Steven Curtis Chapman Albums (18)
What The Critics Say
With nothing left to prove, Steven Curtis Chapman churned out another winning set of Christian pop tunes on his 17th studio album. You get the feeling that the man with the most Dove Awards in the history of the Gospel Music Association could write this stuff in his sleep. He's that good, and the tunes are that well done. This Moment finds him leaning in the same polished pop direction as his creative and popular Speechless era. It offers artists half his age a textbook for personable, polished, songwriting craft. You have a tender daddy-daughter tribute in "Cinderella," an ode to mothers ("One Heartbeat at a Time"), a worship anthem ("With One Voice"), an introspective rocker ("Broken"), and power pop with traces of punk ("You Are Being Loved"). Each of these, of course, represents a "moment" to which the album refers collectively as the reasons we ought to celebrate life. He even took his own advice and made the 50-date Live in This Moment Tour a family affair. His two sons Will Franklin (drums) and Caleb (guitar) joined the band on the road. Without a doubt, the ease and confidence with which Chapman crafts his gems is his enduring legacy. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The three-year gap between All Things New and This Moment was the longest space between studio albums for seasoned CCM singer Steven Curtis Chapman. Now and Then filled that gap, at least temporarily, by packaging together All Things New with his 1997 Greatest Hits collection. The pair makes an ample introduction to his earlier works, though fans may have seen it as a holding pattern. Still, one is hard-pressed to argue the quality and popularity of the material. This collection was not meant as a second greatest-hits package; after all, it doesn't represent the highly prolific and creative Speechless period. What can be observed by listening to these two albums back to back is a career that never had a weak point, never disappointed, and never failed to set the trends for contemporary Christian music. ~ Jared Johnson, All Music Guide
'All I Really Want for Christmas'
Release Date 9/27/2005
Tracks 14
Label Sparrow
See Album Tracklist and Review
'The Abbey Road Sessions/The Walk'
Release Date 3/29/2005
Tracks 7
Label Sparrow
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
No one can churn out the hooky CCM quite like Steven Curtis Chapman, whose 13th album is a beautifully crafted and unabashedly, unambiguously devout set of Christian pop songs that will appeal to his large following and maybe even convince a few from outside that circle to give him a listen. Longstanding fans may be surprised by the amount of piano he plays on these tracks -- guitar is his usual instrument, but he acquits himself nicely on the keys on songs like the title track and "Last Day on Earth"." Another slightly unusual element on this album is the thick layer of turntable scratching, courtesy of Ric Robbins, that fills in most of the empty sonic spaces on "Just Getting Started." Even when things threaten to get a bit dense and cluttered, though, Chapman's sweet melodic hooks manage to hold center stage; his lyrics generally manage to avoid both smugness and cuteness, frequently challenging his fellow Christians to examine critically both their lives and their commitment. The album ends with more of a whimper than a bang, with three slow numbers in a row: the rather saccharine "Angels Wish," the slightly more interesting "I Believe in You," and the much more rewarding "Treasure of Jesus." Recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
With two platinum and nine gold records Steven Curtis Chapman probably deserves to be cut some slack for personal projects. Instead of compromise though, the veteran performer refocuses in on the commitment of his 18- year marriage to his wife Mary Beth, and uses that as the nucleus for All About Love. It's an honest, passionately delivered disc that reflects a commitment to vows and his wife. "How Do I love Her" is a song laced with the beauty of a baby grand surrounded by simple bass notes and an acoustic guitar. The tune weaves a melody that's both sincere and fitting. Make it through "11-06-64" without a tear and you're much less emotional than most. Chapman's eloquence here is enriching, both lyrically and musically. The cut boasts the prominence of his wife's birthday, weaving a tapestry a la James Taylor. " I Will Be Here" is one of this release's most touching moments. The brilliance of Chapman's' lyrics are only matched by the beauty of the cut's sweeping strings. Regardless of the inspiration, it has to be difficult to write with one specific theme in mind. While still appealing, a few cuts seem a bit over-sweetened. Tunes like "Miracle of You" and "I'll Take Care of You" are examples of a mishmash of influences. At times, Frankie Vali, Pablo Cruise, and Harry Connick Jr. seem to be emulating from the tunes. Imagine finding 15 love songs on one collection without smut, sexuality, or blatant overtones. Steven Curtis Chapman delivers a lyrical batch of uplifting slants on commitment, passion, and worship that culminate in one beautiful message of love. ~ Steven Douglas Losey, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
As the United States of America marked the two-week anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, contemporary Christian music saw the release of Steven Curtis Chapman's 12th album simply entitled Declaration. The album's name is taken from the project's song "Declaration of Dependence," in which Chapman proclaims his utter reliance on God. It only seems fitting that a project with the intent of declaring everyone's need, as human beings, for dependence upon the Almighty would be offered in the wake of such tragic and horrific events. The Sparrow Records' project mirrors Chapman's previous three or four albums. It does not necessarily employ the precise styles of acoustic pop and CCM as its predecessors. However, the release reflects his past efforts in that Chapman appears to be re-inventing himself once again without losing the sound listeners have come to expect. With Dependence, Chapman continues to provide upbeat, and at times edgy, tracks that communicate clear messages of faith. Notable songs include the album's first radio single, "Live Out Loud," which references Regis Philbin, "Bring It On," and the poignant "Savior." ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Steven Curtis Chapman, Christian music's most awarded artist, returns with 1999's Speechless. Songs like the title track and "Drive" will please his fans, who have helped Chapman sell over four million albums, and win 38 Dove Awards and three Grammies. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In 1996, Sparrow Records released Steven Curtis Chapman's album Signs of Life. The guitar-driven, acoustic CCM project is a strong effort both musically and lyrically. From this album alone, Chapman garnered multiple chart-climbing radio singles including the folk-rock "Lord of the Dance" and the upbeat pop of "Let Us Pray." Also included are "Free," a song inspired by Chapman's work with Prison Fellowship Ministries, and the bluegrass-flavored track "The Walk." ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
