Beauty for Ashes

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
If there's such a thing as a contemporary Christian music diva, Crystal Lewis is it. Lewis always tailors her formidable vocals for the task--whether it be for an uptempo groove or for a soft and tender ballad. She shines on Beauty for Ashes, a 1996 release that features uplifting anthems such as "People Get Ready... Jesus Is Comin,'" a number one CCM hit, ballads such as "Lion and the Lamb" and "Seasons Change," and the funky groove of "God's Been Good to Me." "Healing Oil," the release's final track, is a pleasing testimonial that showcases the silken vocals of Lewis over a heavily programmed and keyboard-layered aural backdrop. It is no doubt Lewis's graceful mastering of diversity that explains her garnering a 1998 Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. --Michael Lyttle --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Beauty for Ashes, Music, Crystal Lewis, CCM, Christian, Contemporary Christian Music, Contemporary Gospel, Pop, Praise & Worship, Religious / Contemp. Christian
Beauty for Ashes
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Beauty
  • Not Great, but Very Good!
  • Still Crystal's Overall Best Album
  • A PRESCIOUS GIFT FROM GOD!!!!!!
  • You can tell she really loves Christ
 Beauty for Ashes
Crystal Lewis
Manufacturer: Metro One
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Praise & WorshipPraise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Christian General | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
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CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Indie Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 Pop4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
4-for-3 All Music4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fearless
  2. Gold
  3. Holy, Holy, Holy
  4. See
  5. Crystal Lewis - Crystal Lewis' Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000005OJ2
Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

  1. Beauty of the Cross
  2. It's Heaven
  3. People Get Ready...Jesus Is Comin'
  4. Lion and the Lamb
  5. Beauty for Ashes
  6. In Return
  7. God's Been Good to Me - Anne Barbour, John Barbour, Crystal Lewis, Alfie Silas
  8. Seasons Change - Anne Barbour, Crystal Lewis
  9. Over Me
  10. Healing Oil

Amazon.com

If there's such a thing as a contemporary Christian music diva, Crystal Lewis is it. Lewis always tailors her formidable vocals for the task--whether it be for an uptempo groove or for a soft and tender ballad. She shines on Beauty for Ashes, a 1996 release that features uplifting anthems such as "People Get Ready... Jesus Is Comin,'" a number one CCM hit, ballads such as "Lion and the Lamb" and "Seasons Change," and the funky groove of "God's Been Good to Me." "Healing Oil," the release's final track, is a pleasing testimonial that showcases the silken vocals of Lewis over a heavily programmed and keyboard-layered aural backdrop. It is no doubt Lewis's graceful mastering of diversity that explains her garnering a 1998 Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Beauty.......2007-07-09

THis was the first Crystal Lewis album I ever bought and I have been in love with her and her voice ever since! She has this r&b flavor in her voice that is amazing. My favorite tracks on this album are "THe Cross", "People Get Ready" and "Seasons Change." Crystal Lewis is definitly still undiscovered talent in my opinion. Every album I've heard deserves a grammy.

4 out of 5 stars Not Great, but Very Good!.......2007-07-03

Of all her albums this would be my third favorite, behind Fearless (up-tempo) and Holy, Holy, Holy (ballards). This album lets you know she's got a very good voice. Holy, lets you know she's got an amazing voice. Good blend of stlyes on this album from up-tempo to ballards. She has a knack for worship songs that are based in scripture.

5 out of 5 stars Still Crystal's Overall Best Album.......2007-04-03

12 years after this was released, Beauty For Ashes sounds as fresh, original and powerful now as it did when we first heard it.

The soulful, rich voice. The great lyrics. The great composing and arrangements. Songs like the title cut, People Get Ready...Jesus is Coming, and God's Been Good To Me still resonate with believers and always will.

Crystal's done many fine songs and record since then, but this is still her best.

