Twila Paris Albums (19)
What The Critics Say
In March 2003, singer/songwriter Twila Paris released House of Worship, her first full worship album since her 1991 project, Sanctuary. Although the album could be seen as a reaction to the prevalence of worship projects in Christian music at the time of its release, House of Worship is a continuation of Paris' lengthy ministry, one that has been marked by worship songs throughout the years. Of the project, Paris says, "I love that these songs have been born in this season in which God has been reigniting a passion for worship in His people -- preparing us for something...I pray that more than ever God will lead each of us into a place of true worship, that we will encounter His presence and power and that His desire will be accomplished in us." The album features ten new songs as well as two new versions of the well-loved classics "We Bow Down" and "We Will Glorify." Highly piano-oriented, the release can best be described as simple, yet moving. The album's production tends toward organic, not striving to dazzle listeners with innovative approaches, instead seeking to draw them into worship through simplicity. Songs include "God of All," "For Eternity," and "Christ in Us." Paris' voice continues to achieve greater maturity with each release. Her vocals are bathed in what seems a contradiction: confident humility. While her voice comes across as confident and strong because of years of experience and faithful use, at the same time her vocals contain a gentle humbleness as she acknowledges her need for God through song. In the end, the album is namely a testament of who God is. It is Paris' proclamation of the purpose and need for worship: "God uses worship to heal us, to win battles in the spiritual realm, to draw those who don't know Him, to encourage His children to refocus, to prepare, to realign our priorities...and ultimately to change us and make us more like Him. But all these reasons are secondary. Worship is not about what we get out of it. At the end of the day, we only need one reason. We worship Him because He is worthy. We worship Him for who He is...And if no other reason existed, that would be enough." ~ Ashleigh Kittle Slater, All Music Guide
'Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies and Peaceful Worship'
Release Date 3/27/2001
Tracks 12
Label Sparrow
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What The Critics Say
While singer and songwriter Twila Paris' albums have employed musical styles ranging from inspirational hymns to adult contemporary songs, each project has targeted a broad audience and not catered to any particular group. However, with Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies and Peaceful Worship, Paris has specifically geared the album toward new mothers and young children. Her aim being to assist parents in teaching their children Biblically based foundational truths that can be carried with them the rest of their lives. The album is beautifully orchestrated, featuring Paris' trademark piano melodies paired with moderate tempos and the vocal vulnerability present on all she sings. Musically, it best reflects a blending of inspirational praise and worship with the gentle, soothing style associated with lullabies. The album's lyrics are poetically crafted, yet also simplified in an effort to make the songs' messages assessable to small children. Definite highlights include the song "Your Whole Life Long," which is a parent's prayer for their child, and "There Is Only One," reminding children of their uniqueness. ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
After detouring into more traditional gospel and hymn-oriented work, Twila Paris returns to the adult contemporary style for which she's best known, and which made 1996's Where I Stand her most popular record. True North is a solidly constructed record, aimed squarely at radio airplay and highlighted by a few strong, obvious singles, which help make up for the occasional lackluster track. There's no new ground broken here for Paris; it's just another fine album that will appeal to longtime fans. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
'Perennial: Songs for the Seasons of Life'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 11
Label Sparrow
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What The Critics Say
Perennial: Songs for the Seasons of Life is a sequel of sorts to Twila Paris' seminal 1991 album, Sanctuary, finding her weaving "blended" spiritual hymns that fuse traditional and contemporary styles. Essentially, the music is CCM, but there are strong elements of classic gospel and contemporary pop, making Perennial a fascinating listen. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Released in 1980 by Benson Music Group, Knowin' You're Around is the debut project from Christian music veteran Twila Paris. The singer and songwriter, responsible for penning the project's ten tracks, offers an album primarily composed of inspirational, borderline pop. Songs include the slightly jazz-flavored "Elijah" and the gentle piano ballad "Sing Me a Lullaby." ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
'Keepin' My Eyes on You'
Release Date 4/1/1996
Tracks 10
Label Benson
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What The Critics Say
Singer and songwriter Twila Paris' sophomore album Keepin' My Eyes on You was released in 1982 by Benson Music Group. The project, a combination of inspirational praise and worship and early Christian pop, features one of Paris' well-loved songs, "We Will Glorify." Overall, the release ranges from upbeat tempos in the title song to the soft, reflective piano melodies of "I Commit My Love to You." ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
