Published in the CR Mag 37

Saturday 1st February 1997

Michael O'Brien - Conviction

STYLE: Pop
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 17747-CAS558
LABEL: Benson 8441842592
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

This product is currently not available from Cross Rhythms Direct

Reviewed by Mandy Hoye

Michael's style is characteristic of Steven Curtis Chapman. In fact, on hearing his voice you could be forgiven for thinking it was he! However, despite his pleasant voice, the songs on this album are a bit of a let down. I played it through several times hoping it would grow on me, or I'd at least pick up on a chorus and hum it all day - but nothing! Every track virtually blends into the next. The material is simply bland, I'd like to say with the exception of one or two, but unfortunately none really stand out from the crowd. It's not a terrible album. You could probably listen to it if you wanted a gentle voice to sing you to sleep, or a bit of background music. But it feels like an album that's been done before by someone else - only they did it better.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 17:42 on Dec 1 2011

The first I ever heard of this guy was his 1995 signature tune & video, "If Ever I Forget". The pop flavored "If I Said Nothing" starts the 10 songset; this is top notch ccm 90's sound. This whole cd is an amazingly, well crafted recording of songs, reaching to the heart of the believer, thank you Michael.
BTW, Michael had a hand in writing every song on the cd, wtg Michael! I love "And The Story Goes On" it has hit written all over it as many a ccm song.
"1rst Peter" what an extraordinary original song to come about and be heard; a powerful song!
The cd title song "Conviction" is another song that is top CCM material. I believe "What Held YOU On The Cross" is the song that superbly high-lights the list of songs: it speaks to the listener, from the heart of man to the heart of GOD. The closing # "Somewhere Beyond The Moon" is such an awesome song that I love: co-written with future bandmates of Newsong.
This is a song of beauty that all believers need to hear. Michael would become part of the top CCM group Newsong by 2000, in time for their most memorable & timeless recording of the poignant "The Christmas Shoes". What is Michael up to these days? nothing heard for many years!
I saw him perform a duet with top ccm artist vet,
David Meece on a Classic CCM artists' show(I believe it was 2006). Michael's voice and song were a most welcomed addition to the ccm genre. GOD Bless!-Don

[reply] [report abuse]

view older comments

The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Michael O'Brien - Conviction

Reader Comments

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.


© Cross Rhythms 1983 - 2012 Over 25 years experience in Christian Music & Media \| Contact \| Site Map \| Terms of Use \|
Cross Rhythms is impacting youth and the wider community for good through FM radio, contemporary Christian music and a globally influential website.
Cross Rhythms is a UK registered charity no. 1069357