Search - Paul Colman :: Let It Go

Suzi H. (Bookmom) from DURHAM, NC
Reviewed on 2/19/2013...

Very good cd. My faves are Gloria, The One Thing and My Brother Jack.

Amazing Album

Patti | Knoxville, TN USA | 04/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I first thought about buying this album, after hearing the first track "Gloria" on the radio, I logged on to Amazon and read the first review I came to. Because that review was less than glowing, I decided to pass on the album until I heard "Gloria" again on the radio. Then I thought to myself, even if "Gloria" is the only decent song on the album, that one song alone justifies the price of the CD. So I bought the album.



When "Let It Go" arrived in the mail, I listened to "Gloria" 20 or 30 times just to satisfy my "Gloria" craving before venturing forth to hear the rest of the album. When I finally made it past "Gloria," I was surprised - blown away really - by what I heard. What I discovered was more than a collection of truly fantastic songs - it was a glimpse into a man's soul - a really good man's soul. It was the story of his ongoing transformation, of his surrendering to God, of his giving it up and letting it go in order to lead not just a good life but a great life. In other words, it was not only the deeply personal story of an individual Christian but also an expression of the universal Christian experience.



As far as the music goes, if you are into the Newsboys or Paul Simon, I think you will like this album. Peter Furler of the Newsboys helped produce the album, and you can hear his influence, especially in the opening track "Gloria." Like Paul Simon, Paul Colman has fallen in love with the people and music of Africa. You can hear the African influence in songs like "The One Thing." Paul's music has a both broad appeal and deep spirituality.



Each of the songs on the album is a carefully crafted, clever work of art. Although each song has Paul's stamp on it, the collection of songs is diverse, from the big opening anthem "Gloria" to the more intimate, reflective songs like "I Owe It All." Whereas "Gloria" makes a statement about Paul's worldview, songs like "Nothing Without You" reveal where Paul has been, and songs like "Symphony of the Redeemed" reveal where he is going.



In "Let It Go," Paul wears his heart on his sleeve, and the good news is that in getting to know Paul, you learn more about yourself in the process. You hear your mistakes paraded before the world in songs like "Nothing Without You." You hear your wish to be a bigger person made public in "I'm Coming Home." You hear the pain you feel when your fellow Christians make those in their midst uncomfortable with their criticism in "My Brother Jack."



In his new album, Paul says it like it is. He speaks with the insight and maturity that come from experience, honest self-appraisal, and an understanding of the human condition. Paul's album is his state-of-the-soul message. The good news is that as you witness Paul's soul searching, you find yourself lifted up and nudged down the good path of transformation into becoming who God wants you to be. Like Paul, you've been there, done that, and like him, you want to move forward, let it go, and realize who you are meant to be.



If you are a young person reading this review and think it's a bit stuffy, please don't be turned off into not buying the album. Honestly, Paul rocks. I am probably one of his older fans. If you ever get a chance to see him in concert, go for it. Paul is a dynamite performer. He electrifies his mostly young audience with a show that is about more than just music. It's about taking it up a notch in your life, giving more to others, supporting those in the world who have a lot less than we have materially, and living for someone and something bigger than yourself.



Like any recording of really good music, "Let It Go" is an album that grows on you with each listening. You appreciate the craftsmanship of the songs and the profundity of his message more each time. So check this album out and see what you think about it yourself. See if you don't think it's as awesome as I do.



"

A consistantly quality album

Eric C. Jessen | Los Angeles, CA USA | 07/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have this album on continuously in my rotation of music and with each successive listening I find myself liking it more, opposed to the way I feel about other disks that get multiple listens. Solid from tracks 1 to 11, what strikes me the most about Let it Go is the breadth of musical styles and lyrical topics that Paul tackles. It's an honest, open album that I find a breath of fresh air in a genre that seems to grow more and more superficial. He's not afraid to reveal his fears and weaknesses and yet his lyrics always remain hopeful in the face of adversity. A decided step up from "One" and right on par with PC3s phenomenal initial American release "New Map of the World." Haters on this album (it made your ears bleed Mark Walters??) need to either develop better taste in music or stop sharing squalored tastes with the rest of the world."