CD Reviews - S - Z
Here is the place to find CD reviews and ratings of CD's by artists whose names begin with S - Z. If you're trying to decide what to buy this is a great place to learn more.
Sanctus Real - We Need Each Other
Matt Hammitt and the rest of the Sanctus Real crew came out strong in 2002 and, like fine wine, they've just gotten better as they've aged. Their fourth studio album, "We Need Each Other," is their best to date with a mix of modern rock, pop and worship that flows effortlessly from one sound to the next, and with lyrics that you don't just hear ... the impact of these are messages will be felt long after the CD is finished playing.
Matt Hammitt and the rest of the Sanctus Real crew came out strong in 2002 and, like fine wine, they've just gotten better as they've aged. Their fourth studio album, "We Need Each Other," is their best to date with a mix of modern rock, pop and worship that flows effortlessly from one sound to the next, and with lyrics that you don't just hear ... the impact of these are messages will be felt long after the CD is finished playing.
Shane & Shane - Clean
Shane and Shane are, first and foremost, worshippers, singing more for the Lord than for any other audience. Their solid and well deserved fan base of worshippers will receive this 5th CD with firm appreciation for these God-driven songs of passionate celebration. Those who require more bells and whistles might find it less exciting.
Shane and Shane are, first and foremost, worshippers, singing more for the Lord than for any other audience. Their solid and well deserved fan base of worshippers will receive this 5th CD with firm appreciation for these God-driven songs of passionate celebration. Those who require more bells and whistles might find it less exciting.
Sholty, Jade - One Breath at a Time
There is a tone of truth that comes across strong in every song and it serves to draw you in.
There is a tone of truth that comes across strong in every song and it serves to draw you in.
Sienna - Steps
Sienna delivers a powerful message, with positive lyrics and soulful melodies, on her first solo album "Steps".
Sienna delivers a powerful message, with positive lyrics and soulful melodies, on her first solo album "Steps".
Silers Bald - Real Life
This debut release from Essential Records is a sure-fire winner. It's easy to see how the band developed such a huge following as an indie band.
This debut release from Essential Records is a sure-fire winner. It's easy to see how the band developed such a huge following as an indie band.
Sixpence None The Richer - The Best Of
A winsome and engaging collection of songs by a winsome and engaging band who will be sorely missed for their innovative work.
A winsome and engaging collection of songs by a winsome and engaging band who will be sorely missed for their innovative work.
Skillet - 'Awake'
Skillet - Awake - CD Review of Christian Rock Band Skillet's Release, Awake
Skillet - Awake - CD Review of Christian Rock Band Skillet's Release, Awake
Smith, Gregory Paul - I Can Live Again
Former frontman of the Christian rock band, Mars Hill Band, Gregory Paul Smith, has been signed with the newest face on the Christian record label block, KTC Music. His debut 5-star release, I Can Live Again, will hit stores on May 29, 2007.
Former frontman of the Christian rock band, Mars Hill Band, Gregory Paul Smith, has been signed with the newest face on the Christian record label block, KTC Music. His debut 5-star release, I Can Live Again, will hit stores on May 29, 2007.
Smith, Jake - Real
Real delivers enough high-quality music that you may find yourself wondering how in the world Jake Smith pulled it off on a debut release.
Real delivers enough high-quality music that you may find yourself wondering how in the world Jake Smith pulled it off on a debut release.
Smith, Michael W. - It's A Wonderful Christmas
In his long and notable career, Michael W. Smith has made a lot of great music and he hasn't been afraid to take chances, doing things a bit differently from everyone else. It's A Wonderful Christmas is certainly no different from the "Smitty-norm" in that respect.
In his long and notable career, Michael W. Smith has made a lot of great music and he hasn't been afraid to take chances, doing things a bit differently from everyone else. It's A Wonderful Christmas is certainly no different from the "Smitty-norm" in that respect.
Something Like Silas - Divine Invitation
CD Review of "Divine Invitation" by Something Like Silas.
CD Review of "Divine Invitation" by Something Like Silas.
Sonic Flood - Cry Holy
I was disappointed in this CD. It wasn't the same Sonicflood sound that I've come to know and love.
I was disappointed in this CD. It wasn't the same Sonicflood sound that I've come to know and love.
Spanish Kid – Tha Dog is Out
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Kid’s vocals are husky and raw, easy on the ears and straightforwardly understandable."
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Kid’s vocals are husky and raw, easy on the ears and straightforwardly understandable."
Springhill Worship – The Rocks Cry Out
This release offers some new talent, some very strong vocals, and even a few new noteworthy songs. Not bad for a compilation.