5 out of 5 stars A PRESCIOUS GIFT FROM GOD!!!!!!.......2006-03-30

I am not much into listening to female singers but I heard "PEOPLE GET READY" on K-Love and fell absolutely in love with the song so naturally I had to find out who sang it and then buy it.I am so glad I did .The entire cd is awesome.The music is sooooo different and you can tell Crystal is definately filled with Jesus.She has been blessed with an awesome voice with superb lyrics (especially with the versus taken right from the Bible) and music.Crystals voice is very ryhthemy and bluesy.I was overwhelmed on how well she can sustain notes.She's amazing and very gifted.All the songs are great but another one that is better than most is Healing Oil.Give this cd a try it's wonderful and God inspired .It makes you think.

5 out of 5 stars You can tell she really loves Christ.......2004-08-06

Wow, Crystal Lewis did a great job on this cd. You can tell that she really loves The Lord Jesus .
I remeber listening to Healing oil on a human video and really loving the song before I got this cd. People get ready is a really awesome song also. God bless her.
Beauty for Ashes
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Beauty
  • Not Great, but Very Good!
  • Still Crystal's Overall Best Album
  • A PRESCIOUS GIFT FROM GOD!!!!!!
  • You can tell she really loves Christ
 Beauty for Ashes
Crystal Lewis
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary MusicChristian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Praise & WorshipPraise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Fearless
  2. Gold
  3. Holy, Holy, Holy
  4. See
  5. Crystal Lewis - Crystal Lewis' Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002BRH
Release Date: 1997-04-01

Tracks:

  1. The Beauty Of The Cross
  2. It's Heaven
  3. People Get Ready...Jesus Is Comin'
  4. The Lion And The Lamb
  5. Beauty For Ashes
  6. In Return
  7. God's Been Good To Me
  8. Seasons Change
  9. Over Me
  10. Healing Oil

Amazon.com

If there's such a thing as a contemporary Christian music diva, Crystal Lewis is it. Lewis always tailors her formidable vocals for the task--whether it be for an uptempo groove or for a soft and tender ballad. She shines on Beauty for Ashes, a 1996 release that features uplifting anthems such as "People Get Ready... Jesus Is Comin,'" a number one CCM hit, ballads such as "Lion and the Lamb" and "Seasons Change," and the funky groove of "God's Been Good to Me." "Healing Oil," the release's final track, is a pleasing testimonial that showcases the silken vocals of Lewis over a heavily programmed and keyboard-layered aural backdrop. It is no doubt Lewis's graceful mastering of diversity that explains her garnering a 1998 Dove Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Beauty.......2007-07-09

THis was the first Crystal Lewis album I ever bought and I have been in love with her and her voice ever since! She has this r&b flavor in her voice that is amazing. My favorite tracks on this album are "THe Cross", "People Get Ready" and "Seasons Change." Crystal Lewis is definitly still undiscovered talent in my opinion. Every album I've heard deserves a grammy.

4 out of 5 stars Not Great, but Very Good!.......2007-07-03

Of all her albums this would be my third favorite, behind Fearless (up-tempo) and Holy, Holy, Holy (ballards). This album lets you know she's got a very good voice. Holy, lets you know she's got an amazing voice. Good blend of stlyes on this album from up-tempo to ballards. She has a knack for worship songs that are based in scripture.

5 out of 5 stars Still Crystal's Overall Best Album.......2007-04-03

12 years after this was released, Beauty For Ashes sounds as fresh, original and powerful now as it did when we first heard it.

The soulful, rich voice. The great lyrics. The great composing and arrangements. Songs like the title cut, People Get Ready...Jesus is Coming, and God's Been Good To Me still resonate with believers and always will.

Crystal's done many fine songs and record since then, but this is still her best.

5 out of 5 stars A PRESCIOUS GIFT FROM GOD!!!!!!.......2006-03-30

I am not much into listening to female singers but I heard "PEOPLE GET READY" on K-Love and fell absolutely in love with the song so naturally I had to find out who sang it and then buy it.I am so glad I did .The entire cd is awesome.The music is sooooo different and you can tell Crystal is definately filled with Jesus.She has been blessed with an awesome voice with superb lyrics (especially with the versus taken right from the Bible) and music.Crystals voice is very ryhthemy and bluesy.I was overwhelmed on how well she can sustain notes.She's amazing and very gifted.All the songs are great but another one that is better than most is Healing Oil.Give this cd a try it's wonderful and God inspired .It makes you think.

