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.

1 comments about Mr. Brown's Good Ol Time Church.

1. Didn't know what to expect when I picked up this cd, pleasantly surprised. Love the song selection, seems like most are the songs that are sung in Tyler Perry's plays and if you grew up in church(penecostal, apostolic, deliverance) you know these songs. Also, good laughs in between the songs selections. Great job, David Mann.

5 comments about Moments for the Heart: The Very Best of Ray Boltz Volume 1 & 2.

1. One Sunday a few years back, just prior to Easter, our minister of music and his young son sang "Watch the Lamb". There wasn't a dry eye in the congregation. Our pastor came to the pulpit and quietly announced that there wouldn't be a sermon that day, because, through the song, God was already at work doing His wonderous works. There were several new souls who came to know God that Sunday morning, and just because someone followed the Holy Spirit's urging to sing a song. Praise the Lord for giving men (and women) like Ray a heart for God's people and a voice and ability to write/sing music that moves us so much! You'll like every one of these songs!



2. first time was for my husband...second time is for my dad...it's great! get it!! ;)



3. I recently purchased this 2 CD set and I am very happy with it. Every song on it is excellent and very encouraging. I like that I did not have to buy multiple CD's as this has just about every great song from Ray Boltz asside from one or two others. Shortly after receiving this CD set, I put it on my iPhone and now I can listen to it anywhere I go. Pretty good deal for the amount of songs. I like Ray Boltz because a lot of his songs tell a story and not just a bunch of repetitive lyrics. Very good artist.



4. Thes are the best of Ray Boltz. A great intro to his music or for the fan of his music. Boltz paints very vivid pictures in his songs and they all draw you closer to God. Stand Out Songs are "Thank You" and "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb." All his songs have very powerful lyrics and messages.



5. It is fantastic. I have been a Ray Boltz fan for what is like forever.
   My family loves his music and you would too. my eldest brother loves to sing his music when he performs and there are always tears in the peoples eyes.
   
   Ray Boltz is an inspiration!!

5 comments about The Very Best of B.J. Thomas.

1. There are singers whose voices do more than entertain.
   BJ Thomas has one of those voices. It's soulful and moving.
   I've been a fan for many years. I love this album.



2. B. J. Thomas made occasional visits to the upper reaches of the pop charts from about 1968 to 1970 and less frequently throughout 1970s but continued to have country hits for much longer. My favourite here is the poignant No Love At All with its foot-tapping melody and evocative lyrics and the bouncy Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head which was the theme song from popular 60s movie Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid. Hooked On A Feeling with its strong hook has retained its vigour and still beats all the later cover versions. I Just Can't Help Believin' is a gentle soulful ballad that has also seen many interpretations, including one by Elvis. Speaking of whom, Thomas' cover of Suspicious Minds has its charms. The other hits here include Everybody's Out Of Town and Rock `n Roll Lullaby. This is classic melodic soft rock with intelligent, sometimes poetic lyrics and is a good showcase of B. J. Thomas' early music. As a Best Of, it is not comprehensive though, as Thomas created a solid body of memorable work afterwards, including lots of excellent country and gospel songs.



3. My mom had this when I was little and I used to listen to it all the time. I recently re-discovered it and purchased the CD, I forgot how great B.J. really is. The oldies radio station doesn't do this man justice. Along with "Hooked On A Feeling" and "I Just Can't Help Believing", this disc also features "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head", "Mighty Clouds of Joy", and "Most of All", the major highlights among many others. This CD is great as a primer for the first time BJ Thomas fan, and the one who is looking to save money by getting many of his classics in one cohesive collection. Highly recommended.



4. Great choice of songs. B.J.'s voice is like no other . . . It's as though he is right there singing to you!



5. love b.j. He had some problems, but has worked through them. saw a show & was very pleased with it am happy to own a CD by him.

5 comments about A Morning Like This.

1. I think this is the most beautiful CD of Sandi Patti. I want to have it for a long time. I was very surprised to find it on Amazon.com.



2. The product arrived very timely! It was in excellent condition! The price was very reasonable as it was coupled with another CD by the same artist as a combination sale item! There was no shipping charge as other items were ordered with this for a larger total order price! The CD is of a very high spiritual nature with very little repetition of lyrics with her voice being very smooth and melodic!



3. I love this CD. Sandi Patti has a great voice and does a wonderful job on this CD.



4. The music CD was all I expected it to be; however, it was necessary to play it at a very high volume setting since it could not be understood at a normal setting.



