Customer Reviews

See

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Redefining The Boundaries Of Christian Music". That is the selling slogan for Crystal Lewis' latest gem, See. All it takes is one listen and you will see why.
In an age when Christian music is seemingly becoming more about the music itself than the message of Christianity, Crystal Lewis has struck a balance with the two that few others can. The message is most certainly here in every song. And with smooth grooves, powerful vocals, and even a little rock and roll, Crystal sings boldly about our Savior and living that Christian life as well. The album starts with the very pleasant sounding "So Happy" which is about being thrilled just knowing Jesus. It has a very upbeat pop sound that leads nicely into the second track "Just Sing" which rocks like the some of the heavy metal songs of the 80s. It's an uplifting song about just singing during hard times in life because they will pass soon anyway. Then there is the song "Beautiful Savior" which is very much a worship song but with a slow R & B sound. Another standout track on this album is "YTT", an upbeat R & B type song about trusting in God yesterday, today and tomorrow, even if you are unsure yourself of whether your life is going where you think it should. Then there is "Learn To Fly" which is singing basically the same idea but taking it a step farther by striving to do as much as you can with where God leads you. It has a very pleasant pop music sound that is uplifting and inspiring.
The final track on this album, "My Emmanuel" is definitely the most powerful song out of all of them. It is a ballad that feels like it takes you on a journey...showing you that through the many dark storms of life and even the peaceful moments in the sunshine, God is ALWAYS with us. He is always watching over us. It is an extreme comfort to listen to this song and it leaves you with those thoughts long after the music stops that God IS with us, always.
Crystal Lewis' "See" really does redefine the boundaries of Christian music. In fact, I would say it takes them back to where they were long ago. It stays clearly focused on what Christian music is really all about and she sums it up well in the biblically based song "Think About It" when she sings: Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is true, whatever is worthy, think about it...

Prime Cuts: My Emmanuel, Never Alone, Learn to Fly

Unlike most Contemporary Christian artist, the sound of Crystal Lewis embodies no bounds. This Californian native has the uncanny ability to synthesize pop, rock, r&b funk and dance into an amalgam state-of-the-art sound that is distinctive and awe-inspiring. Celebrating 20 years in the music industry and five years after her brief foray into hip hop on the misstep "Fearless," "See" is the first album of all new material. Propitiously, "See" picks up where her previous classics such as "Gold" and "Beauty For Ashes" have left off. However, Lewis has also filtered the more successful elements from her "Fearless" CD and impinged upon them to great effect on this new disc. This includes handing the production chores to Jyro Xhan; Xhan has left his deft ambient/electronic touch that is rejuvenating without being overbearing. Further, with the overarching theme of how Christ enables us to see both physically and spiritually life in its abundance, "See" is a thematically focused album.

For admirers of Lewis' melismatic vocals the power ballad "Never Alone" is indeed this album's highlight. On this self-penned ballad Lewis soars to great outbursts of trust in the omnipotence of God making this truly one of those heart-warming moments. Lewis' performance here truly is par excellence. More understated is the r&b old school ballad "Think About It." With a throwback melodic riff to the 70s soul, "Think About It" grooves along effortlessly with a message of sanctifying our thoughts that is such an indispensable message today. Ranking loftily with some of her classic ballads such as "For Such a Time as This" and "Only Fools," "My Emmanuel" celebrates the presence of God that is lyrically poignant and melodically superior. Long after the song is over, the comforting refrain "God is watching me" still rings with an affecting assurance. This is indeed music that matters.

On the uptempo side, the album opener "So Happy" has a driving melody propelled by some funky guitars. Emitting an exuberant joy that can only come from a regenerated heart, "Just Sing" finds a Lewis animating the truth of this tune's lyrics about not worrying vocally in spades. Corollary to "Just Sing," is the popish "Learn to Fly" that has framed the message of Christian liberty with an extremely catchy pop tune. Given the right promotion, this could be monumental hit for this former Dove Award winner.

However, there are a few tarnishes on an otherwise lustrous project. Xhan's dance-oriented "YTT (Yesterday Today and Tomorrow)" is on the mundane side; ditto to "Get Up" too. Also, with only a mere 10 tracks, Lewis could have included a couple more ballads. Nevertheless, "See" finds Lewis back in great form. And more importantly, these tunes will definitely challenge us to "see" the sovereignty of God in greater sublimity and amenity.

I think this album is pretty good. If you are going to try Crystal Lewis for the first time, you might want to try Fearless or Gold (or More which is one of her greatest hits type albums). This a good album for fans. She sounds excellent vocally, the best ever in my opinion. There are a few good songs (so happy, yesterday today tomorrow, learn to fly, and never alone (ok so im a sucker for slow ballad-y songs!)) She sounds so good I give it 4, rather than 3 stars. i think its, overall, a very uplifting and encouragin album, full of songs that are pretty good, but not very deep. I do like it and think you would too, espically if you are a CL fan.

