Music Review Archive

Every week, UMC.org publishes a critical review of a recently released compact disc. A critical review is one in which the writer describes and evaluates the piece of music and supports this evaluation with clear evidence. Though UMC.org reviews music of all genres, titles are chosen based on their message. Meaning, we will only review music that challenges its listeners to ponder significant issues facing us as Christians.

Browse the archive of music review titles aphabetically.

[ A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z ]

A

Alter Bridge: One Day Remains | August 2004
Alter Bridge: Blackbird | January 2008
Amazing Grace Praise Band: Glorious Triumph | March 2005
Composed by E.Christine Anderson: Wait – It’s A Musical! | February 2005
Apologetix: Adam Up | March 2005
India.Arie: Testimony, Vol. 1, Life & Relationship | August 2006

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B

The Beatles: Let it Be... Naked | January 2004
The Beatles: Love | February 2007
Adrian Belew: Side One | February 2005
Jim Black: 'til then... | May 2005
Norman and Nancy Blake: The Morning Glory Ramblers | April 2004
Mary J. Blige: Growing Pains | March 2008
Ron Block: Doorway | September 2007
Bon Jovi: Lost Highway | November 2007
The Braeded Chord: Dream and Dare | November 2005
Jackson Browne: Solo Acoustic Vol. 1 | February 2006
Solomon Burke: Make Do With What You Got | March 2005
T Bone Burnett: The True False Identity | July 2006

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C

Caedmon's Call: In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing | July 2006
Kate Campbell: Blues and Lamentations | February 2006
Kate Campbell with Spooner Oldham: For the Living of These Days | October 2006
Brandi Carlile: The Story | July 2007
Johnny Cash: American V: A Hundred Highways | August 2006
Johnny Cash: Ultimate Gospel | May 2007
Roseanne Cash: Black Cadillac | March 2006
Mary Chapin Carpenter: Between Here And Gone | July 2004
Mary Chapin Carpenter: The Calling | May 2007
Sheryl Crow: Detours | April 2008
Casting Crowns: Casting Crowns | December 2003
Casting Crowns: The Altar and the Door | October 2007
Celtic Woman: Celtic Woman | October 2005
Steven Curtis Chapman: All Things New | October 2004
Beth Nielsen Chapman: Look | June 2005
Beth Nielsen Chapman: Prism | April 2008
Tracy Chapman: Where You Live | January 2006
Kenny Chesney: Just Who I Am | November 2007
Chicago: Chicago XXX | April 2006
Chronos: Downpour | June 2005
Ashley Cleveland: Before the Daylight's Shot | June 2007
Bruce Cockburn: Life Short Call Now | September 2006
Marc Cohn: Join The Parade | February 2008
Coldplay: X&Y | August 2005
Paula Cole: Courage | September 2007
Ry Cooder: Chávez Ravine | August 2005
Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint: The RIver in Reverse | July 2006
Cowboy Junkies: One Soul Now | July 2004
Robert Cray: Twenty | November 2005
Sheryl Crow: Wildflower | December 2005
Crowded House: Time On Earth | October 2007

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D

James Daniels: We Need You Now | October 2005
Br. Danielson: Brother:Son | June 2004
Dave Matthews Band: Stand Up | June 2005
Samuel David: Dangerous | October 2006
Ray Davies: Other People's Lives | March 2006
John Davis: John Davis | April 2005
Brett Dennen: So Much More | May 2007 
Neil Diamond: 12 Songs | February 2006
Dishwater Blonde: The Second Coming | October 2005
The Dixie Chicks: Taking the Long Way | June 2006
Amy Drinkwater: With All My Heart... A Journey to the Soul | July 2006

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E

Eagles: Long Road Out Of Eden | January 2008
The Elms: The Chess Hotel | August 2006
Enya: Amarantine | January 2006
Melissa Etheridge: The Awakening | January 2008

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F

Donald Fagen: Morph the Cat | May 2006
Mike Farris: Salvation in Lights | August 2007
The Finn Brothers: Everyone Is Here | September 2004
Five for Fighting: Two Lights | September 2006
John Fogerty: Revival | November 2007
Ruthie Foster: The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster | July 2007
Jon Foreman: Fall and Winter | March 2008
Kirk Franklin: The Fight Of My Life | February 2008
Richie Furay: I Am Sure | March 2005

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G

Mary Gauthier: Mercy Now | August 2005
Mary Gauthier: Between Daylight and Dark | March 2008
David Gilmour: On an Island | April 2006
Glass Hammer: The Inconsolable Secret | October 2005
Glorious Bride: Glorious Bride | August 2006
Al Green: I Can’t Stop | March 2004
Jeff Greene: Journey of the Soul | October 2006
Amy Grant: Rock of Ages... Hymns & Faith | June 2005
Patty Griffin: Children Running Through | May 2007
Sara Groves: The Other Side Of Something | June 2004

