Search - Chris Thompson & Meredith :: Clearwater

CLEARWATER - C&M Thompson's Best Studio Album

Bruce Palmatier | 11/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you already know the folk music of Chris & Meredith Thompson but don't have "Clearwater," you're missing out! And if you've never even heard C&M Thompson at all, either "Clearwater," "Wood & Stone," or the "Live" album would be a good place to start.



From "Ithaca" to "Shadyside" to "Wood & Stone" to this, the Thompsons' fourth album, there is steady growth and maturity evident by leaps and bounds on every album as Chris and Meredith progressively master their craft. (This observation holds for the "Live" album as well, which came out after "Clearwater.")



The title cut "Clearwater" alone is a masterpiece, haunting and unforgettable, and potentially something of an anthem for the environmental movement. But other favorites of mine on "Clearwater" deserve special mention as well --



"Amazing Grace" -- must be heard to be believed! Chris and Meredith's trademark 2-part harmonies are the kind that only singing sisters, in this case twins, can accomplish. ("Amazing Grace" is on the "Live" album as well.)



"First Step" -- a truly heartrending love song. Achingly beautiful!



"Tanglewood Tree" -- a great cover of the classic Dave Carter song. (C&M also do Dave Carter's "The Mountain" on the "Live" album, and that's great too!)



"Seize the Day" -- might be C&M Thompson's greatest studio accomplishment to date, joyful and exuberant, and really rocking with a full band! C&M usually perform as just the duo, with Chris on guitar, Meredith on percussion and flute, and oh! those voices! But "Seize the Day" shows what the twins can do with a full band backing them up.



"Harvest Moon" -- a beautiful 2-part a cappella number. "Harvest Moon" gives me the shivers!



And "Wildest Sea," "Forgotten," "Neruda," "Ontario," "Change Your Mind," "And You" -- they all "ring the bell" in my book, every song showing accomplished songwriting and solid musicianship. Four and a half stars for "Clearwater," and highly recommended!"