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By Kevin Pollard
• MercyMe: 10 (CD/DVD), INO
It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since MercyMe frontman Bart Millard
wrote ‘I Can Only Imagine,’ a touchingly personal song inspired by his father’s early passing.
This breakthrough song helped launch the Texas-based band, and has been recorded
by many musicians in multiple genres.
To celebrate the anniversary of one of the most popular and powerful songs in
Christian music history, MercyMe is releasing this CD/DVD set.
Titled simply 10, it features songs spanning their five studio releases – such as ‘Word of God Speak,’ ‘You Reign,’ ‘So Long Self’ and ‘Homesick.’ There are also three bonus tracks: a new recording of ‘I Can Only Imagine,’ with the famed London Symphony Orchestra; the never-released track, ‘Only Temporary’; plus the kids’ tune, ‘10 Simple Rules.’ The DVD contains both live and concept videos of all their best songs; the
story behind ‘I Can Only Imagine’; and the
Faith And Fame documentary, from Gospel Music Channel. mercyme.org
• Israel Houghton: The Power of One, Integrity
Most may know Houghton as the man behind Israel & New Breed, worship leader at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, and for classics like ‘Friend of God’ and ‘You are Good.’
But for his solo album debut, he has certainly stretched himself, both musically
and artistically.
The result is an eclectic mix of 14 songs that offers something for just about
everyone. The only problem here is that the stylistic range – including reggae, pop, rock and gospel – is so vast, that the average listener could get whiplash.
That said, the production and musicianship makes this one of the best records of
the year. israelhoughton.com
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• delirious?: My Soul Sings, EMI
After 15 years of touring, delirious? will perform its final show as a band
later this year. To close off their highly successful run, they have released
this live CD/DVD highlighting some of the band’s best material.
Given the globe-trotting this band does – having travelled to 25 countries last year alone – it is fitting that this album was recorded in Colombia, South America.
Included here are performances of modern worship favourites like ‘Rain Down’ and ‘Majesty,’ as well as the international radio hit ‘Deeper’ and the concert classic ‘History Maker.’ This is certainly a must-have album, as it may very well be the last new
recording from one of Christian music’s best live bands.
delirious.co.uk
Randy Travis: Three Wooden Crosses – The Inspirational Hits, Word/Curb/Warner
With record sales over 25 million, 22 number one hit songs and six Grammies,
Randy Travis certainly has no need to look for publicity. But his recent
appearance as guest mentor on American Idol, and his performance with Carrie Underwood on the live telecast surely exposed
this country music legend to a whole new audience.
To follow up his recent Dove Award for Country Album of the Year, for Around the Bend, he has just released this 20-song collection of treasured hymns and gospel
classics.
Highlights here, taken mostly from his six inspirational albums, are ‘Sweet By and By,’ ‘Raise Him Up,’ ‘Swing Down Chariot’ (with The Blind Boys of Alabama) – and ‘Love Lifted Me,’ a duet with Mac Powell of Third Day. randytravis.com
June 2009
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