Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(Various Artists)
Album length: 11 tracks: 42 minutes, 9 seconds Street Date: September 27, 2005
A who's who in CCM lineup pays tribute to the long beloved childrens stories penned by C.S. Lewis
on the Christian music version of Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Featuring a diverse roster that delivers what is mostly a unified and fluid tracklist, this collection
of songs makes up one of the best original soundtracks -- or even compilations -- to come around
in awhile.
The collection gets off on the right foot with Jars Of Clay's "Waiting For The World To Fall," a classic
Jars song that brings back the melodies and alternative pop that was missing from their most recent hymns
project, Redemption Songs. "Open Your Eyes" is standard fare from this year's GMA Awards "Male Vocalist
Of The Year" Jeremy Camp, but Steven Curtis Chapman's "Remembering You" bears a folk, almost celtic sound that most
would probably expect from a band like Jars Of Clay ten years ago. Chapman's effort is among the highlights, followed
by Bethany Dillon's catchy pop/rock "Hero," and Delirious?' worshipful "Stronger." Rebecca St. James makes her return
to her signature pop/rock sound with her offering "Lion." One of the most powerful songs on the
project, "Lion" showcases evident growth in St. James as a singer. Probably the ugly duckling on the album, tobyMac's
rap-flavored rocker "New World" may not fit among the other songs on the album, but is easily one of the best in the
list. Nichole Nordeman continues to be a force to be reckoned with with her beautiful "I Will Believe," while
David Crowder*Band's quirky "Turkish Delight" sounds remarkably reminiscent of Jamiroquai's "Canned Heat" (which is most
recognizable for being featured in the film Napoleon Dynamite). Kutless and Chris Tomlin offer fair
pop worship songs to round out the impressive cast of artists for this project.
Music Inspired By The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is by no means perfect
but is certainly an impressive collection of songs and artists. Although the project is over 40 minutes in length,
having selections from eleven artists seems rather slim. However, less is more in this case as some of the best
that can be is included here. The artists' passion and appreciation for the classic C.S. Lewis tale is evident
from song to song and is what helps make this collection stand out from the rest.
- Review date: 9/24/05, written by John DiBiase
Record Label: Sparrow Records / Disney
Album length: 11 tracks, 42 minutes and 9 seconds
Street Date: September 27, 2005
Record Label: Sparrow Records / Disney