This release offers some new talent, some very strong vocals, and even a few new noteworthy songs. Not bad for a compilation.
St. James, Rebecca - If I Had One Chance to Tell You Something
If you are expecting this release to be perky and upbeat, without even a hint of a dark moment, you're in for a surprise. In the past six years Rebecca St. James has lived ... and life, even Christian life, has rough spots.
If you are expecting this release to be perky and upbeat, without even a hint of a dark moment, you're in for a surprise. In the past six years Rebecca St. James has lived ... and life, even Christian life, has rough spots.
St. James, Rebecca - Wait for Me: The Very Best
They call this "the best of ..." for a good reason. Classic Rebecca meets new material and the result gets an A+.
They call this "the best of ..." for a good reason. Classic Rebecca meets new material and the result gets an A+.
Stampley, Micah - 'Ransomed'
Micah Stampley's 'Ransomed' reminds us that we were all ransomed by the blood of Christ and it's some of the smoothest urban worship you'll hear all year. This release will warm your heart and lift up your spirit.
Micah Stampley's 'Ransomed' reminds us that we were all ransomed by the blood of Christ and it's some of the smoothest urban worship you'll hear all year. This release will warm your heart and lift up your spirit.
Starfield - Beauty in the Broken
There is some good music on Starfield's sophmore release, just as there are some good vocals... However, to my ears, there just isn't much in the way of growth.
There is some good music on Starfield's sophmore release, just as there are some good vocals... However, to my ears, there just isn't much in the way of growth.
Stellar Kart - 'all gas. no brake'
If you're a pop/punk fan, you'll love Stellar Kart's all 'gas. no brake'. If you're not a fan, you should still give it a listen. The high energy, high impact songs are all well done with a lot of skill and a lot of passion.
If you're a pop/punk fan, you'll love Stellar Kart's all 'gas. no brake'. If you're not a fan, you should still give it a listen. The high energy, high impact songs are all well done with a lot of skill and a lot of passion.
Stellar Kart - Expect the Impossible
If you can remember watching the debut of MTV you probably won't find much on "Expect The Impossible" that you can relate to lyrically (although the music itself is catchy). However, if you have a teen who likes power-pop with a touch of punk, then you should be beyond thrilled to see this CD pop up in your child's collection. Stellar Kart may have missed my mark, but they certainly hit the one that they were actually aiming for ... the hearts of our youth.
If you can remember watching the debut of MTV you probably won't find much on "Expect The Impossible" that you can relate to lyrically (although the music itself is catchy). However, if you have a teen who likes power-pop with a touch of punk, then you should be beyond thrilled to see this CD pop up in your child's collection. Stellar Kart may have missed my mark, but they certainly hit the one that they were actually aiming for ... the hearts of our youth.
Stereo Motion - Stereo Motion
Old style rock and roll, in a blast from the past, is what this debut CD is all about. No bubble gum, boy-band music here.
Old style rock and roll, in a blast from the past, is what this debut CD is all about. No bubble gum, boy-band music here.
Stuart, Marty - Souls' Chapel
Think delta blues, meets Grand Ole Opry in an old-timey tent revival atmosphere and you'll begin to get the picture of this release.
Think delta blues, meets Grand Ole Opry in an old-timey tent revival atmosphere and you'll begin to get the picture of this release.
Surrendered & Untamed
These guys are good, very, very good. Think Delirious without the accent. That good.
These guys are good, very, very good. Think Delirious without the accent. That good.
T-Bone - Bone-Appetit: Servin' Up Tha Hits
Pulling together his best songs from the last few years, T-Bone hits the mark with a bulls-eye with Bone-Appetit - Servin' Up Tha Hits.
Pulling together his best songs from the last few years, T-Bone hits the mark with a bulls-eye with Bone-Appetit - Servin' Up Tha Hits.
The Passion Of The Christ: Songs
The Passion Of The Christ: Songs offers a wide variety of styles, from pop/rock to a touch of metal, from hip-hop to alternative, all highly accessible.
The Passion Of The Christ: Songs offers a wide variety of styles, from pop/rock to a touch of metal, from hip-hop to alternative, all highly accessible.
The Swift - Today
Their piano-based pop sound, interspersed with rock hooks and instrumental creativity makes them unique enough to keep you interested.
Their piano-based pop sound, interspersed with rock hooks and instrumental creativity makes them unique enough to keep you interested.
The Turning - Learning to Lose
All in all, The Turning not have turned Christian music as we know it on it's ear, but they certainly delivered with their debut release. I look forward to hearing more great music coming out of their camp.
