| Steven Curtis Chapman - This Moment (2007) |
| Written by Catherine | |
| Thursday, 27 March 2008 16:41 | |
 Steven Curtis Chapman has been a staple of my music collection since I was saved as a freshman in high school. My first listen of “Dive” had me hooked and I quickly learned he had a knack for creating addicting songs that made anyone who listens feel good. I have to admit, though, that his newest album, This Moment, wasn’t on the top of my purchase list…until my iTunes widget showed me that “Cinderella” was constantly beating MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine” for the number one spot on the Most Downloaded chart. I gave in, hit the “Buy Album” button, and nine years after first listening to “Dive”, I remain addicted to his music. This Moment starts off with the first single of the album, “Miracle of the Moment.” The slow, flowing melody mixes with lyrics that emphasize a “stop and smell the roses” idea. In a world of nothing but hustle and bustle and on-the-go meals, Chapman encourages us all to stop and enjoy the moment we are in, because “this is the only moment we can do anything about.” Stopping to listen to our heartbeat might seem mundane and cliché, but truly understanding the miracle of a heartbeat is Chapman’s way of re-focusing our life and helping us slow down for at least a moment. “Cinderella” spins out on track three. Could this song really be what it’s hyped up to be? After all, this song was the reason I bought the whole album. I have to say, it’s no wonder why radio stations are eating this song up. Very closely reminiscent of Bob Carlisle’s “Butterfly Kisses”, Chapman’s “Cinderella” tells of the three key moments in a young woman’s life – the pretending five-year-old, asking her daddy to the ball, the teenager asking her dad’s approval of her prom dress, and the engaged woman asking her father to help with her dance moves until her wedding. Meanwhile, the father takes advantage of each of these moments because “when the clock strikes midnight, she’ll be gone.” “Cinderella” is an emotional story that is likely to make any grown man cry, making it the perfect choice for the album’s second single. The fun sound of track six, “Children of God”, features a special cameo. Chapman’s son, Caleb, stands out as he takes vocal lead during a verse of the song that reminds listeners that we are the apple of God’s eye. That song leads into “One Heartbeat At a Time”, a song written for Chapman’s wife, and mothers and caretakers everywhere watching over children of all ages. The song reminds them that their constant care, their stressful days, “every ‘I know you can do it’”, and every tear wiped away do not go unnoticed. “You are changing the world one little heartbeat at a time; making history with every touch and every smile,” he sings. Mothers everywhere should feel encouraged after listening, understanding that though they might not see the fruits of their labor now, in a few years their child(ren) will reflect what they’ve been taught. My favorite song on the album reminds me of “See The Glory” from Chapman’s 2001 release, Declaration. The game system sound effects fill the intro while Chapman’s feel-good lyrics repeat the fact that we are being loved “right now at this very moment.” Perfect for the backslidden, lost, or those who don’t feel good enough, Chapman reminds us that God’s love isn’t just for the good enough. “You ought to see the smile you are brining to your Father’s face,” he sings. “There’s a song being sung over you.” It’s been a while since my last listen of a SCC album, but he hasn’t failed in making me feel good. This song is a great example. Concluding the album is “With One Voice.” A great ending to a great CD, Chapman leads us all in one big song to heaven, explaining that people from every nation, across all borders “will bring heaven’s beautiful melody down to this earth as we sing to our King with one voice.” The chorus encourages listeners to “come on and join the song,” and by the end of the song, you’ll be singing unknowingly. Yes, the catchy tune and lyrics really are that addicting. Also included on This Moment are “Yours” – a reminder to us all that everything on this earth belongs to God, “Something Crazy” – a fun, upbeat song about how love makes us do crazy things, and a slow, worship-style song, “My Surrender.” Sticking to the signature sound he’s known for, Steven Curtis Chapman delivers another spectacular album. I needed the reminder of how great his music is, and next time I’ll be sure to pre-order his CD so I won’t miss out on a bonus track like I did with this one. Don’t miss This Moment. You might regret it if you do. |