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H

Sarah Harmer: I'm a Mountain | April 2006
Ben Harper: Both Sides of the Gun | June 2006
Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama: There Will Be A Light | October 2004
Corey Harris: Mississippi To Mali  | May 2004
Emmylou Harris: Stumble into Grace| January 2004
John Hiatt and The Goners: Beneath This Gruff Exterior  | March 2004
Rob Higginbotham: The Name | September 2006
Faith Hill: Firefiles | September 2005
Robyn Hitchcock: Spooked | February 2005
Hem: Eveningland  | January 2005
Homes Brothers, The: State of Grace | April 2007
Ellis Hooks: Uncomplicated | June 2004

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I

Pastor Fleetwood Irving: God of Chances | March 2006
Isaiah's Promise: Forevermore | July 2006
Isley Meets Bacharach: Here I Am | January 2004

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J

Jars of Clay: Good Monsters | October 2006
Jars Of Clay: Who We Are Instead | March 2004
The John Cowan Band: New Tattoo | June 2006
Elton John: Peachtree Road | November 2004
Jack Johnson: Sleep Through The Static | April 2008
Norah Jones: Feels Like Home | March 2004
Norah Jones: Not Too Late | April 2007
Rebecca Walker Jones: Still Searching | August 2005

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K

Phil Keaggy: It’s Personal | July 2004
Keb' Mo': Keep it Simple | June 2004
King's X: Ogre Tones | January 2006
Dave Kirkpatrick: Under the Sun | September 2005
Mark Knopfler: Kill to Get Crimson | November 2007
Alison Krauss and Union Station: Lonely Runs Both Ways | January 2005
Lenny Kravitz: Baptism | June 2004
Lenny Kravitz: It Is Time for a Love Revolution | April 2008

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L

Ladysmith Black Mambazo: Raise Your Spirit Higher  | March 2004
Jonny Lang: Long Time Coming  | March 2004
Jonny Lang: Turnaround | October 2006
K.D. Lang: Hymns of the 49th Parallel | August 2004
Bernie Leadon: Mirror | June 2004
Amos Lee: Supply and Demand | June 2007
Lifehouse: Lifehouse | April 2005
Lifehouse: Who We Are | September 2007
Little Milton: Think Of Me | August 2005
Loretta Lynn: Van Lear Rose | May 2004
Los Lobos: The Ride | July 2004
Patty Loveless: Dreamin' My Dreams | December 2005
Brenda Lowe: Somebody Somewhere Was Praying For Me | May 2005

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M

Carrie Marshall: I Will Wait | April 2005
Marvalinn: No Greater Love | August 2006
Matisyahu: Youth | April 2006
Maximum Glory: The Power of God | June 2006
John Mayer: Continuum | January 2007
Martina McBride: Waking Up Laughing | June 2007
Paul McCartney: Chaos and Creation in the Backyard | October 2005
John Michael McCluney: Hymancipation! Volume One: Advent  | December 2005
Michael McDonald: Motown | January 2004
Sarah McLachlan: Afterglow | February 2004
Lori McKenna: Unglamorous | October 2007
Stephanie McKenna: Come Be With Me | June 2005
Loreena McKennitt: An Ancient Muse | March 2007
Christine McVie: In The Meantime | September 2004
John Mellencamp: Freedom's Road | March 2007
Bette Midler: Sings The Rosemary Clooney Songbook | January 2004
Bill Miller: Spirit Songs: The Best of Bill Miller | August 2004
Caleb Miller: (prayer) | April 2006
Buddy Miller: Universal United House Of Prayer | January 2005
Joni Mitchell: The Beginning of Survival | August 2004
Joni Mitchell: Shine | February 2008
Montgomery Gentry: Some People Change | February 2007
Allison Moorer: Getting Somewhere | August 2006
Jan Morrison: Remember Me | April 2005
Van Morrison: Magic Time | July 2005
Van Morrison: What’s Wrong With This Picture? | February 2004
Alanis Morissette: So-Called Chaos | July 2004
Nicole C. Mullen: Sharecropper's Seed, Volume 1 | February 2008

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N

Leigh Nash: Blue on Blue | October 2006
Nathanael's Creed: Brighter Still | August 2006
Willie Nelson: It Will Always Be | November 2004
Willie Nelson: Moment of Forever | March 2008

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O

The O.C. Supertones: Unite | May 2005
Sinead O'Connor: Theology | October 2007
Olivia (The Band): Olivia | March 2005
Danny Oertli: Everything in Between | February 2006
Robin O'Herin: The Road Home | April 2006
Oteil and The Peacemakers: Believer | February 2006
Over the Rhine: Drunkard’s Prayer | May 2005

