This CD marks a new beginning for A Ragamuffin Band. After paying tribute to the late Rich Mullins with "The Jesus Record," these four musical journeymen have recorded a project of their own design. Several years of touring and recording with Mullins have left a recognizable imprint on their music, but lead singer and producer Rick Elias brings his own distinctive persona into the proceedings. At times there is an earthiness to this CD that surfaces through a prayerful honesty about the human condition. In other moments the songs become an exploration of the well-known prayers of the saints. This discourse on communicating with God contains several guitar-driven tracks that will cause you to move with the music, but the energy lifts up the message rather than detracts from it.
"Spiritual Love"
Trin-i-tee 5:7
REVIEW
Named for a verse in the Bible's Book of John, Trin-i-tee 5:7 have blossomed under the nurturing wings of musical and spiritual mentors Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans. "Spiritual Love," the group's follow-up to their award-winning self-titled debut, melds dynamic harmony and strong solos with urban hip-hop grooves and R&B. Stylistic and lyrical gospel content makes them stand apart. The girls take on sexual purity, singing "My body is the Lord's temple / Don't mess with God's property," and they bring down the house with the invigorating, retro-inspired remix "Y'all Put Your Hands."
"Love Takes Time: 17 Timeless Classics"
Bryan Duncan
REVIEW
One of the most unmistakable voices in contemporary Christian music, Bryan Duncan spotlights his hottest singles from the '90s on this pleasing hits retrospective. Whether he's belting out a soaring chorus or reaching a deep groove in a soulful ballad, the smooth and classy cool that Duncan has exuded since his early days with the Sweet Comfort Band is all over this package. Five tracks from 1993's "Mercy"--winner of several CCM industry awards--suggest Duncan hit his peak years ago. Not true, as evidenced from the 1999 hit "Strollin' on the Water," a delirious song as free and spirit-filled as its title denotes.
"Nothing Else Matters"
Marvin Sapp
REVIEW
After a career with the award-winning gospel vocalists Commissioned, Marvin Sapp blossomed both as a preacher and as a solo act. On "Nothing Else Matters," Sapp teams up with genre heavyweight producers like Percy Bady and Fred Hammond. The title track puts it all into perspective from the Christian point of view: Jesus is both the message and the conveyer. Sapp's soulful vocals rise and fall as if from a pulpit; in praise, in warning, in comfort and instigation. "What About the Children" takes cues from the likes of Marvin Gaye and Wyclef Jean, blending old-school charm and croon with contemporary urban groove, while "You Brought Me" has its roots in classic gospel, with pumping piano, recycled refrains, and group harmonizing.
"Brother's Keeper"
Brother's Keeper
REVIEW
While no means a Christianized carbon copy of boy-band 'N Sync, Brother's Keeper share more than the same management firm with the teen heartthrobs. The Memphis-based quartet makes white-souled pop heavy on message, harmony, and radio- friendly hooks. "I Saw Heaven" off this self-titled debut is an emotive ballad in the tradition of the group's secular peers, yet the "Baby, baby" is replaced with praise for the Maker and His Son. Rotation of the disc's opener "Rain On" has garnered No. 1 status on CCM Update's national AC Radio chart, and it's no wonder. The fellows are handsome, wholesome, and ready to rock out worshipfully.
10 UNDER $10 SPOTLIGHT: "GOSPEL SOUL"
"Gospel Soul"
Various artists
REVIEW
The budget-priced sampler "Gospel Soul" is a brilliant collection of movin', groovin' spiritual soul from the '50s and '60s. You've not lived until you've heard the bone-rattling, earthquaking, soul-shaking sound of "In the Hands of the Lord" by the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. Be sure to check out our list of 10 titles under $10, which includes MXPX, Mahalia Jackson, and DC Talk. Now there's a sanctified trio to accompany your New Year's resolutions!
To check out our full list of 10 titles priced at under $10, go to: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/2848/acousticdigestmu"> REVIEW
IN CHRISTIAN VIDEO: "CHRISTIANITY: THE FIRST THOUSAND YEARS"
"Christianity: The First Thousand Years"
A&E Home Video
REVIEW
The Church has 2,000 years of tradition and history behind it, supported by millennia of practice and faith. Yet practices that seem so obvious now were not clear-cut in the early days. A&E gives a historical and scholarly look at the development of Christianity in "Christianity: The First Thousand Years," a four-part set that illuminates and entertains with interviews, reenactments, and photographs.
