"Center of My Universe"
Michelle Tumes
CD ON Sale!
Tumes's sophomore release delivers what her debut "Listen"
left fans longing for: a rich, atmospheric journey that
invades the senses. Her musical meditations carry the
intensity of the calm before a storm, lingering in the airy
peacefulness of a euphoric dream. Enraptured melodies and
soft textures convey a personal encounter with the loftiest
universal truths and the lyrics are firmly fastened in the
embrace of God's love. Truly, if there is a sound in the
heavens that can be heard with human ears, no one has come
closer to capturing it than Michelle Tumes. When she sings
"I'm with the angels," one cannot doubt it.
"Home"
Fernando Ortega
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Fernando Ortega has once again produced an exemplary
portrait of artistic and spiritual integrity using his
folk-based music to show listeners an intimate experience of
longing and hope. Listening hearts will identify with the
purity of Ortega's emotional expression, finding
similarities in their own journeys. Not too thickly layered
with sound, but possessing a richness that lacks nothing,
these songs carry the marks of expert production. Whether
reminiscing about the past or expressing love for his
family, he always returns to the fundamental ideas about
Christ's transcendent rule; clearly, these truths canopy
every aspect of Ortega's life.
"Ten Thousand Days"
Bebo Norman
CD ON Sale!
A previous independent release and two tours with Caedmon's
Call have gained Bebo Norman a notable fan base. His first
major-label album, "Ten Thousand Days" blends the reflection
of a journal entry, the imagery of a poet, and the
experiences of one who embraces all that comes his way. This
upbeat folk album spotlights Norman's journey as he grapples
with the important issues of life in order to live more
faithfully. Throughout the project, Bebo's vocal and lyrical
style carries an element of quietness that comes from his
innermost self. The music's unobtrusive nature gently
beckons the listener, making it a good fit in any setting.
"Songs 2"
Rich Mullins
CD ON Sale!
You'd think the sting of Rich Mullins's untimely death would
lessen with time, but the latest collection of works from
this prophetic, insightful songwriting genius makes it hurt
all the more. When listening to "Songs 2," a 16-track
sampling from the later years of Mullins's career, one
realizes that contemporary Christian music not only lost a
great songwriting talent in that tragic 1997 auto accident,
it lost part of its soul. There are so many good moments and
memories on this release that it's difficult to single out
just one high point.
10 UNDER $10 SPOTLIGHT: "IN MY HOME OVER THERE"
***********************************************
"In My Home Over There"
Mahalia Jackson
CD ON Sale!
With reissues and alternate versions of some the gospel
superstar's greatest songs, this album is an unbeatable
bargain for lover's of the genre. "In the Upper Room," for
example, employs not only piano but organ and backing choir
as well, and is made all the more resonant by the crackle of
old vinyl and tape hiss. The title track alone is worth the
entire disc, so great is the depth it conveys.
Check out our full list of 10 Christian titles under $10 at
CD ON Sale!
IN CHRISTIAN BOOKS: "THOUGH NONE GO WITH ME"
********************************************
"Though None Go with Me: A Novel"
by Jerry B. Jenkins
ON Sale!
Bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins blends his acclaimed
fiction-writing skills into a heartfelt discussion on how to
trust God's will in times of suffering in "Though None Go
with Me."
Find more great Christian books in our Christian bookstore at
ON Sale!
This year's Grammy Awards in Christian categories revealed the true depth of talent in the field. Steven Curtis Chapman, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, the Gaithers, Rebecca St. James, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar--these winners are such immense talents, it boggles the mind. From AcoustiCDigest/newCDnews.com,associates of Amazonm.com...
Best Rock Gospel Album
**********************
Winner:
"Pray"
Rebecca St. James
CD ON Sale!
While the term "rock gospel" sounds arcane and early
'70s--why can't the Grammys use "contemporary Christian
music" (CCM) like everyone else?--Rebecca St. James is
certainly a force to be reckoned with and her music really
pushes the boundaries of CCM toward fascinating places.
Powerful, haunting, and pure, "Pray" is an instant classic.
Our Pick: We agree. Rebecca St. James went up against some of CCM's top talent--Audio Adrenaline, Big Tent Revival, Third Day, who all made terrific records--and rightfully won.
