October 27, 2004
Steven Curtis Chapman:
All Things New
Steven Curtis Chapman has done it again with his new album, All Things New. This project displays everything we love about SCC and, as the title suggests, gives us something new to love as well. The theme is strong throughout this project, from the inspiring messages of renewal to the new sounds and styles of music (most notably on the funky “Only Getting Started” and the British-tinged “Last Day On Earth”). Be sure to check out the compelling “What Now,” which joins the ranks of the great SCC songs of all time. Also a standout is
“I Believe In You,” a touching tribute to Steven’s daughter, Emily, as she heads off to college (at my old stomping grounds of Baylor University, no less).
The entire album boasts profound lyrics, some of which require noting here:
“I know that you don’t have the strength to fight, but do you have the faith to stand and believe Me now?” from “Believe Me Now”
“We will find ourselves when we lose ourselves in the bigger story.” from the Beatles-esque “Big Story”
“And someday I’ll sit down with my angel friends up in Heaven. They’ll tell me about creation, and I’ll tell them a story of grace.” from the standout song, “Angels Wish,” which offers the unique perspective that God’s mercy and grace are only “tasted by the forgiven and redeemed.”
“What can I do, how can I live, to show my world the treasure of Jesus? What will it take, what could I give, so they can know the treasure He is?” from the quintessential Chapman song, “Treasure of Jesus”
“How could I stand here,
And watch the sun rise,
Follow the mountains,
Where they touch the sky,
Ponder the vastness,
And the depths of the sea,
And think for a moment,
The point of it all was to make much of me.
‘Cause I’m just a whisper,
And You are the thunder and,
I want to make much of You, Jesus,
I want to make much of Your love,
I want to live today to give You the praise,
That You alone are so worthy of,
I want to make much of Your mercy,
I want to make much of Your cross,
I give You my life,
Take it and let it be used,
To make much of You,
And how can I kneel here,
And think of the cross,
The thorns and the whip and the nails and the spear,
The infinite cost,
To purchase my pardon,
And bear all my shame,
To think I have anything worth boasting in,
Except for Your name,
‘Cause I am a sinner,
And You are the Savior…
This is your love, oh, God,
Not to make much of me,
But to send Your own Son,
So that we could make much of You,
For all eternity." from the song, “Much of You”
All Things New is Chapman’s best work since 1999’s Speechless. It is fresh and exciting, filled with songs that get the listener involved. Musically and lyrically outstanding, it’s the rare album that leaves one wanting to replay it over and over again.
Catch Steven in concert this Fall on the All Things New Tour. Visit his official website, www.stevencurtischapman.com , for all things SCC.
The Future of Entertainment.
It’s Here. It’s Fun. It’s Destiny!
"Contact Us" below to let us know you were here and what you think!
