Amazon.com: Television viewers know her as The West Wing's opinionated deputy press secretary Annabeth Schott, while Broadway aficionados are familiar with her Tony-winning work in Wicked and the revival of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, as well as the successful 2001 American Songbook anthology, Let Yourself Go. But on this eclectic collection of traditional and contemporary gospel anthems and related songs, songstress Kristen Chenoweth claims a bold return to her spiritual roots. Her chameleonic, crystalline soprano lights up the beloved title track standard and the Gaither's modern inspirationals "Because He Lives" and "Upon This Rock" with a deft, Broadway-bred sense of drama. Yet her voice remains supple enough to impart country charms to "It Will Be Me," "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" and Amy Lee Grant's "There Will Never Be Another." One-woman pop songwriting empire Diane Warren offer Chenoweth a typically melodramatic showcase on the spiritually generic "Borrowed Angels," while the unfortunate "Joyful, Joyful" once again proves Ludwig van still doesn't need any lyrical help with "Ode to Joy," thank you. The album's bonus cut, "Taylor, the Latte Boy," closes out the album on an upbeat note of playful, romantic innocence. --Jerry McCulley
A greatly appreciated CD I enjoyed the mellowness of the songs Kristin chose. I really liked how she sang some really hymn-like songs, such as "Because He Lives". It seemed very down to earth. And her voice is AMAZING. I think she really did a great job. Though one thing I didn't like was how overdone "Joyful, Joyful" was. I liked the soft beginning, but as soon as they brought the chorus in, I was kinda thinking, "What the heck?" All in all, I'd recommend it if you're feeling very mellow and reflective.
Effervescent and Ethereal voice A year ago, I didn't know who Kristin Chenoweth was. Seriously. I had heard of Wicked and, until this year, I hadn't any interest in seeing the musical. However, once I did, twice in fact - once with my daughter and another time with a friend, I began investigating the various actresses who played the part of Galinda.
The song 'Popular' is my favorite from that musical and Youtube and Metacafe have quite a list of, sadly, illegally gained vids of the various Wicked productions, so I had a lot to choose from! I'm not condoning the practice of videotaping musicals and other venues illegally, but I it's the nature of the beast, with camera-enabled cell phones, miniaturized vid cams, and the ease with uploading online, etc.
Anyway, once I discovered Kristin, I was hooked on her voice. This is not to say that the other actresses playing Galinda weren't good, they were, especially Megan Hilty, but Kristin had that 'sparkle' in her voice that appealed to me on so many levels.
So, imagine my surprise when I discovered she was also on Pushing Daisies, one of my favorite shows from last season! It was then when I remembered her character had sang at one point. That's when I began investigating KC and discovered she was - A - a Christian and - B - had made a gospel CD.
Well, I just had to buy it and I'm so glad I did. She recorded many of my favorite songs, plus a few new ones, and one that really isn't a gosple message, but it tags her list of songs rather nicely. Her Taylor, the Latte Boy was hilairous, loved it, and I even managed to catch a YouTube recording of it when she performed for a television program. So funny, her expressions and all!
But her other songs, My Tribute, Upon This Rock, There Will Never Be Another, and especially Abide in Me, ministered in ways no one else could do. Her clear, resonating voice, precise and tone-perfect with exact diction brooked no contest with quality; it was all there. Many recording artists stylize their vocals, to be different, but in that way they muddy the words to where the listener has a hard time understanding what the song is about. Kristin doesn't do this, she is a style in and of herself, and she ennunciates beautifully, making it all too easy to hear the message and understand the intent of each song. She's one of the few who can do this, in my opinion.
Yes, for those who love music with a spiritual message and a deep longing to worhsip the Savior of souls, this is an excellent CD to add to your collection. Despite the fact that a few of Kristin's personal views might not swim well with many of those of faith, she comes through her music as a very sweet individual who cares deeply for people and most especially her God and Savior. I'm very happy with my purchase. In fact, my kids are glad I bought the CD, because they were getting tired of hearing Sarah Brightman all the time! :0) And, yes, I'm still a fan of SB, but now I'm pairing her with KC. :0)
I hope the Kristin records more songs like these and maybe even a collection of the various musicals that she's performed in.
Pushing Daisies star has a very good album You may know Kristin Chenoweth as the lovelorn pie waitress Olive on the ABC show "Pushing Daisies", but you may know that she is a very decent singer also. "As I Am" is her foray into Christian music and a very good one at that. She can stir emotions with her lithe, expressive voice on such classics as "Joyful, Joyful" and "As I Am", but her worship style anthem "Power" can lift your spirits up. If you liked Kristin on "Daisies", then you should give this album a try.
A Change of Pace from Kristin's Usual Faire. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and they certainly vary for this cd. I loved Kristin's Let Yourself Go, which was a fantastic showcase for her well-endowed and broad range vocal chords, but this is also a pleasant surprise. Like the old saying goes, you can't be a beacon if your light don't shine. Well, here Kristin shines with a little more subtle lighting than the bright spotlight showstoppers of her previous outing, and it's nice to see her take her chances with other types of music. If Linda Ronstadt can sing anything, then so can Chenoweth, and why not?
I appreciate the fact that she stresses her religious faith on As I Am, yet throws in some secular tunes to keep it from being too heavy handed. Not so big on country, I still like "It Will Be Me," but my favorite song on here has to be the gorgeous, ethereal "Abide in Me." "Joyful, Joyful" also stands out as another great track that will become a great cut to play at Christmas time, and her cover of the old Trisha Yearwood hit, "The Song Remembers When" is hard hitting and soul stirring. "Taylor the Latte Boy" is silly and cute all at once, so it's irrisistible ear candy, but it's just slightly out of place on this collection of songs.
Still, I love listening to this album in my car on Sunday mornings or when I want to hear something that doesn't rattle my nerves on a trip into the city. Granted some reviewers aren't as receptive to this album as others of us were, but I love all kinds of music, and give Chenoweth kudos for trying something else. It makes you wonder what she has in store for her next album, doesn't it?
Kristin Chenoweth Love her voice. It was a bit preachie for me. Also, there was something in the way it was produced I didn't find appealing (style not content). I have heard her sing before, and would still look for music by Kristin in the future.
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