---------------------------------------------------------------------------
TLeM1.1.3

ALBUM REVIEWS:

PAM THUM, FAITHFUL (BENSON)
FAITHFUL is the title of Pam Thum's new release from Benson.  The
second album from this relatively new artist combines quality
contemporary Christian music with clear, articulate lyrics.  The
theme throughout the project is encouraging the Christian to be
steadfast and faithful.

The album starts off with a soulful, lively tune, "Faithful Heart."
and leads into an upbeat dance tune, "Love Conquers All."  Next is
an urgent plea to the listener, "Will You Come To Jesus?"  An
irregular rhythm makes the music stand out on "By The Grace Of His
Love."  "Candle Burning," a pleasant tune, reveals the
responsibility of the Christian to show forth God's love to the
outside world.  An heartening tune that moves to an upbeat cadence
is, "No Shadows, No Doubts."  Featuring part of the Lord's prayer
is "The Power, Kingdom, and Glory."  Because of the familiar words,
you are drawn to the message in this song.  Another kickoff from an
old hymn is "See You In The Morning."  Its theme draws on the hope
of seeing our loved ones again after death.  The last two
selections, "Innocence Of Heart" and "Holding Me" hold true to the
album theme by lifting up the Christian.  "Innocence Of Heart"
tells us to be a bold witness and not give into the pressure from
the world.  "Holding Me" is a slow, powerful song that gives us the
assurance of our Father's everlasting presence.

Being a first time listener to a Pam Thum project, I was very
impressed.  The songs are optimistic, having variety with a obvious
message of God's love.  Thum's voice reminds one of Amy Grant's
alto sound, clear and strong.  I believe this album will bring Pam
Thum to the forefront of Christian music and an opportunity to
introduce a greater audience to Christ.
--Ann Hathcock

NEWSBOYS, GOING PUBLIC (STAR SONG)
After the huge success of the previous Newsboys' album, NOT ASHAMED,
the follow-up was awaited with much anticipation, especially when
it was learned that Steve Taylor would be returning as the producer.  When
I first played this CD, however, I was quite surprised to find a fairly
sharp change in direction for the band's sound.  Gone is the techno-pop
rhythms of NOT ASHAMED. In its place is a harder, more aggressive sound.
Nonetheless, this is definitely an album that seems to get better with each
playing.  Peter Furler supplies the music and shares the lead vocal duties
with John James.  These two are the heart and soul of the Newsboys.
Lyrically, every song has been written or co-written by Steve Taylor.
The other members, Kevin Mills, Duncan Phillips and Jody Davis, are all new
to the band.

The album starts out with "Real Good Thing," "Shine," and "Spirit Thing" which
are upbeat, catchy, hook-laden tunes with the
same let's-be-proud-to-be-Christian themes of the previous album.  The next 
song, "Let It Rain" slows the tempo down a bit but things pick up immediately 
with
"Going Public."  At this point, the album really
starts to cook.  "Truth and Consequences," a song about the dangers of dating
non-Christians, has a wonderfully satirical Steve Taylor playing the role
of a smooth operator.  This is followed by the noisy industrial sounds of
"Lights Out" which is one of the highlights of the album.  "Be Still"
is a ballad reminiscent of "Where you belong/ Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" of 
the
previous album.  "When You Called my Name" tackles the unusual topic of
encouraging the jaded preacher.  Finally, the album ends with the incredibly
powerful and moving "Elle G.," a song about suicide.

Overall, this is a very impressive album from a group that is in a state of
evolution.  I, for one, am very encouraged to see this happening in an
industry where, too often, many groups take the safe stagnant route to
stardom.
--David Wang

KATHY TROCCOLI, KATHY TROCCOLI (REUNION)
Kathy Troccoli's rich alto voice has returned to build on the incredible
success of her last album.  Following in the tradition of Amy Grant's and
Michael W. Smith's previous albums, this is a pop record made by a Christian
artist; it is not a contemporary Christian album in the usual sense of the
word.  However, if you can get over the lack of spiritual references in the
lyrics, you will truly enjoy some excellent music.

