Soul Anchor

Editorial Reviews
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After 20 albums and 12 books, Michael Card still has new things to say. With Soul Anchor, the singer/songwriter presents a musical soundtrack for the book of Hebrews that, like the book, points us to our hope in Christ in the face of persecution, doubt and everyday life.

Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine sings on "By Faith," on which Card describes faith as a power that "can shut the mouths of lions." Longtime Card producer Phil Naish uses subtle programming on the song to reveal an edgier side of Card's music. But the majority of the album is typical Card: light acoustic pop in an adult contemporary vein.

The disc's highlight is the remake of "He Was Heard," a song Card originally recorded for Known by the Scars (1983). It's a song he wrote while in college to summarize everything he knew at the time about Hebrews, and Card sings the 2000 version an octave or two below the original. The production is stronger, putting the song over the top.

Unfortunately, the back half of the disc slows musically. But that doesn't mean that the lyrics suffer. Instead, Card pours his wisdom into each song, wasting no word on empty rhymes or predictable themes. -- David Mackle (c) 2000 CCM Communications, Inc.

Tracks:

Violent Grace - Michael Card, Christine Dente
New and Living Way
He Was Heard
By Faith - Michael Card, Dan Haseltine
Never Will I Leave You
Pilgrims to the City of God
Soul Anchor
Fellow Prisoners - Michael Card, Phil Keaggy
Seventh Sunrise
Grace Be With You All

Customer Reviews:

Card's Treatment of Hebrews is Musically Creative and Biblically Rich .......2007-05-20

Why review an album that has been out for seven years? The same reason I would review a book that has been around for over 350 years (The Bruised Reed): quality is quality - and personally, I think this particular album deserves recognition regardless of its release date. Granted, the underlying reason might be that I have a difficult time remaining up-to-date and that I have a weak grasp of all the new music out there today (O the tyranny of staying current!) - but even if that is the case, I would rather be one who catches the pleasant midst of good music rather than trying to drink out of the fire hose of the contemporary scene. I guess I'm just not cool any more.

Michael Card has been around for a while. One of his first major hits you might remember was El Shaddai (no Amy Grant didn't write it - she only performed it). Between his most recent work, 'The Ultimate Collection' (2006) and his first, 'First Light' (1981), Card has completed nearly 30 albums, written numerous #1 hits, published and co-authored over 14 books, hosted two radio programs, and written for a wide range of magazines. All of this from a man whose aim in life, was to simply and quietly teach the Bible.

Soul Anchor was released in 2000 and followed in the pattern of many of his previous albums: it is a musical exposition (is that a phrase?) of the book of Hebrews. Many of Card's titles before this one, as well as the ones after, take as their lyrical base the text of Scripture. For example, between 1989 and 1992, Card would complete a three-disk set on the Old Testament: 'The Beginning,' 'The Way of Wisdom' and 'The Word: Recapturing the Imagination.' In 1997, Card would release 'Unveiled Hope,' which was a tour through the book of Revelation. Most recently, Card examined the life of Peter in 'A Fragile Stone.'

As I just mentioned, the book of Hebrews provides the lyrical foundation for 'Soul Anchor.' The title of the album is taken from Hebrews 6:19 where Christ referred to as the anchor of our souls. Card's ability to creatively form workable lyrical phrasing from the actual text of the Bible, plus his tremendous songwriting and musical ability (the man plays the guitar, the harp, the piano and who knows what else), make his songs both musically enjoyable and spiritually edifying.

Joining him on this album is Jars of Clay front man, Dan Haseltine and Christian female vocalist, Christine Dente. Dente couples with Card on the first song of the album, 'Violent Grace' and Hasetine brings a Jars of Clay sound to song number four, 'By Faith.' 'A New and Living Way' and 'He Was Heard' rejoices in the finality and supremacy of Christ's sacrifice and priesthood over the Old Testament sacrifices and priesthood. 'Never Will I Leave You' is taken from God's promise in Hebrews 13:5 while 'Fellow Prisoners' is an exhortation and rebuke to care and pray for Christians who are incarcerated for Christ's sake.

The album's title song, 'Soul Anchor,' is a jazzy celebration of our security in Christ despite great earthly termoil, and 'Seventh Sunrise' looks forward to the Christian's final Sabbath rest in the Kingdom. 'Pilgrims to the City of God,' taken from Hebrews 11:13, is sober yet refreshing glimpse at the reality of our residing in a country that is not our own, while seeking another City. The final piece of the album, 'Grace be with You All,' is a simple, piano and voice conclusion to the book, which takes as its text Hebrews 13:1, 8 and following.

