to stay close with for the latest news, developments and releases.




5. Before I begin, I have to say that it's tiring and annoying to see people with seemingly immature minds incapable of writing honest reviews at this Web site, giving seemingly everything four or five stars, coming off as some early teens bubblegum pop fan gushing over his/her favorite singer, whom they like because he/she is pretty, cute, etc. Even here on this thread, someone gives this album a four star and even admits they haven't heard the album. now onto my review.
   Anyone following Tony Rich Project's career and hearing the group's previous two albums -- Words and Birdseye -- will know what TRP is about -- R&B soul, with a touch of Prince, Hendrix, and with a solid, artsy delivery that is good enough to make you forget about the product that is passed off as R&B on the radio.
   So this album won't bring any surprises to TRP fans. It's more of the same, and that's not a bad thing. He does rock out a bit more on the guitar on the first few tracks, and then settles into his comfort zone, delivering his familiar style of mellow ballads that rely more on feeling, substance, and emotion than formulaic beats. And so while it won't wow you as perhaps "Words" had, it is worth getting. New fans should start with "Words." TRP always managed to move with his songs, and he (yes, despite the band name, this is about Tony Rich) accomplishes that here. When he is no longer moving in his delivery, that's when it's time to worry.

5 comments about Take Me Away.

1. I'm working on getting familiar with some Christian female vocalists I never recall hearing, one of which is Sarah Kelly. (Of note--also on the list is Rachael Lampa, and the design of the covers and the looks of the ladies are very similar; if I didn't know better, I'd think they're sisters.)
   
   I found Sarah's voice haunting. One reviewer (Spotlight, no less. . . actually, I think it was less) implied that the singles (which I've never heard) was better than the collection (which I've heard). Actually, the collection is very good. I am officially a Sarah Kelly fan.
   
   My favorites on this project are "Take Me Away", "Living Hallelujah", "Please Forgive Me", "Faithful Father", and "Matter Of Time."



2. I recently had the privilege of hearing Sarah Kelly's music for the first time. What a treat!
   
   I picked up this CD and have listened to it numerous times since then. She has a unique and delightful sound. Her songs are all focused on praising the Creator of the Universe.
   
   If you haven't heard her before, I would highly recommend this CD. There are no bad songs on this record. My personal favorites are: 'Take Me Away', 'Forever', and 'Matter Of Time'.
   
   Buy it and enjoy!



3. I heard her on internet radio -- and I loved the sound. I read the reviews and thought, "A little classic Joplin mixed with a healthy dose of McLachlan all wrapped in a Christian package? How can you beat that?"
   
   Unfortunately, the album doesn't play well straight through. On a single-by-single basis, Sarah Kelly sounds great, but the whole project owes as much to Steve Green as it does to Alanis Morisette. A weird combination, I know, and 45 minutes straight through just doesn't play well. Put it in the iPod and shuffle it through your other 4000 songs, and you'll love it. Play it straight through, and you'll feel like you're at a retro-Christian concert for up-and-coming inspirational artists. Not quite the healthy dose of creativity and gutsy rock I was looking for.



4. When I initially listened to Sarah's debut album at a bookstore through $10 headphones in '04, I was immediately blown away. The power and conviction in her voice stunned me. I absolutely believed every word she was singing as being her experience in her relationship with God. I cried tears listening to the powerful "Pleaes Forgive Me", followed by "Faithful Father", and "A Matter of Time". Like other reviewers have also said, the experience of being immersed into "Take Me Away", ttok me away into the presence of God.
   
   I immediately purchased this CD and couldn't stop listening. I have since had the opportunity to meet Sarah, and she is sincere and pretty intense. It's not just the singing voice. She is intensely passionate about her relationship with the One who rescued her from pain into joy overflowing.
   
   She did not perform "Please Forgive Me" that night but did say that her next album will have that kind of bluesy rock feel through much of it. It is due out in August and I can hardly wait.
   
   She is as authentic as they come and her music reflects that.



5. I listened to the Michael W. Smith Ultimate Music Makeover album earlier this year and fell in love with the remake of "You Need a Savior," performed by an artist I'd never heard of before--Sarah Kelly.
   
   Anxious to see what else she'd done, I found her website and listened to "Take Me Away" and "Life Is." Wow. I had to get that album.
   
   To this day, it still astounds me that I'd never heard of Sarah Kelly before. Her music is too good to go unnoticed. I could give a play-by-play of each song, but its really not necessary. Every song on this CD is outstanding (though the two I listed above are my personal favorites). The power in her voice is rare and incredible. Its like listening to a humming bird that can roar like a lion when she wants to (a very musically gifted lion, of course--or perhaps lioness?).
   
   As for the depth of her lyrics, you'll have plenty of things to ponder while listening. Take Me Away is a worship album with punch, both musically and lyrically.
   
   Finally, for those waiting for Sarah's next album to come out (drop I guess is the new term), the wait will be over in August. But in the meantime, she can also be heard on the aforementioned CD and on the Jars of Clay worship album Redemption Songs ("I'll Fly Away").

5 comments about Open the Eyes of My Heart.

1. If you never get any other Worship cd ever again in your life and could only keep one, this is it my friends. Just a great, heartfelt, powerful performance and one cd that I've not gotten tired of after all this time. To me that's the test of a great album in any genre let alone Gospel.
   
   Paul is a very talented musician and songwriter and this Catholic is not ashamed to admit that the songs in this compilation really move me. Not a single filler track here and the cd is very well produced and so the sound quality is excellent as well.
   
   God bless Paul Baloche and all those who have been touched by his great gift!



2. This is the first time I've taken time to write a review...and it's because this is one of the best recordings I've ever heard.
   It is intimate, musially VERY interesting and satisfying, and it reveals the heart of the song writer as one in love with God.
   I'm a lover of God and good music, and this recording stands out as one of my all-time favorite. Get it...you won't be disappointed.



3. I have listen to Baloche's album "First love" and I did like, so I decided to buy this new Cd... I was amazed by the intimicy of the lyrics and the fantastic work done by the musiciens! I knew lots of versions of some musics but... This album is the best! You really can fall in praise and intimate worship by listening to this work... Are you "near" God? Are you "far" away? This Cd can be a help....



4. By listening to this cd you can have an outstanding whorship & intimacy experience with God. When i heard this for the first time i've liked very much the musics but in a couple of days i felt the presence of God through this music and i humbled myself as i came to the presence of The Holy. Hearing this cd while in intimacy with God has been the most precious experience i've had with God. So buy the cd and you'll see ...



5. This cd is incredible! There's great material for worship leaders to use that ranges from driving to worshipful and is also awesome for keeping you worshipping while doing simple day to day tasks at home. I highly recommend it for worship leaders, moms and those who have a heart to worship! Enjoy!