The album has some very dance-oriented tunes similar to her monster hit,
"Everything Changes."  Two of the best examples are "Just You" and
"I'll Be There (For You)."  The wonderful ballad "Tell Me Where It Hurts"
is already heading up the adult contemporary charts.  However, the highlights
of the album are "All of My Life," another beautiful ballad, and "Take a 
Chance,"
an upbeat tune co-written by Whitney Houston, BeBe Winans and Keith Thomas.
The latter song is sure to be a hit given the pedigree of its composers.
The album ends with a spiritual slant on "My Life Is In Your Hands" which is
a fine way to sum up where Kathy Troccoli's true priorities lie.
--David Wang

KATHY TROCCOLI, KATHY TROCCOLI (REUNION)
On her latest release, Kathy Troccoli has once again set the foundation for 
her music squarely in the pop genre. We find KT singing tunes that are 
designed to capitalize on the mainstream notoriety that she received on her 
previous, PURE ATTRACTION. With her amazing full-bodied and powerful voice and 
a pleasing keyboard-driven sound, this project will undoubtedly gain an even 
wider audience.

The lyrical theme is love and relationships. Most are songs that do not 
present overtly Christian references, but rather are examples of God-honoring 
principles in practice. "Mission of Love" gives the best example: "And it's 
written on my heart/For all to see/Wanna give it away/All this love in me/And 
be an answer/From heaven above/Wanna tell the world/So the world will 
know/That I'm sending out my heart/On a mission of love."

Unlike ballad-heavy PURE ATTRACTION, KATHY TROCCOLI has a healthy balance of 
dance tracks, mid-tempo tunes, and those trade-mark ballads. A few of the 
highlights are: "I'll Be There (For You)," an up-tempo groove about commitment 
to a friend no matter what; "Never My Love," a smoking remake of THE 
ASSOCIATION's ballad; and the album-closing, "My Life is in Your Hands," which 
gives testimony to her implicit trust in the Lord's care and sovereignty.

Troccoli has taken on a platform geared toward shining His light into the 
mainstream pop genre. Perhaps the liner note sums it up, "May my worth to you 
in public be what I am in private."
--Vanessa L. Crooks

BRIDE, SCARECROW MESSIAH (STAR SONG)
I must admit feeling a little worried when I learned that the new
Bride album was being produced by John and Dino Elefante.  Although
they are wonderful producers, how would their trademark slick metal
sound mesh with the heavier, dirtier metal sound of Bride?  Well, I
am pleased to say that the results are a success.  The Elefante
brothers have allowed Bride to retain their rougher style and, in
fact, may even have enhanced it.

This is an album that means business.  I mean, how many other albums
out there have only one word titles?  You can't get more
concise than that.  Fueled by Dale Thompson's
unbelievably gritty vocals (I get a sore throat just thinking about it),
this is definitely hard-nosed, high-powered, no-nonsense metal.  From start
to finish, it is relentless in its intensity.  As such, the album's
only shortcoming might be its lack of variety as compared to the previous
album SNAKES IN THE PLAYGROUND. The lyrics continue to be interesting
and challenging.  Songs such as "Beast" and "Scarecrow" are
particularly powerful, conjuring up the images implied by the titles.
"DadMom" is a tribute to parents; this is a wonderful contrast to 
secular bands who encourage rebellion against authority.  This song is
also ironically the heaviest tune of the lot, and, thus, the least likely
to win parent approval.  The bluesy "Thorns" slows the album down and
the album finishes with the rap-like "Questions."

If you like your metal very heavy, you'll like this album.  Lyrically,
the Christian message is very clear throughout all the songs.  Personally,
this album comes very close to displacing SNAKES IN THE PLAYGROUND
as one of the best metal albums of the decade.
--David Wang

BRIAN GOODELL, SIMPLE LOVE (ESSENTIAL)
Whatever else you decide to say about Brian Goodell's debut release
SIMPLE LOVE, you have to say that it's diverse.

To begin with, the album covers significant territory musically.  The
opening song, "House of Love," starts the album in a semi-aggressive dance
groove with a Chicago-like horn section.  "Simple Love," on the other
hand, has more of a jazz feel, complete with a very smooth classical
guitar solo.  And where "Happy Feelin's" is a fairly faithful replica of
the vintage Earth, Wind and Fire sound, the anthem "Look into Their Eyes"
sounds more like the majority of the songs played on today's adult
contemporary radio.

Goodell is as eclectic vocally as his songs are musically.  He sounds
like Michael W. Smith on the title track and like a breathy Jon Gibson on
"Then There Was You," a clever tune with verses built around a single
two-note keyboard riff.  He's also a dead ringer for Maurice White of
Earth, Wind and Fire on "Happy Feelin's" and "When Love is in Your
Corner," a song encouraging us to have a bolder reliance on God.