5. The year was 1986. I was at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville with a church group. Sandi Patti was giving her "Let There Be Praise" concert. The lights dimmed, smoke billowed out of the stage, the track to "Let There Be Praise" began and Sandi made her entrance from the wings. We soared like Eagles that night! THe rafters came down, almost!! She launched into "Hosanna" right after "Praise" then got her first standing ovation of the night with "Unshakeable Kingdom". The rest of the evening went like that. She sang every song from this incredible collection that night and its still the best concert I have ever attended by anyone, anywhere and I've been to many living in Nashville. Nothing Sandi has done since can compare to this incredible masterpiece! As one reviewer noted above, this is like attending your own Sandi Patti concert and every time I play this CD its like that memorable night in 1986 all over again.

5 comments about The Way I Am.

1. Jennifer Knapp does amazing Christian Rock. Her music is inspiring and her writing is so honest.



2. You may think that's not such a glowing recommendation, given the fact that the overwhelming majority of Contemporary Christian Music is subpar at best. However, this album sets the bar that all other CCM albums should be judged against.
   
   This is Jennifer Knapp's third album, and Gotee Records pulled out all the stops on the production of this project. They hired some of the best studio musicians alive today, most notably Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa, Chick Corea) on drums and Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson) on bass. The only misstep on this album is producer Tony McAnany's decision to use a drum loop on a few of the songs, because I can't begin to understand why he would think that programmed drums would be a better choice than using Mr. Colaiuta's incredible skill throughout the entire album.
   
   Lyrically, this is not an album of fun sing-alongs for your next campfire. Jennifer is plumbing the depths of her soul through this album, and not everything that she finds is what most would consider "uplifting," but it is certainly honest, and that is a breath of fresh air in a genre that spews out the same tired cliches time after time.
   
   For instance, in the title track, she sings of how "It's better off this way - to be deaf, dumb and lame, than to be the way I am. It's better off this way, than be groping for the flame, than to be the way I am." I've read other people's reviews of this album to see if I even needed to review it, and it seems that I do, because people don't seem to be reading her lyrics correctly. The chorus to this song isn't saying that "it's better to seem humble by worldly standards than to go Godless as a carnal, worldly sinner," as one of the other reviews on this site claims. It's saying that it's better to not be able to hear, speak, or move, than be the way I am. It's better to be a vegetable than to be the way I am. It might even be a cry for help, who knows? Jennifer seems to have disappeared since this album came out almost five years ago now.
   
   But every song on this album is gutwrenchingly honest, and beautiful at the same time. The beauty is found in the fact that there are so few people in Christian music who are willing to open up their hearts and write music from the darkest regions that they find there. The beauty is in admitting that, while the grace and mercy of God goes deep enough to reach even the darkest spots in our lives, it's still a struggle sometimes letting go of those places.
   
   It's a struggle to make peace with the reaching through and beyond those dark places, to the fuller understanding of grace that lies on the other side of them. And it is Jennifer's willingness to draw back the curtain on her own struggle for peace that makes this album the best Christian album I've ever heard, even five years after it was first released...



3. As with her first two albums, Kansas and Lay It Down, Ms. Knapp combines a beautiful sound with meaningful, Christian lyrics. Her sound is rock at times and folk at others.
   
   Although this one may not be quite as good as her album Kansas, which is an all time great, it is very good. I would recommend it.



4. Jennifer Knapp is an excellent musician, somehow managing to spin folk, rock, and Christian into one musical category. She has a distinct voice that is just gritty enough to grab your attention and soft enough to make it oh-so pleasant. I haven't heard a song by this artist that has fallen short yet.
   
   While I haven't done any research on Knapp, I would have to guess she has studied music for a while. She seems to know how to write music and lyrics that stir the soul. Her songs flow quite well, and she seems at ease performing with some of the top artists in the Christian music industry.
   
   Ya can't go wrong with this CD. It's a keeper!
   
   See ya next review.



5. I've decided to review Jennifer Knapp's third album "The Way I Am." I understand that album is not her latest anymore, but I feel it is the most underrated of all her efforts.
   
   Knapp fans who loved Kansas and Lay It Down, generally frown upon her third album due to its less-folky nature. Some Jennifer Knapp fans even labeled it as 'mediocre.' I believe that accusation is quite far from the truth. The lyrics are as powerful as ever and the music is magnified 100%. True, the raw folk sound of a pure acoustic guitar is gone for the most part, but the London Symphony Orchestra and the heavy guitar riffs more than make up for it.
   
