The Passion of the Christ was the movie phenomenon of the year, at least for
Christians if not for Hollywood. But jumping on the bandwagon just in time
for the DVD release, Wind-Up Records released a disc of songs "inspired" by
the movie. Our Bert Gangl looks at the compilation and finds that it's worth
a look, but not amazing. Also, don't forget to check out new content on
cMusicWeb.com, such as our interview with Michael Tait of dc Talk.

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THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST: SONGS - VARIOUS ARTISTS (2003)
by Bert Gangl

While the words "music inspired by the movie" are fairly commonplace in the
world of soundtrack releases, many listeners rightly wonder just what the
phrase means. In the case of the Passion of the Christ Songs CD, a group of
artists from both the Christian and mainstream camps were invited to screen
Mel Gibson's highly successful film of the same name and then compose songs
based on their experience.

Although the Songs project marks the inaugural outing from the new Wind-Up
Records imprint, Lost Keyword Records, those expecting a Christian version
of the Daredevil or Punisher soundtracks are likely to be surprised. Shying
away from the customary parade of post-grunge and nu-metal artists that
populate the Wind-Up compilations, Songs reflects the Lost Keyword label's
fondness for what might be considered a kinder, gentler sort of musical
fare.

Dan Lavery's "To Give Love" is a shimmering combination of modern worship
and melodic pop/rock. Bebe Winans and Angie Stone offer a similarly
impressive fusion of gospel and jazz on the smoldering "Miracle of Love."
The prominent percussion and austere production sense of Lauryn Hill's "The
Passion" would have fit nicely on any of the City on a Hill records. And
Brad Paisley and Sara Evans instill "New Again" with the sort of understated
grandness that so many of their peers in the contemporary country genre aim
for but rarely hit.

Interestingly, several of the performers on the album tackle styles of music
outside of their usual domain. While groups like The Rembrandts and
Smalltown Poets probably aren't shaking in their boots at hearing Scott
Stapp's "Relearn Love," the former Creed front man demonstrates a promising
pop aptitude on his first solo outing. "Finding My Own Way" shows classical
recording artist Charlotte Church enrolling in the Jessica Simpson/Stacie
Orrico school of teen pop and not only avoiding academic probation, but
actually making the honor roll. In the same way, "Rainy Day" finds the lads
of the Floridian post-grunge quartet Big Dismal surveying a welcoming
pop-inclined landscape filled with buoyant melody lines, soaring harmonies
and sweeping orchestral flourishes.

The Third Day/Steven Curtis Chapman/Mercy Me collaboration "I See Love,"
which is reminiscent of Larry Norman's "Outlaw" with its theme of Jesus as
teacher, victim and martyr, comes across as somewhat musically listless.
MxPx's "The Empire" and POD's "Truly Amazing" feel similarly restrained.
That said, the album's stronger material outweighs its occasional weak
spots. And while its eclectic lineup makes for a slightly less coherent
effort than the aforementioned Wind-Up soundtracks, its diverse stylistic
palette renders it a more interesting listen. Though hardly a landmark
release, Passion of the Christ Songs is nonetheless a reasonably solid and
engaging collection of tracks that should appeal to fans of the groups
represented.

Read our reactions to the movie at cMusicWeb.com:
http://www.cmusicweb.com/features/passion


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Interview: dc Talk Solo Update Part 3: Michael Tait
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/dctalksoloupdate/tait.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

PURCHASE THIS MUSIC AND MORE AT GRASSROOTSMUSIC.COM:
http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/?associateid=249

THE BEST OF SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER
Because we sorely miss new music by Sixpence, this is our PICK OF THE WEEK.
Fans will get a couple new tracks plus a couple rare tracks. And those who
have missed this amazing band can get a very small overview of the powerful
music of Matt Slocum and Leigh Nash.

DAY OF FIRE - DAY OF FIRE
Joshua Brown had it all. His band, Full Devil Jacket, was opening for Creed
on a national tour. They had a semi-successful album out. But, after
overdosing on drugs, Brown found that there was more to life than just rock
'n' roll. Now Brown has started Day of Fire, a high-quality alternative rock
band with some great, spiritual lyrics.

DENISON MARRS - DENISON MARRS
The latest from Denison Marrs finds them blazing the trail of rough,
creative rock 'n' roll. Like their previous releases, look for exciting rock
with lots of distorted jams.

GIFT RAP - THE CROSS MOVEMENT
The first Christmas hip-hop release from a Christian crew, this one is
already being hailed as a Christmas classic. We will get a review to you in
a couple weeks, but I've always wanted to hear what a Christmas hip-hop
album would sound like, and I'm surprised it took this long.

HEALING RAIN - MICHAEL W. SMITH
Fans of Michael W. Smith have been waiting patiently for Smitty to get back
to his pop roots. And with Healing Rain, they will not be disappointed. The
traditional sound is back, complete with ballads and power-pop tracks.
Expect a bit more of a worship leaning than older projects due to three
songs being co-written with delirious?' Martin Smith.

HIGHER DEFINITION - THE CROSS MOVEMENT
The Cross Movement has made some amazing albums. Hits like "Know Me" and
"Forever" have propelled them to the top of Gospel hip-hop. No doubt, Higher
Definition will bring an exciting new chapter to this crew's story.

LIVE DVD - MERCYME
MercyMe fans are definitely getting a nice package here. Two discs full of
content, this DVD features a full concert as well as tons of special
features. You get behind the scenes, the music video for "I Can Only
Imagine", and even the ability to karaoke along to your MercyMe favorites.
Only MercyMe fans need apply.


Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll be back next week with
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Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
AOL IM - dMusicWeb