Yet, unlike the music and the vocals, the album's lyrical content is
fairly uniform.  Most songs contain direct references to the spiritual. 
"House of Love" asks us to welcome others into our fellowship, and "Simple
Love" encourages a more innocent faith.  "Take Me There," from the
Imperials' album "Big God," begs the Lord for a closer relationship with him.

To be sure, "Simple Love" is a fine album with something for every musical
taste and at least one song a candidate for mainstream exposure.  Even so,
the sheer number of musical styles on the album, while impressive, tends
to spoil its continuity.  Goodell would probably benefit by choosing a
single type of music and sticking with it.  Rest assured though, that
whatever style he does choose, he'll probably do it quite well.
--Bert Gangl


AMY GRANT, HOUSE OF LOVE (MYRRH)
With her new album, HOUSE OF LOVE, two things are clear: Amy Grant has grown 
yet again artistically, and she should continue to find herself embraced in 
the mainstream marketplace. Holding true to her initial vision to chronicle a 
life lived in relationship with Jesus Christ, Grant presents an album that 
expresses the trials and challenges, blessings and rewards of godly 
relationships.

Creatively, she has been joined by producers Michael Omartian and Keith 
Thomas. The result is a fresh and pleasing blend of Grant's pop and acoustic 
leanings. Her voice has never sounded so clear and strong. She really "fronts" 
the songs rather than being overpowered by the music (as has happened at times 
in the past).

HOUSE OF LOVE is also very musically diverse. The title track, a duet with 
country singer Vince Gill, has a smoking Motown and R&B flavor. Also, her 
cover of the Joni Mitchell classic "Big Yellow Taxi" is a sweet melodic romp 
that features acoustic guitar, mandolin, and lap steel.

From a lyrical standpoint, Grant's albums have always attempted to reflect her 
desire to walk with God and to use words to paint pictures of life around her-
-HOUSE OF LOVE is no exception. Grant sketches intimate vignettes of love and 
relationships. "Lucky One" is a song of appreciation from a wife who admires 
her husband as a man who "loves with all his might." "Whatever It Takes" could 
easily be a wedding pledge, a promise of faithfulness and fidelity, to 
persevere through the ups and downs of relationship. She also gives glimpses 
of her thoughts on more overtly spiritual topics. "The Power" ponders with awe 
the power of God. And "Love Has a Hold on Me" gives testimony to the Love Who 
never lets us go.

HOUSE OF LOVE is Amy Grant doing what she does best--sharing honest, reality-
based songs that profess the hope and joy found in relationship with God and 
with others. The song "Children of the World" captures the heart of Grant's 
message: "I will stand for the truth I've seen/So the truth will be seen in 
me/I will give from the source of love/So all that I believe is handed 
down/...For the children of the world."

I appreciate Grant being a beacon in the night to so many and for being an 
example to those who have already seen the Light.
--Vanessa L. Crooks

various artists SISTERS (WARNER ALLIANCE)

Holding true to its cover statement, the album SISTERS presents "songs of 
friendship, joy, and encouragement for women." This is a unique project that 
has drawn together many of Christian music's most renowned and talented female 
artists with the intention of touching and edifying their fellow "sisters" in 
the Body of Christ.

Overseeing this celebration of unity, producer Cheryl Rogers has done an 
excellent job of weaving a tapestry that highlights both individual strengths 
and diversities while still maintaining cohesiveness and balance. All of the 
songs have a contemporary feel and approach, however SISTERS should appeal to 
a variety of listeners from young to old. And any woman should be strengthened 
by SISTERS' message of truth and hope.

The variety and number of artists who participated in this project should be 
enough motivation to give a listen: Yolanda Adams, Maia Amada, Susan Ashton, 
Helen Baylor, Margaret Becker, Lisa Bevill, Kim Boyce, Cynthia Clawson, Ashley 
Cleveland, Christine Dente, Gloria Gaither, Tanya Goodman, Vestal Goodman, 
Marabeth Jordan, Bonnie Keen, Babbie Mason, Patsy Moore, Cindy Morgan, Sandi 
Patty, Veronica Pettrucci, Pam Thum, Kathy Troccoli, Mel Tunney, Deniece 
Williams, and CeCe Winans are some of the women who took part.

