Steven Curtis Chapman - This Moment

Producer: Matt Bronleewe & Steven Curtis Chapman
Record Label: Sparrow Records
Website: http://www.stevencurtischapman.com

Can you believe that Steven Curtis Chapman has been doing this for over 20 years? 2During that time, Chapman has released album after album that continued to build on his already strong and steady reputation as one of the biggest artists to ever grace the Christian music stage. He’s released a greatest hits album, numerous compilations, two Christmas albums, live recordings, and a valentines record for his wife. It seemed that Chapman may have started to lose his grip as Christian music’s biggest star with the release of 2004’s All Things New. Many people applauded Chapman’s risk taking, but ultimately, the album fell flat among fans who really just wanted more of the same. The critic in me always cringes when the artist fails to show any kind of artistic growth - but at the same time - the fan in me can see why people don’t want their artist to change. However, Chapman had kind of plateau-ed in terms of musicality between his last few releases before All Things News. Unfortunately, All Things News felt like such a departure to fans that they didn’t accept the album well, but it didn’t do enough as far as critics were concerned. It seems that SCC has realized that the old mantra - “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” - is probably true more often than not. This Moment basically picks up where Declaration left off - completely disregarding All About Love and All Things New. This album is classic Steven Curtis Chapman. Everything you’ve come to love and expect from the singer/songwriter is proudly reflected in this album. There’s the quirky pop/rock numbers ("Children of God”, “Definition of Me") and the soaring pop anthems ("Yours", “Miracle of the Moment"). He also touches the heart of the listener as well with his touching ballads ("One Heartbeat at a Time” and “Cinderella"). SCC doesn’t stay tried and true all the time, as “You Are Being Loved” is modern rock at it’s finest, and Chapman pulls it off exceptionally well, while “Definition of Me” features a strong piano accompaniment that is popular in today’s mainstream music. Overall, This Moment probably won’t be remembered as one of Chapman’s finest releases like Signs of Life, Speechless, or Declaration - but it is a nice return to form the singer/songwriter with just enough experimentation for the critic and fan in me to be happy.

Purchase This Moment.

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Great review! You said everything I couldn’t put into words. You hit this nail square on the head! Glad to see SCC gain back the momentum he had going with Declaration. Lets just hope it’s not another 3 years before we see if he will continue in this vein.

Commented by On 10/29/2007

Reader Comments

All Things New was a departure? How? In my opinion, it was a complete non-departure which is why the title All Things New was somewhat to very ironic. The only difference between All Things New and Declaration was that All Things New’s songs weren’t up to par.

Aside from that, I can agree with your review. The album is a great album...not as good as Speechless or Signs of Life (but better than Declaration by my estimation) Although, some of your comments such as “...a strong piano accompaniment that is popular in today’s mainstream music” seem a little trite and without backstory. I mean, what piano accompaniment is popular right now? The Fray? Ben Folds? Give a bit of explanation. As a reviewer, you don’t get to say what you want for the sake of it. Or your reviewing will quickly be written off as crap.

But, thanks for the reviews...just keep working at it.

You’ll get it some day.

Commented by Rick On 11/08/2007

Reader Comments

Thanks for leaving comments. A review of a review is always fun reading.

Commented by On 11/08/2007

Reader Comments

Some people don’t understand the idea of a review, Chris. Don’t worry, it just appears they don’t grasp the concept of constructive criticism.

Commented by Aaron On 11/08/2007

Reader Comments

No worries here. It’s not the first time a review of mine was reviewed. I’m sure it won’t be the last.

Commented by On 11/08/2007

Reader Comments

I apologize if you didn’t enjoy the constructive criticism and in re-reading what I said before, I perhaps came across a little down...I enjoy most of your reviews...I’ve just never commented before. I was reading some of your past reviews and noticed this one. So, I should I have commented positively first before negatively. For that I apologize.

I’ve enjoyed music for a long time, and admit I haven’t written many reviews myself, so I do not claim to know how to write reviews personally...but when I do read reviews I love to read something that comes across as professional and unbiased. Your comments here definitely do not come across as biased...but they do come across as not quite professional. That was my point. I’m sorry I didn’t word it as well as I could’ve. I’m not a reviewer or a writer...just a music lover. I gave my 2 cents.

I apologize for any inconvenience.

Commented by Rick On 11/08/2007

Reader Comments

No need to apologize. I just wish your IP address was as anonymous as you think you’re being right now.

Best of luck in your future plans.

Commented by On 11/08/2007

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Steven Curtis Chapman - This Moment
Written: 10/23/2007
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Category: CDs
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