Search - Sandi Patty :: Songs for the Journey

Grace Overflowing

Staysun | Downers Grove, IL USA | 05/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sandi's Dove Award nominated new 2008 release "Songs for the Journey" is her best album since her all-time greatest set "Morning Like This" from 1986. A Morning Like This This effort blends the sounds that make a Sandi concert, and album, work: stirring worship and praise numbers, spotlight Diva moments, Inspirational delights in a healing theme of grace overflowing and one wildly funky Gospel tune to mix it up before Sandi hits a high note of sanctified ecstacy. "Songs for the Journey" stands out, in part, because of the extraordinary arrangements. Terry Winch takes the old Thanksgiving Protestant war horse hymn "Praise to the Lord the Almighty" and turns it into an almost rollicking Gospel dance number in the same vein as Sandi's unforgettable "Let There Be Praise". Tim Akers gives Sandi the perfect outline for making "Through It All" a living five minutes of audio faith to bless the Sandi discography. Sandi high-note aficianados can rejoice in the David Hamilton arranged finish to "My Tribute" and "Joyful Joyful" which imitates, down to the last note, a John Williams Boston Symphony Pops or "Star Wars" fanfare set piece. If John Williams wrote Symphony arrangements for Sandi Patty, this "Joyful Joyful" demonstrates exactly what that would have sounded like. Sandi makes the stunning song "Were It Not for Grace" her own in this album's signature track. The closing "Savior Medley", arranged by Steve Potts, is the most gorgeous Hymns Medley in Sandi's recorded hymn collections. Sandi has rarely sounded better and her energy and joy for this project is evident in her brilliant vocals on every track. In the liner notes, there is a photo of Sandi apparently dancing in front of a window similar to the window in the album cover of "Morning Like This". Sandi has risen from her place of reflection to step up and dance and she has found her Voice in this album like never before. We get the privilege to Journey with the greatest Contemporary Christian artist of them all. Layers: Uncovering and Celebrating God's Original Idea of Me Falling Forward"

More Great songs from Sandi

Susan Myers | Nashville, TN | 06/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sandi's new album is full of great classic worship songs that take me back. Some of the songs like "Be Thou My Vision", "Joyful Joyful", and "Praise To the Lord The Almighty" have been covered many times, but Sandi's version of them are epic, and they are in fact my favorite songs on the album. The overall feel of the album in general is very epic and grand. It makes you feel like you're there watching the big performance from Sandi, and makes you want to join in and worship along with her. This album is definately one that any Sandi Patty fan will enjoy. I'm actually pretty new to Sandi's music, and have greatly enjoyed the songs on this album. It's definately one to check out!"

She just keeps getting better

H. Thomas Clift | Jefferson, Texas, USA | 07/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Songs For The Journey" truly knocked my socks off. I don't expect to love every song on an album, no matter who made it and this one is no exception. Like a previous reviewer, "Operator" turned me off ... always has, always will, but the dynamic with which Sandi performs the others far exceeds my expectations. "For Good" with Sheila Walsh, who herself has come a very long way from her days on the "700 Club", {Have you seen her "Women of Faith" retelling of the'Prodigal Son' -- Outstanding) I find haunting and beautiful each time I hear it. Sandy has the rare ability to make standard hymns come fully alive. "Be Thou My Vision" found in most hymn books for years has come into its own Sandy puts it on the map for me. Sandy's singing of "Were It Not For Grace" reminds me of the extraordinary grace and love I've been given. This is a GREAT CD."