This is a refreshing and encouraging album. I applaud Card for taking on the monumental task of making his way musically and theologically through the book of Hebrews, and I recommend his work to you.

Lesser Known Works of Michael Card.......2005-10-27

I have been a fan of Michael Card's music for well over a decade. This album is one of his lesser known works and was inspired by the book of Hebrews in the New Testament. The CD features ten songs. Musically I found that two songs appealed to me above the rest; "Pilgrims to the City of God" and "By Faith," never-the-less the rest of the songs had "real meat" in their messages. Two songs are duos, one a remake from a previously published song. There was scant information in the CD cover...neither lyrics or scripture references though perhaps there was originally (I bought from a reseller). I would recommend this to anyone familiar with and a fan of Michael Card's other albums, but would choose one of his more popular albums as a gift to those who may be hearing Michael's music for the first time. Michael Card is indeed a wonderfully gifted artist whose music has often nourished and helped anchor my soul. Enjoy!

he was heard...over and over and over again.......2003-02-25

This is undoubtedly one of Michael Card's very best compact discs. It abounds with eloquence of lyrics, the likes of which we, his fans, have not heard since POIEMA. If you've enjoyed Michael Card's past efforts, then you'll most likely be hooked by this one from the first few notes of the first song until the end of the CD.

The song "Violent Grace" places the sufficient grace of God (which He has lavished on us) in a whole new light. The song "He Was Heard" is an oldie which is also found on the CD KNOWN BY THE SCARS; but I personally recommend finding it on THE LIFE, which is Michael Card's trilogy of the Life of Christ--comprised of KNOWN BY THE SCARS, SCANDALON, and THE FINAL WORD--a magnificent collection of music. However, I'm still glad that Mr. Card saw fit to place that one in this fine collection of songs.

"Seventh Sunrise" has become one of my all-time favorite Card tunes (I never realized how much that sounds like "cartoons" until I typed it just now--man, was that cheesy!). It celebrates the beauty and anointing of the Sabbath. With that being the second to last song and "Grace Be With You All" being the very last song, this CD features one of the finest farewells any Christian musician has ever tacked on to the end of a CD.

This one is much better than UNVEILED HOPE and almost as good as POIEMA. But once again, I heartily recommend Michael Card's THE LIFE (as well as THE ANCIENT FAITH, his musical trilogy of the Old Testament). I look forward with eager anticipation to the soon-to-be-released A FRAGILE STONE, Michael Card's new project concerning the apostle Peter.

Beautiful variety, powerful lyrics!.......2002-07-30

Here is another triumphant album by my favorite musician! Michael Card spins the themes of the Book of Hebrews into strong lyrics sung within great, folk-styled music and little gospel too (the title track). In the first song, "A Violent Grace," (which shares the name of Michael's book on Hebrews) Michael approaches the crucifixion from a different angle, saying that Jesus' love for us is "ruthless" and "wreckless," paying a violent price for our relationship with God the Father. I love hearing Christine Dente's gorgeous voice (Out of the Grey) in this one. "By Faith" is an exciting version Hebrews 11 sung with Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine, and by including Dente and Haseltine, the voices of my three favorite music groups have come together on a single album.
"Soul Anchor," with its gospel organ and choir, delivers ringing words of truth. "[Jesus] is a soul anchor. . . Before we call, he answers us with hope." Those words combined with some from "Never Will I Leave You," struck my heart one day at work; I walked out to the car to cry and repent. Of course, I highly recommend this album to all thinking Christians and eclectic music lovers.

A Superb Collection of Spiritual Music.......2002-01-26

I would have to label this album my favorite from Card's collection. The songs have such zeal and passion; each reaches into your soul and changes you in a way you might never have imagined. "Never Will I Leave You" is perhaps the most meaningful CCM song I have heard. With the promise that even when "you fear/the scars and tears," Jesus is there "with you through the storm," Card reminds us that we need never fear in God's loving arms. We are never abandoned. And Card challenges us in other songs to make that promise true for others -- to suffer and tend to the sick, the dying, the imprisoned, the anguished. "New and Living Way" is another exemplary track.

I also admire Card for striking out in new musical directions. He even includes a full-out gospel song that is unlike anything you've heard from Card before! You may not thoroughly enjoy it, but I think the breadth of songs conveys a larger message: that there is room under the "spiritual tent" for more than just one type of follower of Christ. All are welcome at the Lord's Table.

Tracks:

Intro
A Long way
Holy Rollah
Inspiration
The Next Level
On Dat Word
Kingdom Reppin' (Jesus)
Stop Playin'
He got dat
Roll wit me
Shouts
Unseen Kingdom
Throw dat praise up
I'm so glad
outro

Product Description

Anchor Music Presents the long awaited sophomore album from writer, producer, and artist, Maccdonn, entitled "The Next Level" With sure shot radio hits like: "He got dat, H. Rollah, and Roll wit me," Macc asserts that this is unlike any album you've heard before and it's well worth the wait. This album also contains bonus tracks. Another classic...

