Search - Chris Tomlin :: Hello Love (Worship Leader's Edition) (2 Disc Set)

Well it was bound to happen.

Jeremy Deats | 09/03/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"First of all I am big fan of Chris Tomlin (see my other Chris Tomlin album reviews), he has written some of the most passionate contemporary worship songs and has played a vital role in the contemporary worship movement. Through Passion and other efforts, I believe Chris Tomlin will be long remembered for bringing Contemporary Christian music from the radio into churches and it was his worship songwriting and worship leading that has made me a fan all these years.



I intend to take nothing away from my respect for Chris or his past accomplishments when I say Hello Love just doesn't effect me as his past albums have. Something feels different here, namely the songwriting. Sometimes it feels forced, a lot of the melodies aren't very strong. Lyrically I think this album could be a lot stronger. I realize there are theories on writing great worship songs and the mechanics of 'keep it simple', etc... But when a song doesn't move the listener into worship I think it falls flat and well kid gloves off, fails. Performing day after day can be very difficult and the best artist in the world are bound to put out a ho-hum effort every now and then. As a fan if I could tell Chirs Tomlin one thing it would be: try to find a way to grow as an artist, because the worst thing you can do is put out the same type of album again and again. The worst thing you can do is put out an album just because a record company demands one.

"

Vintage Chris Tomlin Does Not Disappoint

Stephen Ng | 09/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Does this installment meet the expectations of prior blockbusters from Chris Tomlin? As of this writing, Chris' latest album sits atop of the Christian Contemporary Music chart sales on this site. So far the majority of reviews are also overwhelmingly positive. I respect the integrity of my fellow reviewers to give them the benefit of a doubt that they are being honest and not giving five stars simply because he is Chris Tomlin.



Being someone who felt that Arriving is his best album to date, that See The Morning(the follow-up album to Arriving) was actually a notch down from its predecessor, and who was not nearly as excited about his concert style as most everyone else was, I certainly was not going to give an automatic five stars. In fact, I do not even like some of his more popular songs all that much(i.e. Made To Worship, Wonderful Maker, Forever).



I think a helpful test when listening to this album is to ask the question, "Do these songs sound like a rehash of previous albums?" Answer: I did NOT get this feeling in the least. I for one do not want Chris to change his style.



It is very hard to pick a best track on this disc, as they are all very well done. My personal favorites are God Of This City, Love, and Praise The Father, Praise The Son. While there may not be a song from this CD that becomes as globally acclaimed as the incomparable How Great Is Our God, or draws someone into a splendid adoration of God like Holy Is The Lord, or personalizes the intimate sufficiency of Jesus like Enough, the tracks on Hello Love share this common trait with them: they are simple but beautiful to the ear. That is the vintage aspect of this CD, but do not misunderstand: the songs are definitely different. New songs, new words, same engaging enjoyment as previous releases.



Last I checked, that type of work was worth buying. This album is no exception. See for yourself. With the $10 price, the decision becomes even easier. Happy listening."

Great Positive Music!

Shelagh Hafner | 06/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being fairly new to the Christian music scene, I didn't know many artists. But everytime I heard a song I liked, it was sung by, or written by Chris Tomlin. The songs on this CD are awesome. "Sing, Sing, Sing", and "Love" are so upbeat, and many others with great messages. Many songs are played regularly on the radio, and are very recognizable. My 3-year-old daughter actually asks for this music! If you like contemporary Christian music, or are a Chris Tomlin fan, you will enjoy this CD."