Customer Reviews

Faraway Land

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'll buy 10 more new projects just like this one. Ron Block's contemplative lyrics and worldview are aptly complemented by his songwriting prowess and expemplary musicianship. Is it bluegrass? Yes. Is it spiritual? Yes. Is it necessary? Yes. I've been a fan of him through AKUS, and this record solidified his position in my music library. So Ron, when's the next record? I'm ready. Bring it on.

In this vein, I also recommend "Rufus" and "re: sinners & saints" by Buddy Greene.

Wonderful music in the Alison Krauss and the Union Station sound. But for those who look for more than just sound but want words that linger and messages that deepen, this cd is it. "Your Heart Has Found a Home" and "Another Life I'm Living On" are worth the price of the cd alone. I have shared it with my friends who aren't particularly bluegrass/country fans and all have been stunned by the haunting beauty of the music. Great arrangements that vary and keep the interest level as you move from song to song. Enjoy and buy a copy for a friend who matters to you!!

I found Ron's CD spiritually uplifting, challenging and contemplative. My family listens to it again and again because of this and its diverse melodies. To me, his lyrics tell of the exploration of the heart of man on His journey and reveal God's compassion for fallen man throughout the ages in "Higher Than Man."This is "THEE" redemptive message for all mankind who have an ear to hear.This music compels one to see correctly our Heavenly Father, full of grace and mercy for all his children. For those who are searching, Ron points them in the direction of their maker and saviour who is as real, loving and as personal as the passion and heart poured out through this artist's music. Musically,every story/song stirs Christ's response in me in a different way. I am truly blessed to have bought this CD. I've shared this CD with others and most are very inspired by it as well.This music is Christs heart in his Ron Block form, enjoy it for what it is and WHOSE story is being told through it.

What else can I say?! I have been asking myself "where has this guy been?" Every CD I have ever purchased had at least one "not so good song" on it, but not this CD. Every song is great. The harmony, the music, the words are excellent. This is the first review that I have written where I am speechless. You should know that these are Christian songs though, and Ron sure lets you know with the content. A country flavor with a bit of folk genre is as best as I could describe how the music is. I don't know how anybody could regret buying this CD unless you crave hard-rock or hate Christian lyrics. Try the MP3 download of the title song Faraway Land. Each song is as good in my opinion.

Ron Block is one of two banjo/guitar players in Union Station (Alison Krauss' band), and is a great talent who deserves more attention. Alison Krauss and Union Station have recorded a couple of his Christian songs, which are amazing ("There is a Reason" and " Living Prayer"). He recorded his own album, "Faraway Land," in 2001, which has become one of my all-time favorite discs. The playing and music are great, but I especially love his lyrics. They are on a completely different level from most worship songs I've heard. There is an intimacy and intellect in his words that really grab me. He addresses the struggle of becoming and being a Christian in a way that I haven't heard elsewhere, and the music is brilliant - the mood, the musicianship, the production - it's all spot on. It's as enjoyable and inspiring as it is thought provoking. I highly recommend it. Take a chance on this CD. I'm confident it will be one of your all-time favorites too.

This is an excellent collection of Christian music by a consummate writer and instrumentalist. Ron's voice is probably more suited to the bluegrassy blending of Union Station, but his true voice lives in his words and music. It is there that you will gain a glimpse into the heart of a true man of God. Much of popular contemporary Christian music is filled with bad theology. You will not find anything of the sort here. Ron's theology is as carefully crafted as his songs.
If you love good music you will not be disappointed on any level - whether you are a Christian or not.

This album is expertly crafted. Not only is the musicianship extremely good, but the lyrics are much better than many other christian songs out there. Even though I wasn't a big fan of bluegrass music before, I am now.

What an incredible blessing this album has been! My brother bought it when it was released, and I heard it a few times, and thought "It's not bad." Then something just clicked. I finally started listening to the words, and was simply blown away. This is the best bluegrass CD I have ever heard.

From start to finish, it is a wonderful journey. You know that music is inspired when it leads you to the foot of the cross. This does. The lyrics and arranging are just great. Take my advice- BUY IT!

Even though i'm not a big bluegrass or christian music fan, Ron is nothing less than what i'd expect from him, a very well crafted album. His classic rock and new jazz influences can surely be felt. as far as religious music goes this is definately at least listenable, and enjoyable. grittier than michael card has been these last few years, and as passionate as Rich Mullins at times, this guys is what christian music needs right now, pity he's pretty much in the non-religious arena for the most part. I would also agree with another reviewer, i definately felt AKUS latest lacked the thoutfulness of previous works, but did enjoy the album before that, and of course "SO long, So wrong" I guess if you're looking for a good quality religious album, this is the place. or if you're intrigued by Ron's personal religion, this album might make ya think too. at anyrate, if ya get it, it will most definately grow on ya, it's one of those kind of albums -- you know, like the album rock of the late 70's and 80's.

I was pleasantly surprised when I first listened to this album. Ron is truly an underrated singer and songwriter. He has the ability to capture the feelings so many of us go through in our Christian walk. It's about the journey, and the acceptance of who we are. The darkness leading to the Light. Some of my personal favorite tracks are, "Searching", "Another Life I'm Living On" and "Higher Than Man".