Superwoman | San Diego, CA United States | 03/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had no idea that Chris Tomlin wrote so many of the praise and worship songs I just love. I found a lot of them on this CD. What an anointed musician he is. What a wonderful CD to have to keep me in a constant state of awareness of the presence, power and love of my Savior!"
Best I've Heard All Year
Jon Wymore | Midland, TX United States | 03/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Chris Tomlin CD (Not to Us) is incredible. From the music, the vocals, the driving guitars and the passionate heart after God, every track leaves you longing for more of the Lord.
Seeing Chris Tomlin lead worship live several times has convinced me that he truly desires that the focus be "not to us" but only God's name be given the glory. He lives out what he sings. Chris Tomlin writes songs that you can sing. Also he writes songs that let you express your love for God in new ways, none of the lyrics leave you feeling like you've heard it somewhere else before. Praise God that He has given Chris the ability to find new ways of expressing our wonder of our God. The music here is amazing, too. David Crowder Band is close, but this is the best modern worship CD that I have heard this year, maybe ever (only time will tell)."
Genuine, heartfelt, and anointed.
Medic | California | 11/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not to Us is focused on giving God the glory, praise, and thanks He deserves. It's about recognizing God as the Creator and the Master.
Chris Tomlin is an anointed worship leader, genuine songwriter, and talented musician. He has been involved with the Passion and One Day albums and is known for songs, such as "Famous One," "Indescribable," and "How Great Is Our God," which are all Bible-based. Chris Tomlin's songs are sung directly to the Lord; they are a dialogue and come from the heart. Chris Tomlin is one of my favorite worship leaders, and if you like his style, check out albums by Tim Hughes, Chris Joyner, Matt Redman, Delirious?, Passion Worship Band, and David Crowder Band.
Synopsis of Songs:
Everything-The theme of this driving song is "every perfect gift comes from You."
Enough-This dynamic song is popular on Christian radio and cries out the theme: God is more than enough for me.
Not to Us-This song focuses on giving God all the praise: "not to us, but to Your name be the glory." It exclaims, "it's all for You," and has a similar beat to the first song on the album.
Wonderful Maker-This light tune contains vivid lyrics and describes the Father of Creation and our Father; Chris Tomlin sings about how the Majestic God created the earth, how He sent His Son to the earth, and how He whispers to us as His children.
Famous One-This is a popular song, being played on Christian radio and sung in many churches. It has a unique rhythm in 6/8-time. It is energetic and gives God the praise.
Come Let Us Worship-I love this simple song of invitation to worship.
The River-This high-energy song refers to being soaked and cleansed in the river of God.
Unchanging-This worship song refers to God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness.
Come Home Running-This is a quiet, folky song and has a Michael W. Smith feel. It encourages the prodigals to "come home running."
Overflow-This song questions, "Where would I be without You?" and talks about how God fills his children."
Sets the Standard
Medic | 02/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I don't know how Chris Tomlin keeps doing it. This album is one that sets the standard for modern worship music. You've probably heard almost half this album already in worship services everywhere. "Not to Us" is one of my all-time favorite songs, powerful, rockin', and shades of U2. "Come Home Running" is a beautiful, thoughtful song that is the opposite in tempo but an equal in quality. I'm astonished by the variety of songs on this album and it has to be one of my all-time favorites of this genre. You can't go wrong."
Wonderfully Christ Centered Worship
T. Thompson | Wales, ME | 08/07/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is full of sincerity and truly glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ! It is loaded with memorable and heart changing tunes.
Chris Tomlin is very much focused on bringing glory to God and not upon himself.
He has the right attitude and it really comes across in his beautiful songs.
I saw Chris in concert last year with Rebecca St. James on the "Worship God" Tour. Chris had a way of bringing each individual spectator at the show into a truly authentic worship experience with him. It felt like I was right on stage with him, worshipping before the throne.
His energy and enthusiasm for his music comes through loud and clear. Chris is someone who truly loves God with all his heart!
My favorite song on the album is, "Famous One." It rocks, it is earnest and very sincere. It is an anthem to just how great God really is!
Buy this album, it will fill you with joy and awe. You can't help but get blessed when you hear it!"