Customer Reviews

Billy: The Early Years (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

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4 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

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.

There is a lot of variety in the style of music (slow, fast, country, modern, etc.) and the variety of artists is nice as well. It has one of the best love songs I've ever heard by Alan Jackson entitled "Look at Me". My other favorite is "Shelter Me" - This is a real "pick me up" when I feel discouraged or afraid. My kids have even gotten into the habit of singing the background vocals which always makes us laugh. I also like Heavenly Day.

This CD is exactly what I expected and then some! It made me relive the movie and cry all over again. Highly recommended for anyone that saw the movie! My mother borrowed it and later went and bought herself one. It is sooooo good to sing along with! "Just As I Am" w/the girl is out of this world! Did I mention that my Mother did not see the movie, so for those that didn't, you will love as well............