:
Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
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Winner:
"Speechless"
Steven Curtis Chapman
CD ON Sale!
Steven Curtis Chapman was the obvious choice here; the
ebullient, chart-topping singer-songwriter finally made a
record with his touring band (instead of studio musicians)
and it's a truly fabulous release.
Our Pick:
We second that emotion.
Traditional Soul Gospel Album
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Winner:
"Christmas with Shirley Caesar"
Shirley Caesar
CD ON Sale!
A pioneer of gospel music since her earliest days with the
fabulously energetic Caravans in the 1960s, Shirley Caesar
deserves the respect and love of anyone who likes great
music. Was this the celebrated church minister and
tirelessly touring musician's best album? No--the
arrangements in particular tend toward the saccharine--but
her voice is still in terrific shape, as amply evidenced
here.
Our Pick:
"Music in the Air: The 70th Anniversary Celebration"
Dixie Hummingbirds
CD ON Sale!
This Dixie Hummingbirds album--released on the House of
Blues label and featuring more guest appearances than you
can shake a stick at--avoid cheesiness with the sheer power
of their considerable talent.
Contemporary Soul Gospel Album
******************************
Winner:
"Mountain High... Valley Low"
Yolanda Adams
CD ON Sale!
Adams won because she has the voice of an angel and the
smarts to move gospel toward a jazzier, more urban sound,
without ever losing the true spirit of the music. Let us not
forget that gospel music as we know it was invented by
Thomas Dorsey, a bluesman who found the Lord and passed the
torch onto mentors such as Mahalia Jackson. Adams is the
most innovative and intense young gospel-soul artist out
there.
Our Pick: We couldn't agree more with the Academy's choice; in fact, this CD was voted the best Christian & Gospel CD of 1999 by Amazon.com.
Gospel Album by Choir/Chorus
****************************
Winner:
"High and Lifted Up"
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
CD ON Sale!
Drawn from favorite selections previously performed at
Sunday morning worship service, "High and Lifted Up" is the
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir's first studio album in more than
a decade and it easily ranks among their best. This
excellent mass choir has been at it for two decades and they
show no signs of letting up.
Our Pick:
We enthusiastically agree with this choice.
Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel Album
***************************************
Winner:
"Kennedy Center Homecoming"
Bill and Gloria Gaither and Their Homecoming Friends
CD ON Sale!
"Kennedy Center Homecoming" won because the Gaithers have
been an important force in white Southern gospel music for
what seems like a million years. Their hearts and souls are
clearly in their performances, as their many "Homecoming"
CDs ably demonstrate.
Our Pick:
"Winding Through Life"
Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver
CD ON Sale!
When Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver burn through an album of
gospel bluegrass, they play the music with a talent that
must surely be God-given. Their take on the music is so
genuine, spirited, riveting, and beautiful that it makes you
want to kneel down on the ground right then and there and
give thanks to the Lord.
Check out Amazon.com's full list of Grammy winners at
CD ON Sale!
******
You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in
Amazon.com's Christian & Gospel Music section at
CD ON Sale!
1. "Mountain High... Valley Low"
Yolanda Adams
Check it out!
No sellout here. Yolanda Adams's soul-shattering,
wide-ranging vocals and deep spiritual message are in fact
more concentrated than ever on her genre-hopping major-label
debut. This melange of gospel soul, smooth R&B, contemporary
jazz, and hip-hop is perhaps the most startling release of
the year. We'd go on raving about this one more, but then
you probably wouldn't believe us. Check out the customer
comments to see that we're not alone in our high praise of
this triumph.
2. "Love Liberty Disco"
Newsboys
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With their rock-solid chops, sturdy melodic hooks, strong
spiritual basis, and keen sense of musical history, it's no
wonder why the Newsboys are among the most successful acts
in the history of contemporary Christian music. "Love
Liberty Disco is a rollicking, eclectic, blissed-out
celebration of God, the universe, and everything. It just
might be the most uplifting rock-pop title of the year,"
says one Amazon.com customer.
3. "Sacred Steel Live!"
Various artists
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This rambunctious live collection is likely the finest
sacred steel disc that Arhoolie records has yet issued.
