Chris Tomlin Album: “Hello Love”

I just received and listened to this album today on my way to school and it is awesome. It includes the hit radio single "Jesus Messiah", but oh, this is just the start! Love with the Children's choir has to be my favorite along with God of This City and All The Way my Savior Leads Me. I like the fact that Chris Tomlin put another hymn arrangement on this record, but I only wish there were more like it in the future! Amazing Grace-My Chains Are Gone was probably his defining song of his life, even though he would attest, it wasn't his song, neither John Newtons. It was God's inspired message. You really see how passionate Chris Tomlin is in his music about sharing as much as he can about the Glory of God, His Majesty and his blessed son, Jesus, who gave up His life for us all to live happy, fufilling lives for His Will and Purpose. If you think this album is kinda soft, think again! He really keeps the tempo and guitars flowing through more than a couple or tracks. It is one of those albums that will be sad when it ends. It's that addictive!

Being fairly new to the Christian music scene, I didn't know many artists. But everytime I heard a song I liked, it was sung by, or written by Chris Tomlin. The songs on this CD are awesome. "Sing, Sing, Sing", and "Love" are so upbeat, and many others with great messages. Many songs are played regularly on the radio, and are very recognizable. My 3-year-old daughter actually asks for this music! If you like contemporary Christian music, or are a Chris Tomlin fan, you will enjoy this CD.

This contemporary worship-praise album gives God all the glory and is focused on the Word. It has great variety with a clear message honoring God and proclaiming His truths. It is not head-banging loud, but some songs are more upbeat while others are slow. Jesus Messiah is one I would consider slow and even though you may know it well, it is worth the price alone. In my opinion, this is exactly what we need to infiltrate our minds with today, music that causes us to focus on the Lord. I have been extremely blessed by this incredible work.

First off, let me state that I am of the opinion that Chris Tomlin is a gifted musician/songwriter. I think that this album is one of his many great contributions to Christian music.

I am strongly disappointed in the quality of this recording. There are some songs on this CD that I really like, but can barely stand to listen to anymore, because whoever engineered this recording made some errors that are inexcusable for any recording sold for profit, let alone a release from a major record company.

There are numerous blatant instances of clipping throughout the CD (this review pertains to the CD, not the MP3 downloads). It is particularly noticeable in "You Lifted Me Up". Even worse is the last 40 seconds or so of "Exalted" where the instruments drop out leaving the lead vocals and a choir. This could have been a powerful end to the track, but is is horribly distorted by being over-compressed.

I am a huge Chris Tomlin fan and I just think that He is so annointed by God! My favorite song on this album has to be "Exalted (Yahweh)". I am just one for simple love songs to Jesus and it really just makes me so happy to just sit at His feet and worship Him. My dad was actually in prison for a year and a half and this album was one that helped him get through many lonely nights there. Now that he is home, he has shared this album with us and it is awesome :)