Back in the mid-90's Kim began writing impromptu reviews of church music CDs (worship music) so that people who were looking for CDs would have an opinion from someone who is also a worship leader and is garnering music for local church use. Up to this point, this was rarely something that was done, because church music was revered as sacred and it was thought that any offering of that sacred worship shouldn't be criticised or evaluated. In fact, Kim wasn't as much a critic as he was an evaluator, helping people find what fit their church. He began posting his reviews on line in a email discussion forum, called the Worship List (website). After a while, when he helped launch Worshipmusic.com, he continued that same concept of trying to help other local church worship leaders and musicians find music that might be applicable to their situations. The reviews continued to be a part of that. Worshipmusic.com went on to grow a staff of writers that would add many more reviews to the collection they have, but Kim continued to participate as a key reviewer. This journal logs all the reviews Kim has written on worship music CDs and projects.
Kim's reviews of CD projects of worship music includes independents, label and main stream recordings, but all having to do with worship music.
Monday, December 12, 2011 at 10:46PM 
One thing most of us can remember is the singing of carols during the Christmas season. Even if we aren't musical, the simple joy of listening to songs which retell both the story of Christ and the joy of the season opens us up to dig deeper into the heart of what it means to give.
As I poured over a number of new Christmas albums this season, I found one acoustic album that highlighted the warmth and heartfelt joy of the season for myself and my family- A Living Room Christmas. This new project from Sean & Aimee Dayton is exactly what the title promises- a pensive wrapping of traditional Christmas classics in the warmth of a living room with acoutic guitar, light percussion, occasional violin, and even the playful sound of a banjo for one song. And while the feel of the songs range from deep devotion to fun, every song is graced by the georgeous voices of these two equally warm-toned worshipers.
I found myself lifting my heart in worship as this project led me on a worshipful journey of waiting and asking for Christ (in "Do You Hear What I Hear", "O Come O Come Emmanuel"), procliming the newborn declaration ("The First Noel", "Angels We Have Heard On High"), and bursting forward in all out praise ("Joy To The World"). Weaved into this family worship experience are some seasonal favorites that stay pensive and warm-hearted ("White Christmas", "Winter Wonderland").
This is a wonderful Christmas project, done with skill, while remaining appropriately understated on arrangements and instrumentation to retain a warm "living room" glow. Add to the Dayton's skilful vocals is Brian Doerksen guest vocals on "Silent Night" as well as a track from Paul Baloche ("The First Noel") and the album is a treasure of its own for this Christmas season. I highly recommend you consider this project for your Christmas collections!
Free Song Download from "A Living Room Christmas"
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Now that you have sampled part of this great album, I strongly encourage you to get the entire album. You can get a copy of the album yourself at :
A Living Room Christmas http://bit.ly/vw6v3M
Review by Kim Gentes
aimee, cd, christmas, dayton, living room, music, review, sean dayton, season, worship in CD Review, Christmas Music, Free Download, Music Review Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 8:24AM 
Right at the start let me say "Hymns: a modern translation" is an engaging, and beautiful worship experience that I am pleased to grant an Editor's Choice Award.
In the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of listening to and writing reviews on hundreds of worship projects/CDs. Of all those only a handful have captured my ear and hearts as much as this project. As a Christian, I have never believed that any single style of music was more "sacred" than any other for one simple reason: it all comes down to content. This is especially so in our devotionally focused worship music since it carries with it our expressions of both our theology and our heart cry of praise. But no matter how well written the lyrical content, a song will not engage as a script for the church worldwide if it does not contain exceptionally crafted music as well.
"Hymns: a modern translation" takes on both these challenges and adds sparkling productions to beautiful vocals and genuine emotion to make one of the best modern worship CDs I have ever heard.
Starting with an outstanding list of time-honored songs from the centuries Sean and Aimee Dayton, along with producer Andrew Horrocks, burst into acoustic rock renderings of Nothing But the Blood, My Jesus I Love Thee, All Hail The Power, Fairest Lord Jesus, Crown Him With Many Crowns, and Holy, Holy, Holy. They add to that a perfect selection of recent century hymn expressions in The Wonderful Cross, In Christ Alone and What a Friend We Have In Jesus.
I am sure some will assume I am exaggerating by saying this is a perfect CD. They would be wrong. From vibrant acoustic rock instrumentation to warm, emotive vocals with a pensive and honest interpretive styling, Sean Dayton brings each song to track as an act of worship. Of the 320 some reviews we have written in the last 10 years at Worshipmusic.com, just 5 of them have been specifically albums dedicated to modern renderings of hymn classics. Taking the risk to make an artful blend of historically loved songs with engaging music for the present day requires not just musical prowess, but sensitivity to gather the best of the ages and present them to today's church.
As I travel down the freeway, this CD spins in the player. My 16 year old son is worshiping loudly, my 13 year old son lifts arms held up in worship and dear old dad (at the grand old age of 40) is lifting his voice and heart up in exultation to God (and keeping hands and eyes focused on the road). The scripture comes to mind - "One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)
Clearly Andrew Horrocks and the Daytons have succeeded with this CD in their goal of having "people of all ages worshipping together". I encourage you to join in as well and review this CD for yourself. I am sure you will be caught up, as I was, with the saints of the ages as we sing to our Savior, Jesus.
If you are a subscriber to WorshipTeam.com, all the songs on this CD, including audio and chord charts and lyrics are included in WorshipTeam.com's song database (along with 6000 other songs).
Amazon Product Link: Hymns: A Modern Translation
Also available on ION Worship @ Hymns: A Modern Translation
Review by Kim Anthony Gentes