TURN UP THE MUSIC-THE HITS OF POINT OF GRACE

In 2011 Christian music superstars Point of Grace released their second greatest hits project, TURN UP THE MUSIC-THE HITS OF POINT OF GRACE (Word/Curb). In the liner notes they write: "Gratitude is the best word to describe how we feel about our fans. You continue to show up and bless us with your stories and smiles".

Starting things off is the Christa N. Wells/Tiffany Arbuckle Lee composition 'Day By Day'. It's a great praise and worship song: "Day by day, You're coming closer/Making our way clearer and straighter/Turning our faces into the light/And I can't wait to fall at Your glory/On my face/God of the morning/You're coming closer day by day". 'Circle of Friends' is about fellowship: "I spent so many lonely years just trying to fit in/Now I've found a place in this circle of friends/In a circle of friends we have one Father/In a circle of friends we share this prayer/That every orphaned soul will know and all will enter in/To the shelter of this circle of friends". An acoustic version of 'How You Live (Turn Up the Music)' is next. Cindy Morgan wrote it and it's about truly living: "Turn up the music, turn it up loud/Take a few chances, let it all out/You won't regret it/Lookin' back from where you have been/It's not who you knew and it's not what you did/It's how you live".

'Blue Skies' is an adult contemporary ballad addressed to God: "Lord, the sky's so blue/For my hope is in You/You're my joy/You're the dream that's still alive/Like the wind at my back and the sun on my face/You are life, You're grace/You are blue skies/You're my blue skies". One of my faves, 'The Great Divide', follows. It was penned by Grant Cunningham and Matt Huesmann. It speaks of God's great love for us: "There's a bridge to cross the great divide/A way was made to reach the other side/The mercy of the Father cost His Son His life/His love is deep, His love is wide/There's a cross to bridge the great divide/The cross that cost my Lord His life has given me mine". 'I Wish' is a nice country song. I like these lyrics: "I wish there was a cure for cancer/Wish somebody had an answer/And all God's children never got hurt/I wish Eve never bit that apple/Young men never went to battle/And I didn't get so mad at the world/I wish I was more like Jesus and could pick up all the pieces/And make a better life for my baby girl".

Paul Alan wrote 'Come to Jesus', an inspiring song: "We all fall down/We all need saving once in a while/You are not alone/We all lose faith and lean on mercy but through our darkest night/He said He'd wait for us/Come to Jesus". Robert Sterling and John Mandeville co-wrote one of the group's signature anthems, 'Jesus Will Still Be There'. It speaks of God's loyalty to us: "Jesus will still be there/His love will never change/Sure as the steady rain/Jesus will still be there/When no one else is true/He'll still be loving you/When it looks like you've lost it all/And you haven't got a prayer/Jesus will still be there". 'Who Am I' is a light pop song reflecting on the greatness of God: "Who am I to understand Your ways?/Who am I to give You anything but praise?/Who am I to try to solve the mystery behind the heart and soul of all that I believe?/Who am I?"

'I Choose You' was the title track of Point of Grace's 2004 album. It's a song of spiritual devotion: "And I choose You/All my attention, affection/And all my devotion's for You.../Before I chose You, You first chose me/I worship You, You alone are worthy/You are worthy". 'God is With Us' is an adult contemporary song about how God never leaves us: "Though the night is long and the river's strong/Still God is with us/We can stem the tide/Reach the other side/For God is with us". Cindy Morgan wrote 'King of the World' and Brown Bannister produced it. It's a sentimental ballad about the sweet relationship between a girl and her Dad over the years.

'Love and Laundry' is a good country song that comments on how busy we are today: "Oh, I wish that there were more than 24 hours in a day/I haven't found it yet, but there's got to be a way/And I keep praying that I can get everything done/And still have time for love and a load of laundry". Marshall Hall, Sam Mizell, and Antonio Neal wrote 'There is Nothing Greater Than Grace'. It's a slow ballad of encouragement: "There is no valley, there is no darkness/There is no sorrow greater than the grace Jesus". Last up is a new recording. It's in response to the 9/11 attacks. Don Henley and Glen Lewis Frey wrote it and the Eagles released it in 2003. It's called 'Hole in the World' and is slow country. This is the chorus: "There's a hole in the world tonight/There's a cloud of fear and sorrow/There's a hole in the world tonight/Don't let there be a hole in the world tomorrow".

