Rich Mullins "Songs"
by Lindy Warren
Charisma/Christian Life August 1996
Creators of this best-of package had a difficult task: how do you choose
just 16 cuts to chronicle the 10-year career of one of the most poignant
Christian songwriters of our time? Even though Rich Mullins connoisseurs
(I think they mean us) will no doubt be disappointed at the exclusion of
personal favorites, Songs is a well-assembled package with well-known
selections from each of his eight albums.
It also boasts one new cut, "We Are Not as Strong as We Think We Are."
Displaying his signature songwriting honesty, Mullins expresses his
thoughts about a severed relationship.
Listeners are also privy to the original version of "Sing Your Praise to
the Lord," recorded by Amy Grant on her second album, Age to Age.
Grant's version, however, excluded the middle of the song - Mullins'
favorite part, which he includes.
Other highlights: "Awesome God"; "Sometimes by Step"; "Boy Like Me, Man
Like You"; "Hold Me, Jesus"; "Screen Door"; "While the Nations Rage" and
"Alrightokuhhuhamen."
Perhaps more than just a collection of 16 great songs, this album is a
tangible representation of the abundant life Christ describes: a mishmash
of passion, intensity, sorrow, conviction, joy and peach -- all amid a
personal relationship with an all-knowing and loving God. Music to chew on!
Rich Mullins "Songs"
by Christopher Ave
Tallahassee Democrat in Tallahassee, FL July 17, 1996
Boca Raton News in Boca Raton, FL July 19, 1996
If you've listened to a Christian radio station, attended a church youth camp or even stopped by a contemporary-style church in the past decade, you've likely heard Rich Mullins' passionate, worshipful songs. This collection of 15 of Mullins' classics -- plus a new song, the haunting "We Are Not As Strong As We Think We Are" -- gives listeners a powerful introduction to his consderable body of work.
Rich Mullins "Songs"
by Brent Castillo
Kingsport Times-News in Kingsport, TN Sept 13, 1996
Come take a journey with Mullins on his spiritual quest for intimacy with God. This album incorporates 13 of Mullins' most memorable songs plus three new songs, including a remake of "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," which he originally wrote for Amy Grant. The distinctive mix of the dulcimer, acoustic guitar, piano, and various folk instruments are as pleasing as ever. Says Mullins, "I think I use things like dulcimers, bagpipes and mandolins in part because, as John Hartford said, 'Style is based on limitation.' I do most of my writing on the road, in a truck, and it's easier to play a lap dulcimer in a truck than a guitar."
To hear some of his best songs on one album is a treat for longtime Mullins fans and will be a pleasant surprise for those unfamiliar with his work. Some of the songs are "Awesome God," "If I Stand," "Sometimes by Step," and "Hold Me Jesus."
Artist Bio: This is the ninth release from Mullins. He has had 10 No 1 songs, sold over 1 million records and had numerous Dove Award nominations. He currently lives in a trailer on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico and will be teaching a music class in the elementary school. His affinity for a spartan lifestyle puzzles some who believe super-stardom is well within his grasp, but Mullins doesn't seem interested.
Whats good about it: The honest vocals, the poetic lyrics and the careful thought put into each song make this album worth adding to any collection .
