Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman - Arriving

Leaders make the indescribable visible. Isaiah's words, for instance, brought comfort to a defeated nation and transformed a people's imagination, empowering them to mount up with wings like eagles. Those words bear fruits today, capturing a post-modern visionary's heart, urging Chris Tomlin to call together God's people for life-renewing worship.

"I feel as though we're like this landing strip in the desert for our great, incredible God to arrive on; a way for Him to come into people's lives," Tomlin says of the album's metaphorical moniker inspired in part by Isaiah 40. Tomlin's third studio record and first in two years, Arriving demonstrates a Christian's glad surrender meeting God's welcoming arms.

Tomlin's undeniable energy is charismatic and contagious. Avoiding the trappings of public performance, Chris stands beside the people he serves, raising his voice to God with them so that they share God's presence together.

Credited with venerable church choruses such as "Forever," "We Fall Down," and "The Wonderful Cross," Tomlin is considered one of this era's top songwriters for the church with five songs in CCLI's Top 60 and four more in the service's Top 500. With millions singing his songs weekly, Chris is recognized as a pivotal voice of today's modern expression of Christian worship.

Arriving rocks with inspiring, guitar-driven pop melodies reflecting the roots traditions of Austin, Texas, where it was recorded and home to the church Tomlin co-founded, Austin Stone Community Church. The project's raw, straightforward lyrics are knotted tight with hooks as big and broad as the Lone Star state sky. Producer Ed Cash (Caedmon's Call, Kathy Mattea, Bebo Norman) brings his signature touch to the tracks, revealing that the talent pool is deeper than even the artist knew. Album Description

Chris Tomlin's finest album to date

Time and again in both his solo career and with his time with Passion, Chris Tomlin has shown a knack for good songwriting and inspired vocals. This particular album "Arriving" displays the best of both. This album features three songs that are among the most commonly performed songs in churches today ("Indescribable", "Holy is the Lord", and "How Great is Our God"). In addition to lending his clear, strong tenor voice to these outstanding songs, Chris Tomlin is credited as the writer or co-writer for all of the songs on this album with one exception ("Indescribable").

In addition to the fantastic first three songs, the rest of the album contains a few other very memorable songs as well. Outside the first three, my favorites are "Your Grace is Enough", "The Way I Was Made", "All Bow Down", and "On Our Side". In particular, I've become particularly attached to "The Way I Was Made". In many ways, this has become an anthem for my life. For my money, the depth of this album is what distinguishes "Arriving" from his other two studio albums that came out before and after it, "Not To Us" and "See the Morning", respectively (please note that this review was written after "Hello Love" came out but before this reviewer listened to the album).

So here's my final take on this album. "Arriving" has several inspired, very singable songs that makes this a praise and worship classic. If you like "Not To Us" and/or "See the Morning", you'll probably like this one as well. In fact, it is currently my second favorite Christian album, only behind the eponymous album by Sonicflood. "Arriving" is another testament to the vocal and lyrical talent of Chris Tomlin.
September 7, 2008

Amazing

This is truly one of the best CD's I have ever listened to. This man is a gift from God. Get the CD, you will not be sorry. May 30, 2008

Love Chris Tomlin!

Can't go wrong with this CD. So much to love! And I'm new to Christian music---but it's all I listen to now. My young kids love to sing along as well! Definitely recommend it! May 24, 2008

Great inspiring music

The song Indescribable is a wonderful song for personal devotions. I find that it is uplifting and enouraging. Your Grace is Enough reminds us that we don't have to trust in ourselves alone - God is our helper in spite of our failures. Of course, How Great is our God is very good at building enthusiasm for any day. Overall, this is a very encouraging and inspiring CD. May 6, 2008

Splentastic!!!

I feel that this CD is splendid and fantastic!! The lyrics, the beat, the change of pace on the various numbers is just tremendous. This CD is my introduction to this artist and I'm definitley going to be a fan from now on. The words are clear and are so true and their depth of meaning has touched my soul. It's a clear example of how Christian music can compete with secular music for sound entertainment and it feeds the soul at the same time. The words of the first track are so colourful that your mind can just explode with the awesomeness of God our Creator. Keep it up Chris!! April 5, 2008

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