I'm rating TURN UP THE MUSIC: THE HITS OF POINT OF GRACE an 87%. I'd rate it a bit higher if there were a few more faster numbers on it. There are ten adult contemporary, three country, and two pop songs presented here. The vocals are great. God's goodness and faithfulness are celebrated. He gives us salvation, mercy, and grace, through Calvary. Intimacy with God is to be treasured. The ladies also sing about everyday life and living it to the fullest. For more info visit www.pointofgrace.net and connect with them on social media.

CORNER OF EDEN

Kathleen Troccoli was born on June 24, 1958 in Brooklyn, New York. According to Wikipedia.org: "Her father died of colon cancer when she was 15, her mother died of breast cancer in 1991..." Her debut album was 1982's STUBBORN LOVE. Fast forward to 1998 and she released CORNER OF EDEN (Reunion Records). Produced by Nathan P. DiGesare, it won a Dove for 'Inspirational Album of the Year'.

'A Different Road' uses The Nashville String Machine and a choir directed by the now late Tom Howard. I really like these lyrics: "Don't want to live without/The peace that comes to me when I am by His side/I've known the freedom there/Can't find it anywhere/But in Christ Jesus.../I believe He's got a plan/Everything in His time/I may not always understand/Everything in His time (2X)". Natalie Grant provides backing vocals on 'At Your Mercy', an easy listening ballad. The chorus is a prayer: "Grace rain on me/Love surround me/Life restore me/Lord, forgive me/Peace flow through me/Hope come to me/Faith embrace me/Lord, I'm at Your mercy, mercy".

Steve Winwood plays B-3 and Michael Omartian keys on 'He Will Make A Way'. It's a great upbeat gospel number about God's faithfulness: "Don't you go believin' lies/He's not forgotten you/There's gonna be another/Higher, greater place He will take you to/Watch Him move mountains/Ride you through the waves/He can deliver in the darkest of days". Darwin Hobbs is a backing vocalist. Chris Rodriguez plays guitar on 'Psalm Twenty-Three'. It's a slow, quiet number that begins with Kathy speaking these words of encouragement: "I called and the Lord heard me/He is close to the broken hearted/And saves those who are crushed in spirit".

Next up is 'Goodbye For Now', a lovely ballad anticipating reunions in heaven: "But there will be a time when I'll see your face/And I'll hear your voice and there we will laugh again/And there will come a day when I'll hold you close/No more tears to cry 'cause we'll have forever/But I'll say goodbye for now". Penny whistle, viola, and violin are among the instruments used on 'We Will Know Love'. It's also about heaven: "We will be peaceful, there can be harmony/I will be hopeful for so much more/Oh, I am sure we will know love".

'Fill Me Up' is an adult pop song about desiring God's goodness: "You fill me up/Oh, I need so much love/It's a wonder that You meet me every time, yeah/You come to me/Breathe Your life over me/With a hope and promise pouring in my cup/You fill me up". The title track, 'Corner of Eden', follows. It was penned by Stephanie Lewis, Kathy, and Jeff Franzel. Gary Lunn plays bass on this pretty song that portrays God as giver of life: "I could weep at the thought that along my winding walk/It's Your grace I keep on receiving/You're the light shining gold/Making gardens in my soul/And through Your love/That goes beyond all reason/I have seen a Corner of Eden".

'When I Look At You' is a love song to Jesus: "Lord, when I look at You/My tears just melt away/A peace comes over me/And I don't feel afraid/Lord, when You look at me/I know I'm not alone/My spirit soars above the pain/My heart has known". Closing things out is 'Take Me With You', a tender song. I like these lyrics: "I know that You heal the broken hearted/I know that You reach for lonely souls/You will always love where hate is planted/And that's where I want to go/Take me with You (3X)".

