Kim Gentes

From 2004 to the present, few Christian recordings have been able to attain the level of popularity that garners platinum record sales.  Fewer still have included songs that are not only great radio favorites but long term standards for Sunday morning worship. But all that and more has been accomplished by this amazing solo project from one of the top artists in Christian music today- Chris Tomlin. Arriving was Chris Tomlin's break out blockbuster album and it still holds sway as one of the best artistic endeavors in Christian music in the last 10 years.

Arriving became such a tremendous success for several reasons, but the primary are: great songs and great production. One of the hallmarks of a great artist is their ability to incorporate great songs that they didn't write. Tomlin shines in this regard, recognizing that while he has strong songwriting chops, some of the songs he is best known for are not his writing at all- Indescribable and Your Grace Is Enough two brilliant examples. Arriving is the perfect balance of radio ready songs and corporate worship favorites. This became the backbone of its stream of #1 radio hits. The creative genuis of Ed Cash rendered Tomlin in his absolutely best light, making the songs on this album shine.

Songs like Holy Is The Lord and How Great Is Our God have become staples in the CCLI top 10 list of most used songs in the world.  Cash's perfect production and layered sounds has since been copied time and again by other worship records, but never to the same level of authenticity or success.

But beyond the awards, success and record sales, this album represents what is the pinnacle of the praise and worship genre in Christian music- great art in a devotional context. While the album lacks the gritty vibe of a live project, nothing sounds phoney about the stellar arrangements placed on every track. Tomlin's high tenor reach and textured voice makes the project worth listening to all the way through.

While worship leaders would be ill-advised to retain the songs in same key as the original recording with Tomlin's soaring vocals, all the songs are usable and accessible. In fact, the tunes are so hook-laden and melodic any revisions will do well to retain the memorable arrangements even if shifting pitch for congregational singability. Again, this CD has recieved all the accolades possible. In the age of a collapsing music industry, church based worship music has continued to be as popular as ever. And none more popular than the songs, artist and writer of this album. Arriving has left a monumental imprint on the last 7 years of Christian music and continues to do so.  If you haven't got your own copy of the tremendous album, check out the link below and get the MP3 album for your collection. It is worth it.

Product Link: Arriving: Chris Tomlin

Review by Kim Gentes