5 comments about Carry Away.

1. I absolutely love this CD. It really does usher in the spirit of the Lord in every heartfelt note and melody. I listen to it everyday in my car and have been for almost a year now. Every song still stirs me, inspires me. I worship the Lord right along with them and fell the presence of Him so strongly that I can feel tears of joy in my eyes. Every song is poetic and prayerful to the Lord. You will not regret this purchase! Buy it and be blessed!



2. 
   (...)
   
   This CD is awesome, and being a longtime friend and fan of Shane and Shane, I love every song!(...)
   They rock!



3. This CD is awesome, and being a longtime friend and fan of Shane and Shane, I love every song! go to www.shaneandshane.com for more albums, tour dates, and photos.

   They rock!

   Emily




4. This was my first Shane Barnard CD, and I loved every song on it. I listen to it all the time. Buy this CD, I don't think you will regret it.



5. "We want the whole listening experience to be showered with the message that God is better - better than any other source of pleasure, joy or fulfillment", says Barnard. That is exactly the message this CD sends.

   This is worship music as it should be, from the heart and from the mind. It contains beautiful melodies, soft harmonies, and intelligent heart-felt lyrics that intertwine with the Word of God. The Lord loves when we pray His Word back to Him, and this CD is filled to the brim with scripture. Shane Barnard and Shane Everett really help you to consider your relationship with God through their guitar-driven acoustic folk/pop/rock music, prayers and words. It cries worship!

   Scripture is found throughout the lyrics of this CD and Barnard does a wonderful job of combining his own perceptions of God's greatness into the Word for the songs. "Your mercy reigns, Your mercy comes, Your mercy falls and rises with the sun.....It's new every morning, it's good enough for me" from "Mercy Reigns" exalts God's mercy through uplifting melodies and breathy, prayerful vocals from man to God.

   Picking up the tempo a bit in a joyous celebration of knowing God are lyrics like "you are my portion, my never-ending, overflowing, Lord...my reward, my portion Lord" in "Song of Surrender". It is a song about the release one feels when they surrender their life, their struggles, to God, and the sweet anticipation of waiting for His return. There is another song that sings this same kind of celebration on the album called "When I Think About the Lord" that makes you want to shout "Hallelujah!" right along with the worshippers, the Shanes'. "When I think about the Lord, How He saved me, how He raised me, How He filled me with the Holy Ghost, How He healed me to the uttermost". It is a good reminder of what God has done for His children and why it should put smiles in our hearts.

   Nicole Nordeman lends her vocals and talent to "Beauty For Ashes" with lyrics taken right out of Psalm 63 and Isaiah 61. It is a wonderful prayer of one desiring to be conformed into the likeness of God. Nicole Nordeman also appears in the backgrounds, on the opening track "Barren Land". Wispy background harmonies draw the listener into worship right from the start by inviting God to enter the "barren land" and fill it with fruit and life. The chorus pricks the soul by crying out "But if for rain! But if for rain! But if for rain to fall irresistibly call. Rain to cover me. But if for rain to heal, uncontrollably fill, the soil of eternity." Whoa! It invokes chills. This album is an awesome offering of love to the Father, Who is soaking it all up in heaven.

   The CD finishes out with a radio edit of "Be Near" that is a more heavily orchestrated than the "Be Near" positioned as track #3. Unlike the softer piano and acoustic sound of the original, this mix is from Peter Furler (Newsboys) and contains a bigger drum sound and a very majestic chorus mixed perfectly with some humble electric guitar to help bring it along as a radio friendly song that would do well on both Adult Contemporary and more youthful pop Christian stations.

   This album is a wonderful collection of worship songs that would do well to draw one closer to God. It explores the relationship of man to God and is a great reminder of how much the Creator is in love with His Creation. The breathy vocals, beautiful string arrangements, simple acoustic sounds and piano-driven music are put together well on this CD. The only weakness I can identify is that the CD runs out of steam a bit. The quietness and slower tempos of the last few tracks (less the last track) may "lose" the listener, but as I mentioned above, it is all brought back together for a fitting end to a beautiful, creative work.

