Search - Jennifer Knapp :: Collection

And the liner notes are even written by the fans!

Joe Sherry | Minnesota | 11/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Jennifer Knapp's fourth cd (not counting the independent release Wishing Well) and this is a 2 disc Greatest Hits album. What is different about this album, compared to other Greatest Hits albums is that it is not just a collection of her singles. Rather, the fans were able to go online and vote for the songs they wanted on the album. The top 15 vote getting songs made it onto the first disc. So, we have some singles like "A Little More", "Undo Me" and "Breathe on Me", but we also have favorite album cuts that would never make a typical Greatest Hits album: "Martyrs and Thieves", "Refine Me", and "When Nothing Satisfies". As much as I love the singles that Jennifer Knapp has released, my favorite songs are usually the album tracks. In particular, "Martyrs and Thieves" and "When Nothing Satisfies" are two of my favorite songs and I'm very happy that both made onto this album (I voted for both of those songs). The second disc is a collection of demos, b-sides, and a couple of songs that were on other albums. "Sing Alleluia" and "Hallowed" were on the City on a Hill album. "It Is Well With My Soul" was on the Audio Adrenaline album, Underdog. "Believe" was on an album by Grits. "Return to Me" and "Sing Out in Joy" were never released before. "Nothing is Impossible" was on Knapp's independent release Wishing Well, but never quite made it to any of the studio releases. The other tracks are demos from the recording sessions of Jennifer's three albums. To put it simply, I love this album. Jennifer Knapp has long been my favorite musician and the opportunity to have a Greatest Hits album that also has some of the b-sides and non-album tracks is too much to pass up. But this package doesn't stop there. Gotee Records asked the fans voting for the songs to also submit a testimony for a song telling what the song has meant to them. Instead of reprinting the lyrics that are included in the other three albums, these personal testimonies would be included as the liner notes. Maybe I'm biased because I have one of the song testimonies for "Martyrs and Thieves", but I thought that was a fantastic idea. It gives the fans an opportunity to write back about how much Jennifer's music has meant in their lives. As a fan of Jennifer Knapp's music, I would definitely recommend getting this album (even if you've never heard her before). You'll get a sample of what her fans think are her best songs, and will also get a bonus disc filled with demos and rarities. Highly recommended."

Refreshing change, soooooo worth it!

Joe Sherry | 12/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If the other reviews aren't enough to convince you, then let me try! Jennifer's music will shatter whatever preconceived notions you may already have of Christian music. Her lyrics are honest and assertive, yet humble at the same time, and her delivery is as real and powerful as it gets. The strength of her lyrics lies in the absolute honesty and authenticity of the writing. She is not afraid to express doubt and hestitation, and yet Christ's mercy is clearly evident through and through. She speaks to us precisely where we are as human beings (still trying, still getting there) *and* where we are in relation to Christ (forgiven, heirs of grace). For me, her songs capture what it truly means to live the Christian life everyday in a personal and real way. No sugar coating here! And Jennifer's husky vocals are so fitting - a refreshing change from the soft, sweet soprano so typical of the genre. Sometimes you're reminded of other artists like Alannis Morisette; at other times, she's the perfect blend of Traci Chapman and Natalie Merchant. But when its all said and done, her voice, delivery, and artistry are distinctly her own. What a blessing to the genre and to anyone smart enough/lucky enough to own this album! There are 20+ songs in the entire collection and I'd say I love at least 18 of them. Each song stands on its own, so you won't feel like you're listening to the same "sound" over and over again. Do yourself a huge favor and get the album. Very worthwhile investment that gives back far more than $14 you'd spend elsewhere."

It's better off this way

incubus1 | 12/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have this problem of judging people by their genres before ever hearing their music. Because Jennifer Knapp is lumped in the genre of Christian, I almost overlooked her. I did the exact same thing with Plumb and it turns out they've become one of my favorite bands. So I decided to put my feelings on the back-burner and give The Collection a chance. While the lyrics are as outright religious as you can get, I don't mind. Jennifer has a powerful voice that could move even the most emotionally defunct person alive. I like the fact that she makes great usage of the acoustic guitar and even in some cases an orchestra. There's many influences quite apparant in her voice which any music buff can quickly point out, so it doesn't surprise me that she's so well liked.



A Little More shows a distinctive hint of Melissa Etheridge in not only Jennifer's voice but also that basic instrumentation. I like some of Etheridge's music, so I like this song. Undo Me, in all it's religious glory, is quite the catchy song. The music has so many different influences that it's sickening, it compliments the vocals nicely. Say Won't You Say has a very dreamy feel to it. Jennifer keeps her voice low-key and introspective which works beautifully. The Way I Am is in every way a classic. The lyrics are wonderful and Jennifer's voice is top notch. The chorus and bridge is where this song takes on epic proportions. It's been a while since I've heard strings used so expertly yet subtely and the full band feel is a nice touch. Whole Again is good yet shows weakness. The chorus feels like it's been done before, the only real redeeming quality to this song is the acoustics. Hold Me Now is the best ballad I've heard in months. The vulnerabilty is palpable and Jennifer's voice is on display like I've never heard it before. This song shows her range wonderfully and there's no doubt it'll touch a chord with you. Martyrs & Thieves, I've heard, is a fan favorite and I can understand why. Jennifer's voice is chillingly gorgeous and once again, there's great usage of strings and acoustics. When Nothing Satifies is a wonderful track that drips emotion. I like how it's very simple yet gets it's point across and once again, Jennifer's voice proves to be amazing.



My favorite songs on here are A Little More, The Way I Am, Hold Me Now, Martyrs & Thieves, and When Nothing Satifies. I wasn't lucky enough to find a copy of the limited edition version so I didn't get the second disc. But what I did get, I'm very impressed with. I'm glad I took a chance on this CD but if you're someone who just does not like hearing about God in your music, you better keep looking."