Customer Reviews

Hello Love

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Does this installment meet the expectations of prior blockbusters from Chris Tomlin? As of this writing, Chris' latest album sits atop of the Christian Contemporary Music chart sales on this site. So far the majority of reviews are also overwhelmingly positive. I respect the integrity of my fellow reviewers to give them the benefit of a doubt that they are being honest and not giving five stars simply because he is Chris Tomlin.

Being someone who felt that Arriving is his best album to date, that See The Morning(the follow-up album to Arriving) was actually a notch down from its predecessor, and who was not nearly as excited about his concert style as most everyone else was, I certainly was not going to give an automatic five stars. In fact, I do not even like some of his more popular songs all that much(i.e. Made To Worship, Wonderful Maker, Forever).

I think a helpful test when listening to this album is to ask the question, "Do these songs sound like a rehash of previous albums?" Answer: I did NOT get this feeling in the least. I for one do not want Chris to change his style.

It is very hard to pick a best track on this disc, as they are all very well done. My personal favorites are God Of This City, Love, and Praise The Father, Praise The Son. While there may not be a song from this CD that becomes as globally acclaimed as the incomparable How Great Is Our God, or draws someone into a splendid adoration of God like Holy Is The Lord, or personalizes the intimate sufficiency of Jesus like Enough, the tracks on Hello Love share this common trait with them: they are simple but beautiful to the ear. That is the vintage aspect of this CD, but do not misunderstand: the songs are definitely different. New songs, new words, same engaging enjoyment as previous releases.

Last I checked, that type of work was worth buying. This album is no exception. See for yourself. With the $10 price, the decision becomes even easier. Happy listening.

I just received and listened to this album today on my way to school and it is awesome. It includes the hit radio single "Jesus Messiah", but oh, this is just the start! Love with the Children's choir has to be my favorite along with God of This City and All The Way my Savior Leads Me. I like the fact that Chris Tomlin put another hymn arrangement on this record, but I only wish there were more like it in the future! Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone was probably his defining song of his life, even though he would attest, it wasn't his song, neither John Newtons. It was God's inspired message. You really see how passionate Chris Tomlin is in his music about sharing as much as he can about the Glory of God, His Majesty and his blessed son, Jesus, who gave up His life for us all to live happy, fufilling lives for His Will and Purpose. If you think this album is kinda soft, think again! He really keeps the tempo and guitars flowing through more than a couple or tracks. It is one of those albums that will be sad when it ends. It's that addictive!

First of all I am big fan of Chris Tomlin (see my other Chris Tomlin album reviews), he has written some of the most passionate contemporary worship songs and has played a vital role in the contemporary worship movement. Through Passion and other efforts, I believe Chris Tomlin will be long remembered for bringing Contemporary Christian music from the radio into churches and it was his worship songwriting and worship leading that has made me a fan all these years.

I intend to take nothing away from my respect for Chris or his past accomplishments when I say Hello Love just doesn't effect me as his past albums have. Something feels different here, namely the songwriting. Sometimes it feels forced, a lot of the melodies aren't very strong. Lyrically I think this album could be a lot stronger. I realize there are theories on writing great worship songs and the mechanics of 'keep it simple', etc... But when a song doesn't move the listener into worship I think it falls flat and well kid gloves off, fails. Performing day after day can be very difficult and the best artist in the world are bound to put out a ho-hum effort every now and then. As a fan if I could tell Chirs Tomlin one thing it would be: try to find a way to grow as an artist, because the worst thing you can do is put out the same type of album again and again. The worst thing you can do is put out an album just because a record company demands one.

Being fairly new to the Christian music scene, I didn't know many artists. But everytime I heard a song I liked, it was sung by, or written by Chris Tomlin. The songs on this CD are awesome. "Sing, Sing, Sing", and "Love" are so upbeat, and many others with great messages. Many songs are played regularly on the radio, and are very recognizable. My 3-year-old daughter actually asks for this music! If you like contemporary Christian music, or are a Chris Tomlin fan, you will enjoy this CD.

First off, let me state that I am of the opinion that Chris Tomlin is a gifted musician/songwriter. I think that this album is one of his many great contributions to Christian music.

I am strongly disappointed in the quality of this recording. There are some songs on this CD that I really like, but can barely stand to listen to anymore, because whoever engineered this recording made some errors that are inexcusable for any recording sold for profit, let alone a release from a major record company.

There are numerous blatant instances of clipping throughout the CD (this review pertains to the CD, not the MP3 downloads). It is particularly noticeable in "You Lifted Me Up". Even worse is the last 40 seconds or so of "Exalted" where the instruments drop out leaving the lead vocals and a choir. This could have been a powerful end to the track, but is is horribly distorted by being over-compressed. By 'over-compressed' I am referring to dynamic range processing, not digital compression (e.g. mp3, aac, etc)

Chris Tomlin and group have once again provided listeners with another Holy Spirit inspired collection of praise and worship tunes. With "God of this city", Tomlin has challenged believers across the world to go out into there local areas and take back what the enemy has stolen and to claim their cities for the Glory of God Almighty! "I will Rise" is a beautiful work of art that depicts,with awesome clarity, the majesty the Glory and the Power that will be seen at the return of the Messiah---Jesus Christ!!

This contemporary worship-praise album gives God all the glory and is focused on the Word. It has great variety with a clear message honoring God and proclaiming His truths. It is not head-banging loud, but some songs are more upbeat while others are slow. Jesus Messiah is one I would consider slow and even though you may know it well, it is worth the price alone. In my opinion, this is exactly what we need to infiltrate our minds with today, music that causes us to focus on the Lord. I have been extremely blessed by this incredible work.

Hello LoveChris Tomlin writes amazing worship music and this CD captures the essence of the love Christ has for HIS people. Very soothing, uplifting and encouraging, listen to it all day.

a wonderful cd that has an abundence of praise and worship songs that will have you wanting to continue praising the Lord all day long!

This is not Chris Tomlin's best work, but it's painfully far from perfect. Hello Love is just another generic worship release with nothing really to offer to ones looking for originality.

Rating: 1.5 stars/5 stars