All About Loooooooooooove
Is it just me or is there a serious lack of good new releases in ccm lately?? I mean there is new material being released weekly but nothing that I am willing to lay down any $$ for.
BTW: Let me know your thoughts on last weekend's Tomlin/Giglio gig.
Steven Curtis Chapman - All About Love
Well since it is Valentine's Day, let's take a look at this 2003 release from Steven Curtis Chapman (SCC for those in "the know"). All About Love was a project that SCC rightfully devoted to his wife. Check the liner notes in the case to read each other's thoughts on each tune, kinda interesting. It is a collection of love songs and 12 of the 16 tracks had not been previously released.
This isn't his strongest work but I don't think that was goal of this disc. I also believe that SCC has been around long enough and blazed plenty of trails in Christian music that he is allowed a pass on stuff like this. What this disc does well is convey the message of love for one's spouse very effectively and it really shows the heart that Curtis has for his wife and his God.
There are only 2 notable sour spots on the disc. First the remake of the Proclaimer's one-hit-claim-to-fame "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)" is fun but it gets tired after a few listens. That song aside the rest of the disc is really nice. Not exceptional, not lousey but nice. Secondly is the Tarzan & Jane song. I guess it was in a Disney movie or something like that. I don't know, a little too goofy if you ask me.
Some of my fave's:
- How Do I Love Her - Asking God how to give his wife the love that she deserves. I have heard this song while strolling through Home Depot on several ocaisions. No Lie.
- 11-6-64 - The birthdate of his wife. A nice soft acoustic song.
- All About Love - Title track, very catchy. A reminder of not just what our marital relationships should consist of but also what the Christian life should encompass as well.
- I Will Be Here - Had been previously released. Any engaged couples out there might want to consider this song at their wedding.
- We Will Dance - The melody escapes me at the moment but I do remember really liking this song. (Hey, no one said I was a professional reviewer!)
Have to admit much of this CD was just okay but it's not one that I keep in my "regular rotation". I would agree on your take on the 500 miles being a tad overkill and for me a bit of an odd addition. I'm one of those people who reads the liner notes on the CD and I seem to recall that he specifically wanted to record the song for a really long time. (Wasn't that song also featured in a Johnny Depp movie from the 80's ...maybe Benny and Joon?) I liked We Will Dance in particular the final lyrics: "The music will play
And I'll hold you close and I won't let go, Even when our steps grow weak and slow, Still I'll take your hand and hold you close to me, And we will dance..." Isn't that a big sigh, hope-you-find-someone-to-share-life-and-love sort of lyric? (Comment this)
Brian I love reading your reviews!! Keep it up!!!!!! (Comment this)
I'd have to agree with Tim - for me it was a lot of numbers although boy he does really know how to build a sermon and the laminin was a hook for sure :)
I do think though that I'd rather see them in a smaller venue. Also it was freezing in the Xcel which made it a tad distracting. (I'm not really complaining because I didn't have to pay for my tickets.) (Comment this)
image/lights: we need some of those light bars that surrounded the screen. how cool would that be in the genesis room? talk about being blinded by the Holy Spirit! (Comment this)