   4 of 5 stars

   Review by Susan L. Prince

5 comments about Live at New Birth Cathedral.

1. THIS IS THE BEST CD FOR PRAISE AND WORSHIP TO GOD I HAVE EVER HEARD. TO THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE SOMETHING TO PRAISE GOD FOR AND IT SHOULD BE EVERYONE, THIS IS THE CD FOR YOU. I EVEN BROUGHT IT TO CHURCH AND THEY PLAYED IT. THE ANOITING IS ON THIS CD AND I AM BLESSED EVERYTIME I HEAR IT. I JUST ORDERED ANOTHER OF REV. CAGE"S CD AND I AM WAITING FOR IT.



2. This cd is better than i thought it has wonderful song of worship and thanks to God. I just love it i recomend it to evryone



3. Listening to Cage's album, u get a sense of the old and new. If you're looking for another great gospel CD to add to your collection then look no further. All the songs were great. There isn't one that I didn't like. My favorites are Magnify, There is a name, That's what you are to me, It is to you, Glory to your name and never too busy. Everyone should listen to Never Too Busy. In this song, he talks about never being too busy to take time out and give God his praise.



4. NOW YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING WHY I ONLY GAVE HIM 4 STARS. I GAVE HIM 4 STARS BECUASE I THINK THAT AT THE END OF THE ALBUM ITS GETS A LITTLE WEAK. I WASNT LIKE THE BEGINNING OF THE CD WHERE THE SPIRIT IS. I THINK THAT HE COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING BETTER. ANYWAYS. OTHER THAN THAT THIS CD IS AWESOME. I LOVE IT. I COULDNT WAIT TO GET IT AND NOW THAT I HAVE IT. I AM BLESS. THIS CD IS AWESOME. EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE THIS THIS IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



5. Byron Cage has long been one of my favorites,but this project takes it to a new level. Can you not smell the Kurt Carr "stank" on this project? The combination of the two artist is almost genius. I love this project and continue to use it over and over for material for my group at church. Do yourself a favor and buy this CD. You will not be dissappointed.

2 comments about The King of Gospel.

1. Make no mistake, this road might lead to Jesus, but it's all about dues paid, burdens borne, and transformation through pain here. If Cleveland had done secular music, he would be considered among the pantheon of our Blues, Soul, and R&B singers. Sam Phillips said Howlin' Wolf's voice was a place "where the soul of man never dies." The same applies to Cleveland.



2. This recording will give you peace from a long day with assurence that God is with you. To speak peace be still to the storms of life that we all face at one time or another. That everything will be alright because can't nobody do me like Jesus. So, may the Lord God bless you real good.

4 comments about Reunion.

1. Buying this CD for a Christmas gift I knew I couldn't go wrong. Who wouldn't enjoy an evening with all the greats singing some of the great Southern Gospel songs.



2. All the Gaither music is great. If you are looking for good ole Southern Gospel, the Gaither series contains a good compilation. My husband (who BTW didn't grow up with Southern gospel music) has been particularly impressed with the quality of the sound recording. I highly recommend it!



3. This a a beautiful CD. I purchased it for my father and he listens to it every single day. You can't beat the wonderful harmony of Gaither and his friends. I would definitely suggest you buy this. Makes a great gift.



4. MY father loved these recordings and he owned most of them if not all of the videos. We lost my dad last year and I cannot believe how much comfort and joy these recordings have brought to me, how they have helped me get through a very rough time in my life. They let you know that no matter what is going on in your life, you are not alone.GOD WILL BE WITH YOU ALL THE WAY. If you love good old fashioned gospel singing, you are going to love any of the recordings by the GAITHERS. The utter joy with which these people sing these songs comes through every note. I grew up listening to the Happy Goodmans, Chuck Wagon Gang, and all of the others. I just can't say enough about these recordings. Try just one and you will see what I mean about Good Old Fashioned Singing. These people don't take voice lessons orhave enhancements done on their recordings, they open their mouths and use their God given talents.

