Customer Reviews

Short Term Memories

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Seven years ago, Rocketown Records released the first CD from their first artist. It's hard to believe it's only been that long since we were introduced to the music of Chris Rice. That very first CD captured me with his honest, poetic, and fun lyrics. Each release has continued to impress, challenge, and encourage me.

After four regular releases and two piano CD's under his belt, Chris now releases this best of. While it often seems like labels are rushing into collections these days, Chris has already had 11 #1 songs, so there's plenty of material. In fact, with 17 songs and over an hour of music, fans can't complain about being shorted at all.

The CD offers two new recordings from Chris. The first is his classic song "Go Light Your World." While a huge hit for Kathy Troccoli, this is his first recording of it. Also featured is his new song "Mama Prays." While the subject of parents' prayers affecting their kids is nothing new to Christian music, Chris manages to put a new spin on it that really shows the power of prayer.

Also featured are two new recordings. "Clumsy" features a live recording from a concert in 1998. His latest hit, "Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)" also gets a slightly new arrangement - this time a studio cut, however.

Which brings us to the previously released hits. As I said earlier, there are a plethora of them, and everyone should be pleased. It opens with "Deep Enough to Dream" and cycles through "Smellin' Coffee," "The Other Side of the Radio," "Smell the Color 9," "Welcome to Our World," and "Smile (Just Want to be with You)" to highlight a few. All four of his traditional releases are well represented with this even mix of songs.

And, yes, for those wondering, it does included "Cartoons." It's the last track and is the live version from the "Night in Rocketown" CD.

It's a sign of how much I love Chris's music that I can name at least one song from each CD that should have been included but wasn't. Still, this is a strong compilation that will be a must buy for hardcore and casual fans alike. And if you happen to have missed out on this wonderful artist, this is a great introduction to his more popular songs. Just keep in mind that this barely scratches the surface of the wonderful music that awaits you.

I learned of Chris's music fairly late in his career so I had only heard the songs from his latest record, but something just told me to buy this CD...I knew it would be good. Having only had it for 1 day, I already know all the words and have listened to little else. For newbies, this would be a good choice because it's such a range of his styles. For the seasoned Ricer it's got almost all the favorites on it.

Highlights include:
Deep Enough to Dream - Passionate, catchy tune
Go Light Your World - Reworked standard, nicely changed, inspirational
Smellin' Coffee - Fast paced, upbeat, joyous, my personal fav.
"I'm smellin' coffee, birds are singing just outside. Here comes your mercy streaming in with the morning light."
The Other Side of The Radio - Catchy, cute
Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)- Unless you've had your head in a hole then you've heard this on the radio, it's slow and honest. :)
Smile - Almost like a love song to a person, but directed towards God.
Face of Christ - True story song about faith, very moving.
Cartoons - No collection would be complete without his "monster" as he puts it. An unplanned favorite that he does because it's so requested. Love it! "Ya-ba-da-ba-lluah!"

As you can see I highlighted more than you would normally highlight but when I started to look down the track list, I just couldn't leave many of them out. Bottom line, if you like this kind of music, it's a GREAT disc! You'll be toe-tappin' and experiencing God in 5 minutes, I guarntee it! What a wonderful experience this has been. Pick it up, NOW! You won't regret it.

As a rule, I'm not a fan of "classics" or "greatest hits" compilations. This one, however is distinctive. It really is a compilation of Chris Rice classics -- songs that actually highlight his whimsical yet mature and deeply thoughtful writing abilities and his smooth as silk James Taylor-ish vocal abilities. For someone not familiar with his work, or for the veteran Chris Rice fan who refuses to illegally "burn" his own best-of collection, this is Chris Rice in review, and it's a good sound parade to hear. Only two minor changes I would have made. First, I would have stuck with the original piano-driven "Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus)" rather than creating an acoustic guitar version. Second, I would have run the "hidden track" version of "Cartoons" off of the "Past The Edges" CD. Still, I don't want to detract from what is a classic "classics" CD with the best Chris Rice short term memories!

This is my first Chris Rice CD that I have ever owned but after many of his songs have been on the radio for years I took a chance on a purchase and I am completely satisfied. This is truly a CD that keeps on giving! The words and different song styles combines with excellent vocals make it a great listen to wake up to in the morning, or fall asleep to at night. You truly feel God's presence and peace when listening to this CD, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

I am 26 yrs old now but back when I was in my early teens I had the privilege to meet Chris. I went to a private Christian school and for 3 yrs in a row he was our Youth Pastor for the yearly state convention. Every nite for 4 days he would preach to us and perform. At the end he would sell his tapes. Back then Go Light Your World was known as the Candle Song. I don't think he had been signed yet to a record deal. One year he was even the a judge for the choir competitions. This is a man who truly believes in the message he is preaching and every song he sings will touch your soul. I would recommend buying every one of his cds because you will never want to listen to anything else ever again.

This is a very enjoyable 'best of' collection by Chris Rice. He combines solid Christian lyrics with a pleasant mellow sound.

One song on here that is very good and is a challenge to Christians is "Go Light Your World." His admonition to go and make a difference to those who don't know Christ is particularly good. Another one that I had never heard before is "Mama Prays." It is one that should really remind parents of the importance of praying for their children.

There are several other very good songs and none that I dislike. Three of the songs in this collection are also on his 'Snapshots: Live and Fan Favorites' CD. Those are the following: 'Deep Enough to Dream,' 'Cartoons,' and 'Come to Jesus'.

For anyone who has children of any age, 'Cartoons' is a must have song. It will provide lots of entertainment and fun to the young and young at heart.

I would recommend this CD.

This is a great "best of" album, and fits right in with any good Christian Contemporary music. If you like slow music, you shouldn't pass by this awesome album.
I bought Short Term Memories 3 months ago and I love it.
I've been listening to a lot harder stuff recently like Switchfoot, Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline, but I'd heard "Cartoons" on the radio and I thought "maybe this'll be fun".
It has a lot less crazy songs than I expected, so if you like Audio A or Newsboys you might wanna start with Cartoons and then listen to the slower stuff.
I don't usually like slow Christian music but I make an exception for this album.

I am not going to review each and every song on this CD... suffice to say that the CD is wonderful. If you are a Chris Rice fan , this is a must have, and if you are not yet a fan, this would be a great place to start.
God bless!

I had heard many of the songs on this CD prior to purchase but I find Chris to be an excellent singer/writer and figured I wouldn't be disappointed with songs I'd never heard before. I enjoy the CD very much and it has received much play in our kitchen while preparing meals and cleaning up. His words are so often springboards to other thoughts and ideas.
This was the first Chris Rice CD I've purchased, there will be more in my future.

I had origionally purchased this CD for only two songs but after I listened to it I was pleased with most of the songs here. It is a great addition to any music library. "Short Term Memories" was one of Chris Rice's best CDs, in my opinion.