To find more Christian dramas, series, documentaries, and biographies, check out our Christian Video Store: REVIEW
EDITOR'S CHOICE: JENNIFER KNAPP
"Kansas"
Jennifer Knapp
REVIEW
As the contemporary Christian music community waits with baited breath for her sophomore release, let us once again praise and revisit Jennifer Knapp's awesome debut, "Kansas." This spare, acoustic, daring 1998 release was a breath of fresh air, and it's still as fresh and innocent a testament to God's glory as a newborn child.
Christian & Gospel titles on our 100 Best CDs of 1999 list include:
"Sacred Steel Live!"
Various artists
REVIEW
In the little-known music of the House of God church, the
slippery, plaintive, and ethereal strains of the steel
guitar supplant the traditional organ. The results, captured
on "Sacred Steel Live!," are phenomenal.
"St. Francis of Assisi"
Nagano, Upshaw, Messiaen
REVIEW
Olivier Messiaen lavished loving detail on his opera
"St. Francis of Assisi," an enormous meditation on suffering
and redemption that ignited this maverick composer's unique
imagination.
"Schnittke: Psalms of Repentance"
REVIEW
Russian composer Alfred Schnittke weaves the old with the
new on "Psalms of Repentance," his ethereal, a cappella
settings of 12 psalms from old Russian writings.
Christian & Gospel selections from the list of customer favorites include:
"Sixpence None the Richer"
Sixpence None the Richer
REVIEW
So, are they still a Christian rock band now that they've
sold hundreds of thousands of records and their first hit
single was a little pop ditty called "Kiss Me"? Of course
they are. On their breakthrough self-titled CD, Sixpence
serve up an airy blend of Abra Moore-meets-Sundays acoustic
pop.
"A Christmas Story"
Point of Grace
REVIEW
Point of Grace has excelled at bringing fresh inspiration to
an old genre. "A Christmas Story" delivers the pure magic of
Christmas wrapped in a package of classic Yuletide sounds
ranging from the bustle of horns and strings to the
tranquility of harps and bells. With an enlivening collage
of traditional hymns, rambunctious carols, and five new
original songs, the record masterfully combines the beauty
of the season with the significance and majesty of the event
that it celebrates.
"A Christmas to Remember"
Amy Grant
REVIEW
Since 1993, Amy Grant and friends--along with the Nashville
Symphony--have taken their brand of musical holiday cheer on
limited tours of the U.S., and Grant has recorded two other
Christmas full-lengths. So is the third time the charm? Yes
and no. Two new original tunes plus a moody, ethereal
"Silent Night" and a reworking of Michael W. Smith's "Agnus
Dei" are swell, yet elsewhere the singer falls flat. While
"A Christmas to Remember" may not be one of Grant's finest
moments, after three Christmas albums, what's left to do?
"Restoration"
Phillips, Craig & Dean
REVIEW
This brilliant trio return with harmony-laden uptempo hits,
poignant ballads, and soulful rave-ups. Phillips, Craig &
Dean strike gold immediately with the hard-charging and
anthemic title track, one of their finer moments in the
studio. Randy Phillips's strong, reliable R&B influence can
be felt on "Living for Heaven" and "New Millennium," while
Shawn Craig slows it down with superb ballads such as "A
Place Called Grace." Not bad part-time work for three full-
time pastors!
"A Sentimental Christmas"
Kathy Troccoli
REVIEW
Can you believe that after 15-plus years in contemporary
Christian music this is Kathy Troccoli's first-ever
Christmas offering? In a genre where everyone and his
brother has a holiday release, Troccoli's patience is a
virtue. Here she allows her classically trained voice to
wander through big-band jazz variations on the holiday
theme. For example, in "What Child Is This?" Troccoli scats
away the chorus in Ella Fitzgeraldlike fashion. A truly
outstanding release, and well worth the wait.
"Best Ones"
4Him
REVIEW
Since 1990 the members of 4Him have busily released albums,
gathering awards, receiving recognition, and spending long
hours on the road. Today they are among the top Christian
pop bands and fans will agree that the time is ripe for a
best-of album. This album contains 14 of their best songs
and is a soothing mix of celebratory and sober moods. It is
not merely the dynamic vocal blending displayed throughout
these songs that have gained 4Him their success; the heart
and vision behind this music is what has kept legions
faithful over the years.
