Darcy K. (Darcyjo) from ROCKINGHAM, NC Reviewed on 8/3/2009...
This artist deserved SO much more attention than he received for this project. Incredibly good music with excellent lyrics, it's a pity that he's become a producer and is no longer recording his own projects. Do yourself a favor and give it a listen!
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CD Reviews
A Rather Disappointing Album
Alf Kremer | Denver CO | 01/26/2000
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I'm not Christian, and I'm not a fan of Christian rock, which I most often find boring. However, I am a fan of Brent Bourgeois's work, so I picked up this CD. Unfortunately, it displays many of the same flaws that his previous album (MATTER OF FEEL) did - rather ho-hum beats and arrangements, and rather bland lyrics. His first solo album rarely had these problems, so I know he can do better. Too much of the album comes across as generic Xian pop, indistinguishable from that of most Xian pop artists. Oddly, he seems to find his footing near the end of the album. "Blessed Be the Name" is a well-written piece (even if he sounds a bit too happy singing it), and the final two tracks are quite good - "God Is Not Dead" (a pointed attack at atheists) and "Come Home to Me" (an excellent "what-God-means-to-me" number). Hopefully he can use these songs as jumping-off points for his next endeavour. I'm happy if he's happy, but I hope he can get back to releasing challenging different compositions instead of generic pop."
Such a great and talented musician
Robin P. Flynn | 01/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I suspected, but was not sure, when I bought this CD that it was Christian in focus. I generally do not tap into this genre (Amy Grant excepted) as I feel it can be too saccharine, but this is such a fine album musically, with such crisp, clean production, that I cannot help but listen to it repeatedly. To be completely honest, I feel a little disappointed that Bourgeois has chosen to limit himself lyrically to this genre, because he gets no radio play (at least in my region) and no one knows how great his musical talent is! I actually thought he had completely stopped recording (his 1990 self-titled release is one of the best albums I've ever heard). I am so relieved to read, in the other reviews, that he is still in the music business. Do another album, Brent! Best track: Blessed be the name (from Job). Keep an open mind and give this CD a try."
There's a Crisis in China and it ain't so bad.
Roballoo | Fremont, CA USA! | 01/06/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Doesn't this album remind one of that obscure 80's English pop group China Crisis? It did for me when I played this and one of their albums back to back reecently. Not that this is a bad thing. Good production values. Nice "layered" pop sound. If you like this I think his cut on the Roaring Lambs CD in a duet with Ginny Owens stands out both musically and lyrically. very compatible with this album.Sure wish he'd produce more of his own albums rather than producing for other people."
Ethereal
K. Fontenot | The Bayou State | 08/06/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Based on the fact that there hasn't been a review of this album since '03, I'm betting that many people have either never heard of or have long forgotten Brent Bourgeois. However, this little gem from the 90's is not to be missed. I purchased it when it was originally released and must say that Brent Bourgeois not only has a way with words, he also has a wonderful style of delivering them to the masses. "Come Join The Living World" is a very personal album of joy, love, fear, and warning. With tracks like "Perfect Harmony," we hear a man longing to find that seemingly unreachable oneness with Jesus Christ. The wonderful "Blessed Be The Name," culled from the book of Job, gives us a person who is unwilling to turn away from God despite numerous tragedies in life. The most magnificent treat on this album, however, is the harbinger of things to come for those who "ride the fence." That song is "God Is Not Dead." It's one of the most haunting, sometimes scary songs that I've ever heard. It is the best song on this album in my opinion. Other highlights include "Total Surrender," "All Is Well," and "Come Home To Me."
If you enjoy smooth pop along the lines of Jackson Browne, you're sure to enjoy this album from Brent Bourgeois. He's the thinking man's Contemporary Christian artist."