1 comments about The Bright Sadness.

1. It's a timeless theme that resonates in the best religious art; God's redemption of broken man. Charlie Hall's newest offering is an auditory reminder of that sentiment. If Flying Into Daybreak was a meditation on the absolute beauty and transcendence of God, The Bright Sadness finds Charlie musing on the human condition - how God interacts with our brokenness and pain. Musically, there are muscular rockers (Chainbreaker, The Second Alive), breathtaking airy ballads (Scenes, New Year, You Are God), heart lifting anthems (Walk the World, My Brightness, Mystery), and even prophetic folk (Hookers and Robbers.) There are quirky new key/synth parts that give many moments the feel of mid 80's pop. There are quite a few strong moments on The Bright Sadness, my favorite songs being Walk the World, My Brightness, Scenes, and the awe inspiring album-closer, Mystery. Overall, this is certainly on par with Charlie Hall's best work. There are a few corporate-worship-ready tracks, but most of these songs are very personal in nature. The thing that sticks out to me about Charlie Hall is his naked honesty and sincerity. So what if he doesn't make it into every church's song list like Chris Tomlin. Listen to his heart and you'll hear a passionate personal persuit of God that is quite refreshing. If you're looking for modern worship, good Christian music, or just something to inspire you, The Bright Sadness fits the bill.

5 comments about Top 25 Praise & Worship Songs 2007.

1. These are great songs to listen to. Be aware, that these do not appear to be the original artists.



2. This CD has all my favorite praise songs all on one CD. Some of the arrangements are better than others but overall, this was a terrific buy.



3. good praise song cd. it wasn't the typical maranatha, huge band, couldn't hear the words cd. i could actually hear the words and the songs were performed in a great mellow style.



4. Easy purchase songs were online to make sure the CD was what I was looking for. Fast delivery. Very satisfied.



5. This CD is filled with the songs that are sung in the contemporary church. Listening to it is a very uplifting experience. I just wish the singing was a little better, but it doesn't matter much since I am singing right along with them.

3 comments about Toddler Action Songs.

1. Great C-D for teachers of the very young or for moms as an alternative to talk radio.



2. Will Recommend CD and DVD both of similar version from cedarmont kids. We love the songs. They are good for adults, toddlers, kids learning bible songs, sometimes funny, great music, great kids, great action .. My family loves it.



3. Toddler Actions Songs is an excellent CD for daycare, story time and sunday school use. Children and adults enjoy the pleasingly pleasant songs from yesteryear and today. The song
   "Clap Your Hands" can be used for children of all ages.

5 comments about Alone But Not Alone.

1. This album is a"throwback"to the days when Gospel music was Spirit-filled and could minister to a believers soul!! The title track is a wonderfully beautiful song where a saint recognizes that Jesus is ALWAYS with us(albeit unseen)even when we feel the WORST as we endure lifes' many trials and tribulations,exactly as He PROMISED He would be!! To the unbelievers' eyes,we are"suffering"all alone,but to the believers"spiritual eyes"we SEE Jesus,and KNOW,that we are NEVER alone!!"My Story"is a song/testimony about a saints(many)experiences(failures and successes)in his spiritual walk..These powerful "confessions"made me pause and contemplate how NONE of we believers are perfect in our walk:"I've made a MESS,I need a WAY OUT!" "I've been a WRECK,left like a plane-CRASH!!" "Just Dont Wanna Know"is a sort of melancholy song featuring a very real(thought-provoking) never-before touched-on topic that I personally can truly EMPATHIZE with!!"I Shall Never"is POWERFUL in its' account of believers declaring that they will always TRUST Jesus to bring resolution to any and all difficulties in their lives,and NEVER lose faith in the Lords ability(and willingness)to handle their affairs FOR them to a POSITIVE and VICTORIOUS end!! This annointed song debuts the BEAUTIFUL vocals of one Deshondra Rideout as she perfectly compliments Marvins strong vocals on this track!! I've a feeling that Deshondra Rideout will definitely become a force in Gospel music in the near future!!"Still Believe"is a wonderful song where a saint holds fast to God-ordained attributes and virtues that the world-at-large considers to be"outdated"/"old-fashioned"concepts.."He Brought Joy"is a song that deals with a saint basking in the MANIFESTATION of Gods blessings..Even a lot of believers fail to embrace the concept that Jesus has usually(victoriously)dealt with a problem LONG before we actually witness the manifestation of His deed!!"I Will Try"is a GREAT song where Marvin is musing on how to be the MOST effective in spreading the Gospel of Jesus through whatever medium available...Marvin readily admits that he doesn't yet know,exactly HOW,this can be done,but he asserts that he is DETERMINED to TRY and sucessfully accomplish thiscrucial task..This song debuts the absolutely BEAUTIFUL vocals of one Deshondra Rideout,whos' tender,melodious voice are the perfect compliment to Marvins strong vocals.."Over It Now"is a very"deep"and touching song with MASTERFUL lyrical content addressing the pain and arduous trials involved in being a"Child of the Most High"!!" Marvin has made a MASTERPIECE that any lover of annointed music would be effectively DEFRAUDING themselves by not purchasing PROMPTLY!! This album is LIGHT-YEARS ahead of your"standard Gospel offering!! GET IT NOW!!



