The Loudest Sound Ever Heard

The Choir soared above the rest of Christian pop (and other Alt bands of the time, except for their buds the 77s) in the 1980s and 1990s, but they've matured and, sadly, mellowed with age. Long-gone are the walls of distortion and guitar-pedal effects from albums like Circle Slide and Chase the Kangaroo (dare I compare that gem to Pink Floyd's "The Wall"... yes, I dare). The appreciation and accolades that Hindalong & Company have had in recent years with mellower songs and worship-friendly tunes seems to set them on a path away from their dissonant roots, and it is a success that is much-deserved... but honestly, though I may be stuck in the 80s, their work from that era transcends time and is still their best. If you are interested in hearing heart-felt lyrics and clean audio production that could fit well on current pop radio (or even something like a tender television drama such as Parenthood), then this and the previous two albums is for you. If you prefer music that is more left-of-center and takes musical chances that aren't for everyone, dig deeper into their catalog for true hidden gems.

This sound like a nice album.

The Choir was one of the first Christian/alt acts that came out ten years after the fad started to fade. From a Christian pop perspective they're above average-- which isn't saying much. At least they try to not use the same old metaphors or tired retred lyric, I'll give them that at least. Still, if yo're looking for some low rent 90's wannabees look no further than here. -Bz

I am constantly amazed at the depth of the Choir. The lyrics on this album are some of the best ever, and it is nothing short of brilliant the way Steve Hindalong has crafted some of his deepest thoughts in to these tunes. Likewise, the creative and crisp vocals and guitar from Derri Daugherty are still shining brightly in this latest mix, and I am very excited and proud to add this to my musical collection. The Choir has done what few other bands ever have: stayed the course and gotten stronger than when they first began. And we are the richer receipiants of their dedication.

This is a pretty good album/cd/music. There are better releases in my opinion especially the last one, "Burning like the Midnight Sun". Melodically it's pretty strong, and of course lyrically. I'm sure it'll grow on me more as time goes on.

This album is certainly every bit as rich, full, fresh and yet instantly familiar as anything the Choir has ever done. Fits perfectly into their long line of solid music. When listening through this album for the first time, there was something about the atmosphere created by the last 2 tracks...that is, by the end of this album...that left me with a tear in my eye and a WOW in my head. Thanks for all the years of music, guys!

I just noticed that 3 of the songs on this album didn't download completely although iTunes showed that it did. Cross That River stops at 4:24, Laughter of Heaven stops at 1:26 and O How didn't download at all, even though it shows up on the song list. Did anyone else have any download problems with this album? I've already paid for the songs so I don't really want to pay again only to have the same problem.

Just when you thought a band couldn't top their last offering... The choir pulls out another masterpiece. The vocals from Derri blend perfectly with the masterful layering of all the instruments in every song. The lyrics from Steve show the constant maturation of the band as they convey a message of love and hope with imagery that captures the mind. If you have followed the Choir over the last 30 years.. You don't want to miss this release... If you're new to the Choir... This is a great starting point.

This album has grown on me faster than nearly any other Choir album. I keep replaying it over and over. I keep discovering new things I like. It has remnants of many of my past favorite albums. I love the duet with Leigh Nash at the end and how they worked that one from Derri's solo project. By the way, if you enjoy the story-behind-the-song, get your hands on the commentary album that accompanies this one. It's a real treat!

This song is fantastic from the opening guitar lines of "Strange Girl" to the fade out Lyricon and guitar effect in "After All". I have been following The Choir's career since the "Voices in Shadow" album of the 80's until the present and can say this album is one of their best so far, followed closely by Flap your Wings and De-Plumed". If you are a fan of alternative music,this is a must-have album!