Michael Card - Fragile Stone (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Different, but not so much

Chad Davies | Barnesville, GA | 09/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a MC fan for a long time and I have to say that this album represents the biggest departure from his "traditional" musical style yet. The album is fairly heavily influenced by bluegrass themes, which is a natural progression from the Celtic flavored music from Poeima and Soul Anchor. The playing is, for the most part, very good. The song "Sea of Souls", however, is truly transcendent. At seven minutes, the listener is treated to a couple of thought provoking verses and choruses but where the song really takes off is at the extended ending that is purely instrumental. Working with several very talented artists, including Bela Fleck, MC creates a tapestry woven of many colorful, improvisationally-invented musical threads. The album is worth the price of admission for that one tune alone.The theme of the album springs from Card's study of the role of Peter in the New Testament and in the early church. Songs are taken from all parts of Peter's ministry and life but mainly focus on his interaction with Christ. Other notable and memorable songs include the title cut, "Fragile Stone" and the gospel influenced, "I Left Everything to Follow You".Finally, Mr. Card continues the theme of creating music in a community of faith and more than on any other of his albums that shines through here. Other vocalists are featured, other instrumentalists are given center stage and you get the feeling that you aren't being presented a finished work so much as entering into a conversation with fellow travelers on the same journey as you are. That closeness makes this album a wonderful experience for a listener that wants to join in."

Superb as always

Chad Davies | 03/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Card never disappoints w/his lyrics, orchestration and variety of musical styles. Fragile Stone offers a bit of Celtic (as most of his efforts do), soulful gospel on "Not that Kind of King" and a little bluegrass in a piece written in the 70's "Walking on the Water" (my personal favorite for use while working out!) This CD presents a look at the character of Peter, in which I think we can all identify. As always, Card continues to be my absolute favorite Christian musician in a sea of pop star wanna be's. He con't. to fill his music w/deeper thoughts and orchestration that pulls at my own heart's search for a truer relationship w/Christ."

A rock that doesn't roll

Andrew Kercher | Colorado Springs, Colo. USA | 03/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having supposedly completed his "bible" of musical compositions based on both the Old and New Testament books of the Holy Bible a year and a half before (Anchor of Hope, 2000), Michael Card is back with another album based on the New Testament life of the first century St. Peter the Apostle, whom his Lord called "rock." This compilation examines the call of Simon the fisherman to be Peter the fisher-of-men, which, according to Tradition, would eventually lead to his episcopate of Antioch and subsequent martyrdom in Rome by inverted crucifixion for his testimony to Christ. (His relics lay under the basillica on Vatican hill, where early Christians buried his body.) As Card writes, "Simon's new title, 'rock,' was not meant to signify strength, but rather something with which to build. Peter would be the first stone to be laid of the holy house [the church] which Jesus had come to build, of which He is the foundation." From the sweet harmonies on the title track to the Celtic ballad "Sea of Souls" (remixed as a Bluegrass instrumental in "Sea of Solos" featuring the legendary banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck) to the R&B/Black Gospel songs "Everything to Follow You" and "Not That Kind of King" (featuring soloist Darwin Hobbes and the Strongtower gospel choir), from the reflective "I'm Not Supposed to Be Here" (Peter's contemplation on his Acts 10 call to the Gentile house of Cornelius) and "His Gaze" (about Peter's call by Christ and his later denial of Christ at the Passion), from an updated recording of "Stranger on the Seashore" (first recorded on Card's debut 1981 LP First Light) to the introspective "Mourning the Death of a Dream" (about the personal cost of following Jesus), A Fragile Stone will satisfy the faithful Card following and appeal to a variety of listeners (bluegrass, gospel, and contemporary Christian fans). A personal favorite is "Walking on the Water", an example of Card's Kentucky mountain music roots. I highly recommend it."

A legacy of amazing songs from a great singer and songwriter

M Viljoen | CAPE Town. Mother city of the Rep. of South Afric | 09/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was first introduced to Michael Card early in the nineteen eighties. My daughter bought me three of his tapes; namely "The Final Word", "Scandalon"and "Known by the scars" where MC sang through the birth, life and death of Jesus. (I waited many years for these songs to be put on CD's and they are now available on a double CD called "The Life".) Then, a few years later my second youngest daughter came to study in the States and she bought me the CD "Present Reality"... I did not even own a CD player at that time! When I started my collection of Christian music, Michael Card was up there with Steven Curtis Chapman, Dallas Holm and Ray Boltz, also three Godly men who have written awesome scriptural songs. Michael Card has left a legacy of Christian music that will last as long as there are people who love gospel music. He is indisputably the greatest composer, singer and musician of Christian songs. All his songs are based on the bible, from "The Ancient Faith" which is a double CD written on the old testament to "Unveiled Hope" which covers Revelations and many more. Over the years, his style of music has changed... bringing in the celtic sound in the CD "Brother to Brother" and "Poeima".

However, this CD is different. He has introduced a new sound as well as sticking to his old styles. This CD meant so much to me because I have always felt that I related to Peter more then anyone else in the bible. I rush in where angels fear to tread. I have (like Peter) disowned my Lord on many occasions and have gently been reminded that He still loves me despite my shortcomings and because of this I have been able to renew my love and commitment to Him.

As far as the songs on this CD is concerned...if I had to choose a favourite then it would have to be "fragile Stone" which is an awesome song regarding Peter"s life and his eventual death on the cross. Being of Irish descent I love the music that accompanies "Sea of Souls"... I can almost see Irish dancers dancing to it.

Each song on this CD is beautiful in itself and the backing orchestration and vocals are phenomenal. I truly pray that there will be many more years of wonderful music from Michael Card.

"

Classic Card

Neal Ginn | anderson, sc United States | 03/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A must for Michael card fans. He uses his relaxed style to find meaning from places you often gloss over. This is a fantastic look at the life of Peter, a man I can identify with. It gives all of us hope that we to can, like Peter, experience God's boundless grace, be accepted, and, most importantly, be used by Him."

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