2. This CD was purchased as a Mother's Day gift to inspire someone who daily displays strength and courage. Marvin Winans exhibits all that a Gospel singer should and with excellence. On this CD he harmoniously shares the leads with Kim Burrell, the late Ronald Winans as well as others displaying vocal maturity and adaptability. He approaches Contempary Gospel from different angles yet remains true to what we expect from him.



3. My wife and I heard "Sinner's Prayer" on the interstate this weekend and we both almost cried! I sing in my church choir and I believe that you should allow the hearers feel what you're singing. When we heard "Sinner's Prayer" we almost cried because Marvin put his soul into the song. He wasn't putting words through a microphone. Marvin was allowing us to see the regrets that haunted him in the past and asking God to forgive him for his sin's and not to let his children pay for his transgressions. The song forces you to look at your own self. This is especially true if you're a parent. Even though I just heard this song 8 months after it first came out I look at this song as one of the life changing songs that has come into my life. Thank you Marvin! Thanks to the late great Ron also because he changed my life with "Jesus Saves" on Ron Winans Friend's and Family. God has touched you. Let Him use you!



4. This is one of the best among the top three choices I have since buying any of the Winan's music. This delivers all the spiritual elements needed in a person's soul to remind us of just who we are in Christ Jesus.
   With the CD you don't have to wait 2 whole minutes in the songs to hear Jesus' name like with some other artist. This CD is standing "rooted and grounded" to their Gospel Heritage. Some of the "world's so-called Gospel music" aint fit for nothing but the PIT OF HELL!
   Winans' family NEVER COMPRISE THE GOSPEL WHICH HAS FAVORED YOU IN WELL-DOING!!! THE LORD GIVETH AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY!!! Excellent CD!
   One Among millions,
   A Loyal Fan



5. This CD is off the chain! Thanks Marvin for putting faith back in Gospel Music. I was getting disappointed with the Gospel Music that was on the market. Your CD gave me faith in Gospel Music again. Can't wait for your next project.

No comments about Help Is on the Way.

5 comments about A Collision.

