Customer Reviews

Collection

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is Jennifer Knapp's fourth cd (not counting the independent release Wishing Well) and this is a 2 disc Greatest Hits album. What is different about this album, compared to other Greatest Hits albums is that it is not just a collection of her singles. Rather, the fans were able to go online and vote for the songs they wanted on the album. The top 15 vote getting songs made it onto the first disc. So, we have some singles like "A Little More", "Undo Me" and "Breathe on Me", but we also have favorite album cuts that would never make a typical Greatest Hits album: "Martyrs and Thieves", "Refine Me", and "When Nothing Satisfies". As much as I love the singles that Jennifer Knapp has released, my favorite songs are usually the album tracks. In particular, "Martyrs and Thieves" and "When Nothing Satisfies" are two of my favorite songs and I'm very happy that both made onto this album (I voted for both of those songs).

The second disc is a collection of demos, b-sides, and a couple of songs that were on other albums. "Sing Alleluia" and "Hallowed" were on the City on a Hill album. "It Is Well With My Soul" was on the Audio Adrenaline album, Underdog. "Believe" was on an album by Grits. "Return to Me" and "Sing Out in Joy" were never released before. "Nothing is Impossible" was on Knapp's independent release Wishing Well, but never quite made it to any of the studio releases. The other tracks are demos from the recording sessions of Jennifer's three albums.

To put it simply, I love this album. Jennifer Knapp has long been my favorite musician and the opportunity to have a Greatest Hits album that also has some of the b-sides and non-album tracks is too much to pass up. But this package doesn't stop there. Gotee Records asked the fans voting for the songs to also submit a testimony for a song telling what the song has meant to them. Instead of reprinting the lyrics that are included in the other three albums, these personal testimonies would be included as the liner notes. Maybe I'm biased because I have one of the song testimonies for "Martyrs and Thieves", but I thought that was a fantastic idea. It gives the fans an opportunity to write back about how much Jennifer's music has meant in their lives. As a fan of Jennifer Knapp's music, I would definitely recommend getting this album (even if you've never heard her before). You'll get a sample of what her fans think are her best songs, and will also get a bonus disc filled with demos and rarities. Highly recommended.

If the other reviews aren't enough to convince you, then let me try! Jennifer's music will shatter whatever preconceived notions you may already have of Christian music. Her lyrics are honest and assertive, yet humble at the same time, and her delivery is as real and powerful as it gets. The strength of her lyrics lies in the absolute honesty and authenticity of the writing. She is not afraid to express doubt and hestitation, and yet Christ's mercy is clearly evident through and through. She speaks to us precisely where we are as human beings (still trying, still getting there) *and* where we are in relation to Christ (forgiven, heirs of grace). For me, her songs capture what it truly means to live the Christian life everyday in a personal and real way. No sugar coating here! And Jennifer's husky vocals are so fitting - a refreshing change from the soft, sweet soprano so typical of the genre. Sometimes you're reminded of other artists like Alannis Morisette; at other times, she's the perfect blend of Traci Chapman and Natalie Merchant. But when its all said and done, her voice, delivery, and artistry are distinctly her own. What a blessing to the genre and to anyone smart enough/lucky enough to own this album! There are 20+ songs in the entire collection and I'd say I love at least 18 of them. Each song stands on its own, so you won't feel like you're listening to the same "sound" over and over again. Do yourself a huge favor and get the album. Very worthwhile investment that gives back far more than $14 you'd spend elsewhere.

I have this problem of judging people by their genres before ever hearing their music. Because Jennifer Knapp is lumped in the genre of Christian, I almost overlooked her. I did the exact same thing with Plumb and it turns out they've become one of my favorite bands. So I decided to put my feelings on the back-burner and give The Collection a chance. While the lyrics are as outright religious as you can get, I don't mind. Jennifer has a powerful voice that could move even the most emotionally defunct person alive. I like the fact that she makes great usage of the acoustic guitar and even in some cases an orchestra. There's many influences quite apparant in her voice which any music buff can quickly point out, so it doesn't surprise me that she's so well liked.

