Live albums are novelty. Every fan wants their favorite bands to release live recordings. Quite simply, it's an easy keepsake for an experience you've had at one of the artists' live shows or just another way you can feel like you're connecting with them. The problem with most live albums, however, is they often become a short-lived novelty. It isn't too long before the live project is old hat and you're looking for an all-new project to listen to. The quality of the production also determines the longevity the live project will have.

On March 15th & 16th of this year in Dallas, Texas, a very pregnant Nichole Nordeman performed some of her greatest hits in an intimate and raw musical setting at "The Door." The appropriately titled Live At The Door features eight cuts from these sessions and include songs from each of Nichole's three albums and one exclusive cover track. The album opens with "To Know You," which also opened her 1998 debut Wide Eyed, a prayerful and delicate piano-led ballad expressing her desire to know Christ intimately. The quality of the live sound isn't too far from a studio recording yet it still often possesses a live vibe. A passionate version of the 2003 Dove-Award winning Song of the Year, "Holy," follows, bringing more depth to the hit than the original on Woven & Spun could offer. "Is It Any Wonder," also from Wide Eyed adds a slight jazzy edge to her performance while the piano ballad "I Am" from This Mystery is a more delicate offering. Nordeman does a worthy rendition of Cyndi Lauper's renowned hit "Time After Time" making it a definite highlight on Live. The brief but adequate set concludes with "Legacy," "Fool For You," and finally, the worshipful "My Offering," leaving the listener longing for more. While eight tracks may feel strangely abbreviated for such a project, Nordeman decides less is more and succeeds in piecing together a well-structured set of piano pop ballads perfect for any fan of this talented solo artist.

Seemingly short, but a beautiful record nonetheless (and my personal favorite project yet from the Nordeman collection), Live At The Door is essential for fans of Nichole's music and perfect for anyone looking for some delicate and worshipful new music to aid us in meditating on our Savior's endless love and mercy.

- Review date: 5/17/03, written by John DiBiase