All in all, The Turning not have turned Christian music as we know it on it's ear, but they certainly delivered with their debut release. I look forward to hearing more great music coming out of their camp.
The Violet Burning - Drop Dead
Guest reviewer Aaron Hollis says, "This album is more similar to The Violet Burning's earlier material. It's a solid alternative/ new wave album that should please fans of that kind of music."
Guest reviewer Aaron Hollis says, "This album is more similar to The Violet Burning's earlier material. It's a solid alternative/ new wave album that should please fans of that kind of music."
Third Day - Chronology: Volume One
Being from Georgia myself, I've always loved Third Day and their southern rock roots, so I was really looking forward to their first anthology. I wasn't disappointed ... well ... for the most part anyway. The excellence of Third Day is absolutely there, but I felt a bit let down by the redone/remixed songs.
Being from Georgia myself, I've always loved Third Day and their southern rock roots, so I was really looking forward to their first anthology. I wasn't disappointed ... well ... for the most part anyway. The excellence of Third Day is absolutely there, but I felt a bit let down by the redone/remixed songs.
Third Day - Wire
Third Day's latest release, "Wire", is a return to their southern rock roots, with a little extra punch.
Third Day's latest release, "Wire", is a return to their southern rock roots, with a little extra punch.
This Beautiful Republic - 'Perceptions'
In a little over a year This Beautiful Republic has grown musically and spiritually. That growth is the first thing that jumps out at you when you listen to Perceptions. You're then hit with a message that refuses to be ignored. Can you say one two punch?
In a little over a year This Beautiful Republic has grown musically and spiritually. That growth is the first thing that jumps out at you when you listen to Perceptions. You're then hit with a message that refuses to be ignored. Can you say one two punch?
This Beautiful Republic - Even Heroes Need A Parachute
Modern guitar power-pop/rock is the plane that This Beautiful Republic lands in and, for the most part, their landing into the genre is good with a few spectacular moments following them down the runway. Honest and innovative lyrics experience a bit of turbulence with when they bump into cliché-type phrases, but sometimes simply put can be the best way to say something. Bottom line ... this is a slightly better than average debut, but there is a ton of potential for greatness here.
Modern guitar power-pop/rock is the plane that This Beautiful Republic lands in and, for the most part, their landing into the genre is good with a few spectacular moments following them down the runway. Honest and innovative lyrics experience a bit of turbulence with when they bump into cliché-type phrases, but sometimes simply put can be the best way to say something. Bottom line ... this is a slightly better than average debut, but there is a ton of potential for greatness here.
Thomas, Fred - I See You
I See You starts out strong with the title track and keeps up the pace of excellence throughout the rest of the album. This well-produced worship/pop experience will make you a Fred Thomas fan within minutes.
I See You starts out strong with the title track and keeps up the pace of excellence throughout the rest of the album. This well-produced worship/pop experience will make you a Fred Thomas fan within minutes.
Three 5 and 6 - Urban A Cappella
The first full length release from this California group is definitely worth a listen if you like urban gospel, funk or R & B.
The first full length release from this California group is definitely worth a listen if you like urban gospel, funk or R & B.
tobymac - Renovating Diverse City
There are enough strains of funk and R&B blended throughout the mix to wake the younger side of me up and get me moving. There is more than enough truth in the lyrics to make the parental side of me take note and look forward to this CD finding it's way into my son's CD player.
There are enough strains of funk and R&B blended throughout the mix to wake the younger side of me up and get me moving. There is more than enough truth in the lyrics to make the parental side of me take note and look forward to this CD finding it's way into my son's CD player.
Tomlin, Chris - 'Hello Love'
Love -- the theme of the album, the root of our Salvation, the story of our lives. Thanks so much to Chris Tomlin for reminding us of that fact in the wonderful album, 'Hello Love'.
Love -- the theme of the album, the root of our Salvation, the story of our lives. Thanks so much to Chris Tomlin for reminding us of that fact in the wonderful album, 'Hello Love'.
Troccoli, Kathy - Greatest Hits
We've waited 21 years for a greatest hits CD from Kathy, and it's been worth the wait.
We've waited 21 years for a greatest hits CD from Kathy, and it's been worth the wait.
Tru-Life - The Journal Vol. 1
The Journal could be a page from just about anyone's life, with real issues and, more importantly, the one real answer.
The Journal could be a page from just about anyone's life, with real issues and, more importantly, the one real answer.
USMA Cadet Glee Club at West Point - Stand Ye Steady
Maybe it's because my oldest son is in the U.S. Navy's basic training program. Maybe it's because I'm more patriotic than I thought. Either way, even though glee club style music is not normally my cup of tea, I was touched deeply by this release.
