Customer Reviews

Faith & Devo of a Satellite Hrt

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Let's say, if you are reading this review, you are one of three types of people: (1) not Christian, but interested in music and heard rumors about the Violet Burning; (2) Christian, interested in worship and living for God, but turned off by the plethora of pop worship CDs springing up everywhere; (3) somewhere in between, looking for something better than you currently have. Well, friends, you've hit the right group. No one (in any of the above categories) to whom I've lent any of my VB CDs has not liked them intensely. "Faith and Devotions" is probably VB's most overtly "worshipful" recording since "Strength" (their best recording, in my opinion). "Demonstrates Plastic and Elastic," "I Am a Stranger in this Place," and their self-titled release, all have a somewhat darker, more brooding sound (hence the frequent comparisons to The Cure and similar groups). This CD, on the other hand, just pours out the heart, whether it's broken, angry, or full of joy, and lifts the listener to God. Here's a listening tip: Don't listen just to the opening of the songs to see whether or not they sound catchy. In Mike Pritzl's style of songwriting, very often the real heart of the song, the hook that catches your spiritual core, comes somewhere around the middle to the end. Then you find yourself singing along, over and over ("Lord, my cup is empty--won't You come now and fill me up?" is a case in point). In case you haven't figured it out yet--I highly recommend this CD, as well as the others mentioned. (For "Strength," try E-Bay.)

I have bought this cd 3 times now because I lost the previous two copies with moving. If you want a raw, well written cd that really pulls you closer to the heart of God, this is it. From beginning to end, it is simply a powerful musical experience.

I'd only ever known about Michael Pritzl from the song "The Blood of Jesus" which was featured on a great Vineyard Cafe album in '97. I should've bought this album when it first came out in late 2000, but I never got around to it. I only recently purchased this album nearly EIGHT YEARS after its initial release! I am LOVING "Faith and Devotions of a Satellite Heart" and almost wish I had bought it way back then...

Stand-out songs here are "Invitacion Fountain" (which was also recently featured on a Vineyard album), "Clean," "Forty Weight," "Nobody Else" and "Lord, Shine Your Light." "Clean" makes me want to dance and jump for joy. "Nobody Else" and "Lord, Shine Your Light" make my soul weep. I'm listening to the latter now and am in tears. It touches me profoundly. The songs on this album are so intense, raw and passionate. That makes them almost uncomfortable, but I mean that in a GOOD way because it's good to have your boundaries pushed and get out of your comfort zone!

The Violet Burning do not make music you listen to -- they make music you can experience. God bless them.

This is an excellent recording. My favorite thing about it is the candid and very meaningful lyrics of worship of the Lord. It is not a typical worship album. In my opinion, the lyrics are more meaningful, and the music is well, different. I LOVE it! You will find this album is slower paced than many of The Violet Burning's projects, and you might take some time to warm up to it, but once you do it will most likely be one of your favorites. A must have for anyone.

This CD was the first I heard by TVB, and at first I wasn't that taken with it. Honestly, I thought it was nice enough, but I thought it was a bit long and drawn-out.

My music tatse matured over a couple of years, and after seeing them live, I realised that this was one great band. The CD came alive, and these gentle original songs began to get under my skin.

"Clean", "Invitacion Fountain" and "Forty Weight" especially are absolutely fantastic songs. Beautifully recorded and arranged. Truly an "alternative" CD, with a very overtly praise-centred theme- this is well worth having in your collection.