Music Review: The Whole Truth by Point of Grace

Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: "The Great Divide;" "More Than Anything"

Cons: Not as many standout tracks as normal

The Bottom Line:

Not quite the group's best

Still, several wonderful songs

Good sophomore effort

You Want The Whole Truth?  I Still Like This CD

Point of Grace is a female quartet with incredible harmonies. The Whole Truth is their second release. Even though it is over a decade old, it still holds up well.

Being a pop quartet, the instruments backing them are fairly standard stuff. Most songs, you'll hear piano, bass, guitar, and drums. Frankly, I don't mind because it doesn't detract from their vocals. If the instruments were super flashy, you might miss hearing their tight harmonies.

The disc opens with "Gather at the River," a song of unity. It's slightly above mid-tempo. The ladies mostly sing together on this one, although they each take a couple lines on the second verse. This is fairly standard pop fair, and the harmonies aren't as impressive here as on other songs on the disc, but it is a fun way to start the disc.

"Without the Love of Jesus" is fairly standard Christian music fair. There isn't much original about the lyrics. It's a simple reminder that Jesus is holding the entire world together. Point of Grace is often charged with having trite, familiar lyrics. While I don't usually mind, this song is a rare case where it bothers me.

My favorite track by far on this disc is "The Great Divide." This was a huge hit when the album was released in 1995. This slow, thoughtful track starts off with piano. The song marvels at what God did to reunite with us. While the song has a strong drum beat, it is relatively slow. But this is the first change the ladies have had to truly show off their harmonies. Not only do I love the words, but the harmonies are absolutely beautiful.

My other favorite track on the disc is "More Than Anything." This slower track closes out the disc. The chorus is a simple reminder that "God love people more than anything." It's the verses that really make this song special as it really focuses on God's love for the downtrodden. Plus, the harmonies on the chorus are wonderful.

Another song I like is "God is With Us." The synth bass on this one gives the song a unique feel. And if you want upbeat fun, look no further then "Love Like No Other," "What's He Gonna Say About Me," and especially "Take Me Back." Those three songs are fast, furious, and quite enjoyable.

Two of the songs on this disc come from causes that the group is passionate about. But that doesn't mean they are bad songs by any means. First up is "The Love He Has for You." At the time, the True Love Waits abstinence campaign was really gaining momentum, and this song was their effort for it. It's a quiet, tender song with some great harmonies.

The other message song isn't quite as obvious. Point of Grace had gotten involved with Mercy House, a charity that helps pregnant teens. "The House that Mercy Built" was written for that ministry. Yet it also works as a reminder that God will provide help for those in need. It's a beautiful, quiet song.

At the time this disc was released, I loved it. That love has cooled just a tad over time, mainly because of Point of Grace. While I still like it, I like some of their other releases more. There are no truly bad songs here. But there aren't as many standouts as their later releases have.

Having said that, I still highly recommend The Whole Truth. You'll get some encouraging songs with great harmonies. What else could you want?

CD Length: 44:43

Tracks:

1. Gather at the River

2. Without the Love of Jesus

3. The Great Divide

4. Dying to Reach You

5. Love Like No Other

6. God is with Us

7. What's He Gonna Say About Me

8. The Love He Has for You

9. Take Me Back

10. The House That Mercy Built

11. More Than Anything