Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
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