Customer Reviews

Run the Earth Watch the Sky

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been a die hard Chris Rice fan since his first CD came out. I've noticed something, however. Each of his CD's takes awhile to grow on me. Not sure why that is, but I never like it right from the start. This CD is an exception. I've been listening to it from the day it came out and I can't seem to get enough of it.

The CD opens with the first radio release, "The Other Side of the Radio," which talks about the connection we have because of these songs. Yes, it's not at all deep, but it's a fun song anyway.

"Everything's Ok" talks about how God uses people to brighten our mood when everything seems wrong with the world.

"Nonny Nonny" includes the CD's title in its chorus. While it takes a nostalgic look back at childhood, it also looks forward to all the time in eternity with the one who has given us so many pleasant things on earth.

"Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)" is a reminder that at every point in our spiritual journey we need Jesus.

"Smile" is the cry of a heart longing to be with God. The first time through, it reminded me of "Missing You" from Past the Edges, and on repeated listenings, I caught a couple lines from that song in the background.

"8th Grade," the other nostalgic song on the CD, takes nostalgia and twists it on its ear, reminding us that the God who got us through the past will get us through the future as well.

"My Cathedral" and "Wonder" both are songs praising the Creator for his creation.

"Me and Becky" is a catchy tune that reminds us we need to get out of our comfort zones to share the Gospel with those who aren't Christians.

"Spare an Angel" is a haunting prayer to God to comfort a friend in need.

And finally, "Circle Up" closes the CD with a picture of all of us praising God in Heaven.

Going over this CD again, I was struck by how many wonder truths are in these songs. Chris Rice has grown as a man and songwriter in the time between CD's.

I wish the gap between this CD and his last one hadn't been so long, but if this mature, thought provoking CD is the result, I'll take it. I can't say enough good things about it and will be enjoying it for quite some time to come.

I love all of Chris Rice's CDs. I wasn't disappointed with this newest one. "The Other Side of the Radio" was the first radio single, which came out months before the album. This is a fun song you can sing along too, and shows Chris Rice's heart - he is a humble man who doesn't have a swelled head despite his great success in the Christian music business.

Chris Rice was the artist that Michael W Smith started Rocketown Records with back in 1997. Michael heart Chris's music and knew that he was the one to start this label with. Chris joined the new record label on the condition that he would still be able to spend a lot of time doing his first calling - working with kids at youth camps.

All the songs on this album are great - "Circle Up" is the perfect "camp song", with a tune that will stick in your head for a long time. My favorite song on the album is "Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)". The songs on this CD run the gamut from humorous and lots of fun to deeply contemplative. And they will ALL point you to Jesus!

I highly recommend all of Chris's albums! Please check out my other reviews of Christian music and books.

It was about three years ago that I was introduced to the music of Chris Rice, when my brother-in-law let me borrow a copy of "Deep Enough to Dream". I was greatly affected by the profound and poetic music in that cd. Since then, I have followed Chris' music closely, and I have never been disappointed. His straightforward, yet poignant and heartfelt lyrics lead the listener to think of God, Christ, and life in general in a different way than they may be used to.
Like his most recent release, "Smell the Color 9", "Run the Earth and Watch the Sky" continues with a healthy mixture of driving, catchy upbeat tunes, and more reflective, quiet piano-based ballads. Without running down a description of every single song, let me just say that if you enjoy any of Chris Rice's previous releases, you will really enjoy this one too.
If your only exposure to Chris is "Cartoon Song", or "The Other Side of the Radio", -check this cd out, because there is a whole lot more excellent Chris Rice music that is never played on the radio! Enjoy.

Chris Rice's latest project brings to light the many talents of this artist. It is nice to see that he has been able to diversify his sound and not lose the quality you would expect, given his previous albums.

Overall, I think it is a strong album with something for everyone. The songs range from the upbeat ones like "Other side of the Radio" and "Me and Becky", to softer ones like "Come to Jesus" and "Spare an Angel". Also, the lyrical content on some tracks are well done. I particularly like the message of "Smile".

I would like to give this album 5 stars like most other reviewers, but a few of the songs are not strong enough to merit it. Sorry, but the song about 8th grade memories just seems really out of place on this record.

I recommend this album to any Chris Rice fan who has enjoyed his previous albums. This one will make a fine addition. If you are unfamiliar with Chris Rice, this album could serve as a nice starting point for discovering this talented contemporary Christian artist.

