Geoff Moore and Steven Curtis Chapman are close friends as well as accomplished musicians who excel in writing and performing a heady brand of Christian rock. While many have heard of Chapman, many others need to hear Moor... more »e on his latest album, a superb collection of music that runs the gamut between quiet and introspective ("The Artist" and "Come as You Are") to loud and raucous ("Every Word You Say" and "A Beautiful Sound"). The in-between moments on A Beautiful Sound are just as pleasant, with "God Believes in You," "Surrounded," and the worship-oriented "All I Want." Lyrically, Moore paints vivid pictures of folks in heavenly need and how those needs are met every day. His study in generational faith--the masterful "The Keeper" from his days with the Distance and co-written with Chapman--closes the release with resounding success. Unlike his slightly disappointing self-titled solo debut, Moore flexes his musical muscle to support a most worthwhile effort. --Michael Lyttle« less
Geoff Moore and Steven Curtis Chapman are close friends as well as accomplished musicians who excel in writing and performing a heady brand of Christian rock. While many have heard of Chapman, many others need to hear Moore on his latest album, a superb collection of music that runs the gamut between quiet and introspective ("The Artist" and "Come as You Are") to loud and raucous ("Every Word You Say" and "A Beautiful Sound"). The in-between moments on A Beautiful Sound are just as pleasant, with "God Believes in You," "Surrounded," and the worship-oriented "All I Want." Lyrically, Moore paints vivid pictures of folks in heavenly need and how those needs are met every day. His study in generational faith--the masterful "The Keeper" from his days with the Distance and co-written with Chapman--closes the release with resounding success. Unlike his slightly disappointing self-titled solo debut, Moore flexes his musical muscle to support a most worthwhile effort. --Michael Lyttle
"I have been a fan of Geoff Moore's music since his "Distance" days. His debut solo effort, "Geoff Moore", showed that he was a formidable artist on his own. He continues this with "Beautiful Sound". I have to say I like this CD more each time I listen to it. The themes that Geoff Moore keeps coming back to--the wonder of God's creation, the evidence of God around us, his love of family and his joy in expressing his love for God are straight forward and still poetic. Standouts to me are Beautiful Sound, The Artist, Swept Away which talks about the love of his newly adopted daughter and also a simple tune that really grows on you, "God Believes in You". Getting some radio-play is "All I Want" which I heard Geoff perform at a concert in Rockford a few months before the release of this album. I'm a little surprised that Moore's music doesn't get more attention from radio stations, but maybe that's because it's hard to classify his music into one specific Christian genre. If you want to listen to just plain good music, with a wonderful message, and delivered by a unique voice--listen to Geoff Moore, both in his debut CD and this new release. And if you get a chance, try to see him perform live. His genuine love of God and his passion for life and his music are truly evident--and he has a great sense of humor!"
More great songs from Moore
Brad | Minnesota | 03/27/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Geoff Moore's new album continues the great songwriting we have come to expect. "Beautiful Sound" "Surrounded" and "Fall down" are a few of the standout songs. I don't think I have ever heard a song that expresses the wonder of the world around us as Geoff Moore does in "The Artist". Mostly mid-tempo record but by no means dull. If you have heard Geoff Moore's other material and like it then this will not disappoint."
I always want more, more, Moore!
A. Grace | Michigan | 05/30/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This release regains some of the grit that characterized Mr. Moore's last recording with the Distance ("Threads"), the grit that he shelved in favor of a more folkish sound for his solo debut. Split nearly fifty-fifty between rockin'-to-mid-tempo tunes and ballads, the CD overall is a musical bridge between the self-titled solo and the Distance days. Does this herald a return to rock and a phasing out of folk? I, for one, don't really care which direction Mr. Moore takes his music--I'll be a fan either way. My concern with this release lies not in the music, but in the lyrics. I cringed when I read the track list, seeing that even Geoff Moore has embraced song titles that have become Christian cliches ("All I Want," "Come As You Are"). Considering Moore's brilliance as a songwriter who has penned some of the most creative Christian songs around ("Home Run," "Evolution, Redefined," "String around My Finger," I could use the rest of my 1000-word limit listing songs!), I could only hope he wasn't losing that creative edge! Well, if songs like "The Artist" are any indication, he hasn't lost a thing. What a unique look at God as Creator, a strong subject that Mr. Moore returns to again and again, always with great results. This CD is certainly only a taste of the greatness to come, as long as he steers clear of cliched Christianity. Overall, despite some reliance on the trite, both music and lyrics work well together. This is a worthy release from a talented veteran of Christian music who never ceases to be both pleasing and thought-provoking."
Moore combines rock and roll with easy listening
Phil Pendleton | Lancaster, Kentucky | 08/09/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Contrary to popular belief, (from most reviews that I have read on here and in other publications)this is NOT Geoff Moore's second solo effort. It's actually his 5th. Before Moore banded up with The Distance and recorded "A Place to Stand" in the late 80's, Moore recorded 3 solo records for the now defunct "power discs" label. 2 of those records you could say where "rock" albums, "Over the Edge" and "The Distance." After Moore's successful stint with his band "The Distance" he released his first solo record ON FOREFRONT records which was made up of mostly adult contemporary sounding tunes. The good news for most long time G. Moore fans like myself, you get "a return to rock and roll" on this disc. But if you don't like Moore's rock edge, you should still buy this disc, because there's at least 5 or 6 songs that you can classify as adult contemporary or acoustic pop. So Moore put out an album to please ALL his fans, from those who liked his rock edge to those who appreciate more of his softer songs."