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.
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 - Everything Is Different CD Review - Review of Everything is Different by Worship Leaders Shane & Shane
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.
There is a tone of truth that comes across strong in every song and it serves to draw you in.
Sienna delivers a powerful message, with positive lyrics and soulful melodies, on her first solo album "Steps".
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.
A winsome and engaging collection of songs by a winsome and engaging band who will be sorely missed for their innovative work.
Skillet - Awake - CD Review of Christian Rock Band Skillet's Release, Awake
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.
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.
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.
CD Review of "Divine Invitation" by Something Like Silas.
I was disappointed in this CD. It wasn't the same Sonicflood sound that I've come to know and love.
Reviewer Kevan Breitinger says, "Kid’s vocals are husky and raw, easy on the ears and straightforwardly understandable."
This release offers some new talent, some very strong vocals, and even a few new noteworthy songs. Not bad for a compilation.
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.
They call this "the best of ..." for a good reason. Classic Rebecca meets new material and the result gets an A+.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
These guys are good, very, very good. Think Delirious without the accent. That good.
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 offers a wide variety of styles, from pop/rock to a touch of metal, from hip-hop to alternative, all highly accessible.
Their piano-based pop sound, interspersed with rock hooks and instrumental creativity makes them unique enough to keep you interested.
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.
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."
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's latest release, "Wire", is a return to their southern rock roots, with a little extra 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?
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.
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.
The first full length release from this California group is definitely worth a listen if you like urban gospel, funk or R & B.
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.
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'.
We've waited 21 years for a greatest hits CD from Kathy, and it's been worth the wait.
The Journal could be a page from just about anyone's life, with real issues and, more importantly, the one real answer.
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.
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.
The artists featured on this project inspire a unified feeling of wonder and magic, making it something special.
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.
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.
This CD really does have something for everyone and I can't say enough except buy it!
'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.
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, "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."
A compilation that actually delivers, containing the best of the best of the soft rock worship that Vineyard is known for.
For a quiet devotional tool, I can't imagine a more helpful and perfect recording than Wong's.
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.
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.
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.
Vocally the delivery is deeply heartfelt and soulful with a hint of some blues and a touch of rock.
