Billy: The Early Years (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Soundtrack]

Sara Evans (Artist), Alan Jackson (Artist), Brad Paisley (Artist), Josh Turner (Artist), Roy Orbison (Artist), Patty Griffin (Artist), Michael W. Smith (Artist), Melinda Doolittle (Artist), China Edelman (Artist), Brooks & Dunn (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 7, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Arista Nashville
• ASIN: B001EOQV40
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,345 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Over the Next Hill

2. Low

3. Look at Me

4. Shelter Me

5. Ruth's Prayer

6. Heavenly Day

7. The Great Wild Beyond

8. Amazing Love

9. In Dreams

10. What a Friend We Have in Jesus

11. Almost Persuaded

12. Just as I Am

Editorial Reviews

The soundtrack of Billy: The Early Years of Billy Graham is released by Arista Nashville and Essential Records. The album includes some of the biggest names in Country and Christian music all which have been personally affected by the life and ministry of Billy Graham. Guests artists are Brooks & Dunn with Mac Powell, Sierra Hull, Alan Jackson, Roy Orbison, China Edleman, Brandon Heath, Patty Griffin, Gregory Paige, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Michael W. Smith and Melinda Doolittle. The movie depicts the young Billy as the earnest and promising young man at the crossroads of faith and doubt, ultimately facing the moment of decision that launched one of history's most powerful evangelistic careers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great soundtrack for a Great movie..., October 14, 2008

By 

M. Manes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Billy: The Early Years (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Audio CD)

I got this soundtrack directly after seeing this amazing movie and haven't stopped listening to it since. Speaking of the movie, at first I was skeptical about how good the movie was going to be, then after the first minute I couldn't help but keep my eyes stuck on the screen. It was so great being able to see how a man, like Billy Graham, who had such an amazing influence on my life, spent his early years struggling with the same thing that I sometimes do, It really gave me hope for the future.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprises abound on this tribute to Billy Graham's early years, November 18, 2008

By 

Michael Dalton (Eureka, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Billy: The Early Years (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Audio CD)

You might imagine that the soundtrack for a movie about one of the greatest evangelists that has ever lived would be full of inspirational songs from popular CCM artists. If you thought that way, you are in for a big surprise. Billy: The Early Years is dominated by country artists--including many that I was not familiar with or had never heard of--performing mostly stripped-down acoustic songs. Except for the last three tracks, which are hymns, creative original songs dominate this release. The sparse production gives both the hymns and the new songs a fresh sound.

The only CCM-sounding song is "Amazing Love" by Michael W. Smith and Melinda Doolittle. This is a decent song, but it doesn't fit the style of the rest of the release. Another curious addition is "In Dreams" by the legendary Roy Orbison. This is not as good as some of his songs like "Pretty Woman," which have become popular in recent years. It's one of three love songs.

The love songs pay tribute to Graham's early relationship with his wife Ruth. Her own words about what she wanted in a husband are featured in "Ruth's Prayer," sung by Patty Griffin.

Other songs wistfully look toward heaven as in "Over the Next Hill," a strong duet between Brooks & Dun and Mac Powell of Third Day.

Josh Turner could pass for a young George Beverly Shea on "Almost Persuaded," the bittersweet hymn about being close to salvation but still being lost. Turner sings the song with great dignity.

"Just As I Am" starts with a choir of voices that rise above stringed instruments. Sierra Hull adds her voice midway through and at the end she alone is left singing. It's an effective technique that wonderfully reinvigorates this hymn, which has been used to close so many Billy Graham Crusades.

Brad Paisley does an excellent instrumental guitar version of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."

I can't help thinking that the Graham family would be pleased with the artistry and dignity found on each of these tracks. I like the clear annunciation of words and the sparse acoustic instrumentation.

It's a shame that the movie has not done well. It may mean that fewer people will give this CD a chance.

I had low expectations before hearing it, but this CD was a pleasant surprise.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, July 15, 2010

By 

pmh528 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Billy: The Early Years (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Audio CD)

I'm sure everybody knows the name Billy Graham but after watching the movie and listening to the CD I learned so much about the years that led to Mr. Graham becoming one of the greatest evangelists. This inspired me to reach for the things in my life that I thought were unattainable.