"Sacred Steel Live"
Various artists
REVIEW
This rambunctious, spiritually enriched live collection is
likely the finest sacred steel disc that Arhoolie records
has yet issued. "Sacred steel" is the electric lap and pedal
steel guitar playing found in House of God churches across
the United States. Influenced by Hawaiian music, blues, and
R&B and loaded with soul, this is gospel like you've never
heard before. And heard live, the effect of these roaring
spirituals is all the more stirring. If you like your gospel
charged with electricity--literally and figuratively--this
is a must-have disc.
Want some great mix music, spiced with rare and previously
unreleased tracks by your favorite artists? Look no further
than Amazon.com's list of the finest Christian music
compilations available today.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ts/feature/2849/acousticdigestmu"> REVIEW
"Underdog"
Audio Adrenaline
REVIEW
A music fan from Baldwin, Wisconsin, raves: "Audio A outdid
themselves on this recording. The album starts out strong
with the song 'Mighty Good Leader'; later you will hear 'Get
Down' (my personal favorite), which is like a mixture of the
song 'Big House' and 'Never Gonna Be.' This will definitely
be argued as one of the best Christian albums of all
time. Peace!"
"Choose Life"
Big Tent Revival
REVIEW
When every album you release earns a Grammy nomination, your
track record isn't too shabby. Unsurprisingly, Big Tent
Revival's fourth recording, "Choose Life," is another giant
leap forward for this quintet with the Midas touch. You
can't help but get caught up in the feel-good, bouncy flow
of rockers like "Livin' Off Your Love" and "Fill Me with
Your Spirit." Yet the group can change pacing, as with the
title track, a poignant ballad, and the softly melodic "This
Is the Word of God." It's safe to say this is the band's
finest hour.
"Outside"
Gary Chapman
REVIEW
Following a year of public scrutiny and marital upheaval,
"Outside" finds Gary Chapman reflecting on shortcomings,
yearning for solidity, and reaching for faith in spiritual
healing. His most personal record, this collection features
the originals "Learning to Love," a brave statement of loss,
forgiveness, and brotherly communion, and "Nothing Without
You," an anthem of redevotion to God's higher purpose. But
it is "Hold On," dedicated to his three young children, that
most eloquently communicates the all-important love of both
one's earthly and Heavenly Father.
"True North"
Twila Paris
REVIEW
On this superb CD, hymn writer Twila Paris celebrates her 20
years in contemporary Christian music with a host of
talented pals. This subtle, pleasing music--made with
members of Out of the Grey and Jars of Clay, and coarranged
by Charlie Peacock--is pure Twila, full of devotional praise
and bursting with joyous melody.
"Time"
Third Day
REVIEW
It's hard to escape your roots, especially when you've grown
up in the South. For Third Day, it's never been truer than
on "Time," the band's third release and the first to openly
embrace their Southern rock tradition. While producer Monroe
Jones coaxes a somewhat softer-sounding Third Day in this
pleasing effort, the band still rocks hard. "Took My Place,"
for instance, is a Southern- fried rave-up powered by the
guitars of Mark Lee and Bruce Avery and paced by the gritty
vocals of Mac Powell. "Time" captures a band maturing and
owning up to both its spiritual and musical legacy.
"Glory in the House"
Keith Staten
REVIEW
As an urban praise and worship leader, Staten's agile lead
vocals combine with a phenomenal choir plus guitar, drums,
bass, keyboard, and scratches, making for one heck of an
exuberant listening experience. Staten and crew embody
spiritual vitality, from the blues-banishing hip-hop gospel
of "More of Your Glory" to the bouncy "I Love to Be in Your
Presence" and the booming staccato beats of "Ancient of
Days." The joyous closer, "God Is the Strength of My Heart,"
even utilizes an edified funk lick borrowed from Prince.
"Llegar a Ti"
Jaci Velasquez
REVIEW
A customer raves: "Just what the Christian music industry
needed, a counterpart for the Latin explosion. 'Con Tu Amor'
and 'Junto a Mi' are the best [songs], along with
'Manatiales de Caricias'--[it's] Latin music at it's finest,
while not selling out her Christian viewpoint. The door is
open for music like this; there are millions of Latin
Christians waiting for this style of music representing our
faith."