5 out of 5 stars You can tell she really loves Christ.......2004-08-06

Wow, Crystal Lewis did a great job on this cd. You can tell that she really loves The Lord Jesus .
I remeber listening to Healing oil on a human video and really loving the song before I got this cd. People get ready is a really awesome song also. God bless her.
My Secret Sin
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • It's alright, but mainly tripe Christian music that's "goth'd up"
 My Secret Sin
Beauty For Ashes
Manufacturer: Independent
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000F6NCBS

Product Description

"Beauty For Ashes is simply the best band I've heard this year. Walking a fine line between melancholy and spirituality, this CD pushes you towards the light at the end of the tunnel." -Burner Magazine 1. Dark Days 2. Blue Sky 3. Shadow 4. Savior 5. Wait 6. Dying Day 7. Betrayed 8.Torture 9. Black Dress 10. Return

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars It's alright, but mainly tripe Christian music that's "goth'd up".......2006-12-26

Standout single is "Shadow," which can be played over and over again and still sound beautiful each time. Otherwise, it seems that this is just another Christian band attempting to convert Goths to their religion by masquerading as Goths (as opposed to Christian Goths (and of course other differing religious/non religious Goths) just being themselves and not caring what belief the other Goth is). The proof being in their website, with their bio not really describing what they are about (except in their music reviews shown after the band photo, which reveal their 'Christian Ministry' nature) and their music influences basically seem 'generic' to me.

Like this segment from a review off their Myspace page, "Unlike other dark bands who revel in maudlin verse and tones of hopelessness, BFA considers their work a ministry. Their hope is that through their faith, they can ultimately lead the fan and listener to a higher power." -Mike Ventarola, Hidden Sanctuary.
This same reviewer laughably states that they aren't too 'preachy' in their music and that 'Beauty for Ashes' considers being dark isn't bad or evil, yet he must not be listening to the same record I am hearing (especially with the last two lines of lyrics to their song Dark Days: "I hear the Lamb of God
- Let go of the dark" and on their song Torture "Come on Jesus come")!

Pros: The great single "Shadow", excellent use of instruments to create good sound, the (seemingly) secular songs seem well written.

Cons: The Christian influenced songs seem too simple and sound like sermons from a church service, the non-religious songs (such as "Shadow") trick you into thinking the rest of the album is just as good.

Final Score: 2 1/2 Stars (will give them the benefit of the doubt though and will allow my score to round up to -three stars- on Amazon)
Beauty for Ashes
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Sleep fans beware
  • Powerful and Different
 Beauty for Ashes
Sabians
Manufacturer: Music Cartel
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Shiver

ASIN: B000066HFN
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Tracks:

  1. Via Dolorosa
  2. Breathe
  3. Beauty For Ashes
  4. Restoration
  5. Black Lie
  6. Downcast
  7. Bleed
  8. Lull

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Sleep fans beware.......2003-07-30

Matt Pike's High On Fire project is such a smashing success, I became really curious to see what the other two former Sleep members were doing. I couldn't find anything on what bassist/vocalist Al Cisneros was up to. But I soon found that drummer Chris Hakius was playing in a new band called The Sabians. And even more interestingly, the band included yet another former Sleep member- the forgotten Justin Marler, their one-time second guitarist. Justin is the Pete Best of Sleep, he only played on the first album and then disappeared. He was long gone when Sleep finally achieved their modest success. Believe it or not, soon after he left Sleep he actually joined a monestary and lived there in seclusion for seven years.

Anyway, I wasn't expecting this to sound like Sleep II (that'd be High On Fire) but I don't care for it much. If anything, it sounds more like Tool Jr. It's very earnest and non-threatening. I imagine Marler's life was greatly enriched by his time in the monestary, and he's left all of his anger and dark feelings behind. That's great for him, but personally I prefer music that has at least a touch of anger and darkness to it.

UPDATE 4/8/05

My prayers have been answered: Chris Hakius has reunited with Al Cisneros under the name Om. It's just the two of them, a duo of drums and very distorted bass. They sound very similar to Sleep's Dopesmoker/Jerusalem phase. Their first album, "Variations On a Theme" is already available.

