Caedmon's Call - Chronicles 1992-2004

Thursday 1st July 2004
Caedmon's Call - Chronicles 1992-2004
Caedmon's Call - Chronicles 1992-2004

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 9718-9324
LABEL: Essential 083061074623
FORMAT: CD Album
RRP: £4.99

Reviewed by Paul Gallagher

This limited edition collection is less a "greatest hits" than a bringing together of fans' favourites with live and alternative versions of Caedmon's Call classics, as a way of marking this time as a turning point for the band. With the departure of key vocalist and songwriter Derek Webb, they may become a very different band in the coming years. This is hinted at in the content of closing track "A New Day", written by Caedmons' new kid Andy Osenga. So 'Chronicles' is 17 songs showcasing everything that has made this band essential to the Christian music world for the last 12 years, and if you have no idea what that is, now is the perfect time to find out. Caedmon's Call are that rare thing; a Christian band that is both artful and subtle, without ever compromising their rock solid faith. Unlike many massive CCM acts, Caedmon's never choose the most obvious route. Never using a trite Christian phrase where a more complex poetic idea presents itself, never opting for a straightforward catchy hook when a detailed percussive rhythm and some elaborate harmonies will add so much more (see the fantastic alternative version of "Hands Of The Potter" included here). This gives Caedmon's Call a musical and spiritual depth that can too often be missed. So if you're one of those listeners who has only ever heard them in the background and dismissed them as yet another uninspiring acoustic rock outfit, give 'Chronicles' a closer listen. You may find yourself surprised. Maybe even inspired.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Sample Track Listing:
1. All My Life [Listen]
2. Thankful [Listen]
3. Lead Of Love (live) [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Product Description
Chronicles gathers the best of Caedmon's Call to date into the ultimate collector's package including rarities, remixes and live favourites. Chronicles also includes two brand new songs. The best of Caedmons Call to date into the ultimate collectors package including rarities, remixes and live favourites.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 17:11 on Oct 30 2011

Even tho' this band has been recording songs since the early 90's; I did not become familiar with them until 2003 (yeah, long time, 10 years!). I had heard the song "Hallelujah Never Ending" with top ccm band Silers" Bald; from the cd "City on a Hill-the Gathering": great song, love it! (too bad it was not included on this cd). So, in April 2004 this 17 songset of chronicles is released;"Lead of Love" a live Easter 1999 recording grabbed hold of me; this is top ccm sound & lyrics. When we don't know where we are, sometimes when we take a moment and look back, we realize how we got to where we are. Their sound kinda reminds me of top ccm group Jars of Clay.
"Table for Two" has a little bit of 70's guitar lick sounds; reminds me of pop group Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: this is another top cd fave, love it! The group's main vocalist Derek Webb provided great styled songs that made the group; so sad to hear of his departure. Too bad that, top ccm songwriter,
singer and musician, Rich Mullins didn't hear their rendition of his 1989 songs I Will Sing/Hope to Carry On": great covers! This cd provides the radio version of "Hands of the Potter" from July 2003: this is great ccm sound that I love. This cd of works starts off with a new song and ends with a new song; "A New Day" is highly commendable; great new song written by newcomer Andy Osenga: nice contribution to add to this fine collection of songs, love it! (sorry, but 2 words I gotta repeat). Derek Webb adds a new recording to be included on his first solo for 2004,"Faith My Eyes";recorded live in late 2003: yes,
I love it!! Funny thing about this cd that is labeled "chronicles" as the songs are not in chronological order. This is the cd to have if you do not have anything by this talented ccm group.
GOD Bless! -Don



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