1. It's an eccentric mix of tracks, but it's certainly not a random one. With some pop artists, the listener can tell that the songs have little to no relationship to each other, and they're assembled in some marketable order. Not so with this album, or any of David Crowder's work. The album is a flowing whole, and is probably meant to be taken in as such. As is characteristic of some of the band's other albums, there are short tracks in between some of the featured songs; these shorts I think the band hopes will be taken as seriously as some of the larger songs, because they help the piece flow (the shorter tracks are actually addressed in 20 "A Conversation").
   An example of the interconnectedness of the songs in their arrangement is the movement from tracks 12-14. The lyric of 12 "(B Quiet Interlude)" is "Be more quiet, now, and wait for a voice to say, 'Be more quiet.'" Then 13 "Do Not Move" acts as a kind of appoggiatura building on the mysterious lyric from the preceding song (and is also a well done track in itself). And then in 14 "Come Awake" the lyric is more or less repeated as an introduction to the chorus: "Be quiet and wait for a voice that will say / Come awake / From sleep, arise / You were dead / You've come alive / Wake up wake up / Open your eyes / Climb from your grave / Into the light / Bring us back to life." The effect here is noticeable to anyone who's listening to the lyrics, but not childishly obvious and cute. The album is filled with thoughtful lyrical moves, and also a kind of repeated musical theme in several of the songs, including the last one.
   The album is arranged into parts, and there's a noticeable difference between the songs in them. As I said, they're connected, but there's certainly a "movement" in the groupings of songs. With this, my only big criticism of the album is the ending. The C Part, which contains great songs like "Our Happy Home" and "You Are My Joy," is really well done, but the last part leaves a lot to be desired. The disappointment doesn't bother me enough to take any stars off the rating, though.
   If you're new to the David Crowder world, this may not be the best album to start with. I would recommend their Illuminate project for a first taste, unless you're sure that there are some songs on this album that you'll like. If you like Illuminate, be warned that there are only a handful of songs at the beginning of this that have a remotely similar pop sound, and the rest of the songs are generally unclassifiable rock/pop/bluegrass/electronic alternative. I happen to enjoy the change in sound from other albums. The eccentricity of it is just enough to keep me sure that I'm listening to the same ol' band.



2. Sufjan Stevens is influential. This album follows in his suit, and even takes one of his songs. But hey, nothing wrong with taking a cue from the indie master. However, Crowder changes it to reflect just praise and worship, instead of just random thoughts about a state. The result is a hit or miss.
   
   The song that majorly hits is "We Win!". After all, how can you not like a well-crafted victory song? The song is rockin', and the people are talkin'.
   
   What makes this a concept album is that it's divided into themes. The first theme is the safe, radio friendly theme. If you've listened to radio for the past couple of years, you've heard this whole section. Which isn't bad, but it feels familiar.
   
   But, the weirdest collection of tracks in years is in segment three. This is supposed to be the future worship category. Now, with the theme of future in a music album you know it's going to be different. "Do Not Move" is officially the weirdest song ever. You have to hear to to believe it. What's even weirder is it starts growing on you after a few listens.
   
   Overall, an interesting album. David Crowder dares to be different, taking a cue from the guy that has mainstreamed this type of album. But, like all concept albums, it does have it's hit and misses. Which is expected. Just know what you're buying, before you buy.



3. I just don't care for the flow of the music on this disk. The songs are just not too catchy. Found myself skipping many. Listen to all the samples before you buy. Probably better off just buying the couple of songs that you really like.



4. This David Crowder Band delight is stunning with the varied and robust styles. It is an absolute masterpiece. Absolutely amazing.. I get something new out of it each time I listen. True Worship - honoring God not people.



5. I purchased this CD in an attempt to broaden my musical taste. I like jazz and rock primarily. But when I listened to this CD I encountered God very intensely. Once I surrendered my preferences, I found this CD is incredibly anointed. I've listened to it more times than I want to admit, and I've already purchased another CD by the David Crowder Band. Sample some of the songs, and see if you meet God. It'll be worth it.

5 comments about After the Music Stops.

1. Lecrae is one of the premier artists in the Christian rap movement today. His purpose statement of "digesting theology and then spitting it so the streets can grasp it" is executed flawlessly on this CD, which is one of the best Christian rap CDs I've gotten my hands on.
   
   You won't be disappointed by the relentless beats and the smooth flows about God's glory, Christ's death, and our duty as believers to call all of the world to repentance.



2. I actually thought Christian rap would be a total joke. I used to listen to rap music alot but i also listen to everything else out there. I actually now prefer Lecrae over Lil Wayne, Jay -Z and Ludacris. Phenominal beats and awesome lyrics. I listen to his stuff while lifting weights.. its that kind of good rap music.