No comments about The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy.

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 Oh Happy Day.

1. It is so good to hear this music again. I had been searching for the "Let us go into the house of the Lord" album on cd, but was unable to find it. It wasn't until I read D.V. Lindner's outstanding review that I saw it was available under a different name. Thank you so much, D.V. Lindner. I didn't realize it at the time, but listening to this music during my teen and young adult years helped me to keep my mind on the Lord and helped me to keep my mind pure and holy. I wonder if Edwin Hawkins knew, nearly 40 years ago, that the music he produced would change the world and bless millions. I feel we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. Thank you, Edwin Hawkins, for letting the Lord minister through you.



2. Originally titled, Let us Go in to the House of the Lord, this is --as these reviews have testified-- one of the best black gospel albums ever. Feel the power, the spirit, the groove, the enthusiasm, the authenticity. Great stuff. You'll be humming all day. You won't stop playing it for months. It is one of those albums.



3. I love the CD. It gives you the encouragement that you need. I especially like the songs "Joy Joy" and "I'm going through". If anyone is having problems in their lives, this CD will help them.



4. This album has proved to be one of my favourites since I picked it up almost a year ago. Unlike Gospel groups like The Winans, the Edwin Hawkins Singers lean more towards traditional Gospel rather than the R&B/Pop/Gospel hybrid that The Winans helped popularize. This music consists mostly of a large Gospel choir with various soloists, piano, and organ as opposed to numerous synthesizers.
   The title track "Oh Happy Day" was a huge hit for the group, making the top ten in the late 1960's and was since covered by such as artists as Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, and BeBe Winans. The song is indeed uplifting, with a joyful performance by the singers and a lovely solo by a husky-voiced female. (My cassette version doesn't include liner notes.) "Joy, Joy" is a piano-driven ballad about enduring the hardships of life and looking forward to the joy that comes afterward. It's one of my favourite songs. Other highlights are the fast-paced "To My Father's House," the compelling "I Heard The Voice Of Jesus," and the bluesy "I'm Going Through." Also featured are the hymn-like "Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord," the jazzy "I Shall Be Free," and the R&B-ish "Precious Memories." There isn't a bad song on the album, and I highly recommend it.



5. tHE best album in my collection of 3,500 albums. It will knock you out.
   
   ,,,,and I am as white as they come!!
   jack barry, san francisco

4 comments about Clinch Mountain Gospel.

1. Well, Amazing Grace is just that...I searched for a version which would speak to my soul and this one is it. There is something about this gospel folk style that connects with you.



2. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys are amzingly powerful on this album entitled "Clinch Mountain Gospel." The vocals and haunting harmonies that embody the Ralph Stanley style of bluegrass will definitely inspire you.
   
   Keith Whitley does a wonderful job on the titles that he sings lead on for this album. Two of the best songs are definitely "Traveling the Highway Home," which features great banjo work and the call and response arrangement of "Amazing Grace." The haunting and archaic vocals will definitely over power you. The entire album is full of wonderful and traditional music that deals with questions of death, life, struggles, and overcoming obstacles. We find our help in the Lord and this album is honest and soul-stirring.
   
   Clinch Mountain Gospel features some of the best and classic work of Ralph Stanley gospel. The recording sound is excellent! There is no doubt this album is a timeless treasure in the history of the Stanley style and American music. The uniqueness and talent of Ralph and his band is simply magical.



3. Several songs are a raw confrontation with death. Ideology is not here. Real human feeling is. The music is superb bluegrass, with a variety of tempos.



4. This CD is excellent from top to bottom. The late Keith Whitley fronts the band and leaves you sorry that he died at the age of 33. His voice was made for this type of music and every song has you wanting to sing along.

