A new and improved Twila Paris.
Posted January 13, 2009
By Byfaithalone,
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. At long last, the project is being released for wider distribution via KOCH Records. This relationship certainly creates an unusual partnership for Twila.
The project, like the new partnership, is not what you might immediately expect from Twila, nor is it an absolute departure from where she has been in the past. Fans of piano-based pop rock will have much to appreciate in this release. The CD is a cross between Joy Williams (especially her Exodus CD) and Coldplay, with a little Nichole Nordeman thrown into the mix.
The rhythmic drive of "We Know Love" launches the CD and betrays a number of euro pop/rock influences. The lyric of the track relies heavily on 1 John 3:16.
"I Can Do All Things" is possibly the strongest track on the CD. Sung as a power ballad duet with Chris Rodriguez, the song boasts an impressive guitar solo and timely lyrics based on Phillipians 4:13. This song left me wishing that Christian radio might once again notice the work that Twila continues to do.
Another strong track is "There is a Plan." This brooding rocker starts slow and builds to a frenzy as Twila shares stories that reveal that God has always had a plan and still has one today (a very timely message). This track recalls rockers from Casting Crowns ("Set Me Free"), Kim Hill ("Mysterious Ways"), Daughtry ("Leave the Light On") and Twila herself ("Rescue the Prisoner" and "Cry For the Desert").
The song "You Are a Great God" was a big surprise. The song starts off simply, almost like a lullaby and finds Twila singing a straightforward worship chorus. However, the track builds with conviction and assurance as Twila sings with passion about her great God. This song would be an excellent addition to the worship services of churches nationwide.
Other album highlights include "Live to Praise" (a worship anthem in the vein of Twila's more recent work), "Small Sacrifice" (a mid-tempo rocker that compares that which we have to give versus that which God gives us) and "Alleluia" (another praise chorus that recalls some of Twila's work in the 1980s, such as "For the Glory of the Lord" and "The Battle is the Lord's").
Overall this is a very strong recording from an important mainstay in Christian music. There is a reason that Twila has amassed 33 number one hits and 10 Dove Awards. That reason can be found in "Small Sacrifice."
If you don't own a Twila Paris CD, you should own this one. View All Music And Book Reviews By Byfaithalone | View Byfaithalone's Profile
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