This week brings a new album from Steven Curtis Chapman, which will,
no doubt, immediately hit the top of the charts. Also, some are
hoping for a chart-hitting ExtremeDays, a feature film that releases
to theatres this Friday, the 28th. We definitely reccomend it for
all tenns, as it gives a very positive message within a very checkerd
world of movies made for teens. Plus, we've got an in-depth review
of Soul Lift, an original "modern" worship album.

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SOUL LIFT: SOUNDTRACK FOR THE SOUL - VARIOUS (2001)
by Rick Foux

This ain't your grandmother's praise and worship.

Attempting to pull more mainstream listeners into the ever-growing
worship scene, Flicker Records has made Soul Lift - A Soundtrack for
the Soul. They do this by creating an album reminiscient of modern
secular artists such as Moby, Dido, and Eminem -- not "rip-offs" but
equally relevant bands. No question that Soul Lift delivers on the
musical side; by the same token, it's dubious to classify the CD as a
praise and worship album. Producer Rick Altizer lends a consistency
to the project, penning both lyrics and music for cast of Christian
notables like John Ellis (of Tree63), LaRue, Steve Mason (of Jars of
Clay), and The Benjamin Gate. Sampling and arrangements are made by
none other than djMAJ.

The Soul Lift opener is "King of My Life," an energized praise tune
ripped out of the Middle East and performed by Natalie LaRue while T-
Bone puts a fresh spin on the song's rap portion. It definitely sets
the stage for the rest of the album since every song's beat sounds
approximately the same. In fact, "King of My Life" doesn't stop; it
flows smoothly into track #2, "Cry," performed by John Ellis. Not
only are the string instruments more prominent this time around, but
there's a certain Tree63-type influence behind the music that slams
the brakes on the fast-paced pop melody of the previous cut. Russ
Taff proves that he can easily jump onto the new school bandwagon
in "Solid Rock," the most out-of-character vocal performance he's
shown since leaving Newsong. Meanwhile, LaRue sticks with what
they're good at in the follow-up track, "He Is Lord," probably the
most pop-driven song on the album, and also one of the most lyrically
worshipful. Philip LaRue's vocals give the tune a rockier edge,
however, that resembles something from Kevin Max's Stereotype Be on a
closer listen.

"I will lift up my eyes to gaze upon your glory" is the message of
Steve Mason's contribution to the project, "Lift Up My Eyes." As with
John Ellis's wearing-his-band-on-his-sleeve, "Lift Up My Eyes" sounds
like it rolled right off of a preview for the upcoming fourth Jars of
Clay album with the addition of a perky flute in the motif. Flicker
Records next recruits country music legend Johnny Cash for Soul
Lift's track six, "I Am a Pilgrim," highly ironic since Cash's solid
vocals clash with the industrial guitar riffs and synthesizers on the
musical side. On the other hand, South African rock band The Benjamin
Gate seems to be right at home with those same elements in "I Am
Yours," a heavy, power-praise tidal wave, uplifting fans as they
would expect. Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline and Sarah Macintosh
take to the grunge style in the outward cry for God's love, comfort,
and presence that is "Air." The blues tune "Mercy Seat" finds 77's
legend Mike Roe mysteriously making an appearance, emphasizing
Jesus's death for all and God's ample, second-chance provision. To
close the record, tenth track "Thank You" ushers in a Bette Milder-
ish lounge performance by Vestal Goodman, complete with piano
accompaniment and background singers. "Thank You" pretty much sums up
the point of the entire album in a culmination of shout-outs towards
God for His never-ending blessings, faithfulness, mercy, and peace.

More than an emotional buzz, the artists (collectively and as
individuals) attempt to convey listeners into sincere devotion with
their lyrics. Going through this buffet line of praise for the
Father, worship comes with no trouble. Certainly the music could be
mistaken for a Christian rock compilation - but who said God is all
harps and organs? Flicker Records has a winner here, likely to
interest Christian and mainstream music with discoveries deeper than
artistry. While not necessarily a "soundtrack for the soul," Soul
Lift does provide what it takes to have staying power among today's
top mainstream artists.

Find out more about Soul Lift coming soon to cMusicWeb.com and on
Ficker Records' website:
http://www.flickerrecords.com/


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local store)

DECLARATION - STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
Christian Music's greatest star is still getting older, but that does
not mean that his music is sounding older! SCC keeps current with
the latest in music and culture, from the noises of the GameBoy to
the best guitar riffs to Regis Philbin. This is definitely the PICK
OF THE WEEK.

DREAM - MICHELLE TUMES
Tumes goes pop. One of the only contenders in Christian Music's Easy
Listening department, Tumes has now dropped that for a more popular
sound.

IN THE COMPANY OF ANGELS: A CALL TO WORSHIP - CAEDMON'S CALL
Although this CD is coming late into the foray of worship releases,
that doesn't mean that Caedmon's Call has been doing it all along.
This CD is based on the Logos worship service that they developed
years ago, and is mostly their own contributions and popular hymns.

MATT ARAGORN - DOGWOOD
Featuring a killer cut, "Do Or Die", Dogwood crafts intelligent
lyrics with a solid rock sound.

PRAYER: EXPRESSIONS OF WORSHIP - VINEYARD MUSIC
A CD best left on in the background, Prayer is very slow and
meditative, and that's it's purpose: it's not the main attraction,
but a catalyst for prayer.

REAL MEN CRY - LOST DOGS
After losing one of their band members, these men (and the rest of
Christian Music) has a reason to cry. Going strong even without Gene
Eugene, these pioneers in the genre craft an honest album with
masterful artistry.


THE LATEST NEWS HEADLINES
• Shine, V*Enna Disband
• New Third Day Album on the Way
• EXTREMEDAYS To Hit Theatres Friday
• Spears to Release Third Album
• Radio Stations Issued "Questionable" Song List
• P.O.D. Debuts at Number 6 On Billboard Charts
• And much more!

View all the latest stories on cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/


AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER (on cMusicWeb.com)

POP: http://cMusicWeb.com/pop
More - Crystal Lewis [10/02]
Chapter One: A Decade - 4HIM [10/09]
What Matters Most - Wes King [10/30]

WORSHIP: http://cMusicWeb.com/worship
RESONATe - SONICFLOOd [10/02]
Deeper: the d:finitive Worship Collection - delirious? [10/09]

Click on the album titles on the genre page to order them and recieve
them on the release date.


Right now, we are working as quick as possible to bring you the new
cMusicWeb.com. Until then, we reccomend you check out ExtremeDays
this weekend, and stay tuned to cMusicMail for the latest at
cMusicWeb.com. Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll
be back next week with even more great content. If you have any
comments or questions, please reply to this e-mail or send them to
webmaster@... We'd love to hear from you!

Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
ICQ - 43224317 AOL IM - dMusicWeb