Customer Reviews

Twila Paris - Greatest Hits

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Twila Paris has had a remarkable career over the last two decades. She has written many praise choruses and won several Dove Awards. This CD has the unenviable task of collecting her greatest hits, and it succeeds beautifully.

The project opens with her two signature songs. "God is in Control" won her a Dove for Song of the Year and is a wonderful anthem of faith. "The Warrior is a Child" is presented in its original recording. It might sound dated, but only slightly so, and I prefer this version of the classic over the one on "A Heart That Knows You."

The rest of the album is a list of her best songs. From the praise songs "We Will Glorify," "We Bow Down," "He is Exalted," and "Lamb of God" to recent radio hits "Faithful Friend," "I Am Not Afraid Anymore," and "Run to You," it's all here. Looking at the list, I am hard pressed to name a song that should have been included that wasn't. And I definitely can't name a song that doesn't belong.

I haven't listened to Twila's music much in the last couple of years, but this CD has reminded me why I used to love it. It's inspired me to dig out the old CD's and give them another listen.

This album is perfect for the casual fan that wants to get her best songs in one place. Committed fans will also love having these gems collected and will want to hear the three new songs. You can't go wrong with this collection.

The ultimate collection of classic pop tunes, hymns and three new tracks. For most fans the question will be is it worth buying for the three new tracks. I think it is. For some reason even the old tracks sound "newer" here even though I believe they are all the original recordings (partly may be for me because I had some early recordings on *old* cassettes only.) The three new tracks are produced by Mark Hammond (Cindy Morgan, Nichole Nordeman), and as the first reviewer states does have a more "mature pop" sound which well suits Twila's songs and voice, a bit different than Charlie Peacock's production on "True North".

It's hard to say which are the best tracks since these are all "greatest hits". It is interesting to hear how her sound has changed from "Warrior is a Child" to "Run To You" and the new tracks. The older songs definitely sound "80'ish" but are timeless regardless of their production. And her lyrics continue to praise and inspire as always:

"You hold me through sparks and shadows/You sing me awake/When night falls and my thoughts wonder/You stay/I love the way"

It is so hard to believe that Twila Paris has been recording for the past 20 years.

What can one say about Twila Paris that has not already been said? Her music and lyrics are inspired, edifying,and anointed. Her style is smooth, and one that is befitting a Christian artist. This CD is for people like me who have enjoyed her music over the years, but did not buy the CDs or cassettes as they came out. It has Twila's best of the best, and her best will make you feel blest!

Wow! This collection doesn't contain a single "filler" track, including songs from her latest release, True North ("Run to You") and also some 80's classics ("We Bow Down," "We Will Glorify"). Time only improves Twila's music, yet it's a pleasure to hear some of these old songs again! The three new tracks are all winners, showcasing Twila's newly developed vocal style. "God of Miracles" gives her voice a more lusty sound than she's ever achieved before. If these songs are a foreshadowing of future efforts, her fans will not be disappointed; she embraces a fresh, mature pop sound that suits her quite well. Overall, the variety here is simply perfect, with energetic tracks ("Not Afraid Anymore," "Destiny") as well as the beautiful ballads that have become her signature songs ("How Beautiful," "The Time Is Now"). If you like her or are even considering a listen, this is the CD to get. It's a classics marathon that never runs out of energy, excellence, and message!

Twila Paris is a great CCM artist, everything she sings uplifts you and gives you hope. She sings great, and the songs she picks are spectacular. This CD is a perfect "Best Of" CD of her 20 years of work, including three new songs, which are on par with the rest of her material. The only disappointment with this CD is the fact it did not contain "He Is No Fool," my favorite Twila Paris song, however that doesn't detract enough to lower this from five stars. Buy this today, you won't be disappointed!

Of course it's not possible to condense 20 years of great Christian music to one CD (even one that's 74 minutes - doncha just love those CDs that use the whole CD?!). But they did an excellent job selecting songs for this CD. They range from the first songs that made us love Twila's music back in the 80's - Warrior is a Child, We Bow Down, We Will Glorify to three new songs, which are a real treat!

