Published in the CR Mag 78

Thursday 1st January 2004

Darlene Zschech - Kiss Of Heaven

STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 8406-8148
LABEL: Fair Trade Services 000768268421
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £9.99

Reviewed by Peter Dilley

Little expense has been spared for the solo debut from Hillsongs worship supremo Darlene Zschech. Delivered with consummate professionalism, the 14 US-recorded songs are a seamless fusion of worship and pop. Darlene seems to makes a more suitable candidate as a Celine Dion-like Christian chanteuse than Jaci Velasquez (see CR77). The worship/devotional end of the spectrum is well represented with the likes of "Shout To The Lord" (of course), "Pray", "Faithful" and "Beautiful Saviour", but "Everything About You" is a romantic ballad (for her husband) and for something a little different there’s a cover of U2’s "Walk On" featuring Delirious?’s Martin Smith. Whether worship songs can be packaged as just another highly-marketable commodity without losing their impact and authenticity remains a question for us all to ponder.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Sample Track Listing:
1.	Pray	[Listen]
2.	Heaven On Earth	[Listen]
8.	Kiss Of Heaven	[Listen]
14.	Walk On	[Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Product Description

This first solo album will introduce you to another side of Darlene Zschech that will capture your imagination and musical senses.
A prolific songwriter, Darlene has spent years collecting songs that she felt didn't fit onto a traditional Hillsongs album. So this release includes some personal worship songs, a love song to her husband, plus a cover of U2's' Walk On' with Martin Smith.
Remaining true her first calling, Darlene's passion for worship and heart for the church continue to shine throughout this outstanding solo release. Songs includes: 'Everything about you, Wonderful you, Faithful, Everlasting.'

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 14:54 on Oct 11 2013

CCM has brought great impact to the millenium by this awesome release by Hillsong's top vocalist & songwriter. The decade anthem song "Shout to the Lord" definitely the cd's focus, 6 1/2 minutes that showcases the talented worship leader & producer. I love this song, thank you Darlene for proving that worship songs have not lost their impact: I prefer the piano version. This cd is filled with over 1 hour of great ccm styled songs to fill the soul with nothing but worhip & praise and forget about all else. The up tempo "Pray" starts off the 14 songset followed by a top fave "Heaven on Earth" that begins with familiar phrase often heard "rags to riches".
Andy Sorenson's piano accents "Faithful" wonderfully.
Top ccm artist Amy Grant has opened up the doors for the acceptance of christian artists to record songs beyond of the scope of ccm. God is not limited in his creation. Lovesongs have always played an important role in life and Darlene adds her flavor of love for her husband Mark on "Everything About You"
the song may have been better suited on another cd, this compilation centers on praise and worship.
I love "Promise" taken by the line "Your wings of grace completely swept me away". I simple love the song "Dreams". It seems so unlikely that Darlene would record a U2 song, even though to record it as a duet with Delirious!'s Martin Smith is no surprise.
The title "Walk On" has been heard by ccm artists like Susan Ashton and Bruce Carroll. God bless, Don

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Darlene Zschech - Kiss Of Heaven

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