"Mountain High... Valley Low"
Yolanda Adams
REVIEW
Yolanda Adams is without a doubt the next queen of gospel
soul. For 10 years, this brilliant singer has treated fans
to more than a few revelations; but on "Mountain High...
Valley Low," her vocal chords sprout wings and soar straight
into your soul. "Mountain High" might incorporate hip-hop
and jazz elements, but Adams does not pander. Her strong
songs are never less than graceful, sublime, and stupendous.
"WOW Worship"
Various Artists
REVIEW
From the platinum-selling "WOW" series comes a two-disc
festival of praise and sacred service culled from the best
of the ilk. From the yellow disc's Celtic treatment of "The
River Is Here" and the mellow sweetness of "The Heart of
Worship" to the blue disc's rocking "We Will Embrace Your
Move" and emotive closer "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,"
perhaps most refreshing is the absence of predictable
superstars. Followers of Jesus will find joy in standouts
such as the stately contemporary standard "Father I Adore
You," the simplicity of the acoustic-based "Mighty Is Our
God," and the homey rock of "Take My Life," an anthem of
holy stewardship.
"Music in the Air"
Dixie Hummingbirds
REVIEW
Joined by an all-star cast of friends and fellow recording
artists, the Dixie Hummingbirds, arguably the most powerful
jubilee and traditional-style black gospel quartet of the
century, issue "Music in the Air" in celebration of their
70-year reign. Traipsing across stylistic musical boundaries,
the still formidable group pushes the envelope with
reconfigured arrangements of traditionals such as "How Great
Thou Art" and "Come Ye Disconsolate," the former featuring a
powerful a cappella lead by Wynonna Judd in juxtaposition to
the interlocked harmony of the 'Birds. "Music in the Air"
is testament to the quartet's undeniable might and influence
in both the sacred and secular worlds of music.
"Songs from the Penalty Box, Vol. 3"
Various artists--Christian contemporary
REVIEW
This isn't your mama's soft and sweet inspirational music,
despite its somewhat misleading association with
contemporary Christian music. Neither is it the brightly
"out-there" boy-band fare of Jars of Clay or DC Talk.
Rather, Tooth & Nail's third volume of "Songs from the
Penalty Box" features cutting-edge Christian bands blasting
punk, thrash rock, pop-punk, and hardcore. From the Ramones-
obsessed Huntingtons wailing away on the deja vu-ish
"American War Machine" to Fanmail's distorted pop anthem
"Let Down," "Penalty Box" appeals to bangin' moshers and
skate punks who like their punk rock sacred.
"We Got Next"
Winans Phase 2
REVIEW
Meet the God Squad, next generation! "We Got Next"
introduces the four teenage cousins who, as Winans Phase 2,
run with the barrier-burning gospel torch earlier kept
alight by their fathers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
"We Got Next" moves the family legacy forward, celebrating
Jesus with an updated urban gospel sound, as on the
high-energy family-centered anthem "I'm A Winans Too."
The group incorporates samples of its elders, swoon-worthy
boy-band harmony, a blend of hip-hop and dance beats, smooth
R&B, and even a Bee Gees cover.
"At the Show"
MxPx
REVIEW
Christian pop-punk titans MxPx deliver the goods on this
over-the-top album brimming with live versions of MxPx
classics such as "I'm OK, You're OK," "Chick Magnet," and
"The Downfall of Western Civilization." Produced by the
Descendents' Bill Stevenson, this Washington-based trio
blaze through 23 (count 'em) uptempo anthems that never
fail to energize the heart, mind, and soul.
"Gospel Favorites"
Willie Nelson
REVIEW
Here's what you get with this exquisite little blessing:
Willie, his fragile yet utterly earnest voice, his peculiar
and passionate phrasing, his unmatched gut-string guitar,
his sister Bobbie on graceful piano, and a refreshing set of
sacred songs. So what are you waiting for?
"A Maze of Grace"
Avalon
REVIEW
A customer raves: "The Lord has blessed the four members of
this group with oodles of talent. Their voices are amazing,
and the songs are well-written and centered around God's
word. The song titles are fairly basic in meaning, but the
lyrics are deep, insightful, and filled with truth. There's
not one single bad song on this CD; all are overflowing with
God's own passion and agape love. Each song is a testament
in itself to the awesome power and grace of Jesus."