CORNER OF EDEN was certainly worthy of winning the Dove Award it did. Kathy Troccoli is one of the best female vocalists around, that's for sure! The songs here are mostly inspirational and easy listening, with seven being ballads and three being faster. Kathy desires to walk closely with Jesus, having an intimate, vibrant relationship with Him. God is presented as our way maker, deliverer, and refuge. He is good and gives us life. The joy and bliss of heaven are also on Kathy's heart. I'm rating this album a perfect 100%. For more info visit www.kathytroccoli.com and/or connect with her on social media.

BORN AGAIN

Pete Orta was born on August 26, 1971 in Port Lavaca, Texas. He was a guitarist for Petra from 1996-2000. During that time I saw the band in London, Ontario on the Petra Praise 2 tour. Pete's also played guitar for Jaci Velasquez. In 2001 Pete released his solo debut, BORN AGAIN (Word). It was produced by Chris Rodriquez and Peter Kipley and executive produced by Judith Volz. Orta shares this in the liner notes: "This album is a musical outpouring of what God has done in my life..."

Desmond Child and Robbie Seidman wrote the opening pop/rock track 'You Make Me Feel'. It testifies: "When every little thing I do seems like it's meaningless/And my soul becomes consumed with doubt and emptiness/You know just how to touch me/You raise me from the dead/Oh, the way that You love me, love me/I believe (2X)/You make me feel something beautiful/You make me feel something real". Chris Rodriguez and Melody Chambers sing backing vocals on 'I See Love'. This pop ballad serves as a prayer: "Baptize me in the sea of forever gone/Take my sins/Completely cleanse all my wrongs/I see grace in Your face/When You look at me/I see love/Your soft love".

'Tomorrow's Sun' is a pop/dance track making use of the Roy G. Biv String Vibe. It's about giving oneself completely to God: "I'm making the choice to give my life away/I'll follow Your voice/Into another day/I'm not looking back/I'm leaving the ground.../Your strength is moving me somehow/I can do all things through You now". 'Use Me' is one of 3 selections solely penned by Pete Orta. It's an R & B song of one wanting to be a vessel: "Use me, use me/I will give my all/And I'll shake the ground/With a holy sound/All the walls will fall".

'Born Again' was penned by Natalie Hemby and Jay Joyce and was nominated for a Dove for 'Rock Recorded Song of the Year'. It's a joyful pop song about life transformation: "I was a dirty, messed up, little crazy kid/A runaway child in a bottomless pit.../I'm born again/I'm a new creation/I'm born again/I'm a new sensation". It's catchy! Abel Orta provides backing vocals on 'Something New'. It's a pop ballad about God's faithfulness: "Sometimes I fall, sometimes I fly/But You have been there to catch me/Every time/Sometimes I start/Sometimes I stall/But You have been right beside me/Through it all".

On 'Beautiful' Tim Akers plays piano and Dan Needham plays drums. It's a tender song of praise and worship: "I see Your world and it's so pretty/I see beautiful in You/Beautiful in Your world/Beautiful in You/Beautiful/When You touched my blind eyes/You brought breath to my soul". 'Broken' includes these opening lines which I like: "It's my cross/Where Your heart has bled/As my pride/Crowned Your lovely head/So take my wrongs and set a sinner free/Let these tears be the Jordan for me".

Chris Eaton and Ralph Van Manen co-wrote 'Shine'. It's an adult contemporary song of encouragement: "Sometimes the day seems like the night/Don't let the shadows cover the light/You've got to shine/Always let the flame burn so high/Cause when you shine/You set the world on fire". Last up is 'Liberty', a pop song of testimony: "I don't need these chains/I was meant to fly.../God has given life inside of me/And when I'm down I still believe/That's how I know I'm free (2X)".

BORN AGAIN is a really good CCM album that includes pop, rock, dance, R & B, adult contemporary, and praise and worship sounds. The main topic covered is the fact that Christ offers us hope and new life via Calvary. We can throw off our old man so to speak. We can delight ourselves in the Lord. He is faithful to us, forgiving  us when we sin and confess, and He helps us be a witness to the world. Pete's got a great voice! I'd like to hear a second solo album from him. For more info visit www.peteorta.com and connect with him on social media. I give this album an 88%.

