Customer Reviews

Small Sacrifice

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Believe it or not, it has been over 8 years since Twila Paris released a full CD of new, adult contemporary material. Following the release of "True North" in 1999 (which spawned the hit, "Run to You"), Twila has spent her time releasing a greatest hits CD, a lullaby CD and 2 worship CDs. These CDs were good, but I for one have truly missed Twila in her natural habitat. It is for that reason that I had anticipated the release of "Small Sacrifice."

I was a bit surpised when I realized that none of the major labels were stepping up to the plate to distribute Twila's newest project. She is, after all, a matriarch in Christian music. Instead, Twila quietly released this project on her own label and only through Lifeway Christian Stores (which has limited locations across the U.S.). The CD is a solid effort that finds Twila expiramenting with a few new sounds, but not venturing too far away from her previous work.

"Small Sacrifice" opens with "We Know Love." Some have compared the song to Coldplay. Frankly, I don't think the song is quite that edgy, but it is infectous and well written. "I Can Do All Things" is, in my opinion, the strongest track on the CD. This song would serve well as a radio single (except for the fact that Christian radio seems to have abandoned Twila long ago). The duet with Chris Rodriquez and the guitar solo are particularly impressive, as is the bridge that builds to a crescendo. "He Leads Me" has a great message, but isn't the strongest track on the project. The title track is mid-tempo ear candy that recalls Twila's work from the "Cry For the Desert" era. "Lord I Need You" is a soft reminder of what is most important. "Live to Praise" is an uptempo worship song that sounds most like her recent work. It is infectous and fun and an album highlight. "Not Forgotten" sounds so identical in melody and arrangment to her "Bedtime Prayers" album that I almost did a double take. However, with that quip aside, it is a beautiful reminder of our relationship with Jesus Christ. "There is a Plan" is a mid-tempo rocker that reminds me a bit of "Set Me Free" from Casting Crowns. It starts soft and builds to an aggressive finish. "You Are a Great God" really surprised me. It starts off with a simple, almost childish introduction and I almost wrote it off. But then it becomes much more than that as instruments and vocalists are added. It has become one my favorite tracks on the album. "Alleluia" finds Twila at her best, singing praises to God through a chorus that will stay with you for hours.

Most of "Small Sacrifice" is piano driven with the addition of guitars and drums to allow songs to rise and fall with emotion. The arrangements are frequently rhythmic and structured and create a backdrop that is, at times, unlike anything Twila has tried before. The background vocals (performed by Chris Rodriguez and Michele Tumes) are fantastic. Twila's voice shows range from a quiet whisper to a bold proclamation, but she doesn't display the same vocal aggression here that we saw back in the early 1990s (with songs such as "Destiny" and "God is in Control").

Overall, this CD is well worth the money and is an enjoyable listen. If you are already a fan of Twila Paris, you will not want to miss it. If you have never purchased a Twila Paris CD, this is a good place to start. Honestly, I am just grateful for a new Twila album, and I truly hope that she is able to sign a national contract for future projects!! Seems like a no-brainer; she is Twila Paris after all! :-)

I am tremendously pleased Twila has released this cd. I was fortunate to get an advanced copy of it more than four months before the official release date. I bought it at her concert in New Jersey. For four months, I listened to and loved this music

realizing I had been privileged to have it in advance. I am so glad it has been released because I think others will need this album. This music has helped my walk with God because of the encouraging messages it has. I also was privileged to see Twila perform two of the tracks on the album live in concert. They were "You are a Great God" and "I Can Do All Things." A neat tidbit for only the most serious Twila Paris listeners is the fact that Dennis Holt plays drums on this CD. He has been playing drums on the Twila Paris tour for years (Although Mike Childers played drums on the most recent tour). The cover of this cd is not the original. The Pre-release

version is different. Twila is my favorite singer of all time. She also gets great musicians to play with her such as my friend, David Cleveland on guitars.

This music flows,swings,moves and draws me into worship. Yes there are worship songs on this cd.You are a Great God is worship at it's best. Worship is about God and to God. I encourage you to get this cd. It is totally worth the price. Too bad the major record labels have lost the sense to promote such great worship. I suppose they do not care whether they glorify God or not. May God richly bless you all.

The songs on this album are destined to be added to the list of Twila's classics. The music and lyrics are the kind you only get by a seasoned artist. It's fresh, but not trendy. And most importantly, Twila stays true to her unique style. This music is meaty with meaning and artfully beautiful. Her musical abilities have always been above and beyond most of what's out there. This album shows not only that she's still got it, but she's getting even better!

This album is among Twila's best! You can now find it in stores everywhere, and also on Twila's own website for a great deal.

While I've enjoyed Twila's worship CDs and while I especially enjoyed the lullaby CD (strange for a 57-year old man to say, huh?), I was overjoyed to hear her return to her style of years ago. Wonderful lyrics and awesome melodies. And fantastic instrumentation, too. Highly recommended. By the way, I made a YouTube video for the track "Live To Praise": [...]. I'm also working on a video for the track "Not Forgotten", one of the best tracks on the album.

Bob Marshall

Cool, CA

I've listened to Twila for years and her music has always spoken to me. This CD is no different. The arrangements are hip and up to date but the lyric in each song still delivers sweet, pure Jesus. This is Christian music at its best.

This is another must have for Twila fans . . . I like her reuniting with Cris Rodriguez and Chris Eaton . . . Great album!!!!

Twila Paris is an awesome song writer and person of praise and worship. Good choice.

Twila Paris is one of my favourite gospel artistes. I usually buy her works without listening to samples. On this occasion like always i was not disappointed with my purchase. If you like her earlier albums then you must buy this one. Guaranteed to satisfy you!