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Contemporary Christian music, Jesus Rock, Contemporary Gospel, Praise and Worship music. Though it has been labeled these and many other names, Contemporary Christian music has made vast improvements from it's early stages. Though the pioneers like Larry Norman, Keith Green, Randy Stonehill, Petra, Steve Taylor and Amy Grant really paved the way, the music continues to grow. There is music for all tastes in Contemporary Christian music from breezy light pop sounds to hard edged metal, punk, country, and more just waiting to be heard. There was a time that the music wasn't as well produced and the sound quality was lower than many of the major labels, but that certainly isn't the case today as the sounds and styles are equal to that of the secular music world.

In these pages you are sure to find many different styles of Contemporary Christian music , and you will be certain to find something that suits your own style.

Matthew West - Happy CD Review

Matthew West - Happy

On his first major label release, Matthew West has offered up a fresh and compelling project that is bright and the sound is clear. There are influences that make obvious leaps at you as a listener from the CD. Lyrically, West draws on some of the greats, Randy Stonehill, Steve Taylor, and Larry Norman are all classic Contemporary Christian artists that seem to come through in the work on Happy. That is not to say Matthew West has no ability, on the contrary, this disk is truly a shining example of the marvelous writing and performing talent West has to offer.

The incredible performance offered by Matthew West includes straight forward roots rock, piano ballads, and up-tempo numbers that show glimpses of Rock to Americana in their catch hooks. The message is evident, and observably important to Matthew West as spirituality and heart are both at the forefront of the work. An incredible insight into the soul of a true performer that has much to offer a wide spectrum of listener.

A sense of humor and soul searching are combined in the lyrics, fun and relevance are the orders for the musical backdrop. Matthew West has proven that he is worthy of being held up and comparable with any of his contemporaries. A wonderful musical treat that has such a good time feel that truly does seem to make one Happy just by diving inside the CD and truly listening from the inside out.

Some of the wondrous tunes that find themselves part of this project are "The End", the rockin' "The Lie", the soulful "My Finest Hour" and of course "Happy". This is a true showcase of an artists talent that envelops numerous genres to move you from one area to another. Although released at the latter part of December, 2003, this is for sure one of the most relevant releases, and should stand up well for the rest of, 2004. Simply wonderful!

( 5.5 Stars out of 6 )