Chris Tomlin Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
The title of the follow-up to 2006's See the Morning refers to the core of worship services -- the expression of love for God. Hello Love is a call for worship services to focus back on that core message. Throughout his meteoric rise, Chris Tomlin was frequently quoted as saying that his goal has always been to create worship music that was accessible by the greatest audience and was the most appropriate for congregations to participate in. He has never claimed to be the first to put his thoughts into song, yet clearly Tomlin has reached new listeners and broadened the church's base with his simplistic yet catchy arrangements. Hello Love finds him again embracing riffs that make for easy singalongs, such as on "Jesus Messiah" and "Praise the Father, Praise the Son." Only slightly less memorable than his previous two albums, Hello Love would still be considered a feather in the cap of any artist's discography. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It's quite possible that Chris Tomlin's fourth studio album is the one that firmly seals his place as the ultimate innovator in praise & worship music. His first three solo efforts (plus 2005's Live from Austin Music Hall) had effectively made his name synonymous with the subgenre that directs songs to God, not just about Him. Tomlin's confident, clear vocals are at their pinnacle, as is his songwriting and collaboration, and his backing band does a superb job rounding out the dense sound. Producer Ed Cash returns at the controls to lend the album a transparent sheen that gives it a final sense of accessibility. There are no low points; each track consistently evokes adoration. Tomlin tried out the first single (the contagiously buoyant "Made to Worship") and several others while touring in support of Arriving, his extremely well-received effort from 2004. Surprisingly it's the mid-tempo numbers like "Everlasting God" and "Let Your Mercy Rain" that define the sound on See the Morning, not the electrifying crowd-pleasers like "Let God Arise" and "Awesome Is the Lord Most High." Tomlin closes the album with a brilliantly personal arrangement of "Amazing Grace," penning a new bridge that fits well with the time-honored poetry of the original. Like labelmate and fellow Texan David Crowder, Tomlin injects just a hint of his down-home roots into an otherwise rock-centric sound. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
'Live from Austin Music Hall'
Release Date 12/27/2005
Tracks 8
Label Sparrow
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Chris Tomlin's worship songs lend themselves so naturally to singalongs that a live album was an appropriate next step after the colossal success of 2004's Arriving. Live from Austin Music Hall hoped to capture what over 117,000 people experienced during 27 sellout shows on his headlining Indescribable tour. The set led off with the song for which the tour is named, and a quick response from the crowd showed affection for the man who has made modern worship more accessible than ever. Tomlin worked through a short, tailored set that to his credit included at least two of his lesser-known tunes ("On Our Side" and "This Is Our God," the latter of which featured guest vocalist and labelmate David Crowder). There are no real surprises anywhere, but the concert does give a better glimpse of Tomlin's musicianship. Music Hall is a suitable effort that, like 90-percent of live music, makes a perfect addition for fans yet an inadequate introduction for new listeners. For those unfamiliar with Tomlin's work, Arriving provides a better starting point. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Singer and songwriter Chris Tomlin released his debut studio project, Not to Us, in September 2002. Known for his work on WOW Worship and Passion: Our Love Is Loud, Tomlin offers listeners pop- and rock-influenced praise & worship. Lyrically, the ten songs focus on Tomlin's conviction that God is the center of everything. When asked about the release and its purpose, Tomlin says, "God is a mystery beyond our comprehension. We can't figure God out. He won't be boxed in. He's bigger than all our questions and bigger than our answers...People are not meant to be worshiped because we're always going to mess up. Our culture longs to ascribe value to so many things that aren't of God, so anytime we can focus on God, and through that help people do the same, we're doing what we were put here for. And that's a powerful thing" (Sparrow Records). Musically, the album contains a live sound, resembling Tomlin's work on Passion: Our Love Is Loud. And while the album does not uniquely set itself apart from other worship projects, it is a strong and accessible collection of songs. Tracks include "Famous One," "Wonderful Maker," and "Come, Let Us Worship." ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
