Sparrow Records
The new CD from Steven Curtis Chapman is a collection of 12 new songs that deeply reflect on the theme of redemption and praise to God. Nearly 15 months after tragedy struck the Chapman family as their daughter Maria went home to be with her father in heaven Chapman has given fans this collection of heartfelt feeling, emotion and praise. It is no surprise that the songs focus on the the themes of hope and redemption with this tragedy. I can almost hear the sadness is his voice as he sings but there is also a surprising amount of hope and anticipation as he sings about the day he and his daughter will be reunited. As a father I cannot imagine the grief, anger, and despair one would go through at the loss of a child but I do find hope as I listen to Steven Curtis Chapman continually sing about trusting in God, holding on to His promises and praising Him because He is good. These songs are truly "Chapman's personal Psalms".
The CD was written while on tour in the fall of 2009 and as Chapman writes, "We are in the middle part of the beauty that God is bringing from the pain and ashes of last year..." This is reflected in the title track "Beauty Will Rise" which is about good things coming out of painful experiences. The first single, "Heaven is the Face" is a song about the reality of heaven and his personal longing to be present with the father and to see his little girl once again. One of the most moving songs is entitled "February 20th" which is about the day his daughter accepted Jesus into her heart and Chapman praises God that he and his wife were able to share with her the beauty of heaven and the life one can have through Jesus Christ.
"Beauty Will Rise" is Steven's most personal CD and is one that is hard to listen to without tearing up and reflecting on the blessing of life. You will not hear any up tempo songs like Chapman's early hit "The Great Adventure" but you will hear songs that inspire and bring comfort to anyone who has tragically lost a child. Whether you are a Christian, a non-Christian or a skeptic this CD will move you and challenge you to think about life and the wonderful gift of grace God has given us all through Jesus Christ.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Pops!