VICE VERSES

According to Wikipedia, Switchfoot lead vocalist Jon Foreman says the following of the band's name: "We all love to surf and have been surfing all our lives so to us, the name made sense. To switch your feet means to take a new stance facing the opposite direction. It's about change and movement, a different way of approaching life and music". THE LEGEND OF CHIN (1997) was their debut studio album. They would go on to success in both the Christian and mainstream markets. Fast forward to 2011 and they put out their eighth studio album, VICE VERSES (lowercase people records/Atlantic). It was produced and mixed by Neal Avron and executive produced by Mike Ellzondo.

'Afterlife' is a rocker about living this life with passion: "Everyday/The world is made/A chance to change/But I feel the same/And I wonder/Why would I wait till I die to come alive?/I'm ready now/I'm not waiting for the afterlife". It was nominated for a Dove for 'Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year'. 'The Original' offers these words of encouragement: "So you say you're just a lost soul/I know you better than that/So you say you're just lost in the wash, oh/I know you better than that/So you say you're just a face in a city race/Wasted and sick of it all/Speak your mind up/Come on, baby free yourself".

'The War Inside' is a rock cut that serves as a rally cry: "Put your hands up, open up wide/Put your hands up, side by side/Age don't matter like/Race don't matter like/Place don't matter like what's inside/Yeah, every thought or deed/Yeah, every tree or seed/The big things come from the little dreams/Every world I made by make believe". Sara Watkins plays violin on 'Restless'. It anticipates heaven: "I can feel you reaching/Pushing through the ceiling/Till the final healing/I'm looking for you/Until the sea of glass we meet/At last completed and complete/Where tide and tear and pain subside/And laughter drinks them dry".

'Blinding Light' is a melodic rock ballad about finding true meaning in life: "I keep looking for the blinding light/I keep looking for the reason why/I keep looking for the sun to shine to take me higher and higher/All my life/I've been living in the darkest night/Still looking for the sun to rise/To take me higher and higher". 'Selling the News' is a funky rock track serving as a commentary on today's news media: "America listens, the story is told/With an eye on the truth as the story unfolds/But the ratings determine if story was sold/We're selling the news/Begging the question, mongering fears/Stroking the eyes and tickling ears/The truth is seldom just as it appears/We're selling the news".

Next up is 'Thrive'.  I like these brutally honest lyrics: "I've been awake for an hour or so/Checking for a pulse but I just don't know/Am I a man when I feel like a ghost?/The stranger in the mirror is wearing my clothes/No, I'm not alright/I know that I'm not right/A steering wheel don't mean you can drive/A warm body don't mean I'm alive/I want to thrive, not just survive". The album's first single was 'Dark Horses'. It's an energetic rocker about beating the odds: "We're singing, hey, you can't count us out/We've been running up against the crowd/Yeah, we are the dark horses/We're singing wait, it's not over now/We've been down but we've never been out/Yeah, we are the dark horses".

'Souvenirs' is a pretty ballad that speaks of innocence: "So I close my eyes and go back in time/I can see you smiling, so alive/I close my eyes and go back in time/You were just a child and so was I/We were so young/We had no idea that nothing lasts forever". 'Rise Above It' rocks and is another rally cry: "Hear our voices rise/Hear our battle cry/We've been under the curse/With our arms raised high/Hear us sing tonight/Like the last night on earth/We will rise/Like the tide/Like dead men coming back to life/We are rising, rising".

'Vice Verses' is a quiet tune that asks some great questions: "Where is God in the city life?/Where is God in the city light?/Where is God in the earthquake?/Where is God in the genocide?/Where are You in my broken heart?/Everything seems to fall apart/Everything feels rusted over/Tell me that You're there". Closing things out is the longest song on the album, 'Where I Belong'. It's almost seven minutes long. It anticipates our eternal home: "On the final day I die/I want to hold my head up high/I want to tell you that I tried to live it like a song/And when I reach the other side/I want to look you in the eye/And know that I've arrived in a world where I belong".

