Search - Crystal Lewis :: See

Crystal's Best Album Yet!!

Angela | Ohio | 06/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Redefining The Boundaries Of Christian Music". That is the selling slogan for Crystal Lewis' latest gem, See. All it takes is one listen and you will see why.

In an age when Christian music is seemingly becoming more about the music itself than the message of Christianity, Crystal Lewis has struck a balance with the two that few others can. The message is most certainly here in every song. And with smooth grooves, powerful vocals, and even a little rock and roll, Crystal sings boldly about our Savior and living that Christian life as well. The album starts with the very pleasant sounding "So Happy" which is about being thrilled just knowing Jesus. It has a very upbeat pop sound that leads nicely into the second track "Just Sing" which rocks like the some of the heavy metal songs of the 80s. It's an uplifting song about just singing during hard times in life because they will pass soon anyway. Then there is the song "Beautiful Savior" which is very much a worship song but with a slow R & B sound. Another standout track on this album is "YTT", an upbeat R & B type song about trusting in God yesterday, today and tomorrow, even if you are unsure yourself of whether your life is going where you think it should. Then there is "Learn To Fly" which is singing basically the same idea but taking it a step farther by striving to do as much as you can with where God leads you. It has a very pleasant pop music sound that is uplifting and inspiring.

The final track on this album, "My Emmanuel" is definitely the most powerful song out of all of them. It is a ballad that feels like it takes you on a journey...showing you that through the many dark storms of life and even the peaceful moments in the sunshine, God is ALWAYS with us. He is always watching over us. It is an extreme comfort to listen to this song and it leaves you with those thoughts long after the music stops that God IS with us, always.

Crystal Lewis' "See" really does redefine the boundaries of Christian music. In fact, I would say it takes them back to where they were long ago. It stays clearly focused on what Christian music is really all about and she sums it up well in the biblically based song "Think About It" when she sings: Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is true, whatever is worthy, think about it...

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Lewis "See(s)" A Greater Divine Picture

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 06/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: My Emmanuel, Never Alone, Learn to Fly



Unlike most Contemporary Christian artist, the sound of Crystal Lewis embodies no bounds. This Californian native has the uncanny ability to synthesize pop, rock, r&b funk and dance into an amalgam state-of-the-art sound that is distinctive and awe-inspiring. Celebrating 20 years in the music industry and five years after her brief foray into hip hop on the misstep "Fearless," "See" is the first album of all new material. Propitiously, "See" picks up where her previous classics such as "Gold" and "Beauty For Ashes" have left off. However, Lewis has also filtered the more successful elements from her "Fearless" CD and impinged upon them to great effect on this new disc. This includes handing the production chores to Jyro Xhan; Xhan has left his deft ambient/electronic touch that is rejuvenating without being overbearing. Further, with the overarching theme of how Christ enables us to see both physically and spiritually life in its abundance, "See" is a thematically focused album.



For admirers of Lewis' melismatic vocals the power ballad "Never Alone" is indeed this album's highlight. On this self-penned ballad Lewis soars to great outbursts of trust in the omnipotence of God making this truly one of those heart-warming moments. Lewis' performance here truly is par excellence. More understated is the r&b old school ballad "Think About It." With a throwback melodic riff to the 70s soul, "Think About It" grooves along effortlessly with a message of sanctifying our thoughts that is such an indispensable message today. Ranking loftily with some of her classic ballads such as "For Such a Time as This" and "Only Fools," "My Emmanuel" celebrates the presence of God that is lyrically poignant and melodically superior. Long after the song is over, the comforting refrain "God is watching me" still rings with an affecting assurance. This is indeed music that matters.



On the uptempo side, the album opener "So Happy" has a driving melody propelled by some funky guitars. Emitting an exuberant joy that can only come from a regenerated heart, "Just Sing" finds a Lewis animating the truth of this tune's lyrics about not worrying vocally in spades. Corollary to "Just Sing," is the popish "Learn to Fly" that has framed the message of Christian liberty with an extremely catchy pop tune. Given the right promotion, this could be monumental hit for this former Dove Award winner.



However, there are a few tarnishes on an otherwise lustrous project. Xhan's dance-oriented "YTT (Yesterday Today and Tomorrow)" is on the mundane side; ditto to "Get Up" too. Also, with only a mere 10 tracks, Lewis could have included a couple more ballads. Nevertheless, "See" finds Lewis back in great form. And more importantly, these tunes will definitely challenge us to "see" the sovereignty of God in greater sublimity and amenity."

Magnificent

Sina | MICHIGAN | 06/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I will admit that while I was disappointed in the lack of tracks, I also had to let some of the songs grow on me. I am used to the old Crystal style, but after I stopped being a brat I was able to embrace and enjoy her creativity! I love the album and am blessed by her gift and ability to minister through music to all people!"