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Producer: Jeff Collins/Rich Crist, Jr.
Label: Crossroads
Website: http://www.cristfamilymusic.com

Since the Crist Family came on the scene a couple of years ago, I have been intently watching and listening to what they're doing. I consider them unique and believe that they have a lot to offer to this industry if people would give them a serious listen. This latest recording is about as solid as they come for a young group and they do good showing off some versatility as well. I wouldn't rank it as their finest endeavor, but it's quite good,, nonetheless.

An acapella rendition of the Sandi Patti classic, "WE HAVE A SAVIOR" starts the recording off before things get kicked into high gear with the Rebecca Peck penned tune, "IF THE ROCKS COULD TALK", featuring Tami Crist-Starkel and is the Crist Family at their best. It is these types of songs where they really shine the brightest. Things then slow down a bit for
"HEAVEN TO ME", which features Rich Crist.

The power ballad, "LIFT UP THE CROSS" is a highlight of the recording. This anthem is a call for the redeemed to "lift up the cross and carry the light of the gospel" and features an excellent performance by the family and leads well into the uptempo, "WONDER WORKING POWER". Both of these tunes were written by Rebecca Peck and are exceptional Peck offerings.

Rich and Tami sing another highlight of the recording, "FOR EVERY WHOSOEVER WILL", penned by Donna Beauvais and Chris Binion. I love how the song builds in intensity to its climactic finish. Previously recorded a few years ago by the Nelons, the Crist Family renders their version of "HE GETS SWEETER TO ME". Though it doesn't have the same punch as the Nelons rendition, the Crist Family do manage to make it uniquely their own.

The rustic "new grass" (is it still considered "new"?) feel of "LIVIN' WITH THE LIGHT ON" is part of its charm, but I fear it doesn't fit the Crist Family or the basic feel of the recording, but I will give them kudos for their attempt as it is admirably done. Before things close out, we find another nicely done power ballad, "WE HAVE A HOPE" and the upbeat, brass infused, "BIG HALLELUJAH" giving the recording a rousing finish.

I know comments have been made about the cover photography.though it's not exactly what I would call cheesy; it's not something I would have done, personally. But it does show that some real thought went into it, and I can appreciate that. From a musical standpoint, I regard their previous recording, Every Step, as their finest work. I know as a new group, they are experimenting with different sounds, and I respect that. Some work, some don't.but I have discovered that it's the power ballads and pop influences that seem to work best for this family. I hope to see more of that in the future.

Song titles: Song titles: (stars denote personal favorites)
1 - There is a Savior**
2 - If the Rocks Could Talk**
3 - Heaven to me
4 - Lift up the Cross**
5 - Wonder Working Power
6 - For Every Whosoever Will**
7 - He Gets Sweeter to Me
8 - Livin' with the Light On
9 - We Have a Hope**
10-Big Hallelujah**

Reader Comments

I must do this once again. Before I read the review I looked at the cover for a long time and thought how unique it was and how much I really liked it. I had no idea my friend James would have comments about the cover in the review.

So for you James and whoever else (as you say there have been comments made about the cover photography), I LOVE this cover. I think it's great.

Karen \o/

http://www.yielded-ministries.com

“Let the keyboard of my heart be touched by the Master’s hand”

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.

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