Published Tuesday 9th January 2007

John Michael Talbot - The Ultimate Collection

STYLE: Ambient/Meditational
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 19764-11800
LABEL: Troubadour For The Lord SPD69107
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 2
RELEASE DATE: 2006-11-30
RRP: £12.99

Reviewed by Ewan Jones

This 2CD compilation works as a great introduction to (or reminder of) the work of John Michael Talbot between 1980 and 1990. Talbot's music is influenced by so many styles that although some of the tracks sound dated (or marred by over the top orchestral arrangements), John Michael's skill and creativity still shine through. Founder of a monastic community in Arkansas, Talbot's contemplative music carries a peaceful, reflective quality which still resonates. With one listen through this collection, you can occasionally identify his early country/rock n' roll influences, but they are seated alongside styles as diverse as Celtic and world music fused to orchestral music with joyful choral arrangements. Also, listen out for Talbot's beautiful guitar playing. Such variety might cause the collection to seem disjointed, but Talbot's distinctive voice and skilled guitar lead confidently. There is still a very relevant call to worship to be found in this music with a vulnerability and simplicity that is most appealing.

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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Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 13:11 on Nov 16 2011

3 years after the 2003 release "Historymakers", we meet a 2 cd set which includes many of John's finest songs (includes many of the songs from Historymakers cd). Several initial recordings from the start of his career would not make the set, as well as songs after 1990; which kind of baffles me; This is the "Ultimate Collection".
Nonetheless, there are quite a few songs for the listener to enjoy, to soothe the soul in quietness:after all there are 35 songs.
I really like Creed 1 & 2, very well crafted songs; worth every 5 1/2 + minutes of listening time., thanx John. Glad to see selections from 1979 "The LORD's Supper" nice hi-lites for this 2 cd set; my top favorites. "Celebration Dance" is awesome, John gives the listener a chance to vivid their own imagining of celebrating with dance in Heaven.
"Lilies of the Field" is a masterpiece! Disc 2 starts with 1984 "Glory to Thee", really like this one.
"Healer of my Soul" follows, what a heartsong of man to GOD: mere words cannot tell it all. "Let us Sing to the LORD" from 1985 is another I tend to favor.
One selection from "Empty Canvas" cd that followed the year after;the instrumental entitled
"One Dark Night". I totally love "One Faith", great song for ccm. "Surrender to JESUS" speaks as only it could. John gives us his acoustic version of Ecclesiastes 3 "There's a Time"; even though the pop 60's group, The Byrds gave the most memorable recording of all, "Turn Turn Turn (to everything there is a season)":also recorded by top ccm songstress Sheila Walsh in the 80's.
This cd provides a basic 12 year recording span in John's longtime music career: it does happen to fall a bit short of his ultimate. So many trademark songs left out, to inlcude "Cast Down Your Cares".
Thank you for so many years of song John that still continue. GOD Bless! - Don

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John Michael Talbot - The Ultimate Collection

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