   As always, Ralph Stanley takes Bluegrass Gospel where only he can take it with his high tenor voice.

   Some of the best on the album are "Over In Gloryland", "Jesus Savior Pilot Me", "I've Just Seen the Rock of Ages" and "I am Weary."

   The sound of this album was of much better quality than expected with both the vocals and insturmentation being extremely clear (recorded in the 70's, I wasn't sure what to expect).

   Whether a fan of bluegrass, gospel or both, this CD is for you.

5 comments about Odyssey.

1. I have been listening to David Meece's music since I was a kid. My first memories of his music are actually from an 8-track tape in my mother's car when I fell in love with his song "Gospel Train." David Meece is an extremely talented musician, and anyone who has ever had the opportunity to see a performance should be able to attest to his genuine faith and love for Christ.
   
   This CD is a particularly good purchase as it has many of the best songs from other CDs. Furthermore, I enjoy David's music (both on this CD and others) because of the excellent piano accompaniment. Several of David's songs feature classical music by composers such as Bach, Mozart, and Pachelbel. The music is wonderful to listen to for encouragement, relaxation, or even to sing along.
   
   One of my favorite aspects of this CD is considering each of the songs and the promise by God that it conveys. These songs all have a Biblical base, and the lyrics are very relatable to my life. When I first listened to this CD I felt a variety of emotions, ranging from the immense joy in the privilege of being a Christian to the familiar tug that I still have work to do for Christ.
   
   On this CD:
   
   God's Promises/Rainbows in the Night (New)
   Ezekiel 36:26
   A promise on the subject of grace.
   
   Falling Down
   Romans 8:28
   A promise from God for when we have failed.
   
   Higher Ground
   1 Peter 1:6-7
   A promise from God for when troubles hit your life.
   
   One Small Child
   Isaiah 7:14
   God's promise concerning the birth of Jesus.
   
   You Can Go
   Mark 16:15
   Our responsibility to God.
   
   Tumblin' Down
   James 1:2-4
   God's promise concerning hard times.
   
   Forgiven
   John 5:24
   God's promise to us concerning eternity.
   
   His Love Was Reaching
   Philippians 1:6
   A promise for when we are overwhelmed with doubt.
   
   Count the Cost
   Philippians 4:19
   God's promise in regard to discouraging times.
   
   We Can Overcome It All
   1 Peter 4:3-5
   God's promise to us when we are spiritually lukewarm.
   
   And You Know It's Right
   Hebrews 10:23
   A promise concerning God's timing.
   
   Seventy Times Seven
   Matthew 18:21-22
   A promise concerning forgiveness.
   
   We Are The Reason
   1 John 4:10-12
   God's promise to us concerning love.
   
   Early in the Morning
   John 11:25
   God's promise in regard to eternal life.
   
   I Can See
   Hebrews 11:1
   A promise on the subject of faith.
   
   The Rest of My Life
   Psalm 33:4-5
   God's promise concerning righteousness.
   
   If you enjoy Christian music or are already a David Meece fan then I highly recommend this CD. You will not be disappointed.



2. I was searching for his song 'I Can See'with no success until I came across his web site by accident. I was able to find the CD Odyssey in a local Christian bookstore. I had no idea what the CD would sound like never having heard David. The version I had by another tenor vocalist I did not like. David's you can hear the words but I was disappointed that the piano etc overpowered his voice, especially since the program I wanted to play it for the words had to be more audible. I think his style is better suited for our younger Christians than we seniors...although, I'll play it in the car and give it a fair chance.



3. David Meece is by far the most underappreciated artist in music, not just Christian music, history. Its not that there is anyone out there that doesn't like him, its that there is nowhere near enough people out there (particularly those new -- last 5 years -- to Christian music) that know about him. Talent wise, I'm not aware of anyone in Christian music, who's better (and yes, I'm a big Michael W. Smith fan). Meece is a classically trained pianist, and some of that comes through in his music. His voice and range is as good as it gets this side of Elvis. The problem he's had is with labels and, to some extent, a lack of promotion.

