Customer Reviews

How You Live

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

I managed to get a copy early. I've listened to all the songs four times. This record is the best from P-O-G since "Free to Fly" in 2001, and that has been a long time! My top picks are: Way You Live, All the World, Any Way and You Are Good. For great harmony, there is Track 12, Before the Throne of Grace. This production reminds us that great artists need great songs if the record is to be great. Why don't we recognize the song writers more?

Prime Cuts: How You Live, Before the Throne of Grace, You Are Good

Point of Grace hit a commercial glitch with 2004's "I Choose You." After an unprecedented 26 No. 1 Christian singles, "I Choose You" yielded no chart topper for this quartet. Hence, "How You Live" is greeted with a nervous anticipation: what musical direction will this "comeback" CD charter? As a picture speaks a thousand words, their album cover is most telling. Instead of opting for those glamorous cosmopolitan posses, the way the Barlowgirls have done with their latest CD sleeve, four conventional homely-looking women with amicable smiles front their latest release. This means that rather than tracking down the more youth trail of r&b/dance route and thus coming across as a desperate attempt to reach the ipod generation, Point of Grace has decided to look more to their roots. Hence, they have honed their most honest CD to date. Sure, there are still the harmony-laden pop drivers that have brought them to fame. Nevertheless, there is a more conscious shift towards the Christian-country genre. Although they have not gone entirely western, the disc has a distinct Nashville flavor more in the direction of country-pop paved by Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill and Keith Urban.

Reminisce of those motivational country-anthems Martina McBride keeps churning the title track "How You Live" is a catchy ballads about living life to the full with thought piercing lines in passim. Rifle in a sonic sea of country twang of fiddle and steel guitar, "Any Way" is a beautiful reflection of seeing God at work in every corner of creation including the faces of strangers, in the alley or on the rooftop and so forth. Yet, not all is country, they do return for some familiar harmony-laden pop with the album's first two entries: "All the World" and "Fearless Heart." The former starts off with a stately drum beat before exploding into a full-bodied harmony laden driving rocker that ought to re-establish the these ladies as Christian music's favorite darlings.

Part of the reason why some of these songs limn with such affecting realism is that they are the creations of a stable of reliable Christian music writers such as Scott Krippayne, Cindy Morgan, Kelly Minter, and Nicole Nordeman. Nordeman, for instance, leaves her balladry signature on the piano-based "You Are Good." A gorgeous worship song made most poignant by the girls' family-tight harmonies. Without any instruments, the voices of these ladies usher us "Before the Throne of Grace," a prayerful tribute coming from the pens of Scott Krippayne and Tony Wood. However, not every track is a standout, "Fight" and "Broken Things" are your typical AC pop efforts that are more standard fare; they are nothing to write home about.

With the droves of Contemporary Christian artists taken in by the glamour of the youth culture where they sacrifice melody and sensitivity for the latest beeps and whistle, "How You Live" finds its strength in well-crafted songs. Many of which are rich in God-centered content with strong melodic hooks. Moreover, instead of regurgitate their past glories, such a diversification to country influences certainly add depth to their portfolio. Most importantly, the more country backings allow for a more simple backing allowing the spotlight to be on their harmonies. In short, "How You Live" is a fine return to form.

Point of Grace never disappoints; their music is always uplighting and edifying. If you're looking for a vitamin B shot in the spiritual realm, this is it! I always walk away empowered!

Point of Grace never disappoints; their music is always uplighting and edifying. If you're looking for a vitamin B shot in the spiritual realm, this is it! I always walk away empowered!

This CD is positively beautiful---from their voices to the lyrics!! There is not one song that I do not like & that hasn't touched my soul. I also bought this for my sister & she agrees with me 100%. If you are looking for a true Christian CD, meaning the lyrics, this is it!!

This CD is awesome! A great blend of spirited rock, accapella works, and insightful melodies.

I really have always loved POG, but felt after several years that all their music was sounding the same. I am truly enjoying this new CD. All the songs are great and harmony it wonderful. I read another comment about how the song "how you live" is not Christian and I really need to say, that I personally felt that was taking it a bit far. The song is lovely. Leave the Scars is another one worthy of those lovely voices. All in all, I am so glad I got it!!

in a time that we need hope and inspiration our girls are back to deliver..