John Michael Talbot - Simple Heart

Simple Heart Review

I love John Michael Talbot's lyrical and beautiful ballads, which were mostly the type of songs in this collection. August 7, 2007

Easy Listening

This was a gift for someone who heard my copy and wanted it. That's the best recommendation I can give. It's smooth and mellow to listen to early in the morning on my drive to work. January 5, 2007

A simple, successful formula

John Michael Talbot's music is soulful, relaxing and deeply spiritual. He is clearly a man of prayer, which gives his music resonance and depth. There is some truly beautiful music on this CD, with lyrics adapted from scripture (especially the psalms) or the writings of spiritual giants like St. Teresa of Avila. "God Alone Is Enough," with words taken from one of St. Teresa's prayer, is a simple and moving expression of the certainty of God's plenitude. "This Befell Us," with words from Psalm 44, is also quite moving, expressing confidence in God even in the midst of pain and injustice.

The CD is a bit disappointing, however. Talbot seems to have found a formula for his music: pick a verse out of sacred writings, set it to a simple melody, then repeat for 3-1/2 minutes. Talbot seemingly can do this in his sleep, giving this work a disturbing sense of predictability. Unless he gets himself out of this rut, successful though it may be, I don't predict buying more of his CDs.

Still, "Simple Heart" has many moments of simple beauty, which partly make up for its drawbacks. For sheer musical content, a 3, plus 1 for good use of scriptural sources. August 30, 2005

Joyful, Peaceful Comtemplation of God the Father

John Michael Talbot is at his best when writing and singing quiet, meditative guitar-based songs. Because so many of his songs are fashioned from Scripture, they are unfettered by denominational confines, and can be enjoyed ecumenically.

Some of the songs, like "God Alone is Enough," are inspired by early Christians. "God Alone..." is attributed to be based on the writing of Teresa of Avila, a Sixteenth Century Spanish nun. Largely, though, the songs are derivations and paraphrasings of Psalms.

Any who enjoyed JMT's 1989 double CD "Quiet Side" will find "Simple Heart" to be a perfect transition. After reading Scripture, or while walking, this can help facilitate meditation and focus on God. When grieving a loss in my life, I found in "Simple Heart," and in "Quiet Side" great solace and a reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God.

It is good rest. This isn't easy listening or light new age, nor is it background music. Despite the peaceful nature of JMT's voice and style, I believe it was produced to be interactive, to provide spiritual direction.

I fully recommend "Simple Heart" by John Michael Talbot. Companion books worth reading with a similar tone are those by Henri Nouwen, Richard J Foster, Brennan Manning and Oswald Chambers.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com January 2, 2004

depth and truth

I have several Talbot CDs and have listened to him for about 11 years. Besides The Hiding Place, this is the most profoundly simple and moving CD I've heard from him or anyone. Particularly the song "God Alone is Enough." The lyrics meaningfully state: "God alone is enough. Whoever has God, wants for nothing at all." These lyrics have affected me many times and the music is also very fitting. I recommend this CD without hesitation for anyone seeking a simple and true musical ministry experience. April 4, 2002

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