Customer Reviews

Keith Green: The Ministry Years 1977-1979

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You never heard of Keith Green? Well, then you've never experienced the most passionate musician for Christ that there ever was. His piano playing and heartfelt vocals were as fervent as anyone in rock and roll, let alone Christian music. His songs basically taught me how to be a Christian, much like learning to sing the ABC's taught me the alphabet. There are a number of decent Keith Green albums on the market. Some are albums that lump songs together by theme. Others have songs from "The Early Years." Unfortunately, many of the incredible original releases (For Him Who Has Ears to Hear, No Compromise, The Keith Green Collection, So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt, and Songs for the Shepherd) have fallen out of print. But you can get the best of his best stuff right here with The Ministry Years Vol 1, 1977-1979. And don't hesitate to get "The Ministry Years, Vol 2 (1980-1982)."

This humble man was an unqualified musical master. A teen idol who got lost in the drug culture of the 60's and 70's, Keith continued performing music and looking for sucess and fulfillment in the vacant culture of southern California. Keith seemed to have been tapped into something (we now know it was someone) greater than himself-he was a visionary and a romantic who was always searching for more truth, more meaning, more substance. By the mid-70's he found what he was looking for in the Christian faith. His new faith, coupled with his considerable musical talent set him on course to change the lives of millions of people. Before Amy Grant got big, before Michael W. Smith, while members of Stryper were still in grade school-before Christians knew what Christian rock was or would be-Keith was doing it.

This two disc set is a collection of his best early material; from 1977 to 1979. A second set covers 1980-1982 when he was tragically killed in a plane crash along with two of his children. The material here is (for the most part) nothing short of stunning. Sure there are some throw-aways in my opinion, but this collection will nonetheless reaffirm the beliefs of many that Keith was wholly unique in his musical writing and his delivery. Many of the classics are here from his famous 1977 debut album FOR HIM WHO HAS EARS TO HEAR, which was the first Christian album in history to be certified Gold and was the first respectable 'Christian rock' album. I remember my father playing this record when I was very young and it still has a powerful effect on me. The album remains one of the most famous Christian recordings of all time. Keith fits in nicely with many of the other famous singer/songwriters of our time such as Van Morrison & Simon & Garfunkel (in storytelling ability), Sarah McLachlan and Over The Rhine (in power and emotion), Jim Croce (in folksy/rock style) etc. Remember, he did most of his work in the 1970's.

Of particular note are a number of other songs that need to be heard to be believed: "The Prodigal Son Suite" is amazing in depth and scope, covering the dynamic range in a powerful way, from soft piano driven passages to near pleading vocals and full band instrumentation. The song is twelve minutes long-another thing you didn't see to often outside of prog-rock. Take note also that there are a number of songs here that have since become hymns in the church! Quite an accomplishment for a former doper and rock n roller. Finally, I want to point out "Asleep In The Light" which is probably the most on-point attacking of hypocrasy in the church. I have never heard lyrics that hit me as hard as these. Keith pulls no punches here. A convicting song to say the least.

There is so much more that could be said here, but you can always refer to his biography NO COMPROMISE written by his wife Melody Green. If you choose to look into his life you will find an amazing journey unfolding before your eyes. Keith Green was living proof of what God can do with a musician who is sold out to him...

Essential.

Keith Green was one of the first people to do Jesus Music in the late 70's. He was friends with other pioneers of Christian music like 2nd Chapter of Acts (Matthew Ward, Annie Herring and their sister Nellie) and Randy Stonehill. Keith was killed tragically in a plane crash on his own property in 1982.

Like another artist who died too young, Rich Mullins, Keith was different. He didn't really belong here. He points the way to the only source of everlasting life - Jesus Christ. Though this music was recorded a long time ago, I don't think it sounds dated like some of the other early CCM - perhaps because Keith wasn't going to be around to write new stuff?? That's just something that I've thought about.

To get fully-acquainted with Keith and his ministry, you also need to read his biography, written by his wife Melody Green "No Compromise". Also, there is a video/DVD biography of his life that was just released.

This double CD set has SO many awesome songs on it. The popular worship song "There is a Redeemer" is on the first disc, along with "Love Broke Thru" and "You Put a Song In My Heart".

The second disc has "Easter Song", "Make My Life a Prayer to You", "He'll Take Care of the Rest", "I Don't Want to Fall Away from You", and one of my favorites, "Rushing Wind":

Rushing Wind

Rushing wind blow through this temple,
Blowing out the dust within,
Come and breathe you breath upon me,
I've been born again.

If you read the book, you will learn that Sparrow tried to record the vocals and the piano tracks separately, but the music just fell flat. The energy and the spirit of Keith's music wouldn't come out of his mouth unless he was playing the piano while he was singing! Once they started recording the whole thing together, it worked!

This album contains many live tracks and I know you will be blessed by this music!

Please check out my reviews of other Christian music and Christian books!

The biggest crime in music is the fact that Keiths stuff isn't available any longer.

I want to talk about this album outside what others look at, and hopefully appeal to the one who isn't of this faith.