   Odyssey is a collection of songs from some of his earliest works -- including those in the '70s. It starts with an original arrangement, Rainbows in the Night, that is just awesome. He even includes some techno-pop (well done, that is) stuff on this and various other CDs that should draw the interest of even the hippest Christian music lover.

   Buy Meece's classical stuff while you can. CD labels that produced these are no longer in business.




4. I have been a David Meece fan for 15 years and this cd is definately his best ever. I believe this mostly because it is a compilation of some of his most inspirational songs, but also because of the first song on the cd. He is truely talented to be able to write such uplifting and beautiful songs. I would highly recommend this cd if you have heard David's music before, but I would recommend this mostly to those who have never listened to him before and want to get a taste of his music. Happy Listening!!!



5. This CD is a best of from David Meece focusing on two of his previous releases, "7" and "Candle in the Rain." There are songs from other albums, but the main focus is on these two.

   The CD opens with a new song, the powerful "God's Promises." The linear notes then reflect this theme by listing the promise of God each song represents. And there are some great songs and promises on this CD, too. "His Love was Reaching," a reminder that God is always there for us. "We Are the Reason," God loves us so much He sent His son to earth for us. "Early in the Morning," Jesus rose!

   While there are only two songs that a die-hard fan might not already have, "God's Promises" and David's version of "One Small Child," this is still a wonderful collection to have. It's uplifting and comforting while being challenging and honest when it needs to be.

   David Meece is one of my favorite artists. His CD's are still played quite frequently in my house. If you can find this one, you'll be glad you made the purchase.

5 comments about The Best of the Sensational Nightingales.

1. Listening to the Sensational Nightingales was like taking a trip back to a time when this great group was on perpetual tour and we were buying their wax records and spinning the grooves off them! This was a time when we felt that the vocalists were products of a spiritual commitment, and their songs, though entertaining were reverent! If you want to experience a spiritual uplifting, this is a record that can take you there. I am glad to have found this CD at Amazon.



2. I bought this album on vinyl back in the fifties and I still love this music. The group lives up to its name, and the lead singer is truly extraordinary. On this cd reissue, however, the original, up-tempo "To the End", has been replaced by a completely different slow tune. Admirers of this wonderful music owe it to themselves to hunt this title down online and marvel at the powerful rhythmn, the complex hand-clapping, and the inspired shouting. You won't hear anything else like it. I would buy the cd again just to get this track.



3. Rev. Julius Cheeks gets excited about his love for Jesus and proclaims to the mountaintops on this great (and super inexpensive) group of songs. His background singers are very sedate, but he rocks, creating a tension of opposites that is very moving. He is one of the pioneers of the hard-gospel style, along with Rev. Ruben Wilingham (Swanee Quintet), Silas Steele (Spirit of Memphis), Leroy Barnes (Detoiters) and if you know & love these groups, you are gonna love this CD.



4. Rev. Julius Cheeks makes every one of these gospel songs and hymns a new creation with his wailing and soulful singing. The background singers punctuate and accentuate the funky rhythms. If you like old time hard gospel quartets, you'll LOVE this. It's one of my favorite CDs.



5. This disc contains some of the scariest cheesegrater-throated screaming you will hear this side of Napalm Death, courtesy of the great Rev. Julius Cheeks. This is set alongside some contrastingly laidback gospel grooves that chug along, leaving room for lycanthropic interjections like "one for the father, one for the son, one more time for the holy ghost". There are some catchy toons too, like "The Storm is Passing" and "Standing in the Judgement", that you won't be able to get out of your head, but the main attraction is Cheeks' microphone-shattering howling on tracks like "Burying Ground" and "A Closer Walk with Thee". Not too pricey either - just shove it in your trolley now and get some hard religion into ya.