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    The Phantom Tollbooth 2004/Chris Rice
    Chris Rice — Short Term Memories cover

    Chris Rice

    Short Term Memories

    (2004)

    Reviewed by Kevin Mathews

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    Label Rocketown RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2004
    adult contemporaryccm

    For good or bad, artists like Chris Rice personify the phenomenon that is Christian Contemporary Music. Relatively famous, with a track record of #1 radio hits and critical acclaim within the insular scene, Rice has been successful enough to warrant a best of collection which trawls through his eight year old discography with the obligatory new tracks as bonuses. So what about the music?

    If you're a fan of Rocketown co-owner Michael W. Smith's brand of musical professionalism, where the 'feel-good' factor is set at high then this is for you. Personally, I marvel at how blandness and 'safe-ness' seem to guarantee chart success even in the so-called "Christian music" arena where any distinction Rice may possess from your average radio fodder is blurred. That aside, the songs after repeated listening begin to coalesce into a tasteless whole, which is just about as useful as salt that has lost its flavor.

    I'm sorry but there just has to be more than this...

    Similar sounding releases

    2002Bebo NormanMyself When I Am Real1998Matt RedmanIntimacy1999Geoff MooreGeoff Moore2003Kenny McCaffertyWarm Waters1997Aaron + JeoffreyThe Climb1997Jars of ClayMuch Afraid

    More from Chris Rice

    2000Smell the Color 92001The Living Room Sessions2005Amusing2003Run the Earth, Watch the Sky2001The Living Room Sessions - Christmas2005Snapshots: Live and Fan Favorites

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