Search - Caedmon's Call :: In the Company of Angels

An excellent worship cd

Brian Reaves | Anniston, AL USA | 10/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Caedmon's Call has done a wonderful job with this cd. The songs here are all original except the live version of "God of Wonders" (which sounds great). Unlike other worship cd's released this year by other artists, this one is not a rehash of over-done material, but new songs that will find their way into churches everywhere. Plus, as an added bonus, there are NO "woe is me I'm single" songs from Derek on this one like there have been on their previous releases (being single really isn't that depressing, I promise)! :) Seriously, this has some great material on it, and you'll do yourself a favor by getting a copy today."

One of their best

Thomas H. Ayers | Bowie, MD United States | 10/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lyrically, this is perhaps Caedmon's Call's best CD. Despite the fact that neither regular songwriters Aaron Tate nor Derek Webb contributed songs, the contributions by Aaron Senseman, Kemper Crabb, and Sandra McCracken rank with the best songs of this band's earlier albums. In some cases, Cliff Young lent a helping hand. Joshua Moore, the keyboardist, contributed two songs, the best of which is "We Delight", in my opinion, with its simple, direct chorus. The lyrics of Isaac Watts were tapped for two songs, music written by Sandra McCracken. Musically, the songs are well-informed by rock and pop influences, with flavorings from other styles, including world and Irish music. Stylistically, the music is a mature synthesis of that heard in "Long Line of Leavers" and "40 Acres". Some songs are fully arranged, such as "We Delight", "Who You Are" (the music here is perhaps too lush), and "God of Wonders" (a beautiful live recording). Others tend to be very simple, primarily acoustic guitar, maybe accordion, and some percussion, e.g. "Thy Mercy", "God Who Saves", "The Danse" and "I Boast No More". Generally, the music is understated, so that the listener is drawn into the lyrics and encouraged to worship.Many of the songs are topical, dealing with a particular attribute of God or response of man. "We Delight" is concerned with simple joys of knowing God. "Before There Was Time" is a wonderful meditation on God's omniscience. "Thy Mercy" is a strongly written hymn to God's mercy and robustly sung by Derek Webb. "God Who Saves" is an Irish-inflected ballad on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "Who You Are" concerns salvation as seen through the eyes of a child, regardless of age. This is a nice song, but its production is too overblown for my tastes. "Carry Your Love" would serve well in church services as a reminder of what worship is really about. It's a wonderful song. "God of Wonders", though perhaps not the most profound song lyrically, is, in its simplicity, a remarkable declaration of awe and praise for the Creator of all things. This live recording gives me chills everytime I hear it. "I Boast No More" is lyrically quite good (lyrics by Isaac Watts, so no surprise there), but the apparently added chorus, allowing for much emoting, is very weak in comparison. "Oh Lord Your Love" is an exhuberant pop song by Rich Mullins on God's loving condescension. "Warrior" is a simple song on God as the One Who fights for us. "Laden with Guilt" is a personal account by Isaac Watts on the power of God's Word, as set to a wonderful tune. "The Danse" is a very poetic meditation on our purpose in the scheme of things.Given that Caedmon's Call hopes that some of these songs will enter the repertoire of churches, I think their purpose will be served somewhere. Some songs are too contemporary for many churches, but some, contemporary or not, certainly deserve consideration in public worship, even in musically conservative churches with just a piano. Of the twelve songs, "We Delight", "Before There Was Time", "Thy Mercy", "Carry Your Love", and "Laden with Guilt" carry the greatest weight lyrically and echo many scriptural truths. "Laden with Guilt", with its powerful lyrics and well-matched tune, might be the best starting point for musically conservative churches. "God of Wonders" and "God Who Saves" would also lend themselves well to public worship. All twelve songs should be prayerfully considered.Overall, this is a wonderful release. Anyone seeking songs to direct their minds and hearts to God will be encouraged by both the lyrics and the music. Those worshipping in private will benefit immensely. Churches would do well to consider adding one of these songs to their repertoire."

An Awesome Worship Album!!!!

Bubbalicious1 | usa | 10/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'd never heard of Caedmon's Call before I stumbled upon the track "Before There Was Time" on the internet (God bless file-sharing). That song got me completely hooked. I'd rate this CD 10 stars if I could. The lyrics of many of the songs on this album are simple and straightforward, yet beautiful all the same, and the music itself is more acoustic than anything, but in no way boring. The simple, falling-on-your-knees, crying-out-to-God type of praise that so many bands can't seem to produce is all over this thing, evident in songs like "God Who Saves" and "Thy Mercy." But "Oh Lord Your Love" is by far the most beautiful, tear-jerking song on this CD. It reminds us that no matter how we are feeling or what we are going through, God's love for us will never fade away. Even if you don't normally like blues/folk-rock music, this CD is one definitely worth adding to your collection."