Erin B. from WASHINGTON, DC Reviewed on 8/7/2006...
Good lyrics and music by a Christian artist--a little too poppy for my personal taste though.
CD Reviews
Gentle, Evocative Folk-Rock From Arends Is Simply Excellent!
04/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are looking for an artist who will speak to your heart in poetically challenging and musically uplifting ways, look no further than "This Much I Understand." Full of emotion and ephiphany, masterfully produced, and wonderfully arranged, this is the total package of musical excellence. There's not one "average" cut on this CD. Every song is solid, beautiful, and masterfully vocalized as only Arends can do it. From the rockingly realistic "Life Is Long" to the inspirational "In Good Hands" to the wistful "Love You Out Loud," each offering is both produced and performed in a way that will move you. In a word, it's not only her best -- it's one of THE best I've ever heard. I'll put it this way: If this work doesn't light your fire, you're wood is all wet! Don't waste any time at all getting your hands on this one!"
Music For The Heart And Soul
M. A. Justice | United States | 07/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
""This Much I Unerstand" finds Carolyn in a different mood than her previous "Feel Free" album. The music in this collection is more soothing and reflective. There are a few tracks that deserve special notice. "The Day Will Never Come" is a love song that praises enduring love in relationships. In "Surprised By Joy" Carolyn recognizes the blessings of God in the large and small things of life. "In Between" is the liveliest song on this CD. The song points out that daily decisions have a way of forming our character. "This Much I Understand" is a musical window for the soul. The songs are so personal that you realize she is singing the lyrics from her heart. It is the personal quality that makes this album so enjoyable."
She's done it again!
A. Grace | Michigan | 01/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Another winner from Carolyn Arends! My mom predicted that with the birth of Benjamin, Carolyn's perspective was going to change and it was going to affect her songwriting--and as usual, my mom was right. "We've Been Waiting for You" could only be written from a new mom's heart; it has touching music and even more touching lyrics. This CD is more rock than the debut, but more folk than "Feel Free." A few minus points-- the musical interpretation of "Even the Wallflowers" is a little too bouncy, and "Go with God" and "One Syllable Words" sound quite a bit like "Do We Dare" and "What I Wouldn't Give," respectively. But that's not enough to hurt the rating of four big stars (especially since I really like the music of the sound-alikes!). Keep up the great work, Carolyn!"
Ooops.
A. Grace | 05/05/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Wish I had previewed this before buying it. I have no problems with artists changing things around and mixing it up, but I was unprepared for a step back. This sounds like the album that should have come out BEFORE "Feel Free". No doubt this woman can write a great lyric, but it's not nearly as good as "Feel Free"."
Really, really, really good!
A. Grace | 03/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Arends' "This Much I Understand" is unbelievaby good. It feels like your musically-gifted best friend called you over to her house, plopped you down on the couch, picked up a guitar (and dragged out an AWESOME band) and shared with you her spirit, her fears, her hard-earned wisdom, her love and her God. Several tracks hit me right in the gut, especially "Happy," "Love You Out Loud" and most especially "We've Been Waiting for You," which has, in only three days, become my favorite CA song. Her musical expression and poetic lyricism have never been stronger--this song gives me chills and makes me tear up even after listening to it for days. A true treasure!"