I've never been disappointed in a Chris Rice CD yet and this one is no exception. Chris is probably the MOST talented CCM artist today when it comes to turning a catchy phrase. His style is innovative and creative in ways that always surprise and delight his listeners. It's hard for me to say which of his CD's I like best, I've thought each one to be excellent. And on each there are 3 or 4 songs that really touch my heart and speak to my soul. My favorite picks on this one are "Nonny Nonny"; it's a magical song which captures the essence of Narnia - he makes reference to the Pevensies (the children who visit Narnia) and Aslan (the Lion who represents Christ). As these books by C.S. Lewis are long-time-well-loved favorites, that I wish EVERYONE would read, I am smitten by this song.
My next favorite is "Untitled Hymn"; quite simply, if this song doesn't touch your heart, there is something wrong with your heart.
And last but not least is "Smile"; what an uplifting vision it creates of finally seeing our Lord face to face.
Chris's fun songs on each CD are kind of a trademark of his, hence "Other Side of the Radio". He does an outstanding job of blending fun and worship...Run the Earth and Watch the Sky - Playing hard and waiting for the day...how wonderful is that???

Let's get the bottom line stuff out of the way right off the bat. This is a great album with excellent lyrics, solid and interesting tunes and fine production qualities. You can't go wrong adding this album to your collection if you like contemporary christian music.

Now to a few specifics. The "big hit" tune on the album is "Other Side of the Roadio" as most folks know. The nice bit is that the version on the album is a bit extended from the radio play release. Many of the songs harken back to a late 60's/early 70's sound. Probably my favorite of these is "Wonder" which includes a piano bit that sounds just like Rick Wakeman from Yes on the Relayer Album. On the sentimental side are "Untitled Hymn" and "Circle Up". The later of these caught for me the feeling of what heaven might be like for an old Boy Scout such as myself.

A finely tuned album with an emphasis on musical styles and rememberances from the years of bell bottoms and platform shoes. You'll love the look back though Rice's tour through 8th grade might be just a little too close to home.

This record delivers in all the places that one would expect it to. Chris's smoooth-- some might say James Taylor esque voice-- fills the record with delights. For instance, in the track "Spare an Angel" one can nearly feel the speaker's pain as he asks God to "spare an angel." Outside of the possible exception of a "Bright Eyes" or "Pedro the Lion" voice its hard to imagine a voice that so well articulates an emotion. The tones of the songs paired with lyrical creativity--which again Rice only sparkles with-- and introspective, nearly poetic lyrics all work to achieve a feeling and sound that few musicians are capable of. These, of course, are all things that we have come to expect from his preciding records. I especially recommend Past the Edges and Deep Enough to Dream. Chris's honesty and record-by-record intregrity there-in have formed the base of his draw for me in particular. Chris chooses to explore issues in his music that most Contempory Christian musicians shy away from. Unfortunely Rice also falls into the pit that many other CCM artist fail as well, the forced Christian message. Some songs would do well to fall away from such tried and true, worn and overused CCM cliches.
On the other hand Chris is able to revisit these cliche in intresting ways. For instance, "My Cathedral" works in the same way that the lyrical balleds of Wordsworth worked. Being strong on description and an off-the-cuff coversational lyric style. using these conventions Rice is able to nearly capture the idea or emotion that he is straining to communicate. An artist that can effectively capture a feeling or idea is a rare thing-- even in our musically proliferate culture-- hold onto this one.

"Run the Earth, Watch the Sky" is an exquisite set of pop tunes about faith and God. On most CDs, if there are 2 or 3 songs I really like, it's successful. On this disc, there are 6! "Wonder" is a joyful pop nugget with Chris' expressive baritone gently caressing the lyric, "Shall we dance from opposite sides of the universe? And we'll shine the glory behind all our spins & turns as we orbit our way through the sky." What a lovely picturing of man reaching for God and God for man! "My Cathedral" is a sweet acoustic melody about the joys of worshipping outdoors, "Here beneath the blue skies, I ran down to be baptized." "Circle Up" is a sweet melody with a delightful vision of men & angels all joined in worship, "Great & small, angels all & seraphim, grab a hand, twirl a dance, circle up & worship him!" It's a delightful track. "Untitled Hymn" is a comforting melody that starts simple with piano before the strings come in as the song builds from loneliness to joy. "Spare an Angel" is a song that touches a deep chord for those whose hearts are troubled and no human comfort seems to satisfy. It's an elegant statement of compassion. "Me & Becky" is such a perky track that it makes me think it ought to be a TV theme song. While I've cited my favorites, none of the other tracks are weak. This set by Chris Rice is extremely strong with a positive delightful vision. Bravo!

I just purchased this CD and it is amazing. I heard Untitled Hymn Come to Jesus on the FISH radio station and had to have it. My family and I are losing my grandmother to a lung disease and I plan to play this song at her wake and funeral. It is very heart fulfilling! Thanks Chris!! Tiffany

I just received this CD 24 hours ago. I'm already humming the tunes as I go about my day. The open track "Radio" is very clever in the way it brings you full circle back into the song. The 8th Grade is insightful and a wonderful piece of "Good News"! It's beautiful horn section is new and interesting for Chris. The finest track, in my opinion, is the final song, Circle Up. This song imagines the Day when we all meet the Lord and join with the heavenly hosts to worship Him. There are also some neat videos that you can play on your computer...
Chris Rice continues to be one of the brightest and freshest CCM artists..