   If you're a lover of music, you must check this CD out! This album brings out every emotion imaginable. From guilt and regret in "The Way I Am," to unbridled joy in "Breathe On Me," to straight-up sorrow in "In Two (The Lament)."
   
   Is this my favorite Jennifer Knapp album? No, but it is definitely a close second!
   
   For all those who have this album, but shoveled it away somewhere, I implore you to dig it out and listen to it witout bias. I, too, felt it wasn't as good as her previous two albums when I first got it. Yet, after a few more listens, it suddenly rose to the top of the heap! As for those who never listened to it, give it a chance--you just might like what you hear!

5 comments about One and Only.

1. I was first introduced to Big Daddy Weave through their sophomore effort, Fields Of Grace. As soon as I heard the first notes of the title track I was hooked and had to hear more! I immediately rushed out to see what else was available and I was not disappointed.This band is tight! I have to say I'm a little dissapointed none of the other reviewers mentioned my all-time favorite track from the first cd, 'Never Goin' Back'! That song just makes me wanna get up and Boogie! I'm sure there are



2. No matter how you slice it, "One and Only" has it all. Lyricists will find poetry in motion and clever, catchy phrases like in "Neighborhoods". Once you hear "Friend like You" or "In Christ", you can't get the tune out of your head. Musicians will not be disapointed. You will find a wealth of well placed licks and dynamic accents (too many examples to list). Being a musician, I appreciate the use of smooth, melodic chord progressions that combine sometimes intricate tranistional licks nicely. Although the music is obviously acoustic driven (by Bid Daddy Mike Weaver), Jeremy (electric), Jeff (drums) and Jay (bass) are exciting, cohesive and rock solid. Joe(sax) adds an incredible edge with his playing. On the surface you may compare Joe to Le roy Moore (Dave Matthews Band). Keep listening! Joe flat jams it out and shows some great versitility. Most importantly, you will find songs that deliver a very clear messege about an awesome, loving, living God. Every song is obviously scripture based or inspired by scripture. Not many CDs keep your attention from beginning to end. This one will! I promise you that this CD is a must have, and the next Big Daddy Weave CD is only gonna be better this fall.



3. (As I listen to them right now)... An absolutely spirit uplifting CD from the greatest Godly people ever. Most people's souls delight in listening to their music (yes, it's catchy) and also YES- encouraging to the Christian with Jesus living in their heart as well as non Christians. It is the one CD I crank in my room to have my own time with God.

   Their messages in the lyrics are absolutely from the word... it's straight up TRUTH! And for those of you that don't understand, open the book and see for yourself. They are also the best live band ever, they've done my church camp for the past 2 years and I love the way that thier relationship with Christ plays the biggest role in their music. What could make it better!? So give up the 13 bucks or whatever and your money WILL come back to you in the long haul because I've never taken it out of the "good CD's" case (come on, we all know we have one) ... and let them just minister to you and allow Christ to open up your heart for their message... IT'S JUST DARN GOOD STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!! ....oooh and #8 is the best one.. (forgot this was a review :)




4. I find that Big Daddy Weave's style more resembles that of Edwin McCain than Dave Matthews Band. Big Daddy's vocals remind me alot of Edwin McCain, and the instrumentals are very similar as well. Being an Edwin McCain fan, I love this style of music. Lyrically, the band is solid, and the tracks are spiritually inspiring. I am looking forward to their next album, due out in October 2003.



5. This is Christian pop music in fine form. Catchy hooks that have you singing along in no time. This CD is fun, plain and simple.

   Big Daddy Weave is produced by Jeromy Deibler from FFH and some of that influence can be heard on this recording. Its pop sound is similar in style to Steven Curtis Chapman and some will compare the sound to the Dave Matthews Band, I however will not. I guess the comparison is made because Big Daddy Weave has a saxophone player. To me, the Big Daddy Weave sound is much more a "pop" style than the creative, alternative rock style of the Dave Matthews Band, so the addition of a saxophone is really the only link between the two bands that I can hear. I am pleasantly surprised to hear the distinct sound of the Hammond B3 organ and that is really cool. (What ever happened to the organ in popular music?) The instrumentation is unique among Christian bands today and that is refreshing. Big Daddy Weave will have mass appeal because young and old ears both can appreciate their music.

   This CD stands out among recent releases in Christian music for a couple of reasons. One reason is the name "Big Daddy Weave" which is rather unusual and was named after lead singer Mike Weaver. It's a band name that makes one say "Is that the name of the band?" and people will give it a spin simply out of curiousity, "wonder what they sound like?". The other reason is because of their unique instrumentation, melodic style and simple lyrics.

