#5: Grave Shadows
by
Adriana SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline...
#6: Phantom Writer
by
Adriana SERIES OVERVIEW
Created by critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors Jerry Jenkins and Chris Fabry, the Red Rock Mysteries Series combines hair-raising adventures and Biblical values in a storyline...
Something To Say
by
Matthew Best known for his smash hit singles "Only Grace", "More", and "Next Thing You Know", Sparrow Records singer/songwriter Matthew West returns to the music scene again with more to say than ever before....
Talk About It | Posted June-26-2008
Imagine an album that's lyrically and musically diverse, unique, irresistible, and fun, and you'll have Nicole C. Mullen's Talk About It! Nicole's vocals are top-notch as always, just like her inspirational tunes that will lift you up any day of the week. The hit ballad "Call On Jesus" features beautiful instrumentation and lyrics that encourage us to "call on Jesus" when we're afraid or in need, while "Talk About It" rightly urges to tell the world about Christ without putting it off. Wanna dance and have fun? Head over to (the repetitive) "Sometimes" for a positive message and an uplifting to your day! Looking for a serious message? "The Ring" displays Biblical values, telling of the importance of marriage and how "this love I got you'll never get without a wedding ring."
This whole album is consistent with stunning vocals, Christ-honoring morals and values, catchy fun tunes, and comforting ballads that shoot it to an incredible release. Great for anyone of any age, Talk About It will get you proclaiming of Christ's love in no time!
Amazing, incredible, etc. | Posted June-18-2008
It's not often that you find a 13-track album that consistently delivers again and again and again... and again. However, this just happens to be the case for tobyMac's best-selling masterpiece Portable Sounds. "One World" is coolness to the core, "Made To Love" shows off Toby's "lighter" pop side (proving that he knows how to easily incorporate different styles and tastes into his music), while "Boomin'" is sure to thump your stereo speakers over and over. The hit single "I'm For You" is amazingly irresistible, with electric guitars and an easy-to-sing-to melody line that begs to be repeated. The sound of "Face Of The Earth" reminds me of the dcTalk days, and slows things down a bit to continue to balance the album out. "No Ordinary Love" explores the pop genre again, and the song's unique brass instrumentals and (once again) catchy chorus shoots it to a huge highlight. The next track "Ignition" will get rock-lover's attention with it's driving sound, while lyrically it's a fun song ("Turn on, turn on, the ignition / Everbody come on, come on and turn on the ignition). Toby's son Truett (truDog) steps up to the mic and creates a fun tune for everybody to enjoy, then Toby finishes the album out with more flawless numbers... "Suddenly", which almost sounds like a sequel to Welcome To Diverse City's "Gone", "Letting Go", the energetic fan-favorite "Feelin' So Fly", "No Signal", and finally "Lose My Soul" with Kirk Franklin and Mandisa.
Overall, this whole album is jam-packed with treats and smash hits, and lyrically and musically it's a breath of fresh air. An album of tracks that touch on almost every style imaginable, Portable Sounds is easily one of the best offerings in Christian music for 2007--this is as close to perfection as there is.
This Crew is incredible | Posted June-06-2008
With a variety of styles ranging from pop, rock, reggae, hip-hop, dance, R&B, urban, and more all on one disc, it's almost impossible to dislike this self-titled debut effort from breakout artist Group 1 Crew! The flawless, sizzling vocals from the lead female singer along with the way-cool rap abilities of the two guys are only parts of what make Group 1 Crew one of the coolest artists around. On this CD, look for catchy anthems for a new generation to enjoy on "Love Is A Beautiful Thing", the dance tune "No Plan B", the fan-favorite reggae-influenced "Can't Go On" and the group members' life story on "I Have A Dream". Awe-inspiring lyrics dominate on the amazing ballad "Forgive Me", a plea to God to take away the sins of man. Each song is very unique, has a style of its own, and all are easy to sing to with irresistible melodies and funky beats and sounds! With such a fantastic track lineup, Group 1 Crew should be on any pre-teen's/teen's wishlist with 13 songs of pure excellence. Perfect for fans of tobyMac and Grits, this debut's awesome, upbeat numbers and inspring ballads balance the project out to propel it to one of the best projects of 2007! This crew has officially found their place in Christian music with an amazing album.
