Steven Curtis Chapman (Reunion Records)
More than 25 years after his debut project released, singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman continues to inspire and entertain listeners with his trademark acoustic pop songs.
The Glorious Unfolding, Chapmanās latest release, places the artist back in familiar territory as he alternates between up-tempo pop rock and heartfelt ballads interlaced with messages of hope and encouragement.
The project opens with the rousing title track, followed by the albumās bouncy first single, āLove Take Me Over,ā but mellows with the affirming āFinish What He Startedā and āOne and Only You,ā a companion piece to Chapmanās classic āFingerprint of God.ā āSomething Beautifulā ventures into modern pop with a message of grace and redemption.
Years after the tragic passing of his daughter, Maria Sue, the promise of heaven and seeing her again is still felt in āSee You in a Little While,ā āA Little More Timeā and āMichael and Maria.ā As is his tradition, Chapman includes a love song to his wife, Mary Beth, with the piano ballad āTogether.ā
Chapmanās music is consistent if nothing else, even as the landscape of the music industry has changed and his ministry has evolved. The Glorious Unfolding is decidedly not a reinvention but a new collection of songs that fits well in Chapmanās impressive catalog of hits. —DeWayne Hamby