A Little More shows a distinctive hint of Melissa Etheridge in not only Jennifer's voice but also that basic instrumentation. I like some of Etheridge's music, so I like this song. Undo Me, in all it's religious glory, is quite the catchy song. The music has so many different influences that it's sickening, it compliments the vocals nicely. Say Won't You Say has a very dreamy feel to it. Jennifer keeps her voice low-key and introspective which works beautifully. The Way I Am is in every way a classic. The lyrics are wonderful and Jennifer's voice is top notch. The chorus and bridge is where this song takes on epic proportions. It's been a while since I've heard strings used so expertly yet subtely and the full band feel is a nice touch. Whole Again is good yet shows weakness. The chorus feels like it's been done before, the only real redeeming quality to this song is the acoustics. Hold Me Now is the best ballad I've heard in months. The vulnerabilty is palpable and Jennifer's voice is on display like I've never heard it before. This song shows her range wonderfully and there's no doubt it'll touch a chord with you. Martyrs & Thieves, I've heard, is a fan favorite and I can understand why. Jennifer's voice is chillingly gorgeous and once again, there's great usage of strings and acoustics. When Nothing Satifies is a wonderful track that drips emotion. I like how it's very simple yet gets it's point across and once again, Jennifer's voice proves to be amazing.

My favorite songs on here are A Little More, The Way I Am, Hold Me Now, Martyrs & Thieves, and When Nothing Satifies. I wasn't lucky enough to find a copy of the limited edition version so I didn't get the second disc. But what I did get, I'm very impressed with. I'm glad I took a chance on this CD but if you're someone who just does not like hearing about God in your music, you better keep looking.

First off, I very rarely give reviews to CDs that I buy unless they are something very special. I own hundreds and this is only my second review on Amazon. It's hard to believe that Jennifer Knapp has created so much quality stuff in such a short amount of time but let me tell you every track on the first CD is awesome. I believe it's her lyrics that really carry her music, as she is an artist that is truly blessed with a leading from the Holy Spirit. I love all the tracks but especially 8,10 & 15.

This isn't really a review as such; I am new to Jennifer Knapp's music and maybe I'll be qualified to review after several more listens of this album of course ;) - translation: I like it, even the demos are fun to listen to, which is unusual for me, since I don't like demos. I remember reading something that said people used to gather around her even when all she had was a guitar - you can hear that coming through in these songs. Makes it feel like you're at a coffeehouse or an impromptu worship meeting listening to her sing. She was the artist whose music inspired Bethany Dillon to learn guitar, and now she is a musician as well [consider that a recommendation :)]

Rather, I wanted to respond to William Krischke's review. Jennifer Knapp has in fact quit the music business for the time being, and this was, as far as I know, her last album. She did not have much material for a new album, and she felt like if she continued it would have become about meeting expectations and the routine of releasing new albums every so often. She was not willing to keep on doing something if the Lord was not giving her inspiration anymore.

So please, do not be so harsh, and do not assume so much. Man looks at the outside, but God sees the heart - the same is true of me as well, I do not know where she is with the Lord and neither do you :)

More info:

http://www.jenniferknapp.net/jk/viewtopic.php?t=224

or if the forum dies again,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Knapp

I am new to Jennifer Knapp's music. A couple of months ago I bought her 3 previous albums but still decided to pick this one up. I am glad I did. I get to hear all her best songs on one cd while getting to hear demos and never released studio projects on disc 2. Her music is powerful, her writting is superb and I believe she is the female version of Rob Thomas. What's also great is the fact that fans got to vote on which songs were to be listed on Collection. I would recommend this to any fan of good music. God has truley blessed Jennifer.

I just recieved this cd and put it in my cd player, it's awesome!!! I have been looking for something that has a mellow worship sound without being to sleepy and this is definitely it. Up beat just enoough to keep it interesting while maintaining a spirit of worship and adoration of the father.

All I can say is that Jennifer Knapp has it... she has the most down to earth talent that an every day Christian can identify with, and cherish.

I've never written a review before, and I don't pretend to call this a review. The only words that seem fitting are, inspiring, honest, introspective, and phenominal. This artist surpases the gumball effect of the Newsboys, and other surreal Christian artists. I am not saying that others (including the Newsboys) aren't good nor inspiring, but Ms. Knapp simply has the talent, the melodies, the stories that make you feel why being a Christian is truly the real deal.

js

Jennifer was eloquent on the Larry King show in defending her right to be true to herself - especially as she was being ganged up on by Larry's other "guests," two holier-than-thou's. Thanks, Larry, for playing snippets of Jennifer's songs at the breaks. I was intrigued enough to get two of her albums, honest and heartfelt. And lawdy, I'm neither gay NOR a thumper !! ;) And shame on you, Amazon, for allowing ax-grinding posts that have zero reason to be here.

This is simply a wonderful collection of Jennifer's work, which is rootsy, thoughtful and refreshing...a perfect introduction to anyone who isn't familiar with her music yet.