4 out of 5 stars Powerful and Different.......2002-06-18

This record is one of the most progressive things out there right now. It snakes though a landscape of musical textures, slipping in and out of heavy rock and reflective acoustic melo-dramas. If you can imagine a combination of Tool and Pink Floyd you've found this record.
Beauty for Ashes
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Beauty for Ashes

    Manufacturer: Pauline Chukwuma Ministries
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GospelGospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000CAL1RY
    Release Date: 2005-09-06
    The Peaceful Western Wind
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		The Peaceful Western Wind

      Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Baroque Dance SuitesBaroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music | Allemandes | Courantes | Gigue | Sarabande
      All Works by DowlandAll Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Ferrabosco, Alfonso (II)Ferrabosco, Alfonso (II) | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      LuteLute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      PartsongsPartsongs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000006KIT
      Release Date: 1995-01-25

      Tracks:

      1. Can she excuse my wrongs
      2. Think'st thou then by thy feigning
      3. Rest sweet nymphs
      4. Go to bed sweet muse
      5. Winter jumps
      6. It fell on a Summer's day
      7. I care not for these ladies
      8. Pined I am, and like to die
      9. He that hath no mistress
      10. Packington's Pound
      11. The peaceful western wind
      12. So beauty on the waters stood
      13. Never weather-beaten sail
      14. Now hath Flora robb'd her bow'rs
      15. Thrice toss these oaken ashes
      16. Oh, let us howl
      17. Have you seen the bright ligy grow
      18. Joy to the person of my love
      19. Pavan
      20. Dear, do not your fair beauty wrong
      21. Hark! hark! the lark!
      22. Come hither you that love
      23. Full fathom five
      Beauty for Ashes
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Beauty for Ashes
        rAm
        Manufacturer: The Orchard
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B00003Q065
        Release Date: 2000-03-11

        Tracks:

        1. Visualize
        2. In The Middle Of The Night
        3. Has Anyone Seen The Wind
        4. Massive Root System
        5. Love Myself
        6. In Reality
        7. Root Dub
        8. Love Is What Its All About
        9. In Dub
        10. Winds Of Heaven
        11. The Rising Of The Sun
        In the Silence We Fight
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		In the Silence We Fight

          Manufacturer: Harvest Earth Records
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD
          ASIN: B000EXAE86

          Product Description

          1. Unvail Your Eyes 2. My Eurydice 3. Early Morning Prayer 4. Lessons for a Battlefield 5. Abba 6. Chase the Scarecrow
          A Candle in the Dark
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		A Candle in the Dark

            Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            Byrd, WilliamByrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            All Works by DowlandAll Works by Dowland | Dowland, John | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            Ferrabosco, Alfonso (II)Ferrabosco, Alfonso (II) | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            All Works by WhiteAll Works by White | White, Robert | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
            GeneralGeneral | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            LuteLute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            MadrigalsMadrigals | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            Solo InstrumentalSolo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music
            ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
            ASIN: B000050HK8
            Release Date: 2000-11-14

            Tracks:

            1. Prld And Ground a 5
            2. In Darknesse Let Mee Dwell
            3. In Nomine
            4. Sorrow, Stay!
            5. The Devil's Dream
            6. Dr. Faustus
            7. In Nomine
            8. In Nomine XIII, 'Trust'
            9. Thrice Tosse These Oaken Ashes
            10. Johnson's Grounde
            11. Passamezzo Pavan
            12. Come, Woeful Orpheus
            13. An Aged Dame
            14. Sit Fast
            15. So Beautie On The Waters Stood
            16. Fantasia II
            17. His Golden Locks
            18. Move Now With Measu'd Sound

            Music:

            1. Beauty Has Grace
            2. Bedtime Prayers: Lullabies & Peaceful Worship
            3. Behind the Eyes
            4. Celtic Twilight, Vol. 3: Lullabies
            5. Christmas at the Brooklyn Tabernacle
            6. Christmas with Yolanda Adams [Enhanced]
            7. City on a Hill: Sing Alleluia
            8. Collide [Enhanced]
            9. Declaration
            10. Deeper Life

            Music

            Music