Published in the CR Mag 24

Thursday 1st December 1994

Michael Card - Poiema

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 5796-5672
LABEL: Sparrow SPD1421
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £14.67

Reviewed by Godfrey Rust

A more personal album from one of American CCM's best loved acoustic singer/songwriters. All Michael Card's hallmarks -crisp vocals iced with harmony, precise acoustic guitar and piano, clean production, one-step-at-a-time melodies, minor keys and strong, finely-crafted lyrics resonant with Scripture without lapsing into cliché - are here in force in an album about finding God in our daily lives, but with some new touches. Michael finds a natural affinity with the Irish tradition in the instrumental "Lowden's Prayer" and the beautiful and very timely "Greening Of Belfast". The theme also allows a more vulnerable side of his character to show (most of his prolific output being directly concerned with re-telling biblical narrative): "Touch and see the frightened child inside of me," and writing about life on the road - "When the world's empty charm has done all of its harm I know that his love waits for me in your arms." These are songs of encouragement without illusions. If you like Michael Card, you won't be disappointed, and if you haven't come across him yet this is as good a set as any with which to start.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 18:02 on Jun 5 2011

As an avid listener to this long time CCM Vet of top ccm songs heard time and again on ccm radio airwaves, I did not pass the chance to buy this cd.
Michael would release 2 projects this year; first in February , "Joy in the Journey/Greatest Hits" and then again with this release in November.
The title is greek, it means"workmanship"; refer to the verse in Ephesians 2:10. I remember hearing the starter song "Poem of Your Life" play on ccm radio; this was the familiar sound of Michael's music: I just luv it! "The Things We Leave Behind" is another song that brings us that soothing sound of Michael, that we have come accustomed to: you can hear similarities of the song "Chorus of Faith". A Reprise usually is heard at the end of a songset; on this cd it
is heard half way through of "Poem of Your Life". The liner notes for the instrumental "Lowden's Prayer" are touching:George Lowden had a heart of great faith and love the same. I really like the song "Hope".
Remember the 70's ccm trio"Albrecht, Roley & Moore?;
member Scott Roley is part of bgvs heard on the heart
wrenching "The Greening of Belfast"; Michael plays the celtic harp on this song:it is wonderful!! Michael's grandfather is heard preaching before a tribute song,
"For F.F.B."; it is a recording from April 1957 before Michael's birth:part of the sermon is heard again at the end of the song. A song for Michael's son Will follows and closes the cd songlist. This collection of songs is a nice welcomed addition for ccm listeners.
GOD Bless the songs of Michael Card for all to hear!
Thanks Michael! -Don

[reply] [report abuse]

The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Michael Card - Poiema

Reader Comments

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.