They included some of my favorites which perhaps aren't as well-known "I'm Not Afraid Anymore" and "Destiny". And I have a special attachment to "How Beautiful" - my daughter and son-in-law had a friend sing that song at their wedding last summer.

Twila's music stands the test of time - I love the original "Warrior", even with its 80's sound. If you'd like to hear a bit different version of it, you can buy another greatest hits type album by Twila "A Heart That Knows You". The version on that CD is much slower and more ethereal.

Now that Twila's a mom (baby Jack will be having his first birthday in Spring of 2002), I'm looking forward to her next studio album. Motherhood is sure to give her lots of new things to sing about. :-)

Thank you Twila, for sharing your gift of music with us!

You might want to check out my reviews of other Christian music.

It's hard to believe that Twila Paris' career has spanned two decades. Any one-disc compilation will struggle to include all the gems from her magnificent career, but this disc does an impressive job. Admittedly, some of her early work sounds a bit dated on this CD (witness "The Warrior is a Child"--a great composition that is held back by some very cheesy 80's effects). But after all these years, Twila remains at the top of her game--a brilliant songwriter and a spirited performer with the purest, most beautiful voice in all of Christian music. The remastering, too, is fantastic. A must-have.

Twila Paris is truly a Christian music pioneer. Her music transcends time and guides the listener into a genuine atmosphere of worship. This album, Greatest Hits, is a good primer to her impressive career. "God is in Control", in addition to being a huge hit, has become an anthem for my family. "The Warrior is a Child" is as true today as it was in 1984 when it was first recorded. "Joy of the Lord", "We Will Glorify", "We Bow Down" "Lamb of God", "How Beautiful" and "He is Exalted" are incredible worship songs that are sung around the world. "Run to You", "I am Not Afraid Anymore" and "Destiny" are excellent examples of Twila's ability to write a hit song. The three new songs are good, but tend to pale when standing next to the classics. This is an excellent album and well worth the investment!

I have listened to Twila Paris music for more than 10 years now! And it is hard to believe, for me, that I am still a fan of hers...

What makes Twila keep her 'audience'??

Simply, I should say her music! Her songs are real and her lyrics are written from the heart. Even if you are not a songwriter or don't play a musical instrument - you can tell Twila writes from the heart.

Most, if not all, of her songs are deep. She has this certain style that she keeps by combining Christian lyrics with a sad melody. It makes the song more 'serious' and I think spiritual.

If you are a musician, and have listened to her songs, then you will know Twila writes in the minor scale. Keeping the songs at a deep and serious feel.

It is something I think other Christian artist don't want to go for. They probably think... Who buys a album filled with sad and depressing melodies (For example: Christ In Us, My Best Friend, The Time Is Now, Every Heart That Is Breaking)?? Well... I DO!

Other Christian artist should stop with the silly and annoying "Baby One More Time" ... and start writing real music like Twila Paris.

Now, for this album: Twila Paris - Greatest Hits... It simply is that... Greatest Hits and I think a collection of beautiful songs that are timeless. The Warrior Is A Child was written many years ago, but still today it is an excellent song!

The Time Is Now, I believe that song with all my heart, since September 11, 2001, I think the lyrics to this song are more powerful than ever...

Every Heart That Is Breaking, Twila writes this song in response to many people out there who deal with 'life' and don't know how to get through it. It deals with people in prison, parents getting a divorce, etc. Again, a true songwriter, she writes what people go through everyday in life.

How Beautiful... Wow!! 'How beautiful' is this song? It is a very beautiful, timeless masterpiece! Even today, I still hear that song on Christian radio!

If you are not familiar with Twila Paris, I suggest buying this album and get a 'feel' into what real Christian music is all about! There are some songs on there that are guaranteed to make you cry!

I love all of Twila's music, and this is no exception. It's a compilation of a lot of Twila's latest hits. If you like Twila Paris, then get this CD!

Twila has a beautiful voice, and her music is both meaningful and scriptural, two things that cannot be said about a lot of "Christian" music out there.