VICE VERSES is a great album of rock music comprised of an equal number of fast and slow songs. A main theme is being fully alive on this earth and being all that we were created to be. We should actively aim to discover the purpose for our lives and not just survive. There are also a couple of songs looking forward to heaven and one about how today's news media outlets have distinct spins on them. Jon Foreman's vocals are swell, as is the heavy electric guitar work. I'm rating this album 100%. The Deluxe Edition comes with a second disc. It's a live audio concert performance of Switchfoot's 2009 album HELLO HURRICANE at Center Stage in Atlanta, which collector's will appreciate. For more info visit www.switchfoot.com.

ALL THINGS POSSIBLE

Mark Mitchell Schultz was born in Kansas on September 16, 1970. In 2000 he put out his self-titled debut album. Fast forward to 2012 and he released his 7th studio album, ALL THINGS POSSIBLE (Fair Trade Services). Seth Mosley and Pete Kipley are the producers used.

First up is the title track, 'All Things Possible', written by Mark, Seth Mosley, and Tony Wood. It's a nice pop song of faith: "I know mountains can move/I've seen what You can do/In my weakness/So my heart will believe/If I wait I will see/My God doing what only He can do". Julia Ross is a backing vocalist. 'It is Well' puts full confidence in God: "When I'm on my knees and the storm won't cease/In Your shelter I am still/When my strength is gone/Oh, Your cross stands strong/And Your mercy never fails/It is well".

Mark co-wrote 'One Day' with Seth Mosley, Doug McKelvey, and Mia Fieldes. It anticipates a glorious tomorrow: "The lame will walk/The blind will see/The prisoners will be set free/And hope will rise as shadows disappear/And all that's lost/We'll find again/Death will die and tears will end/And we will come alive and truly live". 'I Gave Up' is a bouncy pop song with this catchy chorus: "I don't need a house on top of the world/I like the car I'm driving/Everything I got ain't what I'm worth/That's not the reason I'm living/I don't need to see my name in lights/Or leave any grand impression/I've got everything I need in life/If love's all we're taking to heaven".

Next we have 'Love Walked In', a beautiful ballad about the healing of relationships: "All alone in a cold white room/They've only given him a week or two/ And it's no surprise nobody calls/All he's got are regrets and tears/He hasn't spoken to his kids in years/But he just heard his daughter in the hall/Love walked in through the door/And face to face with brokenness/Said it's still worth fighting for". 'More to You than This' touches on premarital sex: "So maybe you thought/If you gave yourself away/He would stay/Maybe you felt it was worth the price you'd pay/And you tell yourself it doesn't really matter/But your heart will start to break".

Mark, Seth Mosley, and Phillip LaRue wrote 'Be Still'. It finds God speaking words of encouragement to us: "Even now there's a hand that's reaching out/Through the dark to a heart that's filled with doubt/I am here when the storm is raging/Let your soul be still/And know I'm God (2X)". 'What Do You Give A King' is a praise and worship ballad: "When He says that all your guilt and shame are washed away/And He has freed you from a debt that you could not repay/What do you give a King (2X)?"

Cindy Morgan, Mark, Tony Wood, and Don Poythress penned 'Haven't Met You Yet'. It's the song of a father to be: "I can just see it now/You're in your mama's arms and she's so proud/And when you smile it takes my breath away/Watching you laugh, you crawl/I don't remember life before you at all/And the funny thing is/I haven't even met you yet!" Last up is 'I Will Love You Still'. It's a quiet, tender ballad from God to us: "If ever you should fall/If ever you should break/If ever you should turn from me and slowly walk away/I will love you still". Gordon Mote plays piano and strings are used brilliantly.  

ALL THINGS POSSIBLE is a wonderful Christian adult pop album that also contains one praise and worship number. Mark's vocals are lovely. There are six slow songs and four fast. These songs make clear God's love and care for us and our worth to Him. We can be content by putting our full trust in God. Heaven awaits us! Mark also sings of restored relationships and parenthood. Fans of Michael W. Smith and Matthew West should give this one a listen. I'm rating it a perfect 100%. For more info visit www.markschultzmusic.com or find him on social media.