I will admit that while I was disappointed in the lack of tracks, I also had to let some of the songs grow on me. I am used to the old Crystal style, but after I stopped being a brat I was able to embrace and enjoy her creativity! I love the album and am blessed by her gift and ability to minister through music to all people!

Yet again Crystal Lewis takes a risk on this completely new album.For those who have known Crystal for a while,it might seem like Crystal's voice is changing,to what you could describe,as a more "pop" voice.So if you're into Crystal's voice as it was on Beauty for Ashes,Gold and her earlier records,you may find some songs on this cd,not up to your standards.

Crystal wrote and co-wrote most of the songs on this cd,which gives it a different feel.Previously most of the songs were written or co-written by her husband,Brian Ray.On this cd he just wrote "My Emmanuel",which to me,is one of the best songs on the cd,both musically and lyrically.

My favorite songs on the cd are:"Just Sing","Think About It" and "Beautiful Saviour".All written by Crystal.Pretty much the feel of the songs on the cd is an inspiring,uplifting message.It's a prefect cd for someone thats going through a hard time in their life,because it reminds you that no matter the circumstances,if you just look beyond your trial,beyond your troubles,you will be able to see that God is right there,watching over you.If you fall,he's right there to help you get back up,because he loves you.Everyone can relate to at least 1 or 2 songs in their current relationship with God.This cd has some of the most beautiful lyrics so far.

I believe with this record they were trying to go for something that the radio stations would play,but still giving it that "something else" Crystal is known for.She's experimenting with her voice and range,which is what makes the cd "her's".

I think the record could've been a bit better if Brian Ray had at least co-produced it.As a cd itself the artwork and album layout are great.Everything fits perfectly.And Crystal even left a little message in it that kind of explains the meaning behind the title,which is pretty cool and inspiring.

It's truly like nothing you've ever heard before.Crystal's voice mixed with Jyro Xan's music is a pretty good match.

One saying that completely describes this record:
"The message remains,but the music redifines the boundaries of christian music"

Watch out CCM...here comes Crystal!!

This album released by Crystal Lewis is a great album for those who are Christians and those who are in the process of becoming a Christian. Crystals' voice is outstanding-she proves it time and time again with each song. Crystal herself will say that her talent does not come from her but is a blessing from God. I have been a fan of her music for a while now and will continue to listen to her music. Her most recent release, "See" has made me in fact See better as a Christian.

This is a fantastic CD from start to finish and Crystal is sounding her best on this latest release "See". By far her strongest release since "Beauty For Ashes", "See" is a fine mix of up-tempo & mid-tempo songs, and some powerful ballads all of which are very inspiring and encourage us in our walk with Christ. Standout tracks include: "So Happy", "Think about it", "Image of God", "Learn To Fly", "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow", and my personal favorite which I hope is released as a single - "Never Alone". There is not one song on this CD that I do not like; this is the first CD in a long long time that remains on auto-replay in my discman. Highly recommended CD! A+

'See' marks the 20th Anniversary of Crystal Lewis' career. A blend of high power vocals, cutting edge programming and soul-pop arrangements, the album stands as one of Lewis' more consistent efforts. Most of the cuts are written or cowritten by Lewis herself, and each song is a motivational message that speaks to Christians and non-Christians alike. Although some of the lyrics tend to be on the trite side and the Chorus-verse-chorus pop format tends to get redundant, Crystal Lewis manages to stand out significantly as one of the few Christian artists that manages to break the constraints of typical CCM and use her soul sensibility and abstract approaches to convey her message. Also, unlike Lewis' subtle vocal turns on Holy, Holy, Holy, she is once again wailing to high heaven on "See", taking vocal risks and breaking boundaries.

Unlike many of her comparisons (Amy Grant, etc.) Lewis' roots in California rather than Nashville contribute to her hip and fresh style. Although 'See' does not exemplify Lewis' best writing, it is a fine release that allows Lewis to exhibit more of her unique and soulful vocal ability around Jyro Xhan's ambient electronic/R&B arrangements

"Just Sing" is the best song. The other songs are all slow and uneventful- very helpful if you're having trouble getting to sleep. I'm a big fan of Crystal, but I was disappointed in this after waiting so long for it.
The biggest problem with the whole cd, including the song I like, is that she doesn't use those powerful vocals I love so much. Too much of this whispery stuff like she did on the Holy, Holy, Holy cd. If you want to hear her let loose and blow you away with her powerful vocals, you ain't gonna get that at all with this cd.

I received this CD it was wrapped as a new product and in very good condition,I had purchased it as a gift for my wife who loves Crystal Lewis. I would definitely buy from this seller again. I received this product promptly and it was clean and in good condition. I had no problems. Thank you.