Even Barry Bonds misses a pitch now and then, so let's cut Steven Curtis Chapman a little slack with the less-than-spectacular All About Love. After all, Chapman is riding an incredible wave of success on the heels of back... more »-to-back brilliant releases, Speechless and Declaration. But this follow-up to the dynamic duo finds Chapman touting a collection of "true love" songs that are noble in intent but stylistically drab, including a perplexing cover of the Proclaimers' 1980s hit "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." It's not all flat, though. The title track, "How Do I Love Her," and "Moment Made for Worshipping" are classic Chapman with lyrical contemporary references balanced against age-old wisdom, all buoyed by lively guitar-driven rock. But the remainder of the release seems all too common for an artist who has previously set the bar much higher. --Michael Lyttle« less
Even Barry Bonds misses a pitch now and then, so let's cut Steven Curtis Chapman a little slack with the less-than-spectacular All About Love. After all, Chapman is riding an incredible wave of success on the heels of back-to-back brilliant releases, Speechless and Declaration. But this follow-up to the dynamic duo finds Chapman touting a collection of "true love" songs that are noble in intent but stylistically drab, including a perplexing cover of the Proclaimers' 1980s hit "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)." It's not all flat, though. The title track, "How Do I Love Her," and "Moment Made for Worshipping" are classic Chapman with lyrical contemporary references balanced against age-old wisdom, all buoyed by lively guitar-driven rock. But the remainder of the release seems all too common for an artist who has previously set the bar much higher. --Michael Lyttle
Jennifer C. (Ukinko) from AZLE, TX Reviewed on 5/26/2009...
Beautiful love songs from a Christian perspective.
Fresh new remake of 500 Miles.
There are some great wedding songs on here including I Will Be Here.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
CD Reviews
Portrait of a Loving Marriage
Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 02/07/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Over the years, Steven Curtis Chapman has become famous for many things, but one is the love songs for his wife he puts into every release. Now, he's decided to release a collection of nothing but love songs. It's not a best of, however, as 12 of the 16 tracks are completely new. And at over an hour, there's plenty of material here.The songs range in topic and cover every aspect of a relationship from friendship ("We Belong Together") to physical ("With Every Little Kiss"). Along the way he also discusses the struggles of any relationship ("How Do I Love Her") and the joy that Mary Beth has brought into his life (the cute "11-6-64"). Among the covers are a new version of his wedding classic "I Will Be Here" and a fun cover of The Proclaimer's "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" that I really enjoy. The notes inside the CD give a very personal picture of Steven and Mary Beth's relationship that add a whole other level to the music on the disc.Personally, this CD hasn't reached me the same way his other CD's have because I'm not married. Still, he deserves a lot of credit for tackling a subject very seldom seen in Christian music and for the honesty he brings to the table. Not his best, but still well worth checking out. I'm enjoying it and don't regret buying it for a minute."
Very Cool -- even for singles!
Mark Baker | 02/10/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I knew I would buy it. I'm a huge fan of SCC and have been since about 1989 when I heard his first 2 albums. His music has been a gift from God in many different circumstances. BUT although I knew I would buy the album, I wasn't sure if I would like it. I'm single and didn't know if I could enjoy & relate to the words. But the songs are great musically and I am now on my 5th listen in 24 hours. This CD will stay in my player for a long time and each time I hear it, it will help & remind me to pray for couples I am close to.It's up there with Steven's best albums, and the liner notes by Steven & Mary Beth added a great dimension in terms of being able to really understand the meaning behind the lyrics. I strongly disagree with the reviewer who thinks Steven has sold out or gone "worldly" with this release. As he said in one of his interviews about this album, his marriage & family life is the area that most challenges him to really live out his faith and helps him see his selfishness and need of Jesus. These songs flow out of the prayer he has poured into his marriage and it is deeply spiritual. Thanks Steven & Mary Beth for sharing your hearts with us and being willing to model a Christ-centered marriage in a culture where marriage is under attack."
Why you should Buy this CD!
Mark Baker | 02/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anyone that is familiar with Steven Curtis Chapman (SCC) knows why they should purchase this CD. Anyone who is not familiar with SCC, this is why you should purchase this CD. If you are in love, ever been in love, or hope to be in love again, this is the CD for you. Just as it says in the title, "It's All About Love". SCC hits the bullseye with his powerful lyrics and his musical talent that is off the charts. From his "rootsy" sound found in rocking songs like "All About Love" and "With Every Little Kiss" to his tender hearted ballads like "I will Be Here" and "I Will Take Care of You" SCC weaves the listener through various emotions involved with love. Furthermore, SCC reminds us that love is about more than just how feel about our significant other, but about our children, our family, and most importantly our relationship with God. This is an awesome CD and a must have for SCC fans and a great collection starter for those who want to know more about love and about this gift of talent known as Steven Curtis Chapman!"
A Surprisingly 'Lovely' Album!
David Trout | Oak Lawn, IL United States | 02/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Steven Curtis Chapman is at his best in two ways: (1) his fun-loving pop anthems (e.g. "Dive," "The Great Adventure," "Live Out Loud," etc.) and (2) his deep & thought provoking ballads (e.g. "God is God," "Be Still and Know," "Free," etc). I expected to lose both of these elements on his CD "All About Love," but I was wrong. You're definitely going to find some toe-tapping crowd-pleasing pop songs (Title track, "You've Got Me," "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)," "With Every Little Kiss," etc.) as well as some incredibly deep ballads about faith, love, & marriage ("Holding a Mystery," "We Will Dance," "Echoes of Eden" etc). Here are my highlights of this album: "11-6-64" is a cute song about what a 2-yr-old boy might have been doing on the date his wife was born; "How Do I Love Her" is a beautiful prayer asking God for wisdom in caring for his wife; "Moment Made for Worshipping" is the bookend of the album and an encouragement that we can honor God best when we love our spouse and children well. This album surprised me... and it will go down as one of (if not) the best collections of Christian love songs ever! I recommend going on a road trip with your spouse and crank this album up. In one hour, you will fall more in love and be more deeply connected to your spouse without even saying a word to each other. I did it... it works... it's amazing! Way to go Steven!"
Love all about love
J. Solem | Omaha, Nebraska United States | 01/30/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What the "World" would have us believe is that Steven Curtis Chapman's new album is a step towards the pop mainstream and one step away from his Christian roots. Couldn't be farther from the truth. This is not a secular album. His love of the Lord comes shining throughout the album. His terrific uptempo numbers "All about love", "Your side of the world" and "We belong together" all contain his signature guitar driven sound. A truly great relationship cd."