Music Review: Greatest Hits by Steven Curtis Chapman

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Classic songs all in one place

Cons: Not a two disc set

The Bottom Line:

Many songs not here

But songs here deserve to be

Recognize them all

Just the Tip of a Decade of Hits

During the 1990's, Steven Curtis Chapman was the golden boy of Christian music, literally. Every one of his songs became a hit at Christian radio (and were over exposed in the process). For a few years, he swept the Dove Awards, winning every category in which he was nominated.

That's why I don't envy the person who had to come up with the songs for Greatest Hits. When it was released in 1997, Steven was still at his height. In fact, he had just released what many consider his best release, Signs of Life. (Personally, it's one of my least favorites, but that's another review.) To distill ten years of hits to 12 tracks (plus two new songs) was an impossible feat. Yet, they did it. Naturally, there are songs that I am surprised didn't make it and lesser known favorites I miss. But the result is a good sampling of that first decade.

There were two no brainers for this collection, and both are here. First up is "The Great Adventure." Back in 1992, this song was everywhere, and it swept the Doves. Yes, even I got a little tire of it. But it really is a good song. Steven likens life with Jesus to an adventure. The song is overflowing with Western images about saddling horses, campfires, and following our Leader. Stylistically, it's Steven's classic soft rock - heavy on the guitar and drums.

The other must include is "I Will be Here." A tender ballad, this is still an overused staple of weddings. It's a tender recommitment from Steven to his wife no matter what life throws their way. It's heavy on the strings; in fact, they over power his guitar plucking at times.

There are several more songs here that fans of Christian music will recognize. "More to This Life" is a mid tempoed song that contemplates the eternality of life. "That's Paradise" shares the joy of married love and the redemption of God. It's a fast, fun song. "For the Sake of the Call" is a stirring anthem that calls us to follow the generations of those who have gone before us to give everything for God.

Since I didn't become a fan of Steven's music until after his fourth CD came out, I was actually a little surprised by a few of the songs from his earlier projects. For example, I wasn't aware just how big a hit "His Eyes" was. But I'm thrilled it is here. It's a slower song, not quite a ballad, which reminds us that Jesus is constantly watching over us. Nothing too deep, but it's a great reminder. Again, the music consists of strings and guitar, but Steven's guitar is louder this time.

Also on the "I'm glad it's here" list is "No Better Place." This soft rocker reminds us that, while living for Christ is hard, it's a great road to travel.

"Hiding Place" represents his debut project. It's another great reminder that God will shelter us through any storm. While it's another ballad, this time Steven's guitar was backed up by drums and a bass rather then strings.

As I mentioned earlier, Signs of Life was his last studio release at the time. There are two songs from that project, but they aren't the original recordings. Steven and his band had a chance to travel to Abbey Road in London for some recording. They recorded both these songs there. While I wouldn't quite call it acoustic, it's very close. They all got in a room and recorded from start to finish. And we get the results, unfiltered. If there are any mistakes, I sure don't notice them. It gives "Lord of the Dance" and "The Walk" a different feel and adds something special to this disc.

And there are the requisite new songs. "Not Home Yet" actually starts out the disc. It's an anthem of encouragement as Steven reminds us that this journey of life doesn't end until we get to Heaven. It's definitely in the mid tempo range, but it's got a fun beat. Guitar is the main instrument you hear, but if you listen carefully, you can hear the piano in there, too.

The other new song is "I Am Found in You." Stylistically, it's very similar to "Not Home Yet." The theme this time is that our identity needs to be in Christ.

And I can't end this review without commenting on the booklet. While it only includes words for the two new songs, Steven took the time to write a comment about every one of the classics included here. No, it's not extensive, usually just a few sentences. Still, it's fun to get some insight into what was happening in his life as he wrote these hits.

This CD represents some classic Christian songs from a giant in the Christian music world. If you are remotely familiar with the genre, you'll recognize many of the tracks. And if you are looking for an introduction to the legendary Steven Curtis Chapman, you need look no further then Greatest Hits.

CD Length: 1:06:09

Tracks:

1. Not Home Yet

2. More to This Life

3. The Great Adventure

4. That's Paradise

5. His Eyes

6. For the Sake of the Call

7. I Will be Here

8. I Am Found in You

9. Heave in the Real World

10. No Better Place

11. Hiding Place

12. His Strength is Perfect

13. Lord of the Dance (Abbey Road Version)

14. The Walk (Abbey Road Version)