3. i keep this album blastin all the time! and what i love about lecrae is that he does a good job of keepin the focus on Christ and salvation.... def a great album for Christians and non-Christians alike.



4. This album was awesome. Lacrae steps out in boldness through Jesus Christ. It's good fruit for the spirit.



5. My son wanted this one. It is not my choice in music....but then I am not 21. I will say this though...the guy CAN sing....the last song on the CD proved that. So, after hearing what I do not consider "real" music, it was a pleasent suprise. I will admit the message is fairly clear.

5 comments about Welcome to the City.

1. The Welcome to the city CD is powerful, uplifting, truly amazing. I listen this CD on my way to work and almost find myself ready to shout! LOL! We need more CD's like Welcome to the city that touch the heart, mind, body and soul. Congratulations to Bishop Jones and the city of refuge choir. Truly amazing...I look forward to your next album. God Bless....



2. Feeling down? This cd will definitely get you on your feet!!
   Start with "Jesus" and keep going!!!



3. This is a great cd from the first song until the last. You can feel the love flowing through the music. Each song is uplifting and inspiring. I would definitely encourage you to add this to your music collection.



4. The CD is awesome. The words to every song are true, because its not about us. We all want more of thee and less of me. Jesus is everything I need and more so just give me Jesus. I could go on and on but I'll let you see for yourself.



5. The CD is ok there's only 2 good songs on it that
   really moves me.

5 comments about Songs & Prayers from Taize.

1. Some of Taize's most beautiful and most meditative music. The lovely balance of slower and slightly more lively songs, the tonal quality of the voices and the excellent diction allows for the words of each song to be clearly understood and makes this a "must buy" no matter whether your motive is that you enjoy choral chant as an art-form or just want to relax and be peaceful.



2. This Taize cd brings refreshment to me when I hear it. I was in Medjugorje this past Christmas. I ordered the CD because the titles were the same as those sung in Medjugorje. I wasn't disappointed. When I listen to the CD, I am reminded of the peace I experienced in Medjugorje!



3. The Taize meditation CD has many songs sung in Latin, including the popular "Veni Sancte Spiritus". (Parenthetically, an expanded version of this song is on another excellent Taize CD "Taize: Veni Sancte Spiritus".) Each of the tracts is short with no song longer than three-and-a-half minutes. While I can guess at the Latin meanings of the lyrics, I have had to look up translations of a few of the songs. While I enjoy listening to this CD, and have purchased copies to give to others who like the Taize meditaions, it is probably my least favorite of the five CDs presently available.



4. simple and short but very profound songs, psalms and chants from the western latin/english tradition. great for easy listening or incorporating into personal devotional or meditative prayer. the quality of the recording was not what it could be. although stylistically this would probably more familiar to Catholics i would recommend these psalms and songs for any Christians seeking to recapture more traditional and Scripture based worship venues within the modern context of their daily lives.



5. A good recording, with strong voices, and harmonies that stir the heart to a range of emotion from delight to power, and peace. The cd comes with lyrics to inspire prayer, or to simply sing along. I am Christian, and play this recording often, and, I suspect, those who are given to things in this world belonging to love and compassion will also welcome this cd into their collection. It is music to happily build a shrine to, and in it lies the directions to a sanctuary in the heart, more peaceful than any gardens can provide.

5 comments about Live: One Last Time.

1. These women are bad, no one can touch them...they are talented and brilliant. I hope this album is not the last time becuase I need more from the Clark Sisters...this cd was definitely wonderful.



2. The Clark Sisters are gifts from heaven. I know that they say this is their farewell, but it sounded more like "we're back." I am sure that we will hear from these ladies together again...For they are "blessed and highly favored."



3. This reunion Cd of the Clarke sisters is phenominal! Every track really brings the spirit! "Blessed and Highly Favored", these sisters truly Are!



4. This CD is so inspirational and uplifting. My children loved "Blessed and highly favored". This can not be the end!!!



5. I really didn't like thisthis cd, I was trying to get the one that you sang with that American Idol