Keith Green

Item: The Ultimate Collection
Author: John Wehrle

The Ultimate Collection

(2002)

Reviewed by John Wehrle

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Sparrow RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

ccm folk rock gospel

Twenty years after the death of Keith Green, Sparrow Records releases The Ultimate Collection. There are 20 songs on the CD, one for each year that has passed since Green's death. While the recording showcases his best songs, it also speaks volumes of the world changing impact which Green brought to the music industry.

With classics like "Oh Lord You're Beautiful," "You Put This Love in My Heart," and "Your Love Broke Through," the recorded music flows incredibly well. If you are not familiar with the sound of Keith Green, it's like Ben Folds meets Dashboard Confessionals with an older sound.

Green's music paints the picture of an emotionally and lyrically passionate man that loves to talk about his relationship with God. He is even more transparent, by including songs with a humorous reflection. Tunes like, "He'll Take Care of the Rest," and "So You Want to Go Back to Egypt," remind any believer that there is a softer side of faith, and singing about God can be fun. That sounded so cliché but if you listen to much Christian music, you'll hear a doldrum sound that speaks more condemnation and loneliness, and despair. This could have been one of the reasons Green's popularity has remained 20 years after his death.

While Green was an amazing believer, the CD is incredible on its own merit; included is a special DVD highlighting Keith Green's life and ministry. Narrated by Toby McKeehan with a script from writer Doug McKelvey, the DVD is done with class. In the format of a VH-1 Behind the Music video, the Keith Green story spells out the path Green took to find God, and how he took the message to the world. Throughout the story, the gospel is spelled out in a clear concise way. This could make for a witnessing tool if used properly. It's powerful. I would recommend this purchase to anyone.