8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best CD of 1998, September 8, 1999
This review is from: Exodus (Audio CD)
Michael W. Smith has created a classic. From the opening sounds of the Exodus Theme Song (reminiscent of a movie theme much like the "Prologue" to Steven Curtis Chapman's Great Adventure), to the soft opening of dc Talk's "My Will" any listener knows they're in for a treat. While "My Will" may seem the standout track on the album, "Needful Hands" by Jars of Clay gives it much competition for that title. Then, a gem of a pop song, "Brighten My Heart" by the airlike vocals of Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer) hold the Cd. Cindy Morgan and Chris Rice keep up the top notch talent with their two songs, and the Katinas stand out with a stunning song called "Draw Me Close." Third Day's contribution is wonderfully done, just edgy enough to maintain their trademark sound. Somehow, the hardness just adds to the power of the tune. Crystal Lewis and MWS's songs maintain the awesomeness of this album. Remarkably, every song is single material, and this album is timeless in every way. These worship songs will never go out of style - the the truths they proclaim will always be alive.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An awesome worship CD that stands the test of time!, August 28, 2001
This review is from: Exodus (Audio CD)
This album came out over 3 years ago and it is still one of my favorites. It came out before Praise and Worship music really took off in popularity (it was always popular, I mean the more "modern" worship songs). This compilation was put together by Michael W. Smith, whose newest album "Worship" is due to be released on 9/11/01. Every single song on this album is unique and a real work of art. There isn't a "weak" song on this album! The artists include newcomers (back in 1998 they were newcomers!) Chris Rice and The Katinas. Actually, the Katinas' song on this album, Draw Me Close, was the first I had heard them. Later, they came out with their own album, which many people rushed to buy after hearing them on Exodus! Even though all the songs are so different from each other, the album works together as a whole to bring you to throne of God, in worship! It's just incredible! Actually, my favorite tracks are the last half of the album, which you can't listen to here on Amazon! You'll have to trust me on this one - this album is a must-have for any Christian music fan. My favorites are actually the last 3 songs on the album. Third Day does an INCREDIBLE job on Michael W Smith's "Agnus Dei" (from "Go West Young Man"). Such powerful worship!! The next song is Crystal Lewis' renditon of "Salvation Belong to Our God" and then Michael himself sings Rich Mullins' song "I See You". Rich Mullins died in a car accident less than a year before this album was released. His life and death had a powerful impact on Michael W Smith, and "I See You" is an amazing ending to a fabulous worship project! I'd have to put this album in my list of all-time favorite Christian albums! Please check out my other reviews of Christian music and Christian books.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning, Warm, Peaceful, Magnificent!, August 13, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Exodus (Audio CD)
I have about 5 CDs in my collection that I would not give up for any amount of anything. They are priceless. I am happy to say that "Exodus" is one of the albums that holds this esteemed position. Each and every song on this CD is a masterpiece. As someone else said: if you were to take the 5 best songs off of this album, the rest of the songs would still be worth 5 stars. This is so true!
"Exodus" is a thrilling anthem of praise to our God. Written by Michael W. Smith, this almost all instrumental piece is the perfect start to a perfect CD.
"My Will" is one of the best songs by dc Talk that I've ever heard. It has some of the best lyrics I've heard from them, as well as fantastic vocals.
"Needful Hands" is one of my favorite songs from my top-favorite group, Jars of Clay. It's softer than a lot of their songs, and the way they perform that style just begs for more like it. My favorite lyrics on the CD come from this song: "You are my eyes when I cannot see / You are my voice see sing through me / You are my strength in weakness be / Holy
"Make Us One" is the best song by Cindy Morgan ever! I love the way it starts very softly, with delicate piano music in the background. Then it slowly crescendos, coming to an exhiliarating finish.
"Brighten My Heart" by Sixpence None the Richer can leave no doubt in your mind about the group's Christian theme. The lyrics come from an old Celtic proverb, or something like it, and the music is very soft and sweet, sung by Leigh Nash.
"Nothin'" by Chris Rice reminds me of singing around a campfire, like on the music video of this song. In fact, in the "Most-singable" category, this wins top awards.
"Agnus Dei" by Third Day is a fantastic, slightly harder and powerful worship song, written by Michael W. Smith.
"Draw Me Close" is a favorite worship song of mine, and it's sung beautifully by the relatively new brother group, The Katinas.
"Salvation Belongs to Our God" - The first time I heard this song was on this CD, and Crystal Lewis's voice backed by an awesome choir makes this song very "singable" as well.
"I See You" - what contemporary praise-and-worship record would be complete without a song by the beloved, late Rich Mullins? This song, sung by Michael W. Smith is a reminder that God is everywhere.
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