LISTEN UP!

     Cindy Morgan's fourth album, LISTEN, was released in 1996 on Word Records and was produced by Brent Bourgeois.  It begins with 'The Master's Hand', which is about reliance on God during life's difficulties: "You carry me through the hard times in life/Oh and You rescue me from the storms in the night."  'Moon Days', the rockiest song on this project has a similar theme.  If it were to be covered by one of today's more popular artists, I'd choose Natalie Grant.  'To Fly' is a story song of sorts.  It is a pretty ballad that finds her on a train imagining what it would be like to rise up above life's hardships and find purpose: " 'Cause in our hearts/We seek the part/God designed for us."
     The lyric for the title track 'Listen', was written by Cindy's father Cova Morgan in the 1970's.  It is a plea for people to listen to the Gospel with their ears and their hearts.  'Gravity' concludes that we need God's help to believe in Him and that it is crucial that we believe: "Dear Lord, help us believe now/In the true light, burning tonight/'Cause we won't survive/If we don't believe now."
     'The Promise' is a ballad about the pain of divorce.  At the other end of the emotional spectrum, 'They Say it's Love ("Stars")' is a jazzy, fun, pop tune about falling in love.
     LISTEN is a fine pop album.  Impressively, Cindy wrote ten of the twelve tracks alone.  Vocally at times she sounds like Tammy Trent.  I'm giving this one 84%.

WE CRY OUT-THE WORSHIP PROJECT

     Jeremy Camp arrived on the Contemporary Christian Music scene in 2002 with his debut album STAY.  Ever since, he has been a force to be reckoned with, winning Male Vocalist of the Year in 2004 and 2005.  He has had nineteen number one hits!

     His latest release is his second worship album, WE CRY OUT-THE WORSHIP PROJECT (2010, Bec Recordings).  The album starts off strong with two stellar, guitar driven songs.  'Jesus Saves' written by Tim Hughes and Nick Herbert, is sung with determination and declares: "Free at last/What a joyful noise we'll make/As we join with heaven's song/To let all the world know that Jesus saves/Raise a shout to let the whole world know/That Jesus saves."  'Not Ashamed' written by Jeremy Camp and Jon Egan, is sung with resolve: "Even tho few may stand and proclaim Your great name/It's the life I want to live/Cuz I'm convinced there is none like You." 'The Way' is performed with the Joy of Africa choir and invites God's glory to fill the land.  How much that is needed in this day and age cannot be overstated!

     The title track 'We Cry Out' written by Jeremy Camp and Brenton Brown, is a beautiful, mid-tempo song that fans of the Newsboys worship material should enjoy.  It is celebratory: "We will cry out to You/Your loving kindness and Your truth/It has delivered us/You have delivered us." 'Unrestrained' is a ballad about wanting to be purified by God.

     I have two criticisms about the album as a whole though.  The first is that some of the songs are so mellow that they seem more aimed at people, probably ladies, in their forties and fifties.  'You are the Lord' written with Matt Maher, and 'Overcome' written by Jon Egan, are examples.  Die hard worship fans will appreciate the songs though.  My second criticism is that there are some covers of songs already overdone by other artists in the field.  How many versions of 'Mighty to Save' do we need?

     WE CRY OUT-THE WORSHIP PROJECT showcases great musicianship throughout, including Camp's band, as well as industry vets Scott Dente and Jerry McPherson on guitars.  The album was produced by Brown Bannister and Jeremy Camp. I'm giving it a 75%.

     A trailer for the album can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjH5MqH_jbc