Pretty good | Posted June-02-2008
This disc of WOW Hits: 2005 is a good preview of all that Christian music has to offer. Smash hits from MercyMe ("Here With Me"), Steven Curtis Chapman ("All Things New"), Casting Crowns ("Who Am I") and Matthew West ("More") all benefit the album greatly, not to mention the stirring Avalon power ballad "You Were There". Fans of upbeat CCM won't be disappointed either, with Jaci Velasquez's infectious tune "Unspoken" and FFH's "Ready To Fly".
The album is also sprinkled with pleasant surprises. Darlene Zschech (pronounced "check"), most famous for her smash hit "Shout To The Lord", is featured on the disc with her catchy worship song "Pray", while Selah's stirring "You Raise Me Up" does nothing but make the album better. Rachael Lampa's fan-favorite "When I Fall" is also included.
However, this disc of WOW isn't without its flaws--Nicole C. Mullen's "Everyday People" and Bebo Norman's "Disappear" are nice, but pale in comparison to their other album-mates with boring melody lines.
But, all things aside, WOW Hits 2005: Disc 1 is a nice compilation of some great songs from the year before. While not every song will amaze, the majority will manage to find a place at the top of your most-played list.
Average | Posted May-29-2008
Don't get me wrong... WOW Hits 2008: Disc 1 is a nice tool for new Christian music listeners, but for someone who has followed CCM for a long amount of time, this WOW installment isn't as absolutely amazing as the disc's tag line may suggest.
For example, it seems that some artists such as Natalie Grant and Michael W. Smith were featured on the disc solely because of their popularity, and not based on the strength of their songs. Grant's "Awaken" can become annoying after only a few listens, while Smith's "Come To The Cross" certainly wasn't the biggest smash of 2007. Brian Littrell's "Over My Head" is a strange choice for a hits compilation considering it barely peaked in the top 10 on the charts. The same holds true for breakout artist Aaron Shust's "Give It All Away", hardly #1-hit material even though it's "nice" overall.
However, this disc of WOW isn't totally bad--mainstay CCM juggernauts Casting Crowns, Third Day, and MercyMe all grace the album with their presence, each showcasing one of their group's biggest hits, "Praise You In This Storm," "Mountain Of God," and "Hold Fast," respectively. In addition, Mark Harris (formerly of 4Him) is featured with his inspirational ballad "Find Your Wings", while rising CCM star Rush Of Fools jumps on board with the radio gem "Undo".
All things aside, WOW Hits 2008: Disc 1 is a good compilation for the true worship fan, showcasing some big songs from the year before. However, remembering the many hits and popular new artists that were produced in 2007, the lineup for this disc of this installment of WOW gives off mixed emotions.
Nice debut | Posted May-28-2008
All in all, this debut effort from singer/songwriter Anthony Evans is exceptional--most of them are very good with positive messages and all of them are layered with Anthony's signature voice, but a select few seem like filler and only take up space. However, Even More is a really nice debut! "You Know My Name" releases sizzling vocals and an R&B-flavored style that creates a must-listen, while the upbeat single "Here's My Life" is sure to become an instant favorite with a catchy chorus and compelling lyrics about giving it all to God. Other highlights include the closing ballads "Come Home" and "Be Still". All being said, Even More isn't the best from Anthony Evans (see his sophomore project Letting Go) but definitely deserves a listen... I promise, it will leave you longing for EVEN MORE from Anthony!!
Great album | Posted May-28-2008
After hearing his first radio single "Matchless", I was totally an Aaron Shust fan! I bought Anything Worth Saying almost immediately after its release, and it has not disappointed. Each song ranges from pure worship numbers to upbeat acoustic tracks, and each song is filled with awesome lyrics that glorify God. Highlights include the aforementioned "Matchless", "My Savior My God", and "More Wonderful". Anything Worth Saying is a solid debut that will give Shust many fans with his true vocal and songwriting abilities, both of which are featured on this album of catchy tunes and heartfelt ballads. Nice work!!