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P

Dolly Parton: Backwoods Barbie | May 2008
A Perfect Circle: eMOTIVe | November 2004
Tom Petty: Highway Companion | August 2006
Robert Plant/Alison Krauss: Raising Sand| December 2007
Dave Potts: Days Like These | January 2005
Doug Powell: Day For Night | May 2004

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Q

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R

Corinne Bailey Rae: Corinne Bailey Rae | June 2007
R.E.M.: Around the Sun | November 2004
Relient K: MmHmm | January 2005
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage: Ragin’ Live | April 2005
Robert Plant and The Strange Sensation: Mighty Rearranger | June 2005
Robert Randolph and The Family Band: Unclassified | February 2004
Robert Randolph and The Family Band: Colorblind | February 2007
Kim Richey: Chinese Boxes | September 2007
Morris Robinson: Going Home | July 2007
Smokey Robinson: Food for the Spirit | June 2004
Michelle Ruben: Where You Are | December 2005

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S

Melissa Sandullo: The Unbound Soul | August 2005
Salvador: So Natural | December 2004
Marie Sheldon: The Cheshire Cat Project | November 2005
Mindy Smith: One Moment More | April 2004
Sherman: You Can Make It | July 2005
The Shins: Wincing the Night Away | June 2007
Stephen Simmons: Drink Ring Jesus | August 2006
Paul Simon: Surprise | July 2006
Rozlyn Sorrell: I've Got to Sing My Song | January 2006
Soweto Gospel Choir: African Spirit | March 2007
Mindy Smith: Long Island Shores | December 2006
The Spill: Canvas | February 2006
Rick Springfield: Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance | June 2004
Bruce Springsteen: Devils & Dust | May 2005
Bruce Springsteen: We Shall Overcome - The Seeger Sessions | June 2006
Bruce Springsteen: Magic | December 2007
Mavis Staples: Have A Little Faith | September 2004
Mavis Staples: We'll Never Turn Back | August 2007
Scott Stapp: The Great Divide | March 2006
Larnell Starkey & The Spiritual Seven: Be Careful How You Treat Me | August 2005
Sufjan Stevens: Illinois | November 2005
Sting: Sacred Love | April 2004
George Strait: Somewhere Down in Texas  | August 2005
Stryper: Reborn | November 2005
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives: Souls' Chapel | November 2005
The subdudes: Behind the Levee | March 2006
Sweet Honey In The Rock: Raise Your Voice | August 2005
Switchfoot: Nothing is Sound | October 2005
Switchfoot: Oh! Gravity | April 2007

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T

Tait: Lose This Life | February 2004
James Taylor: James Taylor at Christmas | December 2007
Tears for Fears: Everybody Loves A Happy Ending | October 2004
Vienna Teng: Warm Strangers | April 2004
Richard Thompson: Front Parlour Ballads | September 2005
Randy Travis: Worship & Faith  | January 2004
Mark Trethewey: Tell Me the Story | June 2006
Josh Turner: Long Black Train | July 2004

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U

U2: How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb | December 2004
Carrie Underwood: Carnival Ride | January 2008

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V

Various Artists: Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster | February 2005
Various Artists: Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur | August 2007
Various Artists: Songs Inspired By The Passion Of The Christ | April 2004
Various Artists: The Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage Of The Carter Family | June 2004
Various Artists: The Very Best of Country Gospel | April 2004
Nannette Vaughn: In God’s View | February 2005
Suzanne Vega: Beauty & Crime | October 2007
The Violet Burning: drop-dead | May 2006

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W

Wahba: The Beautiful Effect | May 2006
Wahba: ProSkyNeo | September 2004
Loudon Wainwright III: Here Come The Choppers | May 2005
The Wallflowers: Rebel Sweetheart | July 2005
Benita Washington: Renaissance | August 2007
Derek Webb: The Ringing Bell | July 2007
David Wilcox and Nance Pettit: Out Beyond Ideas | December 2005
Stan Wilkerson: Secret Place | January 2006
Mary Wiles: Why Not Take a Chance | March 2006
Lucinda Williams: West | April 2007
Brian Wilson: Smile | October 2004
BeBe Winans: Dream | April 2005
Steve Winwood: About Time | February 2004
Lee Ann Womack: There’s More Where That Came From | March 2005
Stevie Wonder: A Time to Love | December 2005

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X

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Y

Neil Young: Prairie Wind | January 2006
Neil Young: Chrome Dreams II | January 2008
Yusuf: An Other Cup | March 2007

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Z

Zap Mama: Ancestry In Progress | February 2005
Warren Zevon: The Wind | February 2004

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