If you are a musician and want to learn how to write lyrics-- THIS is the one to learn from. A modern day Paul, he was able to bring the most devout pagan to his knees, simply by singing. As a professional writer I appreciate a good lyricist, and Kieth Green (along with MAYBE Mylon Lefevre) is the only one that can really touch my heart. He's able to cut through the BS that life offers, convicting everyone who listens to strive to be a better person and inspireing spirtituality with controvertial lyrics such as, "If you can't come to me every day, then don't bother coming at all." and "I find it hard to just ignore the murdered unborn children, yes times have changed, but still god warns, you shall not take a life." It's these controversial lyrics that put him up right next to Bob Dylan (who was also a great admirer, and even performed with Keith), Woody Guthrie, and Pete Seeger. Yet, unlike many in the Christian rock relm-- and even the Protest Singer Relm, Keith was able to walk the talk! He had more integrity then any person I know, and more honesty then any preacher that has come my way.

I'm not a big fan of Christian music because much of it seems all talk-- but Keith seems to be the real thing. Conviction all the way!

"Lord the feelings are not the same. I guess I'm older,I guess I've changed. And how I wish it was explainded, That as your growing, you must remember, That nothing lasts except the grace of God..." -Grace By Which I Stand- Keith Green

From the first chord of "Because of You" to the final words of "Altar Call" you can feel the closeness that Keith had with the Lord. His music is an inspiration and it is heartfelt. If I was asked to pick a favorite I couldn't do it because the whole set is great. He asks the question in song, "How Can They Live Without Jesus" while he sings a "Dear John" letter to the devil that is moving, to say the least. I listen to a broad range of music and in all that I listen to Keith Green has become one of my favorites. God was really at work in his life and it's a tragedy that he was taken away from us so quickly. But, we still have his music and this is a Box Set that no one should be without, regardless of the types of music you listen to. If I could only have one artist's music to listen to if stranded on an island it would definately be this set.

The faith of Keith Green shines like a city on a hill in every song on these CD's. His short ministry had a profound affect on the world. Almost two decades after his death his music does not sound dated continues to touch me more deeply than any other Christian artist I have heard. His sincerity and openness challenge us all.

In this collection of songs, Keith confronts his own weaknesses in "Love With Me", "My Eyes Are Dry", and "I Don't Wanna Fall Away from You" and challenges the Church in "Asleep in the Light" and "To Obey is Better Than Sacrifice". In many of these songs he expresses deep gratitude to God, especially in "I Can't Believe It", "Thank You, Jesus" and "Because of You". The over-8-minute-long "Prodigal Son Suite" is a wonderful telling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. It features a great orchestral score and showcases Keith's tenor voice. "Pledge My Head To Heaven" features Bob Dylan on harmonica and reflects Keith's willingness to share in Christ's suffering. Other songs are full of praise, and the call to ministry and missions. This is a great, timeless collection of songs.

No matter your musical taste, Keith Green is indispensable for Christians looking to be inspired in their faith. It's hard to listen to Keith Green as just background music, because he doesn't just sing--he preaches and testifies and cries out for you to love God and walk the narrow path. Keith Green's songs are deeply personal, but they are themes that most all Christians can and should relate to.

As a bonus, this re-release edition comes with the text to Keith Green's biography "No Compromise" in PDF or RTF formats. The re-release of the vol. 2 set hasn't come out; but hopefully it will soon.

Keith Green's music is the purest music I've ever heard. It is the most genuine - and by that I mean that it is evident that what he says, he truly means. It is the most passionate. It is the most uplifting. It is also the most child-like. In a day when most Christian artists are running after the world's latest trends, we forget where Christian music got its start. The SIMPLICITY of the gospel. "Whoever will not enter the kingdom of Heaven as a little child will in no wise enter therein." Keith Green is my hero.

I am so blessed to say I came to know Jesus at the age of nine. Keith Green entered my life, just a few years later as a teenager. GOD HAS TOUCHED MY LIFE THROUGH KEITH'S LOVE FOR HIM WITH HIS MUSIC...like NO OTHER CHRISTIAN MUSIC ARTIST. His ability to be real and his radical thirst for God, to THIS DAY still challenges me to seek the Father and really have a relationship with him and NOT a religion. I am greatful to Keith's willingness to surrender his life, so we can grow stronger and closer to God. I know that Keith's music lives on with the same power & passion...because JESUS IS STILL ALIVE!

I was going to hold off on reviewing this until I had studied the life of Keith Green more and thereby would be able to write a super-impressive review. But in the last week, my life has been turned upside down, and this CD has provided some of the best encouragement.

Before this past week, I had never listened to Disc 2 much. Disc 1 contains some of the best piano playing I have ever heard (including "The Prodigal Son Suite"). It also has great upbeat songs like "Walk and Talk" and "You Can Run To the End of the Highway". But during the stress I've been experiencing this past week, Disc 2 has provided the best encouragement I have ever heard put to music. Here are but a few of the songs that have helped me: "Make My Life a Prayer To You"; "The Battle is Already Won"; "Pledge My Head to Heaven"; "My Eyes Are Dry"; "Trials Turned to Gold"; "Dust to Dust"; and "I Can't Believe It". And there's more than that!

When things seemed hopeless, these songs were a blessing. When I felt like a loser, and I hated myself, the Lord used these songs to bring me His peace. I highly recommend them. I wish I could give a copy to everyone out there who is going through tough times.

Just keep doing your best
Pray that it's blessed
And Jesus takes care of the rest

--"He'll Take Care of the Rest"