Customer Reviews:

It's Real..........2005-04-28

This is one of the most real and insightful CDs I've ever heard. If you don't have it, get it.. Definite Banger..

Average customer rating:

Sam & Dave:Greatest Hits
Sam & Dave
Manufacturer: Starmaker/Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DN21
Release Date: 1991-10-15

Average customer rating:

I LOVE TRAVAIL!!! OOoo YES I DOOoo!! :):)
hi all you fellow Texans!
Great album...
SPIRIT FILLED CHRISTIAN METAL
SPIRIT FILLED CHRISTIAN METAL

Anchor of My Soul
Travail
Manufacturer: The Orchard
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE TRAVAIL!!! OOoo YES I DOOoo!! :):).......2003-04-16

I haven't yet heard all of this cd, but I know it rocks because Travail is so awesome, it's a shame they had to break up! I want to get this cd, but I have not a credit card! BOO-Hoo! I'm looking around at christian book stores that sell music here in my area and have not yet found it! Beautiful Lonliness is such an awesome cd by Travail. I recommend it to everyone! Well, if anyone has any comments, or any useful pointers, for me about this subject, or any other christian hardcore band, don't be afraid to contact me...

hi all you fellow Texans!.......2002-09-13

Hey Leslie, you live in my city! Ever been to Travis Avenue Baptist? Thats where I was when Travail came to our Backstage room and performed for our youth group. About halfway thru my friends and I were going down stairs for a breather and we could still hear the bass pounding 3 floors down!

Travail is a decent christian hardcore band (lots of christian metal bands are of the hardcore style, for some reason.) While they lack the technical skills of greater bands like say, Tourniquet, they make up for it with mostly heavy and intense songs full of groove. There are really only 3 tracks that stand out, imho. They are Lies, Beaten, and of course Judge Me, probably the best track they've written. Its just meant for head-banging. And believe me, when they played it, ppl were moshing around doing just that!

So basically, if you dig christian hardcore in general, there are some very good tracks here that are just that. The only other hardcore/death style band I would recommend thats christian is Living Sacrifice's first, self titled album in which they sound just like Slayer! and their second album, Reborn, which has good double kick drumming and playing and is quite heavy.

Also check out Impelliteri for christian Power Metal that is really elite and kick arse!

Great album..........2002-01-09

I didn't know what to expect when I bought this. I had heard that they were like Korn...but I'd never listened to that crud.
Matt's singing is really great. Every song he's not just screaming either. He kinda...well...raps, if you can call it that. I'm not a really big 'rap' person, but the way he does it, it's entertaining, even funny sometimes. The closest thing I can compare him to is Phil from Pantera (not that I listen to that anymore :))
The lyrics are really bold and Christ-filled. The bass playing is really bold, but not flashy. The guitars are pretty much 'filling space' on most of the album. What I mean by that is that they aren't very flashy. They are heavy and well played, and there are alot of cool, diminished-style (guitarists know what I mean) riffs.
The drumming is good also. Their newest release "Beautiful Lonliness" is basically the same album, with a few newer songs.
If you're not a big fan of hardcore, metal music you'll still dig a few songs on this cd. Their are some groovy tracks on it but for the most part this cd is straight forward hardcore.

SPIRIT FILLED CHRISTIAN METAL.......2001-09-30

This was Travail's first CD released and the new version is even better after it was re-mastered. Their music left me amazed. They have a mix of scratching and hardcore that is very refreshing and exciting among the standard metal bands. Their music is very intense, emotional and "spirit filled". This group continues to surprise me as they mature and have added two new members that bring even more talent to this already up and coming band. Vocalist Matt is a true showman and brings his own brand of energy that is contagious and mesmerizing. Parents who do not approve of the standard "metal lyrics" will find this CD a wonderful compromise for their young adults. The lyrics are from the heart and have a positive message to give. Nominated for their first Dove Award this year only validates this groups rise to the top in this competitive category. I recommend this CD to anyone searching for hardcore metal with a Christian spin.

SPIRIT FILLED CHRISTIAN METAL.......2001-09-30

Average customer rating:

Rockin Chair Blues
Ray Charles
Manufacturer: Starmaker/Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DN1L
Release Date: 1991-10-15

Average customer rating:

James Brown:Greatest Hits Live
James Brown
Manufacturer: Starmaker/Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DN1Q
Release Date: 1991-10-15

Music:

Music

Music