Refreshing!! | Posted May-22-2008 Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics is an awesome collection of the best CCM hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s all redone in true Avalon style! With chart-topping songs like "For The Sake Of The Call" (Steven Curtis Chapman), "The Basics Of Life" (4Him), the moving ballad "Another Time, Another Place" (Sandy Patti, Wayne Watson), and the electronically-influenced, uptempo favorite "God Is In Control" (Twila Paris), there's no doubt that Avalon is as good as ever with this stunning compilation of CCM favorites. Other highlights include the beautifully-done "Thy Word" and the acoustic "El Shaddai" (both originally from Amy Grant), as well as the rock-type new version of Avalon's own "Testify To Love". Overall, Another Time, Another Place is a definite must-buy, with Avalon's trademark harmonies updating classic songs of faith in their own unique way for a whole new generation to enjoy!! This is A+ Avalon!!
Stirring songs | Posted May-26-2008
Listen for inspirational, classic hymns of hope on Avalon's fan-requested, 2006 release, Faith: A Hymns Collection. Whether your looking for stirring ballads ("It Is Well With My Soul", "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "In Christ Alone") or uptempo numbers ("The Solid Rock", "Blessed Assurance") it's all here on Faith. Other fan-favorites include the backyard-BBQ influenced "I'll Fly Away", sure to get you up on your feet dancin' in no time, and the amazing Avalon rendition of "Total Praise". "For Freedom", a moving song dedicated to our nation's soldiers, is a must-listen bonus track on the album, while the lullaby "Jesus Medley" only makes the album better. "How Great Thou Art" is nice (its unusual arrangement makes it hard to sing along to at first) but the R&B-flavored "Amazing Grace" nearly makes up for it! Overall, this Avalon album is highly enjoyable and refreshing, with stunning vocal performances and unique styles that only Avalon can do. Faith: A Hymns Collection is a great treat for any Christian music fan!
Avalon's done it again | Posted May-20-2008
The heart-pumping pop gems... the inspirational ballads... the stirring lyrics... the unmistakable voices... yep, it's Avalon, and it's all here on the group's January 2006 studio release, Stand. The jump-up-and-down, sure-to-be-an-instant-favorite opening tune "The Other Side" is sweetness to the core, with Avalon's obscenely talented members belting note after note, while the song's fun and upbeat chorus adds to its greatness to create a simply amazing and irresistible song. The guitar-strummed Greg Long radio single favorite "Love Won't Leave You" is another catchy treat with an unexpected rock-like feel, with lyrics that will assure you that "God is love and love won't leave you." The opening piano notes of "Orphans Of God" give it away... another classic Janna Long ballad. "Orphans" lives up to that assumption, due a stunning vocal performance as well as chilling lyrics--a definite must-listen. The next track, "Somehow You Are", gives fans a refreshing acoustic pop/worship feel, with its compelling message of God's power and creation; "Slowly" issues another meaningful message of how God gets his children back to Him day by day. The 80s supersong and title track "We Will Stand" delivers again, with writer and artist Russ Taff lending guest vocals to create a dynamic ballad that everyone will enjoy. "Jesus" expresses how much He means to us Christians, and features the Jody McBrayer trademark voice that makes the song even better. The rock-heavy number "I Survive" keeps the album from becoming too ballad-heavy, but almost seems too short, bland, and out of place with the album's theme, becoming the only shaky track on the entire album. The spine-tingling closing slow songs "When The Time Comes" and "Where Joy And Sorrow Meet" end the album perfectly, and are sure to bring the listener into God's presence. So, all in all, this album is a definite must-buy, great for any avid fan of CCM. In a few words, Stand is a standout (no pun intended).
bjburly's Music and Book Reviews 