FACTS OF LOVE

According to her official bio, "Kim Boyce is a former Miss Florida and Top Ten Semi-Finalist in the Miss America Pageant". She was born on March 14, 1961 in Winter Haven, Florida. In 1986 she released her self-titled debut CCM album. What I will be reviewing here is her fifth studio album, FACTS OF LOVE (1992, Warner Bros.). In the liner notes, Kim shares: "Nothing can touch your heart and leave a lasting impression like love. This album, the result of many months of prayer, inspiration, laughter, and tears, has ten songs that in some way talk about love..."

First up is the Tom Snow/Jimmy Scott composition 'When Love Calls Your Name'. Cher had recorded it in 1991 and Kim Boyce took it to #1. It's a happy pop song: "When Love calls your name/There's no saying no/You follow your heart wherever it goes/To the ends of the earth/For the rest of your days/Whatever it takes, yeah, you'll find a way/Through fire and rain/When Love calls your name". Kim, hubby Gary Koreiba, Guy Penrod, and Chris Rodriguez sing backing vocals on 'Love Has Made the Difference'. It's a song celebrating one's relationship with God: "We've been through the laughter and tears/Still our love is growin'/When days turn to years/My heart will still be showin' that I'm thinkin' of You/The love that made the difference in me/Your love has made the difference in me".

'Everything' was penned by Kim, Scott MacLeod, and Trace Scarborough. It's a soulful pop ballad complete with a sax solo by Marty Paoletta. These words are ones of worship: "Lily of the valley/Bring and shining star/Baby in a manger/Lover of my heart/King of all creation/Knew my deepest need/In my darkest hour/He reached out for me". Phil Madeira plays the Hammond B-3 organ on 'Dancin' to the Beat of Your Heart'. It's an upbeat pop/dance song that rejoices: "Never been a moment of regret with You, Lord/Even when my life is filled with misery/Doesn't last for long because You're livin' in me/And I'm dancin', dancin' to the beat of Your heart/When my soul feels the Spirit/My feet have to start/Dancin' to the beat of Your heart".

Kim, Bryan Lenox, and Bo Cooper wrote 'Until Now'. It uses strings, oboe, and pipe organ by Bryan Lenox. Chris Rodriguez and Mark Pogue provide backing vocals. It's a beautiful ballad of praise: "Until now/I know Your love has saved me from the pain/Until now/Never knew someone like You/In Your arms,Your perfect love brings hope to me again/Never knew You could make a change somehow/Until now". The title track, 'Facts of Love', was a hit for Kim. Dann Huff and Gordon Kennedy play guitars on this peppy pop/rock number that testifies: "There's something different 'bout Your love/Feels like thunder's running through my veins/Like some kind of miracle's happenin'/Taking me up higher than I've ever been/There's a fire burnin' deep within/Think I must be learnin' the facts of love..."

'Hurting People' was penned by Kim and Julius Drummin. It's a funky pop song that encourages us to act: "If you love them/Won't you show them?/Then we'll help them/Help the hurting people/Will you reach out to their struggles?/Then we'll help them/Help the hurting people". 'I Just Wanna Live Right' finds Kim pouring out her heart: "I don't wanna be a hero/Just wanna share Him everywhere I go/Live my life and let people see/That there's really been a change in me".

What follows is 'Let's Stay Together', a Kim Boyce/Gary Koreiba/Phil Sillas effort. It's a light pop song that draws from history: "Elvis and Priscilla tried/He loved the girl until the day he died/But couldn't keep their love together, no/Let's stay together/Marilyn and DiMaggio/Gave it a try and then they let it go/Couldn't keep their love together, no/Let's stay together". Last up, 'Thank You For Being My Friend', is a quiet song for our Lord: "There was never a time when Your love was in doubt/Every tear that I've cried/You've known all about/There is no greater friend cause You laid down Your life/So with all my heart one more time/I'll try to say/Thank You for being my friend".

FACTS OF LOVE is a fun Christian pop record, with some adult contemporary and dance sounds mixed in. There are five fast songs and five slow ones. God's goodness, love, care, and salvation are proclaimed. God, in fact, calls out to us, His children. Following Christ and being spiritually devoted are encouraged. We should care for all of humanity and be witnesses for Jesus. The cover photo of Kim is absolutely beautiful! This is a good album to crank up as you are driving out and about. I'm rating it 90%. For more info visit www.kimboycemusic.com and/or connect with her on social media.