Customer Reviews

Streams

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At the same time I hope this album starts a trend in Christian music I almost hope it doesn't as well. We've all seen what happens when trends in music start... the trend becomes dry and overdone until it whimpers out of existence. This album quite frankly amazed me. It has a little something for everyone. This album can sometimes be hard to listen to, because the music simply penetrates right into the depths of your heart and may bring up some pains you didn't even realize you were feeling. Upon listening to the album, I'm finding myself face to face with some hidden areas in my life I need to cast upon God. The album is more penetrating for me right now. I hope I will soon feel even more of the comfort this album provides as well.Okay here's the musician's critique. :-) The song opens up with a piano sonnet accompanied by the sorely-underrated voals of Cindy Morgan. The best parts of this album come around the middle, when we have an amazing three-song trilogy that alone is worth the price of the CD. Sixpence none the Richer starts it off with the beautiful song "Breathe". Michelle Tumes' infleunce is apparent all over the CD and that is one of the albums greatest advantages (Michelle Tumes is in my opinion one of the most soothing and comforting artists in Christian music), and we who are fans of hers get to hear her sing a beautiful remix of the song "Hold On" full of gorgeous major-seventh four-part harmonies. Chris Rodriguez's "Sanctuary" written by Michael W. Smith is beautiful beyond description. You have to listen to it to believe it... this song had me dancing. Fans of Delerious will get a pleasant surprise by their contribution to this album. I havent listened enough yet to the songs by Jaci Velasquez and Burlap to Cashmere, so I won't comment on them. I would definitely recommend this album to those who are into soft to medium-hard music and who need music that can comfort them. Most of us are in the first category, probably all of us are in the second one.If anyone reading this review is looking for more albums that are comforting and uplifting, I would highly recommend the two albums by Chris Rice, "Deep Enough to Dream" and "Past the Edges", Michelle Tumes solo album, "Listen" and Eli's "Things I Prayed For". All those albums are available here on Amazon.com and have sound clips. Go check them out!

An awesome album. One of my all time favourites. It's hard to pick an out and out best track - "The only thing I need" is outstanding simply because of Jon Anderson's incredible vocals. To hear the lead singer of my favourite group when growing up in the 1970's (ie. Yes, all of whose album's I still have) laying down his voice on a Christian compilation completely blew me away...
The most special track on the album for me though, has to "I will rest in You" by Jaci Velasquez (though Michelle Tumes' penwriting skills are obvious throughout - I'd have love to have heard her sing it). I had this song played at my father's funeral after I had read from John 14:1-6 and paid tribute to him. It melted the congregation and will always have a very, very special place in my heart because of that. A truly amazing complilation that can speak to your soul. Don't miss it....

The Irish Film Orchestra gave a masterful performance on this CD, and the grouping of some of the best artists on the Christian contemporary stage makes this album a definate winner. "Job" has to be one of the most beautful songs I've ever heard, and Amy Grant played a great combination with Delirious in "Find Me In The River".

Definately reccomended to all fans of music. Whether you're looking for great instrumental, or songs to touch your heart, look no further. It's all in here.

Check my other reviews for great Christian books, CDs, and movies.

Every Christian hits bad times in his or her life. Whether these rough spots are physical, emotional, spirtiual, financial, or whatever, God is always there waiting for us to seek Him out. I truely believe that this CD is one of the ways He reaches out to us. Through haunting melodies and provacative lyrics, Streams speaks to the heart. The songs offer a message of hope and encouragement. My personal favourite song on the CD is "Don't Give Up" by Maire Brennan and Michael McDonald. I bought this CD when i was in a particularly tough situation emotionally and this song was as if God was telling me to not give up, to tough it out by leaning on his strength. Definately a "must have" CD as a reminder of God's love and faithfulness in good and bad times!

I have never listened to a CD that had such impact - penetrating ("Only Thing I Need"), and soothing ("Forever On And On"); gripping("Job"), yet freeing ("I Will Rest In You"). Brings the listener through the intrigue of "Don't Give Up" and "Find Me In The River", to free flowing awe, adoration, and assurance of our God in "Breathe". The Orchestra music is... simply beautiful. This is musical worship, a spiritual flight with the Holy Spirit.

What happens when just about every major personality in Christian music come together to create an album? Take Amy Grant's vocals, Michael W. Smith's writing, 1999 Female Vocalist of the Year Jaci Velasquez' flawless voice, the two leading quartets - Point of Grace and 4Him, leading crossover group - Sixpence None the Richer and toss in newer artists, Michelle Tumes (who contributes to half of this album either in writing, lead or background vocals), Burlap to Cashmere, Delirious? with old faithfuls Chris Rodriguez and Maire Brennan, and last but not at all least, the writing and vocal talents of the incredible Cindy Morgan and we have a melting-pot of Christian talent. This album is simply a masterpiece in Christian music with songs centered around an oft-ignored topic - pain. Oh sure the message of hope is definitely there, but it treats pain realistically and honestly and is meant to be heard during the overlooked hurting stage. The last four songs are instrumentals, and are designed to invoke meditation upon the message in this music through prayer. Listen to these heavenly messages in song all the way through -- let Streams of hope flow.

I have to agree with the person who wrote the first review. I am a big fan of YES and had no idea Jon Anderson was involved with this Christian project, of which I am just thrilled and in awe. It's a fantastic and eclectic album and the Irish Film Orchestra lent that exrta special something. All of the songs are note-worthy and it is impossible to pick a favorite. Anyone who loves good music will love this album, Christian or not. (But proud to say I am. ;)

I bought this CD for "I Will Rest in You" by Jaci Velasques and I am glad I did! There are so many meaningful songs on this CD. Not only are the words great, but the music is, too! You could sit and listen to these songs for hours. I was happy to see that Point of Grace had recorded a song for this CD, too, and it is great! Please check this out. It's a great way to just relax and be with God.

And so here I sit at age 62. One might think I am too old to appreciate Contemporary Christian Music. About twelve years ago, I found myself disabled, income cut severely, sick but not properly diagnosed by "traditional" doctors. My daughter and son-in-law had just made a glorious transition from living worldly to coming back into their faith in God. She gave me her copy of "Streams". There were days I was content to die, too sick to go on, not knowing what was wrong. Streams (Don't Give Up) kept me focused on God's strength and His will in my life. By the time we found out what my illness was and got proper treatment, we were financially ruined, losing 90% of everything we owned and filing bankruptcy, but Streams (Job) helped me to continue to have faith as I sat in my pile of ashes. Time passes on and we get older. A few weeks ago, I gave my seven-year-old granddaughter (daughter of my daughter) a copy of Streams. Within two weeks, she had memorized most of the songs by heart, with perfect pitch (we are a musical family). I asked her if she understood "Don't Give Up". She said no, she had just learned the words, so I asked her to listen as we rode in the car. I watched her young face as tears streamed down her cheek. "Are you okay?" "Yes, Paw-Paw." "Do you understand what his song means?" "Yes, Paw-Paw, it means don't ever give up." "That's right darling, because God doesn't want us to ever give up, no matter what." Deep in our deepest valleys (Find Me in the River), God reaches us to "Sanctuary" us from all our woes. Next to God's Holy Word (Bible), this CD may possibly be the most valuable thing ever in my Christian faith. If you don't own it, I recommend you buy it and share it with your family & friends. It has had a powerful affect on three generations of my family.

This album combines some of the most powerful artists of christian music today to offer a great selection of inspiring songs that can come in handy when in need for some uplifting. It also includes as a bonus some very relaxing Irish instrumental music as the last couple of tracks. As a whole this album is worth investing in. I find it is good to play while on a nice relaxing evening