Streams

I have probably bought and given away ten of these albums to friends and family. it is that good. I am late middle-aged United Methodist minister who loves good music, but frankly left listening to contemporary Christian music behind because so much of it had become so cheesy, unauthentic, and just plain boring. Streams is like a splash of fresh water. Even the way I discovered the beauty and magic of this album brings me to tears, but is too long to go into here. But let me say that "The Only Thing I Need" by 4Him and Jon Anderson is my favorite. But all the songs are so strong and honest and musically great. I have been a fan of Jon Anderson's for years during his years with YES. I love his voice and his phrasing. and his voice lifts this song into the stratosphere. But what makes this whole album so uniquely special for me is that it is produced by Brent Bourgeois, who had a great hit in 1990 with "Dare to Fall In Love" in secular radio. I have followed him for years, enjoyed his "Come Join the Living World" Christian debut album. He wrote some of the songs on Streams in addition to producing the album.There is a theme and a progression to the songs here. "Job" starts things off slow and plaintive. by the time the album is half-way through the tempo picks up, hope is clearly in the lyrics, "The Only Thing I Need" is a climatic point. Others have complained about the four instrumental songs at the end, but for me, these re-workings of some of the songs already heard on the album, are just the perfect way for melt into the arms of grace. One reviewer said to listen with headphones. Yes, by all means. and try to listen to the album in one sitting the first time through. each song is a gem, but there is pure magic (the good and sanctified kind) in the way the entire album carries the listener on the waves of comfort, mercy and love.

Well, 3 1//2 stars: 3 stars for tracks 1-10 & 5+++ stars for tracks 11-14.I really like Jon with Vangelis. I did not realize that this album was a large variety of singers & only one of Jon. The lyrics were hard for me to understand, but there was an insert with the lyrics. I did like the lyrics: quite spiritual, but the print was so small it was hard to read. What was interesting is that this is like 2 different albums: tracks 1-10 being the vocal tracks, & then 11-14 were absolutely GORGEOUS instrumental tracks. Those I give 5+++ stars!!! They were like they belonged in some majestic movie soundtrack with soaring, sweeping vistas & deep drama! Beautiful, touching, powerful, that touches one's soul! Those I will be playing over & over & over again! Not so much the first 10!

Great uplifting music from various artists including Jon Anderson from Yes. Each song is selected to lift your spirits to help find streams in the dessert of life. It accompanies the Steams in the Dessert daily devotionals.

Was cruising around for some Christian music and stumbled upon this very enjoyable disk.Usually, when I see these all star casts I'm very suspicious and assume it's recycled music and/or a rip-off. For some reason I clicked the purchase button.Very surprised at the quality of the music and performances.Very surprised to see Jon Anderson here alongside Christian artists; even though from another Anderson solo disk I view him as a schizophrenic when it comes to spiritual songs.

Sad. I love Jon but do not like anything on this disc. Oh well...

Fantastic

fast delivery & quality

I was given this CD along time ago...and have since given it out as well. A collection of increbile tranquility which is needed so much these days.A reamedy for the weary scar wounded souls.