Review

Hole in Me – Real Christianity isn’t “do-it-yourself”—“I tried so hard to fix it but it never went away”. Life’s big question: What can I do about this “hole in me”. The group sound captures the intensity of this question with a feeling of violent energy.

Transition – softly, softly the answer comes (so says VJ’s solo classical guitar).

Way That Things Should Be – and the answer to our confused humanity is Jesus Himself. Choosing to go His way is “the way that things should be”, says the group with power and assurance.

Fill Me Now – the song of a searching heart, and  a joy of finding Him. “Your love is something that I cannot understand”—Rachel sings to us, in an intimate and quiet way, with the support of a single soft guitar [JP Sosa]

Means the World – “Thanks for never leaving, when I asked to be alone”—A thank offering of God’s goodness, ”Straight from the heart” with VJ’s solo voice and guitar.

Calm – An instrumental painting. Guitar arpeggios begin in mediation; Bass and Cymbals add depth and sparkle; high piano answers the guitar; then drums and bass drive us on, 'til the passionate lead guitar touches our hearts….

Storm – Begins with a “heartbeat” bass and lead guitar that cries “listen” then the singer tells us that faith overcomes the “things we see” and set’s us free”. The darkness of the world—heart it, feel it—the drama and struggle of the spirit to be free.

One Desire – The dark night of the searching heart—it cries, ”Lord take me to our secret place; ’cause you are my one desire”. And the night gives way to the dawn of God’s loving light. Rachel and the group minister to us, with Jay’s shimmering piano accents, and sweet back-up voices (thanks Cheryl, Lena, Catie) in the chorus.

Here I Am – A “Clear Blue” classic (possibly VJ’s signature song). The group presents a picture of our hearts kneeling at the feet of Jesus in sweet surrender. Kristen’s voice soars high, like a bird flying through a sunny “Clear Blue” sky, with God’s sunlight flashing from it’s wings.

Storyteller – VJ (supported by his faithful classic guitar) asks, “who’s gonna tell my story?” “Who’s gonna take the words” of the storyteller? As he asks this question, he affirms his life mission is “to carry on my story as far is it will go; and if I must to be the hero no one knows”…

Requiem – The song says of our daily struggle, “Wait for outside hands, cause you know it’s your only chance of being helped”. We can’t make it without God. “Go then now to the place where all is still”—the dawn of peace with God.

(Requiem) – The instrumental is like a magnificent unfolding drama, a mighty landscape painting illustrating the song in sound. The song is Our journey unto God. VJ’s guitar begins singing a quiet little 8-note theme. Then Christopher's bass adds a foundation. The guitar “e-bow” hovers high above, hanging in space. Steve’s drums move us forward and carry us on in an increasing flow. Then the lead guitar sings, while the rhythm guitar adds passionate accents. Then the drums slow and fade, leaving the original guitar theme and bass to gradually slow and come to rest, bringing us to “the place where all is still” (as Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God”).

    ~Submitted by R. Glemann)

Click here to post a follow-up in regards to this review or e-mail review@clearblueonline.com

 

All site content including pictures, music, videos, and text is © 2005 clear blue media unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. / ASCAP