Customer Reviews

Beyond a Dream

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have all 16 of Twila's albums. ...I have to say that this is her very best album. "God is in Control" was the #3 Christian song in the 1990's (CCM). I like the rockier edge she puts into it. "Watch and Pray" "All About You" "God is in Control" "Seventy Years Ago" "Rescue The Prisoner." So, I guess I like that it is more jumpy and exciting, something you can really rock to in the car or whatever. However, also the Ballads really hit home to you and bring you spiritual peace. "Visitor From Heaven" is one of my favorite Twila songs. It's used a lot at funerals and used to help grieving parents feel at peace with the loss of their child. "All My Heart" reminds me of the Relationship (not the Religion) that we need to have with the Father. "What Am I Without You" sounds so peaceful and Twila's voice sounds so angelic and just reminds me I am nothing without Him. It's also her Number 1 album because she won more Dove Awards off this album than any other.

I was introduced to this CD following the death of my infant granddaughter last summer. We used "A Visitor From Heaven" during her memorial service and it was a comforting conclusion to a beautiful service. For several weeks "Visitor" was the only selection I listened to, then I listened to the rest of the CD and found other wonderful songs of praise and comfort. I listen daily to all or some of the CD and continue to be comforted by Twila's beautiful songs.

With every Twila Paris album I buy I am continuously amazed at what an inspirational talent this woman is. In all her music she gives such glory and praise to God, and this album is exceptional. We are so privileged to have Twila provide this ministry to us. Every song on this album shows God's inspiration to her, and her desire to glorify the Almighty.

'Beyond a Dream' has become a theme song for our family. No matter the situation we have been faced with or the failures of our frail flesh, that He should come and fill my (our) soul - this is beyond a dream!

Twila has twice topped this CD since its release--with "Where I Stand" and "True North." Unlike those two, "Beyond a Dream" has a few "filler" songs on it, including "Rescue the Prisoner." Although the message to the song is right on, the music style does not compliment Twila's vocals. My brother calls it the "shoes in the dryer" song; listen to the first ten seconds and you'll know why! : ) However, this was the first Twila Paris CD I ever heard, and soon I was a loyal fan. I've backtracked so that I know own everything from 1985 to current, and she is the most talented songwriter I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. I completely agree with Twila when she says that each of her songs is "a gift from God." What great gifts, and how wonderful that she's shared them with us!

I've listened to Twila Paris' music for a long time, and I love her style, even the difference on Beyond a Dream doesn't cover the message she's tryin' to get across. I recomend that You buy this one!

The songs have a different sound to them from past work of Twila. I loved this CD as well as everything Twila writes because I always feel God's presence in her songs. This is one of my favorite CD's of Twila's because it's so powerful and it challenges you. You have to have it!!

With all due respect to Peter and Tim, Twila Paris has excelled (at least in part) because she has never been stuck in rut. She has explored a number of different sounds and each of her CDs has a personality of its own. That's quite a feat for a recording artist who released over 20 albums over a span of nearly 30 years.

It is true that, when "Beyond a Dream" released, it turned a few heads. "Beyond a Dream" was hardly meant to be a follow-up to "Sanctuary," a CD that has a much more gentle, worshipful tone. Rather, Twila expressed in interviews at the time that she was interested in recording a CD for those times in your life when you're looking for an upbeat expression of your faith, such a time spent driving in a car.

You won't find a CD in which Twila's vocals display more passion. Some of these songs come off as emotional pleas, and they've extremely affective. Consider "Rescue the Prisoner." Musicially, lyrically and vocally, Twila seems to be pleading with the church to get serious about the great commission, a theme that Twila visits in several of her recordings (a theme currently being championed by groups such as Casting Crowns).

Of course, many people are familiar with "God is in Control," the anthem that opens this CD. The track has in some ways defined Twila's career. However, "God is in Control" is hardly the only gem on this recording. The CD also spawned the hits "Watch and Pray," "Seventy Years Ago" and Neither Will I." The latter is a truly moving song about relentlessly serving those whom we love who also disappoint us. "All My Heart" and "What Am I Without You" are among some of the most moving worship songs Twila has ever written.

The musical backdrop is muscular and infectuous. The guitar and drum work is fantastic. The background vocals are spot on. The musical styles range from rock to pop to blues. Although this CD is now 15 years old, I think it stands the test of time.

If you're going to buy any Twila Paris project (other than a greatest hits collection), I would start here.

I have the album on cassette and wanted it on CD. I also wanted it for my favourite song, "God is in Control". Songs are easy to listen to and well written. Catchy music too.

For warm fuzzy feelings, pop style and, easy listening, this would hardly even rate "3 stars".

But "Neither Will I" and the first two
("God Is In Control", and
"Watch And Pray" )
you have an intimate insight into the writer's personal disappointments, trials and victories.

Buy this album and hang on to it for when your own personal trials come, THEN you'll be able receive strength and inspiration, and have some left over to give.

It's well worth it just for the one song
"Neither Will I" ...
Can't imagine anyone in any of life's trials, that wouldn't receive confidence, hope and renewed staying power from this song!