CD Review: Michael W Smith - Wonder

Hee hee – Michael W Smith still uses the words ‘momma’, ‘holdin’ and ‘wanna’ after all these years! But then again, who doesn’t like a little country talk from time to time?

What I have always loved about Michael W Smith is his simple, honest way of expressing deep truths. On his latest studio album, Wonder, the first track ‘Save Me From Myself’ is such a telling example of this. The depth of the lyrics continues throughout the album, making it as extremely personal and honest as any album could be.

There is a lot about ‘dying to self’ and ‘surrendering’, which sets a tone of worship and accentuates his assurance of true grace – something he mentioned on his SA tour.

Michael W Smith has, yet again, taken vocals and musicality to a new level, and deserves every accolade he receives – many of which I’m predicting will come for Wonder.

Personally, I really like the first two songs but find the rest of the album a bit slow. I’m not sure if it is just a matter of learning to like the others, but I do think it’s missing a bit of his rock edge.

I will still listen to it now and again – for inspiring lyrics mainly, and it will go down really well on Christmas day. If you enjoy Michael’s slower music, this is an album for you.

CD Review: Jars of Clay presents The Shelter

Jars of Clay decided to borrowed a few friends and bands and have brought us as album called The Shelter.

It has to be noted that these ‘friends’ all happen to be some of the greatest artists Contemporary Christian music has seen in recent years, such as Toby Mac, Thad Cockrell, Brandon Heath and Amy Grant to name a few. Bands include Tenth Avenue North (Mike Donehey), Fireflight (Dawn Michele), Third Day (Mac Powell), Gungor and Burlap to Cashmere.

The message throughout the album is one of community. The band makes mention of an old Irish saying, which translates: “It is in the shelter of each other that the people live”. It’s the concept of ubuntu – but this time in the western world. Nice.

The Shelter is varied enough to keep your attention throughout without moving away from the distinctive Jars of Clay sound. This album is a perfect reflection as to why the band has been around for as long as they have. It’s really great and the more I hear it, the more I love it.

I love collaborations, and I love to sing along – so this is definitely my year-end album for 2010. If you are a Jars of Clay fan, this album is a definite must!

CD Review: John Mark McMillan - The Medicine

This is the first John Mark McMillan album I have ever listened to. As you open the cover, you see the words “I’m wide awake, and there’s blood on the promenade”. Wow – I really wasn’t all that sure what to expect. Straight away I thought he was going to take this the emo, angst driven route (sigh), but fortunately he decided to keep it more introspective.

He has a unique, amazingly deep voice, which is almost enchanting. The closest I could compare him to is ‘Staind’, the deeper register on ‘Snow Patrol’ and ‘Live’, or a mature sounding ‘The Calling’. You get the idea.

The lyrics on The Medicine are poetic, deep and profound – each song is it’s own story. The tempo varies throughout, so there is a great balance between the beat assigned to each track.

An album this good is rare – go get your hands on a copy.

Keep an ear out for his single “How He Loves” – a song Jesus Culture got a hold of. It is choral and (very) catchy. I don’t know anyone who I wouldn’t buy this album for.

CD Review: Third Day - Move

There was some big talk about the latest Third Day album, which made me very keen to check it out. They are a band I like to listen to with an open mind, because there are times I love them and times I don’t love them so much.

During my first listen, I had pretty much the same reaction as I do when listening to any of their albums for the first time…I got bored. After such an incredible performance on their tour earlier this year, I really expected something a little more creative and mind-blowing to make it’s way onto the album.

Now I’m not saying it’s totally rubbish – I am a critic after all! I think that the hard-core Third Day fans will find that Move has a powerful sound and some faultless production to its advantage.
And now I feel bad – like I should say something else good. Umm – the album art is great – a real eye-catcher.

Okay, seriously – their lyrics are prayerful, which really attracts you to the album, and it really does grow on you. I was checking out a sale in a bookshop recently and could hear Mac Powell’s distinctive voice…to find myself actually enjoying what Move has to offer.