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Four CD Reviews
The Great Consummation
OK, let me just be honest here. Gil Anderson is a longtime friend, so I am not sure that my review is completely objective. I will also say this. I have personally enjoyed Gil’s music and preaching ministry for many years, but I wasn’t really sure what a whole CD would be like. Let me first comment on the professionalism of the project. Technology has made it possible for almost anyone, including me, to make a CD. That is not always a good thing, but Gil didn’t settle. The background music and vocals are first rate.
I can honestly say that I hope The Great Consummation is only the beginning. Gil has selected hymns for this project, hymns that tend to point to the coming of Christ. Hymns that give hope that there is a better life after this. From the first song, Face to Face, through We Know Not the Hour, we are reminded to look for and anticipate the Great Consummation when Jesus comes again!
Gil’s voice lends itself well to the singing of these songs of Zion. He managed to approach the songs with a slight contemporary flair, but leaves the basic melody in tact. You can easily sing along, or just sit quietly and allow the music to minister to you. Either way, you should get the CD and be blessed.
Hymns and Inspirational Songs of Reflection
Christine Sinclair is an anointed and gifted musician. I still chuckle when I think of the first time I heard her sing. I thought she could sing because of the response of the congregation when her name was announced. However, I didn’t expect her to sing like that. Hers is an interesting blend of classical and gospel styles.
This particular CD is, as the title suggests, an offering of mostly hymns. Now, I am all for creative license, but I do like the fact that Christine pretty much sticks to the script, the basic melody, as she renders these timeless hymns.
Although she is doing hymns on this CD, her repertoire is quite broad. I am sure there isn’t a national evangelist or ministry that she hasn’t sung for at one time or another. That’s because she has the ability to reach a wide variety of audiences. She tends to cross the typical lines of separation, and is equally as comfortable singing for conservative as well as more contemporary audiences. Let me put it like this, she would be well received at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.
Finally, I am always blessed when I hear in person, or listen to Christine’s music, and I think you will be also. So, get a CD. If you haven’t heard her before, prepare to be pleasantly surprised, and blessed.
Step Back, Let Jesus; No Prayer No Power
Eddie Edwards is straight up “old school.” Reminds me of the music they used to listen to at Oakwood College in the late 1980s. You can understand the words, the music complements the vocals versus drowning out the singer, and the message is timeless. Now, if you are really into contemporary gospel, then Eddie Edwards is probably not for you. Eddie’s songs tend to tell a story; they have a kind of country flair, but unlike many country songs, Eddie Edwards’ songs are filled with hope. His songs remind you of the love, compassion, and saving power of Jesus Christ.
Eddie sings some of the old favorites by gospel legends Bill and Gloria Gaither, but he is also a prolific songwriter, and he wrote almost half the songs on both of the CDs that I have heard. The songs he writes are born from his testimony. The doctors threw up their hands after his seventh heart attack, but by God’s grace he defied the odds, confused the doctors, and reminds us that we must always be prepared for the coming of Christ. So, I encourage you to listen to Eddie’s music and be blessed.
Sonshine
Dr. Janice Johnson Browne, sister of Message editor, Washington Johnson, is really on to something. She has taken what she calls “inspirational and encouraging life-changing stories” and recorded them onto a CD.
The stories are simple and profound at the same time. The stories are also short, which makes them easy to listen to when time is of the essence. Of course, there is no substitute for quality and quantity time with the Lord, but these days our lives are so hectic. This CD is a great way to “sneak in” some God time.
Whether you are in your car, relaxing in front of the fireplace, or preparing a meal, these stories will inspire you, encourage you, and challenge you to live a holy life.
The stories are gleaned from the Bible and from Janice’s life experiences. All of the stories have a sprinkling of humor and a lot of biblical wisdom. Even though the stories are rooted in scripture and contain solid biblical truths, you won’t feel like you are listening to a sermon. However, it could certainly be considered an audio devotional book.
So, if you love a good story like I do, and you are interested in being uplifted, encouraged, and even entertained at the same time, then I encourage you to get and listen to Sonshine by Dr. Janice Johnson Browne.
LORETTA SPIVEY writes from her media room in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From there she reads, listens to, and writes about all things note.wor.thy.
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