Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
More Encouragement from Point of Grace, September 4, 2007
The female quartet Point of Grace can be counted on to provide songs that will encourage, gently challenge, and uplift your spirit. Their latest CD is no exception.
The encouragement is evidenced in such songs as "He Believes in You" and "Broken Thing." These are reminders that God is with us and wants the best for us no matter what is going on in our lives.
Many of the songs are gentle reminders about how we should be living our lives. The disc opener "All the World" is a reminder that everyone needs to see and hear about God's love. "Fight" is a confession song about the struggle against pride to surrender to God. The title track combines many cliched proverbs to remind us that living life is the most important part of life. And you know what? They may be cliches, but they are still important to hear and think about.
They throw several songs of worship in here as well. "Any Way" marvels at how God can speak to us through anything. "On God's Green Earth" celebrates the God of creation. "Because You Are" reflects on the attributes of God. "Before the Throne of Grace" is a gorgeous album closer. The a cappella track sounds like a modern hymn about God's grace. And the harmony is absolutely beautiful.
My favorite track on here is "Heal the Wound," a prayer for God to heal the wounds from our past sins but leave scars to remind us of what He has saved us from. It's a hauntingly beautiful ballad.
Stylistically, this disc isn't really a departure from what Point of Grace has done in the past. These tracks are adult pop and range from the upbeat "All the World" and "Fight" to the slower "Before the Throne of Grace" and "Heal the Wound." Their harmonies are tight as always. Basically, if you love Point of Grace's style, you'll love this latest offering. And if you don't, you'll find nothing here to change your mind.
Fans looking for another release from their favorite group will be very happy with this disc. I know it will be getting as much play from me as Point of Grace's other releases.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rekindling the fire: Point of Grace is back, September 15, 2007
A word to radio programmers: Point of Grace is back, and they're better than ever. After 24 consecutive #1 singles across their first five records (a feat unmatched in any genre of music), radio began to move in a different direction and, coupled with founding member Terry's retirement in 2003, the group has struggled to regain their footing. Their 2005 album "I Choose You" was a bust - a letdown for most original fans - and failed to draw in new supporters. Singles "I Choose You" and "Who Am I" experienced moderate radio success, but never threatened to reach #1. It seemed the girls were struggling to find cohesiveness with new member Leigh. Now, two years later (and four years removed from the original lineup change), we have "How You Live."
While Terry's vocals will always be missed by longtime fans, there is not one weak spot on this record. The music and lyrics are fresh, powerful, and personal, with that signature Point of Grace sound. One thing I love about this album is that it doesn't try to "fit in" with the current music scene. The harmonies and instrumentation that longtime fans associate with Point of Grace are back and more beautiful than ever. At the same time, there are experimental elements; new ground is trod and that's refreshing. Not one song on this album sounds "forced", unlike the vast majority of the songs on their previous album. The sincerity that's been missing of late is ever present on this album, bringing to mind songs like "Saving Grace", "Circle of Friends", "Jesus Will Still Be There", "My God", "One More Broken Heart", et al.
I'm here to tell you today that radio will not accept this record, and it's a crying shame. If there was ever a Point of Grace album deserving of several #1 singles, Dove awards, and perhaps even a GRAMMY, "How You Live" is it. Longtime fans should be "tickled pink" by this effort, and new listeners should find much to like as well. In my opinion, if this record were released in say, 1998 (in the middle of Point of Grace's uncanny "hold" over radio), "All the World", "How You Live (Turn Up the Music)", "He Believes in You", and "You Are Good" would be sure-fire #1 hits. The inevitable cold shoulder that will be turned toward this album should be considered nothing short of a programming crime; a travesty.
Finding their niche at radio and in record stores again will be difficult. I can only hope and pray that radio opens their eyes to this record and that Point of Grace can find widespread success again. ("Because You Are" has the potential to be a popular corporate worship song, too.) With this album, they haven't tried to reinvent themselves or become something they're not. The masses should flock to this group and embrace them for what they are: four women nearing their 40's who have a lot of good things to say about God, family, and the ups and downs of life. The music, too, is truly unique. What other girl group is doing this today?
A nod to their storied past, but still innovative and original, "How You Live" is Point of Grace's best record to date.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best yet from Point of Grace!, September 20, 2007
This CD is awesome! A great blend of spirited rock, accapella works, and insightful melodies.
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