Reviewed by Simon Eden

If you missed out in 2001 or 2003 this double album is a re-release of Steven Curtis Chapman's 10th and 11th studio albums, 'All About Love' and 'Declaration'. Bursting out right from track one is what is my personal favourite of Steven's songs, "Live Out Loud" - a vibrant bouncy call to evangelism framed with references to the TV game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire although I wonder if the recommendation to wake the neighbours with our noisy lifestyle is the best method? The most remarkable aspect of the album is the Ecuadorian Auca Indian chanting. It features towards the end of "No Greater Love" which initially seems musically out of place compared to the pop-rock guitar tracks. The tour of the album included a forgiving reunion between the Indian doing the chanting and the son of the missionary that he had murdered in 1956. 'All About Love' is a much quieter reflective acoustic guitar and strings orientated album with a multitude of love songs dedicated to Steven's wife Mary Beth, such as "How Do I Love Her" and "We Belong Together (Tarzan And Jane)". It also features a cover version of the Proclaimers' "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" which got a lot of play on Cross Rhythms. Steven's phenomenal success has been based upon well crafted songwriting. And there is plenty here.

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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