Maybe it's because my oldest son is in the U.S. Navy's basic training program. Maybe it's because I'm more patriotic than I thought. Either way, even though glee club style music is not normally my cup of tea, I was touched deeply by this release.
Various Artists - I'll Fly Away - Country Hymns and Songs of Faith
Kim Ruehl, About.com's Guide to Folk Music, gives this compilation a 4-star rating, calling music by Sara Watkins, Kortnie Heying and Dolly Parton the highlights of the album.
Kim Ruehl, About.com's Guide to Folk Music, gives this compilation a 4-star rating, calling music by Sara Watkins, Kortnie Heying and Dolly Parton the highlights of the album.
Various Artists - Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia
The artists featured on this project inspire a unified feeling of wonder and magic, making it something special.
The artists featured on this project inspire a unified feeling of wonder and magic, making it something special.
Walker, Betsy - Come By Here
This is an interesting mix of musical styles and lyrical magic. Betsy manages to take you through a wonderful journey of melodies mixed with excellent harmonies while delivering a down to earth message.
This is an interesting mix of musical styles and lyrical magic. Betsy manages to take you through a wonderful journey of melodies mixed with excellent harmonies while delivering a down to earth message.
Webb, Derek- Mockingbird
Derek Webb's music may be mellow and easy to listen to - but man, oh, man - his lyrics sure do pack a punch! A sound reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash is a backdrop for some hard-hitting thoughts about social justice, poverty, war and politics.
Derek Webb's music may be mellow and easy to listen to - but man, oh, man - his lyrics sure do pack a punch! A sound reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash is a backdrop for some hard-hitting thoughts about social justice, poverty, war and politics.
Webster, John David - Made to Shine
This CD really does have something for everyone and I can't say enough except buy it!
This CD really does have something for everyone and I can't say enough except buy it!
Whitlock, Joy - 'God and a Girl'
'God and a Girl' is top notch and well worth a listen. After that listen, you'll find that Joy Whitlock's debut will make a great addition to any music collection.
'God and a Girl' is top notch and well worth a listen. After that listen, you'll find that Joy Whitlock's debut will make a great addition to any music collection.
Wickham, Phil - Phil Wickham
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Phil Wickham’s freshman project is fresh, passionately delivered, and richly atmospheric; what’s not to like?"
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Phil Wickham’s freshman project is fresh, passionately delivered, and richly atmospheric; what’s not to like?"
Williams, Joy – Genesis
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Only 22, Williams is coming off a year jam-packed with a new management company, a new booking agent, a new record, and most significant, a new husband. The latter is evidenced by the standout track, “I’m in Love With You,” passionate and personal."
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Only 22, Williams is coming off a year jam-packed with a new management company, a new booking agent, a new record, and most significant, a new husband. The latter is evidenced by the standout track, “I’m in Love With You,” passionate and personal."
Winds of Worship - Come Now is the Time
A compilation that actually delivers, containing the best of the best of the soft rock worship that Vineyard is known for.
A compilation that actually delivers, containing the best of the best of the soft rock worship that Vineyard is known for.
Wong, Arnold - Solo Hymns
For a quiet devotional tool, I can't imagine a more helpful and perfect recording than Wong's.
For a quiet devotional tool, I can't imagine a more helpful and perfect recording than Wong's.
WOW Gospel 2003
They call it the best WOW Gospel release thus far and I have to agree. Every song has a special message and every artist sings it from the heart.
They call it the best WOW Gospel release thus far and I have to agree. Every song has a special message and every artist sings it from the heart.
Yoder, Jerimae - Vertical
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, “Vertical” is a breath of fresh air, and by breath I mean a howling glorious wind of creative passion, Yoder-style, not to be missed.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, “Vertical” is a breath of fresh air, and by breath I mean a howling glorious wind of creative passion, Yoder-style, not to be missed.
Youth For Christ - Love Comes in All Colors
The 350-plus voice Youth For Christ choir, ages 10 - 18, features a colorful combination of races, denominations and family backgrounds with the purpose to tear down both racial and denomination walls by educating young people around the world that no matter what your skin color, love knows no colors.
The 350-plus voice Youth For Christ choir, ages 10 - 18, features a colorful combination of races, denominations and family backgrounds with the purpose to tear down both racial and denomination walls by educating young people around the world that no matter what your skin color, love knows no colors.
ZOEgirl - Room to Breathe
Vocally the delivery is deeply heartfelt and soulful with a hint of some blues and a touch of rock.
Vocally the delivery is deeply heartfelt and soulful with a hint of some blues and a touch of rock.