You'd think the sting of Rich Mullins's untimely death would lessen with time, but the latest collection of works from this prophetic, insightful songwriting genius makes it hurt all the more. Listening to Songs 2 a 16-track sampling from the latter years in Mullins's career, one realizes that contemporary Christian music not only lost a great songwriting talent, it lost part of its soul in that tragic 1997 auto accident. There are so many good moments and memories on this release that it's difficult to single out a high point. Better perhaps to spotlight the different facets of Mullins and his fantastic colleagues, the Ragamuffin Band. "Hope to Carry On" and "Somewhere" carry the energy and zeal that was so much a part of Mullins's approach to music. Maybe ol' Rich captured his magic best in the track "Here in America" when he sings "There's so much beauty around us for just two eyes to see / But everywhere I go I'm looking." Indeed. Any fan of music, regardless of genre, should appreciate the muse, the honesty, and the urgency of Mullins on Songs 2. --Michael Lyttle Amazon.com
 |  | Rich Mullins CD is a classic story with fresh new music |  |
Songs 2 the Rich Mullins Album has plenty to offer anyone who likes Christian based lyrical music. His melodies chime in perfectly with the awe-inspiring music. So many people overlook this CD as "just another Christian CD." They are wrong. This CD holds so many truths relevant even today, and as we listen along we feel God's mighty arm ever so graceful as it always has been guiding us along the right path. Don't overlook this CD, or any of his powerful lyrically driven musical talent given to him by God's grace. You'll love it.
September 9, 2008 | | Completely redundant, shamelessly capitalizing on his untimely death | |
While "Songs" could be forgiven as a contractual obligation to the record label (the typical filler album of "greatest hits," plus at least one previously unreleased track to get longtime fans to buy it), "Songs 2" was released posthumously in an attempt to rake in the money before Rich faded from memory (cynical, I know, but don't forget that the Christian music industry is a business first). There is nothing in this particular collection that you cannot find elsewhere, and therefore no reason to spend the money.
Rich was a gifted artist and an amazing man. A flawed man who nonetheless demonstrated pistis. There are still lessons to be learned from the way he allowed the Gospel to transform his life. I cannot recommend his music highly enough, particularly "a Liturgy, a Legacy & a Ragamuffin Band" and "the World As Best As I Remember It" volumes 1 & 2. Those three albums are quite timeless. His earlier recordings may not hold up as well when heard today, but don't let that stop you from buying his entire catalog and compiling your own collection of personal favourites.
December 14, 2007If the album "Songs" is a bouquet of flaming roses full of love and zeal for God, then "Songs 2" is a bundle of pure lilies, raw with the experience of God, intimate, personal, exploring.
If "Songs" reminds me of a pair of wings taking flight and soaring in the sky, then "Songs2" reminds a string of footprints, filled with struggles, tears, and His grace.
I love Rich Mullins' songs, although I would not qualify him as a professional singer, no, not at all. I would rather call him a prophet - biting and brutally honest, a poet - sensitive and uniquely expressive, and a musician - raw and soulful like the lungs that have just taken in a deep breath of Irish country air. Rich does not sing with a smooth vibrato, but with a vibrating soul and a beating heart. And the best (most important) part of this whole thing is: his songs bless. I am so repeatedly reminded of God's love, and challenged by his devotion that I can fall more in love with God and with Rich's songs at the same time. Don't misunderstand me: as Rich says, there are songs higher than he can sing. Nothing but His Word stands forever.
October 12, 2005Rich Mullins is my favorite songwriter, Christian or secular, of all time. Released two years after his death, "Songs 2" contains more of Rich's greatest songs in the tradition of the first "Songs" release. Some of my favorites here include "Step By Step," "I See You," "Here In America," "Bound to Come Some Trouble" and "The Love of God." Other noteworthy songs include "I Will Sing," "Brother's Keeper," "Home" and "Peace." Rich Mullins was a songwriter who always sought not just to entertain us, but also to encourage and challenge us all in our daily walk with Christ. "Songs" & "Songs 2" are collections of some of his most encouraging and challenging songs.
October 19, 2004| | | The Greatest Writer in CCM | |
I prefer Songs (the first greatest hits), but that's not to say that this CD isn't as brilliant. Rich lived a life that mirrored his music. He wasn't in CCM for the money, unlike a lot of artists, and he didn't settle for sounding like everyone else or following the current trends in culture. He made music that was inspired by God, came from his heart, and went directly to Your own. It's a discredit to offer a review, when his music says it all. I miss him...
March 19, 2003More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(15 reviews)