Phillips, Craig & Dean - Where Strength Begins

Wednesday 1st April 1998
Phillips, Craig & Dean - Where Strength Begins
Phillips, Craig & Dean - Where Strength Begins

STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 11844-89
LABEL: StarSong SSD0156
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £4.99

Reviewed by Les M Wilkes

Recently, I read the band quoted as saying, "Our deepest desire is to be a channel by which the Holy Spirit can flow...and make a difference in every listener. For without the presence of Jesus Christ permeating every lyric, harmony and instrument, we will only affect the ears...and not the heart." Glib Christian rhetoric? I don't think so if this album is anything to go by. From the very first track, "This Is How It Feels To Be Free", an expression of the joy to be experienced when the chains of sin are broken by Christ; through "Just One", a stomping praise anthem; and "Let The Blood Speak For Me", a declaration of the fact that it's by the sacrifice of Jesus we are cleansed and made whole; the album is top drawer from beginning to end. In this offering from the trio of church pastors the boys have turned away from the synthesised feel of previous projects and gone for a crisper, more acoustic sound which complements their obvious songwriting and vocal talents wonderfully. The music is first class with some irresistible hooks on the up tempo numbers, whilst the lyrics are powerfully in-your-face yet cringe free and really have you hanging on every word, especially on the slower, more meditative numbers. Well recommended!

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 17:14 on Jan 16 2014

The trio's 5th release by end of July 97, & without disappointment to the ears. Randy, Shawn & Craig combine their songwriting talents for some upbeat ccms songs to hear. Cd starter, "This Is How It Feels To Be Free" welcomes that great ccm quality sound and lyrics, great song guys! I love the words to "Just One" we all know there's just one road to be on.
After the listen of the first 2 songs that grasp the ears and the heart & soul, one can only hope it continues.
The cd title continues that same path of great ccm to hear. "A Time Such As This" title will remind you of ccm artist Wayne Watson song with similar title "For Such a Time As This". Wayne's song was used for the televised Touched by an Angel series: Great choir heard for the PCD song. New Mercy song slows down the pace to beautiful acoustic sound, reminds of the verse in the book of Lamentations.
I love the lyrics to "Blessing In The Storm", great marriage of words and music for this song.
Who cannot relate to " Let The Blood Speak For Me"; glad for songs about the message of the blood.
Sonny Lallerstedt's acoustic guitar is perfect for cd closer "Pray Me Home". Sonny was part of the top ccm trio of the classic 70's Pat Terry Group, they gave BJ Thomas his first ccm hit "Home Where I Belong".
Nice write up above by Les, I too highly recommend this cd. It's great to see this trio still strong at it after 20 years. God bless, Don



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

Add your comment

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












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.

NAVIGATION
CONNECT WITH CROSS RHYTHMS
SIGNUP

Connect with Cross Rhythms by signing up to our email mailing list

A Step Change...
Cross Rhythms Media Training Centre
MORE ARTICLES
DISCOGRAPHY
ARTIST PROFILES
Artists & DJs A-Z
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Or keyword search

 

PRAYER ROOMS
Watering Hole
Be heard in your pain and needs and cry out to your God in our Prayer Room