Published in the CR Mag 53

Friday 1st October 1999

Steven Curtis Chapman - Speechless

STYLE: Pop
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 1132-1474
LABEL: Sparrow
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £14.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

First thing that grabs you about this set, already shaping up to be Steven's biggest seller ever and a huge US hit, is that the sequencing puts a rockier, punchier Steven on the first two thirds, and then slows way down for the final four songs. With exemplary production from Brown Bannister, the edgier Chapman is a joy to the ear, his warm impassioned vocals now treated to layers of percussive rhythm and hot guitars. It's still Stevens way with lyrics which really keep you listening and the Nashville veteran is in excellent form here with "Dive", "Fingerprints Of God" and "The Invitation" all showing the man to be at the heights of songwriting craft. The poignant song about about the loss of a Christian loved one "With Hope" is compelling though another love song to his dear wife just a tad predictable. All in all though this is a great return. Has it really been three years since his last studio project?

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 @ 18:27 on Dec 6 2013

Released in mid June 1999 without disappointment; nearly 1 hour of top ccm sound. One of the very few cds needed to complete my Steve Curtis Chapman collection. Steven goes beyond his acoustic sound on these 13 songs, and the end result is amazing.
Dive was the perfect song to start the songset, love it! thanks for a great new song for ccm Steven, it automatically lifts you up in spirit. The 5 minute Title song follows, just an awesome song, love the words: Great symphonic ending used for the song.
3 of Steven's children add a scripture reading for "The Change".
I love the line in the chorus to "Great Expectations"
"Lord, I come with great expectations". Let us remember that nothing is beyond God. "Next 5 Minutes" speaks to all who hear. "Fingerprints of God" can be attributed to all that God has made, great song Steven. "The Invitation" is still for the here and now, reminds me of 2 things, the verse that says, while it is still called today & another song by Steven from his 1992 Great Adventure cd. It is getting to be a norm, that many ccm artists tend to include lovesongs for their spouse, this is not Steven's first with "What I Meant to Say", who could ever forget his popular ccm song "I Will Be Here" from a decade ago! The song "With Hope" is for all who know deep loss, what a beautiful song; we can be thankful we have hope of seeing the faces of loved ones again in heaven. The instrumental/symphonic piece entitled "The Journey" would be great for a movie. The piano flavored "Be Still & Know" is the rightful song to close the songset; the well known ccm keyboardist Shane Keister offers his talents for this song. wtg Steven you nailed ccm listeners with this project. God Bless, Don

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Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 03:37 on Oct 2 2010

I just luv the song "Dive", way to go Steven!! I also have copy of his preview performance of the song on the Dove Awards; what a fabulous, top notch performance! I also have the video for the song..just luv it, full of energy and great shots!! I got to add this cd to my ccm collection! GOD Bless! -Don

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Steven Curtis Chapman - Speechless

Reader Comments

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