Search - Various Artists :: New Young Messiah

Excellent modern production with minor flaws

Matthew M. | Nashville, TN | 12/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had this record on cassette tape for a number of years and quite nearly wore it out, so I think I can speak with some confidence. First, this is intended as a contemporary version of The Messiah with songs performed in the unique styles of contemporary artists (contemporary as of ~1994, that is); thus criticisms that it doesn't measure up to the original are misguided - lofty comparisons in the album's liner notes notwithstanding. There are some minor dislikes: for instance, I was irked at first listen by the electric guitar that needlessly elbowed its way into "Comfort Ye". (That said, I probably wouldn't remove it now.) Even Carman's fairly cheesy version of "Glory to God" (which includes an over-the-top narration of the words of Isaiah) is an energetic and certainly enthusiastic production.

The key selling point of this album for me is that the songs are so well matched to the individual artists' styles and talents. Despite the elctric guitar, "Comfort Ye" is a soaring, melodious production that fits Wayne Watson (who never met a long, drawn-out high note he didn't like) perfectly. "Ev'ry Valley" brilliantly meshes Larnelle's mastery of classical and gospel vocal styles in a slamming, funky yet refined jam; it's one of my favorite Larnelle records of all time. Steven Curtis Chapman's version of "But Who May Abide" is a mysterious, minor-key acoustic-guitar-and-cello ballad from the era when his voice retained that pretty quality. Phil Keaggy's guitar work on Pastorale stands out. Another favorite of mine from the album is Michael English's rowdy "Lift Up Your Heads". The more classical-feel tracks, like the SCC-Sandi Patti duet on "He Shall Feed His Flock", and the more operatic three-tenor "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs", are moving. The wonderful finale perhaps tries a little too hard to fit everyone in, but the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir does a typically solid job.

Overall this is a highly listenable, if not high-falutin', album that will please listeners willing to give it a spin."

Glory in a New Generation!

odinelson | Huntington, WV United States | 11/18/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There is enough talent among the collected singers featured on this album to satisfy old G F Handel on his most demanding day! And even though this fresh paraphrase of Handel's famous oratorio is up-to-speed and up-to-date enough for those who've grown up on BST, The Doobie Brothers, Madonna and Britney Spears, it still retains enough Majesty to bring even good Queen Elizabeth to her feet with the ringing praise of the Alleluia Chorus. The unique, individual styles of Steven Curtis Chapman, Wayne Watson, Larnelle Harris, Steve Green and the others add color and flavor to the songs they perform while lending a feel of modernity to a perennial favorite of everone who appreciates good music, especially at the holidays. If you have ANYONE in your clan who appreciates Christmas music, classical music with an up-tempo, modern sound, this is one CD that you should take home for a Contemporary, Christian fesitval of Great Music!"

FANTASTIC

Matthew M. | 11/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered this version of Handel's Messiah in my early Christian walk. Granted I can understand people become attached to certain versions of the original, yet I personally enjoyed this version not only for the artists, but for the heart and soul that they put forth in this production. Anyone who knows the LORD can "crawl into and feel" the annointing of the Holy Spirit on the artists"