Faithful Friend - Twila Paris, Chapman, Steven Cur
Destiny
God of Miracles
Seniority does have its privileges. In this case, Twila Paris has nearly 20 years of contemporary Christian recordings from which to cull a greatest-hits release. Longtime fans will recognize the early CCM hits "The Warrio... more »r Is a Child," "Lamb of God," and the worship standard "He Is Exalted." However, Paris is a notable songwriter and had always had a keen ability to match her contemporaries. New cuts "Sparks and Shadows" and "Faithful Father" are as good as anything on Christian radio, and the ending "God of Miracles" is a personal, moving tribute to Paris's newborn baby. Special highlights include the folksy "The Joy of the Lord" and the guitar-slick "Run to You." In both cases, Paris--in true songwriter form--molds her music to the producer's style (Richard Souther on "Joy of the Lord" and Charlie Peacock on "Run to You"). This release proves that Paris is by no means finished with her great career. --Michael Lyttle« less
Seniority does have its privileges. In this case, Twila Paris has nearly 20 years of contemporary Christian recordings from which to cull a greatest-hits release. Longtime fans will recognize the early CCM hits "The Warrior Is a Child," "Lamb of God," and the worship standard "He Is Exalted." However, Paris is a notable songwriter and had always had a keen ability to match her contemporaries. New cuts "Sparks and Shadows" and "Faithful Father" are as good as anything on Christian radio, and the ending "God of Miracles" is a personal, moving tribute to Paris's newborn baby. Special highlights include the folksy "The Joy of the Lord" and the guitar-slick "Run to You." In both cases, Paris--in true songwriter form--molds her music to the producer's style (Richard Souther on "Joy of the Lord" and Charlie Peacock on "Run to You"). This release proves that Paris is by no means finished with her great career. --Michael Lyttle
Kathy F. from MINNEOTA, MN Reviewed on 12/21/2010...
One of Twila Paris greatest hits. I am well pleased with it. Kathy
Rebecca B. from FRANKLIN, WV Reviewed on 11/10/2006...
Great CD!
CD Reviews
Greatest Hits Indeed
Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 03/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Twila Paris has had a remarkable career over the last two decades. She has written many praise choruses and won several Dove Awards. This CD has the unenviable task of collecting her greatest hits, and it succeeds beautifully.The project opens with her two signature songs. "God is in Control" won her a Dove for Song of the Year and is a wonderful anthem of faith. "The Warrior is a Child" is presented in its original recording. It might sound dated, but only slightly so, and I prefer this version of the classic over the one on "A Heart That Knows You."The rest of the album is a list of her best songs. From the praise songs "We Will Glorify," "We Bow Down," "He is Exalted," and "Lamb of God" to recent radio hits "Faithful Friend," "I Am Not Afraid Anymore," and "Run to You," it's all here. Looking at the list, I am hard pressed to name a song that should have been included that wasn't. And I definitely can't name a song that doesn't belong.I haven't listened to Twila's music much in the last couple of years, but this CD has reminded me why I used to love it. It's inspired me to dig out the old CD's and give them another listen.This album is perfect for the casual fan that wants to get her best songs in one place. Committed fans will also love having these gems collected and will want to hear the three new songs. You can't go wrong with this collection."
Over 74 minutes spanning two decades of inspired songwriting
Mark Baker | 09/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The ultimate collection of classic pop tunes, hymns and three new tracks. For most fans the question will be is it worth buying for the three new tracks. I think it is. For some reason even the old tracks sound "newer" here even though I believe they are all the original recordings (partly may be for me because I had some early recordings on *old* cassettes only.) The three new tracks are produced by Mark Hammond (Cindy Morgan, Nichole Nordeman), and as the first reviewer states does have a more "mature pop" sound which well suits Twila's songs and voice, a bit different than Charlie Peacock's production on "True North".It's hard to say which are the best tracks since these are all "greatest hits". It is interesting to hear how her sound has changed from "Warrior is a Child" to "Run To You" and the new tracks. The older songs definitely sound "80'ish" but are timeless regardless of their production. And her lyrics continue to praise and inspire as always:"You hold me through sparks and shadows/You sing me awake/When night falls and my thoughts wonder/You stay/I love the way""
A Timeless Classic
Rocco B. Rubino | Ohio | 01/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is so hard to believe that Twila Paris has been recording for the past 20 years. What can one say about Twila Paris that has not already been said? Her music and lyrics are inspired, edifying,and anointed. Her style is smooth, and one that is befitting a Christian artist. This CD is for people like me who have enjoyed her music over the years, but did not buy the CDs or cassettes as they came out. It has Twila's best of the best, and her best will make you feel blest!"
First collection in almost 10 years--18 tracks isn't enough!
A. Grace | Michigan | 09/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! This collection doesn't contain a single "filler" track, including songs from her latest release, True North ("Run to You") and also some 80's classics ("We Bow Down," "We Will Glorify"). Time only improves Twila's music, yet it's a pleasure to hear some of these old songs again! The three new tracks are all winners, showcasing Twila's newly developed vocal style. "God of Miracles" gives her voice a more lusty sound than she's ever achieved before. If these songs are a foreshadowing of future efforts, her fans will not be disappointed; she embraces a fresh, mature pop sound that suits her quite well. Overall, the variety here is simply perfect, with energetic tracks ("Not Afraid Anymore," "Destiny") as well as the beautiful ballads that have become her signature songs ("How Beautiful," "The Time Is Now"). If you like her or are even considering a listen, this is the CD to get. It's a classics marathon that never runs out of energy, excellence, and message!"
One of the best CCM artists!
thegreatjeff2000 | United States | 01/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Twila Paris is a great CCM artist, everything she sings uplifts you and gives you hope. She sings great, and the songs she picks are spectacular. This CD is a perfect "Best Of" CD of her 20 years of work, including three new songs, which are on par with the rest of her material. The only disappointment with this CD is the fact it did not contain "He Is No Fool," my favorite Twila Paris song, however that doesn't detract enough to lower this from five stars. Buy this today, you won't be disappointed!"