Small Sacrifice
by
Twila This little CD has been on quite a journey. It was first released under a different cover during her 2007 concert tour and was then released exclusively via Lifeway Christian Stores in December 2007....
Black And White In A Grey World
by
Sam (Leslie) For those who love the synthesized sounds of the 1980s, complete with gated drums and reverby vocals, you might really enjoy a blast from the past with Leslie Phillips' 1985 release "Black and White in...
Very Best of 2nd Chapter of Acts
by
2nd Chapter Of Acts Although this particular release may not be the best introduction to the 1999 inducteee to the Second Chapter of Acts, the 1970s and 1980s group that was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in...
Underappreciated artist! | Posted June-05-2008
Part Margaret Becker and part Natalie Grant, Nicol Sponberg is a force to be reckoned with. However, sadly, it appears that her music (like that of many other female, Christian recording artists) is not being fully appreciated.
"Resurrection" is a great CD from beginning to end. Nicol's solo sound is quite different from the sound that she created as 1/3 of the group Selah. Here, Nicol presents pop at its finest--thoughtful, catchy, irresistible.
Album highlights include the hip-hoppy "Jacob's Well, the soaring ballad "Resurrection," the dance-infused "A Better Place" and reverent "Love Will Bring You Home."
I'd encourage you to give this CD a listen. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Music for another time and another place. | Posted May-28-2008
I have been a fan of Avalon for a long time. In the late 1990s, "A Maze of Grace" had almost permanent residence in my CD player. However, Avalon isn't what it once was. It seems that, with each replacement member, the quality of their sound has gone downhill. No offense to Melissa and Greg, but I miss Michael and Nikki (or even Cheri). These concerns plague Avalon's remakes of Christian music classics and I find myself longing for the originals.
However, there are a few excpetions. I actually prefer the Avalon versions of "For the Sake of the Call," "Friend of a Wounded Heart" and "Thy Word." Each seems to improve on the original.
At times, Avalon oversells the remakes. "God is in Control" is one such example. Imagine Aretha Franklin singing a Carley Simon hit. Other examples include "The Reason We Sing" (imagine First Call on steroids) and "Basics of Life."
Other times, I don't like the remake because I didn't like the original (my apologies to Crystal Lewis, but "People Get Ready Jesus is Coming" is one such example.
I miss the glory days of Avalon. This CD is for another time and another place.
Where's the hits? | Posted May-28-2008
I love Twila Paris. However, the greatest hits packages released by Sparrow leave much to be desired. Twila's "Greatest Hits, Time and Again" CD was a disappointment. You'd expect a 2-CD set from this matriarch of Christian music. Although this problem was corrected with "The Ultimate Collection" (in that it is a 2-CD set), a number of the hits are missing. Yes, some of the tracks that you would expect are included in "The Ultimate Collection": "God is in Control," "Runner," "Not Afraid Anymore" and "Run to You." But a significant number of the hits from the 1980s are missing, such as "Bonded Together," "Prince of Peace," "Sweet Victory" and "Every Heart That is Breaking." As well as a little known hit known as "THE WARRIOR IS A CHILD." I'm still hoping for a greatest hits CD that actually comprises the greatest hits of Twila Paris. In the meantime, I'll just stick with the individual CDs that she's released (each of which is great in its own right).
He's back . . . . | Posted May-28-2008
I know, I know. The name Michael English immediately sparks a number of responses. However, I believe that redemption is possible, and that no one is never so far that He cannot be brought back home. Such is the theme of Michael's latest project. The CD is quite good. Since it had been awhile since I heard Michael sing, I wasn't sure what to expect. He sounds quite different in this CD. Gone are the southern gospel of the Gaither days and the polished pop of his early solo career. Instead, we've got a gritty, pop/rock sound that resembles Casting Crowns and Mercy Me. The theme is consistent throughout and the songs sound as though they could have been written by Michael himself (although they weren't). "Sanctuary" is a great rock opener. "Feels Like Redemption" and "Redeem Me" are great ballads. "New Day" is a fun-filled rocker. Weaker songs on the CD include "Break Through," "The Only Thing Good in Me" and "The Prodigal Son." All in all, an enjoyable effort from a familiar face with a bit of a new sound.
Natalie Grant is relentless | Posted May-27-2008
After "Awaken," I had thought that Natalie Grant had already seen her best days. Although it remains to be seen how "Relentless" will be received by radio, I personally believe this is Natalie's best record to date.
"I Will Not Be Moved" rocks like nothing Natalie has ever done. I was pleased to see that it is being released to radio. "In Better Hands" is memorable from the very first listen. "Back At My Heart" is the type of introspective ballad that Natalie does so very well. "Perfect People" would fit on any project by Kelly Clarkson or Avril Lavigne. The only track that puzzled me a bit was "In Christ Alone," which seemed a bit out of place. This CD leaves me wondering what Natalie will do next . . . .
Pinnacle of Twila's career | Posted May-27-2008
"Beyond a Dream" represents the pinnacle of Twila's career. Not only does the CD begin with "God is in Control," the 1995 song of the year, but this CD boasts a more muscular, radio friendly atmosphere than any of Twila's other projects. In addition to "God is in Control," three other tracks, "Neither Will I," "Watch and Pray" and "Seventy Years Ago" made it into the top ten charts. The music here is upbeat, infectous, and well-written. Vocally, Twila soars in songs such as "Rescue the Prisoner." Lyrically, Twila hits the nail on the head with confessional lyrics in songs like "All About You." If you've never purchased a Twila Paris project, "Beyond a Dream" may be a great place to start!
"Small Sacrifice" | Posted May-27-2008
Following two worship CDs and a brief stint with Integrity Records, Twila Paris released a new batch of songs in December 2007. "Small Sacrifice" is being released exclusively to Lifeway Christian Stores (and can also be purchased at www.twilaparis.com). The CD represents a definite departure from Twila's work in this decade. Although the CD includes a couple of worshipful tracks, "Small Sacrifice" represents a return to adult contemporary for Twila. The musical backdrop is a bit more alternative than some of her prior efforts, including unique percussion, piano and guitar arrangements. In many ways, "Small Sacrifice" echoes the musical landscape of "Cry For the Desert," the CD that represented the beginning of Twila's metamorphasis in the 1990s. "Live to Praise" has been picked up by a few stations, but "I Can Do All Things" is the real highlight of the project. The lyrics are immediately accessible and the musical backdrop is reminiscent of Twila's glory days. Other album highlights include "There is a Plan," which resembles "Set Me Free" by Casting Crowns and "You Are a Great God," a simple but timeless worship anthem. If you've missed the days when Twila Paris was churning out the hits, I'd encourage you to visit www.twilaparis.com.
Byfaithalone's Music and Book Reviews 