Each of SISTERS' songs are intimate, designed to reach today's woman in the 
quiet of their hearts and in the depths of their thoughts. One favorite, 
"Always Deeper Still," features the stellar trio of Sandi Patty, Maia Amada, 
and Veronica Pettrucci singing these words of comfort and understanding: "Take 
it from someone who's been there/No one falls beneath the Father's reach to 
rescue His children/Even when you sink down to the bottom of the well/...And 
you think you've fallen in too deep/Know that God's love is always running 
deeper still." "These are the Women We Come From" reminds us of the legacy of 
faith given to us by the saints that walked this path before: "They were women 
with backbone/Keepers of the flame/With a spirit even hard times couldn't 
tame/These are the woman we come from/The faith that sustained them is bred in 
our bones."

The concept and practice of "mentoring" and "camaraderie" seem to have been 
all but lost on today's society. It is good to see that they are still present 
and are being focused on in SISTERS. Standing on common ground together, 
sharing wisdom and experience, being champions for each other, and bearing one 
another's burdens not only make life easier and bring fulfillment, but they 
are also what God has called us to do.
--Vanessa L. Crooks

GREG LONG, CROSS MY HEART (MYRRH)
Newcomer Greg Long offers a strong, straight-ahead pop debut with CROSS MY 
HEART. More steady and polished than most new artists, Long has had the 
benefit of growing up in a family that was involved in musical ministry. 
Additionally, he has toured with several evangelistic ministries. As a result, 
he has a real presence and poise in his approach.

Vocally, Long is solid, crisp, and resonant. He shows the finesse and ability 
to drive both a smooth, up-tempo pop melody and an emotive, lush ballad. 
Joined by MARGARET BECKER on "How Long," he proves his vocal "chops." The two 
compliment and harmonize well, exhorting us to live each moment in life to the 
fullest. "Our lives are a treasure that we're given/And every hour is ours to 
spend/But every moment that we waste can never be replaced/It never comes 
again."

Singing bright and uplifting pop songs, Long is sure to be embraced for his 
powerful and pleasant voice. CROSS MY HEART is a well balanced and formidable 
introduction to this talented new male vocalist.
--Vanessa L. Crooks

KIM HILL, SO GOOD (REUNION)

According to Francis Schaeffer, ÒChristian art is by no means always religious 
art, that is art which deals with religious themes. Consider God the creator. 
Is GodÕs creation totally involved with religious subjects? What about the 
universe? the birds? the trees? What about the birdÕs song? and the sound of 
the wind in the trees?Ó Keeping that thought in mind, letÕs look at the 
current project from Kim Hill. Her last release, Brave Heart, came out in 1991 
and, following what seems to be a trend (see the David Mullen review), during 
this hiatus she was married and had a baby. ItÕs certainly encouraging to see 
Kim back with a new project, but whatÕs even more exciting is that not only 
will SO GOOD be released to Christian outlets through Reunion Records, but it 
will also be released to secular outlets through BMG, a major country label.

If you watch VH-1, TNN, or any of the other country stations, you may have 
already seen the video for So GoodÕs first single, ÒJanieÕs Gone FishinÕ .Ó 
Like the vast majority of the songs on So Good, ÒJanieÕs Gone FishinÓ deals 
with a horizontal, earthly relationship as opposed to a vertical, spiritual 
relationship. However, donÕt take this shift in lyrical focus as an indicator 
that Kim Hill has Òabandoned the faith.Ó She states clearly in her credits 
that this album is dedicated to Jesus Christ. And, much like AMY GRANT  on 
HEART IN MOTION, Kim Hill uses SO GOOD to share a wholesome, God-honoring 
perspective on relationships. The rousing final cut, ÒWhen WeÕre Home Ò is a 
fitting capstone for this project as it points to the hope that believers have 
in heaven.

SO GOOD's producer, Wayne Kirkpatrick, does an able job of joining HillÕs 
husky voice with a variety of musical styles and infectious melodies. From a 
musical stand-point, SO GOOD showcases KimÕs ability to carry out any style of 
music from a country-flavor jazz and blues sound to a down-home traditional 
gospel romp. ThereÕs no question though, that SO GOOD IS geared towards 
todayÕs pop country market, not unlike some of the tunes on Susan AshtonÕs 
most recent release.

Whether or not you agree with Christian artist singing Ònon-religiousÓ songs, 
I challenge you to pray for Kim Hill as she widens her audience and her 
potential to be an example of GodÕs grace in action for those who need to see 
it the most.
--Vanessa L. Crooks

---------------------------------------------------------------------------