Customer Reviews

Great Lengths

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I gotta be completely honest and say that I just got this CD a few days ago. That is because I had the tape when I was much younger and I am really getting back into these guys. Their music is truly great. This is my favorite album of theirs with "Great Lengths" and "Merry Go Round" not to mention all of the other great songs. A must have for music fans.

Following Christ is a fantastic journey! There are so many simple and deep truths to discover. Of course, all of these truths are found in the Bible. But the great thing is that so many men and women have responded to these truths in art. The number of books on the Christian faith are inumerable. There are a limitless amount of paintings and sculpture responding to the faith also. But for so many the deepest statements have been made through music.
PFR really took their faith seriously. I'm sure each member still does take their faith seriously, but unfortunately they aren't together as a band right now. So I guess I can't speak of PFR in present tense. If you love music with truth about Christ in it, PFR is the band to listen to. I love their sound. It's been said that they sound a lot like the Beatles and Crowded House. I can definitely see the Beatles influence. The Harmonies are tight. The music is upbeat and well played.
But the best element is definitely found in the lyrics.
I could comment on all of the songs but I'll only highlight a few. #3 "Merry Go Round is an excellent track. It says so much about life before we know Him. Life spins us around and around until we choose to gain peace through Chirst.
For me, the highlight of the album is the seemless blending of songs from track #6 "Trials turned to Gold" to the ending track #11 "Life Goes On". This series of songs is an example of brilliant writing and producing. It's much like side two of Abbey Road. The band displays all it's musical talent... great musicianship... great singing... great writing on this last 6 tracks.
Check it out if you haven't yet. You won't be disappointed!

I am so excited about this CD.
I got it recently on sale because it was considered "old"
Seriously, I don't think so. I'm listening to their music every day pretty much. And I didn't even know they existed a few years ago!
Their music is different. ( can be compared to the Beetle's sound sometimes)
And the lyrics actually have meaning. A must have for any Christian Music lover!

As a long time PFR fan I believe Great Lengths is a prime example of the incredible talent these guys possess. First, they show a wide variety of talent within the style of each song from one to the next throughout the album. From beautiful and prayerful melodies to head bangin rock! Of course the lyrics are superb as well. They are not written with a bunch of typical cliche Christian phrases but seek to explore various aspects of our walk with God with deep thought a creative beauty. I recommend this album first and them get the rest of all of PFR albums s well as the Bookhouse recordings which contains some variations on many of their songs. I've also purchased solo albums by the guys that are fantastic music as well. after you hear them together then explore where they went with their music next. My greatest hope is that PFR will someday soon get back together for another spectacularly moving work for musical art and follow tha with many more! PFR- one of my top 5 favorite bands of all time!

THIS IS PFR'S 2nd BEST LP next to #1 "them-96 then "disappear-01-latest lp, are all good. so much for "pfr and a close last "goldies... .

the 1st 3 tracs are very good, trac1-sounds like beatles, trac2&3-cool altn. rock, trac4-nice and all remainin tracs r good-mellower rock. cd is very good rock for christian rock thats y as far as i know pfr is still me fav. chr. rck band. theyre talented and from prev. bnds b/4 pfr.
half of them and disappear is good-not bad for rock lps-a good average.
gr. lengths-prob. better overall due to song quality of all tracs aft. trac4. i haven't heard pfr's lead singer joel hanson's latest solo lp yet.

There are some very outstanding songs on this album. People who like rock songs and ballads with a catchy melody will probably like the music in this album even if they are not christians. Fans of Beatles music might especially like the "Great Lengths" song which not only captures the Beatles style, but is also excellently written and arranged.

"Great Lengths" is the third offering from PFR and the album that made them a household name. Gone is the whimsical, light-hearted spirit that defined the first two albums. PFR here delves into the reality of broken relationships, lies, guilt and depression. But what I have always loved about PFR is that they have a way of making uplifting songs without glossing over the pain and doubt that we experience in the midst of trials. "Optimistic" is the wrong word. "Hopeful" would be appropriate. The album is noticably darker and melancholy but, surprisingly, not in a way that detracts from its enjoyability. The songs have more weight are thus more enjoyable.

Sonically, this album is more polished and more catchy than PFR's previous efforts. "Great Lenghts" was probably PFR's signature song and so catchy that you'll listen to it over and over again. "Wonder Why" is my personal favorite song by PFR: a song about self-destruction through lies and addiction and wondering why we feel guilty over these things. It's dark, yet aggressive and catchy.

I've never believed that a song's good message translates in and of itself to good music. But some songs are good because they bring the listener into the experience. Despite the fact that PFR's Christian view can be seen in virtually all of their songs, this is not another "Christian" band writing about how Jesus solves all of life's problems. PFR does not preach, but simply express their life and struggles as they experience them. Their openess and frailty in some songs can be disarming to those expecting the escapist self-assurance of God's grace that pervades so much of the Christian Music world. PFR simply makes good music that deals with issues and experiences that are important to them. But they do so with a punch and a catchy hook.

Treat yourself to this album. You'll be glad that you did.

This is a Christian album that's musically worthy of being compared to great classic rock bands of the 60's & '70's (including The Beatles). Great message, too.

Seems this album is no longer available, too bad. It is pretty good for its genre, with a strong Christian message in the lyrics. The title song Great Lengths alone makes this worth seeking out for fans of Christian rock.

This is a fantastic album that I still enjoy listening to, even though I've had it for a several years. The first 3 tracks I just can't get tired of, and there's some other great material here too. A combo of pop & rock with good lyrics & great melodies.