Customer Reviews

Captivated

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Prime Cuts: I Need You (As the Deer), Forgive Me, A Song for You

What makes a good worship album? First, a worship album needs to evoke the majesty and beauty of Christ in such an affecting way that one cannot help but be captivated to want to be changed by such sheer holiness. Second, a worship disc needs to have a bracing singsong lilt in the melodic structures so that it can draw the listener and/or congregation into the worshipful atmosphere with ease and relish. Such qualities thankful are hallmarks of Mullen's first ever worship album "Captivated." Though Mullen has been a seven time Dove Award winner and a twice Grammy Nominee, this is still her first album with songs directed primarily to the Almighty. Honestly, this is also her best album to date. Relative to previous efforts, this finds her in a more chameleonic mode where she shuffles between various styles (funk, balladry, pop, and even reggae) making the whole worship experience more iridescent. Responsible for such a change is the employment of Ed Cash (Kari Jobe, Matthew West and Chris Tomblin) as the producer of this project. Cash certainly brings in an air of refreshment to the songs inhabiting each with individual identity and vim.

The best among the bunch are the ones where Mullen takes a dive for the heart. The baleful ballad "Forgive Me" finds Mullen in confessional mode before Christ that is just pricelessly beautiful. Also, giving the timeless Psalm 42 a new spin, "I Need You (As the Deer)" is a newly composed worship tune by Mullen that bares all the marks for a future worship staple. Rich in Biblical truth, supernal in its melody and performed with a heartfelt lilt, "I Need You (As the Deer)" is just a worship experience in itself. Written when she was only 12, "I'll Praise Your Holy Name" was the first ever song composed by Mullen. Nevertheless, it is still a delightful testimonial worship anthem that belies the youthfulness of Mullen when she penned this ballad. "A Song for You," not the old Leon Russell song, is a Mullen original where she bares her soul in a love song directed to Jesus. Listen especially to how producer Ed Cash beautifully weaves the strings and piano into the narrative of this divine love exchange.

Veering off from the slower tempo is the slinky funk of "I Can Do." With touches of Luther Vandross-like soul and a call out chorus, "I Can Do" is a thumping Gospel stomp. Mullen does take a surprising sidestep into reggae as she finds herself dueting with Papa Son on "My Shepherd." While the title cut "Captivated" is a mid-tempo slice of pop with an irresistible hook that makes you want to sing along in no time. Lead single "Kingdom Come" takes on the issue of floods, famines and earthly disasters head-on as Mullen echoes our earth's cry for God to return. Congregations would serve God's truth a great service if this worship anthem were to make it to the worship times of churches.

"Captivated" indeed is aptly titled. This is truly a record that captures the beauty of God grounded in Scriptural truth and performed with dint of sheer honesty and heartfelt love towards Jesus. Furthermore, the strong melodies and the variety of styles make the worship experience even more alluring and attractive. "Captivated" indeed has captured the heart of worship.

Every song on this CD brings me closer to God. Nicole C Mullen has been my favorite artist for years and I was thrilled to finally see her new CD out. It is well worth the wait - beautiful!

I received this CD as a Mother's Day gift, and my whole family is greatly enjoying this set of beautiful and worshipful songs! Nicole Mullen has a gorgeous voice and great musical talent. The song "Kingdom Come" is a total masterpiece. Some of my other favorites include "Forgive Me" and "I Need You." Miraculously, the CD has earned the respect of my teen-aged kids who are very, very critical about music but admit that they like this CD. I have especially loved playing "Kingdom Come" and "Forgive Me" in the car as I take my teenagers to school in the morning because I can see that they are really listening, and it gives them the right perspective of heart and mind to start the day... enhancing their relationship with God. Thank you, Nicole!

every CD of Nicole C. Mullen that I've gotten has created a heart of worship and praise in me that surpasses the previous CD. I always think "this is her best; she has reached her peak", and yet here again, NCM has reached a new height in lifting up the name of Jesus and inspiring my heart to levels of praise and worship of my Savior. I listened to this CD over and over all day today. The lyrics remind me who God is, what Jesus has done for me, and that I owe my life to Him. The songs encourage and edify and I believe anyone who struggles or is in need of spiritual renewal will be led to that place by listening to this CD. I was "captivated" by the very first song - "Holy Captivated", and each successive song just led me deeper and deeper. I love the tribute to Andrae Crouch and the way she mixed his "My Tribute" with her "Redeemer." The extended versions of Holy Captivated, I Can Do, and I Need You at the end of the CD just prolong the praise and are a welcome addition.

I can't say enough about how NCM has once again allowed the Spirit of God to guide her to musical levels that will bless others as the words and music (and her sweet singing voice) also bless God.

I love Nicole Mullen's music! This "is" an excellent cd!! You just have to watch yourself when you're listening to the cd and cooking, because you get so lost in the music that you forget what is on the stove. The music is so annointed, and the words are excellent. I love all of the songs, but forgive me and my tribute are my favorites!!!! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE IT!!!!!

God Bless, Catherine Garretson

This CD was wonderful. I LOVE that its not traditional christian music nor is it of the rocky loud banging variety of Christian music. It is just right - with a bit of funk and fun with understandable words and very spiritual and uplifting. It captivates the heart to worship the Lord. Nicole Mullen has a gift for creating and singing listening gems.

Captivated is an excellent way to describe my reaction to this album. The range of emotion was complete-from joy and wonder to pure awe. The music sent me to a place I really need to be. Thank You Nicole!!!

I think I have every CD Nicole C Mullen has ever put out and I love this one too!

She has such an amazing voice and her music is very personal. I want to see her in concert again soon!!

The CD is great and the shipping was super fast! The only negative was the small crack on the case of CD (no damage to actual CD), but overall the product was great.

I enjoyed this album. I played it several times in a day. The album is the right Length. The Lyrics are beautiful. You will find your slef singing along. Nicole Mullen did a good job on her first worship album. The best part is that she remained true to her style of music. If you enjoyed other song by Nicole, like "Redeemer" or "Call on Jesus" you will enjoy this album.