"Sacred steel" refers to 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.
4. "Speechless"
Steven Curtis Chapman
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"Speechless," Chapman's 11th album in his 12-year career,
reaches new heights and testifies to a songwriting
brilliance that is almost unmatched. 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 a musician who is perfecting his art.
5. "Jordan's Sister"
Kendall Payne
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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 spirited, spiritual work
fits easily into the late-'90s softer-sounding
girl-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.
6. "Testify! The Gospel Box"
Various artists
Check it out!
Noted reissue label Rhino takes on African American gospel
music with the elaborately packaged three-CD set "Testify!"
The reach of the collection is wide, beginning with
jubilee-style singing from the '30s and ending with the
latest funk-soul gospel. The selections are superb (Golden
Gate Quartet, Highway QC's, Reverend Cleveland, Shirley
Caesar, Oleta Adams, the Winans) and the sound quality
surprising. As an introduction to an innovative, hugely
influential, thoroughly spiritual, and frequently
misunderstood music, this set should be your first choice.
7. "40 Acres"
Caedmon's Call
Check it out!
We can't rave enough about this record. This seven-piece
ensemble has made a name for itself, not only with chart
success, but with its hook-laden acoustic pop and extensive
touring. The experience shows with smooth rhythms, layered
guitars, and evocative vocals. Songwriters Aaron Tate and
Derek Webb are two of the brightest hopes in contemporary
Christian music's future. Bravo.
8. "This Is Your Time"
Michael W. Smith
Check it out!
Michael W. Smith's 13th full-length, "This Is Your Time," is
deeply passionate and exceptionally moving. The record's
title track was inspired by Cassie Bernall, the Columbine
High School student who was murdered after declaring her
belief in the Lord. You can pre-order a copy today of the
emotional, spirited new album from this
multiple-Dove-Award-winning artist.
9. "True North"
Twila Paris
Check it out!
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.
10. "Tri-Danielson!!! Part 2: Omega"
Danielson Famile
Check it out!
Warning: this is an exceptionally weird record, even by the
edgy standards of the alt-rock scene that has embraced this
eccentric group; the musically unadventurous best steer
clear. From one moment to the next, their sound veers from
campfire sing-along to Christian vaudeville to silly,
strummy, bouncy acoustic rock. A family affair, Danielson is
big brother Daniel Smith, 26, and his younger sibs, who
range in age from 14 to 23. Chris Palladino's organ adds
psychedelic girth to the acoustic guitar and drums, which
are fortified by the sisters' flute and xylophone and the
blend of voices.
Margaret Becker "What Kind Of Love"
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Russ Taff "Right Here Right Now"
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VA-Heaven & Earth "Heaven & Earth"
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Jars Of Clay "If I Left The Zoo"
Check it out!
Harlem Gospel Choir "I'm So Glad"
Check it out!
Gmwa Women Of Worship "Best Of Gmwa Women Of Worship"
Check it out!
VA-Heaven & Earth "Heaven & Earth"
Check it out!
Maire Brennan "Whisper To The Wild Water"
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Tribe Of Benjamin "Raize Da Praize"
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Harlem Gospel Choir "I'm So Glad"
Check it out!
VA-Wow "Wow 2000"
Check it out!
Harlem Gospel Choir "I'm So Glad"
Check it out!
Brenda Waters "Believers & Friends"
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Various Artists-Wow "Wow 2000"
Check it out!
John Elefante "Corridors"
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Various Artists-Sacred Voices- "Sacred Voices-Acappella
Gospel"
Check it out!
VA-Listen-Louder "Listen-Louder"
Check it out!
Rodney Posey & Praise "El Shaddai"
Check it out!
Harlem Gospel Choir "I'm So Glad"
Check it out!
Audio Adrenaline "Underdog"
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VA-Night In Rocketown "Night In Rocketown"
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Point Of Grace "Christmas Story"
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Virtue "Get Ready"
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Third Day "Time"
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Vickie Winans "Share The Laughter"
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John Michael Talbot "Cave Of The Heart"
Check it out!
Delirious "Mezzamorphis"
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Vickie Winans "Share The Laughter"
Check it out!
Take 6 "Greatest Hits"
Check it out!
