Search - Chris Rice :: Run the Earth Watch the Sky

An Early Contender for Favorite Album of the Year

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 03/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a die hard Chris Rice fan since his first CD came out. I've noticed something, however. Each of his CD's takes awhile to grow on me. Not sure why that is, but I never like it right from the start. This CD is an exception. I've been listening to it from the day it came out and I can't seem to get enough of it.The CD opens with the first radio release, "The Other Side of the Radio," which talks about the connection we have because of these songs. Yes, it's not at all deep, but it's a fun song anyway."Everything's Ok" talks about how God uses people to brighten our mood when everything seems wrong with the world."Nonny Nonny" includes the CD's title in its chorus. While it takes a nostalgic look back at childhood, it also looks forward to all the time in eternity with the one who has given us so many pleasant things on earth."Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)" is a reminder that at every point in our spiritual journey we need Jesus."Smile" is the cry of a heart longing to be with God. The first time through, it reminded me of "Missing You" from Past the Edges, and on repeated listenings, I caught a couple lines from that song in the background."8th Grade," the other nostalgic song on the CD, takes nostalgia and twists it on its ear, reminding us that the God who got us through the past will get us through the future as well."My Cathedral" and "Wonder" both are songs praising the Creator for his creation."Me and Becky" is a catchy tune that reminds us we need to get out of our comfort zones to share the Gospel with those who aren't Christians."Spare an Angel" is a haunting prayer to God to comfort a friend in need.And finally, "Circle Up" closes the CD with a picture of all of us praising God in Heaven.Going over this CD again, I was struck by how many wonder truths are in these songs. Chris Rice has grown as a man and songwriter in the time between CD's.I wish the gap between this CD and his last one hadn't been so long, but if this mature, thought provoking CD is the result, I'll take it. I can't say enough good things about it and will be enjoying it for quite some time to come."

Awesome album!

Soozie4Him | Chicago suburbs | 10/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love all of Chris Rice's CDs. I wasn't disappointed with this newest one. "The Other Side of the Radio" was the first radio single, which came out months before the album. This is a fun song you can sing along too, and shows Chris Rice's heart - he is a humble man who doesn't have a swelled head despite his great success in the Christian music business. Chris Rice was the artist that Michael W Smith started Rocketown Records with back in 1997. Michael heart Chris's music and knew that he was the one to start this label with. Chris joined the new record label on the condition that he would still be able to spend a lot of time doing his first calling - working with kids at youth camps. All the songs on this album are great - "Circle Up" is the perfect "camp song", with a tune that will stick in your head for a long time. My favorite song on the album is "Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)". The songs on this CD run the gamut from humorous and lots of fun to deeply contemplative. And they will ALL point you to Jesus! I highly recommend all of Chris's albums! Please check out my other reviews of Christian music and books."

Thanks Chris, you have done it again

B. Bolyard | 03/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was about three years ago that I was introduced to the music of Chris Rice, when my brother-in-law let me borrow a copy of "Deep Enough to Dream". I was greatly affected by the profound and poetic music in that cd. Since then, I have followed Chris' music closely, and I have never been disappointed. His straightforward, yet poignant and heartfelt lyrics lead the listener to think of God, Christ, and life in general in a different way than they may be used to.
Like his most recent release, "Smell the Color 9", "Run the Earth and Watch the Sky" continues with a healthy mixture of driving, catchy upbeat tunes, and more reflective, quiet piano-based ballads. Without running down a description of every single song, let me just say that if you enjoy any of Chris Rice's previous releases, you will really enjoy this one too.
If your only exposure to Chris is "Cartoon Song", or "The Other Side of the Radio", -check this cd out, because there is a whole lot more excellent Chris Rice music that is never played on the radio! Enjoy."