Selah Albums (7)
What The Critics Say
Time after time, inspirational stalwarts Selah refuse to fix what ain't broken. You could transfer the trio's entire discography to an iPod, put the device on shuffle mode, and not know where each song belongs in their trajectory. And Selah would rather have it that way: You Deliver Me, their sixth full-length in a decade, bears all the hallmarks of past glories: serene piano-based hymns, inspirational ballads, the occasional barnstorming praise song, and, of course, the requisite African-tinged number. Play for play, this is the Selah that has sold more than two million albums, won award after award, and declined to pander to CCM's worldly fluctuations. There's one exception, and it's bound to leave fans nonplussed: inexplicably, Selah decided to take Brooke Fraser's "Hosanna," a popular Hillsong anthem, and do absolutely nothing with it: it's a near replica of the original, an alterna-rock piece that, save for some vocal interplay between Todd Smith and Amy Perry, sounds completely out of character for the threesome. Barring that, Selah is perhaps the only unoriginal true original left in Christian music, a group that sticks to its classic guns while everyone else chases the latest flavor of the moment. ~ Andree Farias, All Music Guide
'Bless the Broken Road: The Duets Album'
Release Date 6/13/2006
Tracks 12
Label Curb
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
On its fourth recording, Selah don't step far from their unusual yet successful formula of marrying traditional hymns to contemporary pop and blue-eyed R&B arrangements, African folk songs, Irish melodies, and modern-day praise & worship songs. Siblings Todd Smith and Nicol Sponberg were born to missionaries and raised in central Africa, while Allan Hall was reared in Nashville. The trio met at Belmont College and recorded their first album, Be Still My Soul, for $2000. The rest is history: They've earned four Dove Awards and played Carnegie Hall, as well as holding the dubious distinction of playing on political evangelist Pat Robertson's 700 Club program. Hiding Place's best moments are in its traditional songs, such as "Essengo," a Congolese folk song sung in Kituba, while the old nugget "By and By" is arranged as a chanted African singalong, making it fresh and interesting. However, the trio's attempt at a funky rock arrangement -- which may be edgy for conservative churchgoers -- is almost laughably bad as pop music. The arrangement of "Through It All" is respectable, but largely because Sponberg finally cuts loose a little, thanks to being prodded by a host of real gospel singers in the background. Also, it is interesting to note that Selah's "Irish" tune, "You Raise Me Up," is actually about as new age a Celtic melody and arrangement as is possible to put on tape. As a marketing gimmick, each member gets a solo track tagged on as a bonus at the end of the set to promote upcoming solo projects (all to be released simultaneously). Ultimately, it comes down to whether you dig this group on a basic level or not. If you do, this will be another delight. If you find Selah's music rather bland, Hiding Place will do nothing to change your view. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The vocal trio Selah, a group known for their ability to transform traditional hymns into breathtaking contemporary pieces, released their sophomore album, Press On, in 2001. Composed of brother and sister Todd and Nicol Smith plus friend Allan Hall, the Curb recording artists offer moving vocal arrangements and harmonies, which include Nicol Smith's deep, rich voice, reminiscent of Ashley Cleveland. The project features a number of hymns, such as "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace." Definite highlights are the title song, "Wonderful, Merciful Savior," and "Were You There." ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Slight African sensibilities creep into the gospel stylings of Selah on their debut album, Be Still My Soul -- especially on the lead single "Bika Mono Ve/It Is Well With My Soul." ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
