Customer Reviews

City on a Hill: Gathering

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Nearly a perfect album. The best album of original worship songs I have ever heard, period. Andrew Peterson's song, Holy is the Lord, is one of the most elegant songs that I have ever heard both lyrically and melodically (the melody belies a complex meter). Leigh Nash sings a 59 second song, Kyrie Eleison, that is so beautiful that you want to cry. The other new songs are good, most notably the lead single, The Gathering. There are several nice renditions of older songs, such as Beautiful Scandalous Night (this is a beautiful song, but pairing Leigh Nash and Bebo Norman was not a good idea; in contrast to Leigh's light, airy tone, Bebo's voice sounds out of control), and Come Thou Fount (Jars of Clay). The impressive thing about this album is its cohesiveness. From the instrumental prelude through the end, the songs ebb and flow smoothly from ballad to uptempo and back again. Moreover, the continuity of the songs contributes to a mood that I can only describe as refreshing. As a musician, I am generally a pretty critical listener, but I've been listening to this album repeatedly from beginning to end. It's that good!

Okay, - there are 2 songs that I'm not crazy about - BUT all the rest are wonderful. Forces me to think and worship and join in praise. I get so much encouragement from this CD and listen to it all the time. Some songs I play over and over again because the message is that powerful.

The combined talents on the CD are amazing. The lyrics of Andrew Peterson, Bebo Norman, Steve Hindalong, and others are beautiful. Combine this with wonderful accompaniments, and snippets of old hymns and worship songs, and you have a first class CD.

While I did not enjoy EVERY song on this CD, there are enough great ones to make up for that fact. Some of the most dedicated singers in the business sing their hearts out on this tribute to our Lord. Some songs brought me to tears, and other songs made me smile with joy. The lyrics to Holy Is The Lord (on this particular CD) are so moving...read the words if you purchase this CD; they are amazing.

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www.therunninggirl.com

This uplifting collection of songs from today's top Christian recording artists is truly amazing! FFH, Jars of Clay, Ginny Owens, Bebo Norman, and Andrew Peterson sing amid a host of remarkable voices that lift up in praise of God the Merciful Redeemer! I bought this CD because I love the title song, "The Gathering" and because I love Christian sampler CDs (the best of every world!). And I was not disappointed at all! The music is high-quality and proclaims the Truth with joy, reverence, and stirring emotion. The musical styles are varied and the lyrics are clear-cutting and truly moving. There is not a mediocre song on the CD, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone who loves good Christian music. My personal favorites are "Jesus Went to the Garden" (an unbelievably emotional worship song for Easter) and "Holy Is the Lord" (a song by Andrew Peterson portraying Abraham's human struggles conquered by his unwavering Faith). It is just the best ever! I hope you enjoy--BUY THIS CD! :)

They sent me the wrong product, but were fantastic about it. They told me I could keep the one they sent by mistake.

My review got posted twice somehow; I can edit it, but I can't remove it; sorry! Since I have to write something, here's a tip: The City on a Hill Christmas album is also excellent. Sara Groves, Caedmon's Call, Leigh Nash/Michael Tait and Third Day have phenomenal songs; the other new songs and Christmas carol renditions are also pretty good. This album, unlike so many others, actually does justice to the beauty of Christmas! If you haven't heard it yet, you should check it out!

I work at a Christian bookstore and we play hundreds of CD's and this one is one of my favorites; it's amazing. It's not the kind of CD that grows on you either; you love is right from the start! :) The songs are well put together and really speak to you. They are the kind of songs that make you stop and go, "...wow".

I bought this CD after hearing one song...the rest are a bonus...but not on my favorites list.