   The lyrics are very scripturally based. Big Daddy Weave is not ashamed to say "Jesus Christ" in their songs and their faith shines through from every track. Their first hit track "In Christ" did well on CCM charts but is now being surpassed by the ballad-style prayer of "Audience of One". It is an honest and simple plea from the heart of the singer for the Lord to accept his praise and let "me live for You, this song of humility...And Lord as the love song of my life is played, I have one desire to bring glory to Your name". The song is a metaphor; that living a life for Him is the "love song" to God, the One, the Audience, hearing this prayer.

   This is a delightful CD to listen to when you are just chillin' around the house. It contains nice smooth ballads, but most of the album is filled with upbeat tempo's and funky rhythms that carry sweet melodies that simply float out of the CD player. This group has some great musicians in it and I will look forward to them settling into their own style. Right now it is so easy to say "they sound like Steven Curtis Chapman" or "with that sax they are comparable to Dave Matthews" and as I mentioned above, the FFH influence can also be heard. They have enough talent to develop their own sound and not have to be compared to anyone else.

   3.5 Stars of 5

5 comments about A Grateful People.

1. I bought this CD because we named our daughter Elliana, and "Elliana's Song" describes our feelings toward her perfectly. After suffering a devastating miscarriage, God really did answer our prayers when he gave us Elli. Of course, I love "Elliana's Song", but the rest of the CD is equally powerful. I'm sad that this is Watermark's final album, but what a way to go out!



2. I love this group and I hate to see them say goodbye (but great for them and their family life). I do love this album. I love the singing and praise to God. I love the vocals and guitar. I like the live feeling. It is a great praise album that will be playing in my player for ages to come!!!



3. This is my favorite worship Cd ever. I have had it for over a year and I have never gotten tired of listening to it. I give it for gifts and everyone has loved it too!



4. What an inspiring cd. A friend sent this to me as we'd just experienced a miscarriage. The song "Glory Baby" is so healing for anyone who's lost a child. As we continued listening, I've found myself enjoying each song. The artists write music to God that expresses what I'd like to say to Him. Such passion, such love - we've really enjoyed this cd!



5. I have to admit that I bought this CD for one song. However, I heard the whole CD one night, and I instantly began to worship God in a completely heartfelt manner. Christy Nockels' voice reflects the sincerity and heartfelt love she has for God. All of the lyrics in this CD really strike a chord with everyone who has heard them. So far, three of my friends heard my CD and have consequently gone out to buy it. It really is a must-buy for Watermark fans and anyone who enjoys pure worship.

5 comments about Indelible Grace.

1. I like some of the new melodies for these old hymns but the quality of the voices and some of the music could be better.



2. A great first album. I was at a conference in 1995 where we tried to sing the traditional version of Wesley's "Arise, My Soul, Arise." It was dreadful. Kevin Twit was there and introduced the version on this album. I have loved their music ever since. Their desire is not to lose the poetry of the church while recognizing that musical styles change. A number of contemporary styles are represented in their CD's. You may not like every song, but there is something there for evryone.



3. Excellent settings of classic hymns. Begins with an invitation: Joseph Hart's classic text, "Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Wretched." Also contains "Whate'er My God Ordains is Right" by hymn-writer Samuel Rodigast. The CD ends with a touching rendition of Anne Steele's forgotten hymn, "Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul," featuring an intimate vocal by Sandra McCracken, accompanying herself at the piano while singing the newly-written melody by Reformed University Fellowship director, Kevin Twitt. An excellent addition to your worship library. The songs are very singable and the arrangements are doable by almost any worship band of any size.



4. The hymns in this cd are probably some of the lesser known hymns for young people but they are powerful. This cd contains simple yet deep songs like "I Need Thee Every Hour", and "Love Constraining to Obedience" which are easy to memorize and the words will thrill your soul. For thoughtful worship and doctrinal clarity unmatched look no further, get Indelible Grace.



5. Have played this Cd 100 times and never gets Old the songs lead to a Spirit of Worship the Triune God in Spirit and Truth.My sixteen year old daughter listens and always keeps a copy in her jeep.

1 comments about Shine Through The Stars.

1. I bought this album as a birthday gift for my niece, and got to listen to it with her when she opened it. This is an amazing album!! I love the lyrics, I love the songs! I would absolutely recommend it!!