"Jordan's Sister"
Kendall Payne
REVIEW
It's such a cliche to call any record a "stunning debut,"
but how else is one to respond to the first release by the
frighteningly talented 19-year-old singer-songwriter
Kendall Payne? Payne's melodic, empowering songs deliver
endearing there-are-big-problems-in-this-world-and-they-
really-do-bother-me words that consistently avoid the banal
trappings of her peers. Payne's work fits easily into the
late-'90s softer-sounding chick-with-a-guitar genre
(Sixpence, Jewel) and displays a keen melodic sense (she
wrote or cowrote all the songs), which, by any right, will
bring future success. With a nondidactic yet powerful
spiritual bent to the songs, "Jordan's Sister" will also
please contemporary Christian music fans.
"WOW: The '90s"
Various artists
REVIEW
In their controversial look at the 30 best contemporary
Christian songs of the '90s, the ever-popular "Wow" team
sides with the hit makers. Exceptional songs abound, from
4Him's "Where There Is Faith" to Rich Mullins's "Sometimes
by Step" to Point of Grace's "The Great Divide" to Jaci
Velasquez's "God So Loved." There are few, if any, discovery
titles here, but it sure makes one heck of an argument for
the current artistic strength of a potent, vital music.
"Streams"
Various artists
REVIEW
Based on the concept of healing in times of crisis,
"Streams" combines the talents of contemporary Christian
music heavy hitters and the Irish Film Orchestra in an
anthem of comfort for the weary, the hurting, and the
spiritually poor. From Cindy Morgan's broken-voiced
lamentation on "Job" to Chris Rodriguez's plea on
"Sanctuary," the collection speaks directly to the
suffering of Christians in times of need, a subject not
often explored in CCM. Brighter territory is surveyed on
Sixpence None the Richer's inspirational pop gem "Breathe"
and on Jaci Velasquez's breathily angelic rendering of
Michelle Tumes's "I Will Rest in You."
"Candycoatedwaterdrops"
Plumb
REVIEW
As with their self-titled 1997 debut, Plumb again embraces
programming and loops. However, this time singer-songwriter
Tiffany Arbuckle steps up in the mix and takes center stage,
making the band's sound all too human. "Late Great Planet
Earth," "Here with Me," and "Solace" testify that Arbuckle
and band can certainly shake the walls. Songs like "Phobic"
offer a counterpoint with a dreamy and lush backdrop. Well-
written, well-produced, this one's a keeper.
"Morning Light: Songs to Awaken the Dawn"
Steve Green
REVIEW
A companion to Steve Green's book of morning devotions
(coauthored by Michael Card and other members of the
Christian men's group Fellowship of the Empty Hands),
"Morning Light: Songs to Awaken the Dawn" is what Green
might well call vertical music--that is, music to elevate
one toward God. Each of the dozen songs serve as the first
prayer of the day with which to rededicate oneself to
praise, worship, and a relationship with the Heavenly
Father. Green's centered vocals--strong yet never
showy--illuminate a life begun each day in faith.
"Speechless"
Steven Curtis Chapman
REVIEW
We can't rave enough about "Speechless," Chapman's 11th
album in his 12-year career. He reaches new heights and
testifies to a songwriting brilliance that is almost
unmatched. This album will undoubtedly increase Chapman's
score of 29 No. 1 contemporary Christian singles. For the
first time, the ebullient singer-songwriter has made a
record with his touring band (instead of with studio
musicians), and the tightness and familiarity shows.
"Speechless" is the work of an artist who is seeking
perfection.
"Pray"
Rebecca St. James
REVIEW
A music fan from Maryland recommends "Pray" by Rebecca
St. James: "Rebecca St. James really got me interested in
Christian music.... Her music is very upbeat and phat, but
at the same time the Word comes through. From the first time
I heard her, she became my favorite singer."
"I Am Born to Preach the Gospel"
Washington Phillips
REVIEW
The entire known output of solo gospel performer Washington
Phillips can be found on "I Am Born to Preach the Gospel,"
an eerie, dulcet, and inspiring collection of sides recorded
in the '20s and '30s. Phillips's uniquely compelling,
high-pitched voice, subtle song sermons, and accompaniment
on the autoharp-like dolceola yield gospel at its most
graceful.