Robyn P. (makesomebodyhappy) from WAYCROSS, GA Reviewed on 6/30/2007...
I will never forget the first time I listened to this cd. I was riding to a student government meeting about 3 hours away from the college I was attending. I was crying by song two. This Cd hit me hard. Caedmon's Call was the first time I realized what really good Christian music was like. This one is probably still my favorite. They are by far the best Christian music has to offer.
Sarah S. from HILLIARD, OH Reviewed on 8/7/2006...
Excellent quality!
CD Reviews
A must-have!
G. Williams | Louisiana | 02/14/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD by the advice of a friend of mine who had been a fan since their days as an independant band, and from the first time I heard the song "Lead of Love", I was hooked. This is truly an outstanding band that I would recommend to anyone. From textured vocal and guitar harmonies to deep, poetic lyrics, this album has it all. Caedmon's Call is devoted mostly to reaching college students, and as a college student myself, I can affirm that this album really inspires and challenges the listener to think. It's not about in-your-face preaching or evangelizing or shoving religion down people's throats, but it's about sharing their faith openly and honestly, and presenting that message in a loving and understanding way. The songs are really easy to relate to; it's as if they're saying "We know what you're going through and how you feel." Although the music is creative and artistically crafted, it doesn't overpower the lyrics. These guys play with conviction and passion. But the main thing I like about this band is their image; they don't come across as rock stars or as preachers, but as regular people like you and me, struggling to live Christ-like lives in a world that seems so far away from God. Their humility and honesty is a true example of preaching the gospel by *living* it, and "using words when necessary" as St. Francis of Assisi once said. I'm eager to see this band in concert (Hey guys...PLEASE come to Louisiana!!!), and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of their next album in April."
"though I questioned the sky"
NotATameLion | Michigan | 04/05/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"One thing you can say about Caedmon's Call: they have never made a weak album. While I must admit I have not yet heard the latest CD, "Back Home," the four I have heard are outstanding. This self-titled album is an earlier one, but already it is marked by mature writing, a distinctive sound-world and excellent artistry. There is not really a weak song on this disc. All the original material is great; the cover of Rich Mullins's "Hope to Carry On" is excellent. The lyrics on this album blow me away--some examples:"Though I questioned the sky, now I see why--
Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain-view...
Looking back I see the lead of love." (Lead of Love)"And the least of these
Look like criminals to me,
So I leave Christ on the street" (This World) "Everyday when I get up, I see folks trading in their crowns
For all these paper-plastic lives...
Opiate for the masses' hounds..." (Standing up for Nothing)"What crimes have you committed...?
Demanding such penance...
Couldn't wait for five more minutes...
And a cry for help?" (Center Aisle)"You stripped the trees of Lebanon--
Now you're stripping me--
Of the bark of false morality
And the bite of selfish greed" (Coming Home)There is a depth: musically, lyrically, and in Christian maturity, to this album that you would not naturally expect early on in a group's career. It has borne itself out over time in the work of this band. I recommend this disc and the rest of Caedmon's Call's music wholeheartedly."
Acoustic Pop at it's Poignant Best
Nathan Miller | Castleton, VT USA | 09/28/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This first album by Caedmon's Call is a new chronicle in Christian music, a milestone of acoustic rock in the world of Christian music. Not only is it a milestone, but it should be a breakthrough album in the secular music industry. The band is clever and the sharp lyric prowess as well as the intelligent songwriting is testament to this fact. Caedmon's can switch from hopeful beginnings ("lead of love") to hard rockers ("Not the land", "Not enough") to happy-go-lucky ("bus driver") to quirky modern rockers ("stupid kid") to poignant ballads ("center aisle", "I don't want coffee") without a hitch. I would like to write every song down here since I only dislike one ,yet, that would be the definition of redundancy. Tate and Webb share the lyrics and what results are clever, deep musings on Christ's love, their faith, and living as Christians in general. To all those who have not heard the band--begin with this cd and then progress to their latest offerings. Just immerse yourself in this acoustic musicianship which breathes new life into the Christian music industry."
Caedmon's Call at their best
justin | Atlanta, Ga | 11/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the opening chords of Lead of Love to the upbeat closing song Coming Home this album captures the attention and interest of the listener. The album starts w/ Lead of Love, an upbeat classic in which the writer (Aaron Tate) looks back on his life and see's what he didn't before- God's work on his life. The album then continues w/ the soft, but wonderful songs Close of Autumn and This World. CC inserts the explosive Not The Land w/ its hard-edged vocals between the latter two, keeping the album from slowing down too much. We then hit the creative heart of the album (5-end). The album continues w/ cleaver, fun songs like Bus Driver and Stupid Kid. The former, a look at the value of people, no matter how menial they may seem. CC self-titled shows a wide ranged show of emotion as shown in the powerful and reflective songs Standing Up For Nothing and I Just Don't Want Coffee. Not forgetting perhaps the most heart-jerking of all CC songs: Center Aisle. A song about the suicide of his best friend's sister. In all of this though the album keeps the upbeat, hopeful feel w/ Not Enough, Coming Home, and the cover of Rich Mullin's classic: Hope To Carry On. Caedmon's Call's self-titled is a well-written masterpiece showing the creative genius of one of today's best artist."