Charisma Music Reviews
Holy!
By Terry MacAlmon
Terry MacAlmon Ministries
www.terrymacalmon.com
Accompanying Terry MacAlmon on his latest CD is the Prague Symphony Orchestra, whose rich sounds blend with MacAlmon’s tasteful piano work to lead listeners through an hour of instrumental praise. Holy! is made up of two classically arranged worship suites, each of which starts gently, interweaving MacAlmon’s soothing piano artistry with solo performances by David Cleveland (acoustic guitar), Kevin Burns (flugelhorn), Lucie Svehlova (violin), Roger Martin (flute) and Roger Weismeyer (oboe). As each composition builds, MacAlmon’s performance becomes more complex, though he thankfully avoids the keyboard gymnastics that often transform musical exaltation into unnecessary showmanship. MacAlmon penned many of the songs on Holy! but the musical sense of awe and praise they convey easily transcends their unfamiliarity. The bonus track, “Love Theme (A Wedding Song),” provides the perfect ending to this stirring collection of worship songs. —Randy Wright
Return
By The Anointed Pace Sisters
Tyscot Records
The Anointed Pace Sisters have for decades given listeners soul-stirring gospel music. Return, their most recent project, is no exception. These eight sisters jump-start the CD with a get-your-praise-on song, “High Praise.” And cuts such as “Reign Forever,” “Strategically Ordered,” “Contentment,” “The Words U Said,” “Hold On” and “Rescue” combine to create a sense of either joy or surrender while the group shuffles back and forth between Pentecostal praise and radical worship. Known for their testimonial-style singing, the sisters deliver strong messages of victory and assurance, with cuts that include “It’s Already Done,” “God’s World” and “He’s Here”—a track that features LaShun Pace. “Return” concludes the project with a message of hope and everlasting life. Listeners who enjoy gospel music that stirs the soul and reaches the heart won’t be disappointed with this CD. —Faith Lowe
In a music age recognized for an over-produced, studio-generated sound, TobyMac’s third studio release, Portable Sounds, stands apart as a perfect combination of pure musicality and fresh, new melodies. TobyMac continues with the unique blend of rock and hip-hop that has positioned him as one of Christian music’s most successful artists but adds more soul singing to Portable Sounds than previous albums. Collaborations with Kirk Franklin, Joanna Valencia and American Idol finalist Mandisa help strengthen the vocals, allowing TobyMac to take his creativity and artistry to its best level yet. Starting off with “Made to Love,” he showcases what is to come on Portable Sounds, with the ever-present live instrumentals and gritty, grass-roots sound that is his own. Other highlights include the funk infused “Boomin,” the reggae-style “No Ordinary Love” and the closing “Lose My Soul,” which wraps personal honesty in a prayer-like anthem. —Elisabeth Burns
