"His best in years! I got a copy at a concert in Defiance, Ohio. No filler songs. All good stuff. I only wish it was longer."
He was heard...over and over and over again
D. COLLIER | Brownwood, TX United States | 02/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is undoubtedly one of Michael Card's very best compact discs. It abounds with eloquence of lyrics, the likes of which we, his fans, have not heard since POIEMA. If you've enjoyed Michael Card's past efforts, then you'll most likely be hooked by this one from the first few notes of the first song until the end of the CD.The song "Violent Grace" places the sufficient grace of God (which He has lavished on us) in a whole new light. The song "He Was Heard" is an oldie which is also found on the CD KNOWN BY THE SCARS; but I personally recommend finding it on THE LIFE, which is Michael Card's trilogy of the Life of Christ--comprised of KNOWN BY THE SCARS, SCANDALON, and THE FINAL WORD--a magnificent collection of music. However, I'm still glad that Mr. Card saw fit to place that one in this fine collection of songs."Seventh Sunrise" has become one of my all-time favorite Card tunes (I never realized how much that sounds like "cartoons" until I typed it just now--man, was that cheesy!). It celebrates the beauty and anointing of the Sabbath. With that being the second to last song and "Grace Be With You All" being the very last song, this CD features one of the finest farewells any Christian musician has ever tacked on to the end of a CD.This one is much better than UNVEILED HOPE and almost as good as POIEMA. But once again, I heartily recommend Michael Card's THE LIFE (as well as THE ANCIENT FAITH, his musical trilogy of the Old Testament). I look forward with eager anticipation to the soon-to-be-released A FRAGILE STONE, Michael Card's new project concerning the apostle Peter."
A Superb Collection of Spiritual Music
J. Walker | Marietta, Ohio | 01/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I would have to label this album my favorite from Card's collection. The songs have such zeal and passion; each reaches into your soul and changes you in a way you might never have imagined. "Never Will I Leave You" is perhaps the most meaningful CCM song I have heard. With the promise that even when "you fear/the scars and tears," Jesus is there "with you through the storm," Card reminds us that we need never fear in God's loving arms. We are never abandoned. And Card challenges us in other songs to make that promise true for others -- to suffer and tend to the sick, the dying, the imprisoned, the anguished. "New and Living Way" is another exemplary track. I also admire Card for striking out in new musical directions. He even includes a full-out gospel song that is unlike anything you've heard from Card before! You may not thoroughly enjoy it, but I think the breadth of songs conveys a larger message: that there is room under the "spiritual tent" for more than just one type of follower of Christ. All are welcome at the Lord's Table. Take the challenge. Try this album. It will challenge you."
Beautiful variety, powerful lyrics!
Phil Wade | Georgia | 07/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here is another triumphant album by my favorite musician! Michael Card spins the themes of the Book of Hebrews into strong lyrics sung within great, folk-styled music and little gospel too (the title track). In the first song, "A Violent Grace," (which shares the name of Michael's book on Hebrews) Michael approaches the crucifixion from a different angle, saying that Jesus' love for us is "ruthless" and "wreckless," paying a violent price for our relationship with God the Father. I love hearing Christine Dente's gorgeous voice (Out of the Grey) in this one. "By Faith" is an exciting version Hebrews 11 sung with Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine, and by including Dente and Haseltine, the voices of my three favorite music groups have come together on a single album.
"Soul Anchor," with its gospel organ and choir, delivers ringing words of truth. "[Jesus] is a soul anchor. . . Before we call, he answers us with hope." Those words combined with some from "Never Will I Leave You," struck my heart one day at work; I walked out to the car to cry and repent. Of course, I highly recommend this album to all thinking Christians and eclectic music lovers."