Steven Curtis Chapman

Item: Declaration
Author: Mark Baker

Declaration

(2001)

Reviewed by Mark Baker

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Label Sparrow RecordsThe Rebel Base2001

adult contemporary ccm pop rock

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of the legends of contemporary Christian music, along with greats such as Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Despite this, the most common complaint that continually plagues Chapman with every release is simply that all his songs sound the same. It is a valid complaint, but it is still admirable that he can keep up the pace with the changing styles of music. In his newest release, Declaration, Steven Curtis Chapman uses many of the same tricks that he has used in the past, but he has also turned a corner for the good by experimenting a little more.

He starts out Declaration with the upbeat radio single, "Live out Loud," which is an interesting song despite its cheesyness, and it also starts out his theme of declaration for dependence on Christ very well. Overall, the songs stay within this theme quite well, although there are some that seem to be stretching it.

Chapman turns then in the next song to his normal acoustic style in "This Day." The beat picks up again well with "Jesus is Life," which hosts a catchy chorus and goes deeper into his theme. The lyrics get a little shallow and trite here, but overuse is definitely not the story of this album.

The next song, "No Greater Love," proves how Steven Curtis Chapman has turned a corner into better music. Apparently, he went on a mission trip to Ecuador where he found God in a unique way that has changed his thought process. Here, he shows Christ's love through an Ecuadorian tribe's joy in Christ through their sufferings. He ends the song with a tribal man giving praise to God in his native tongue. It is primitive, which is the very thing that makes it very real, and makes this a job well done.

Songs "See the Glory" and "Bring it On" are some of the most upbeat songs Chapman has ever done, and the lyrics are not only challenging, but deep. "See the Glory" is the perfect example of why artists do not need to stay within their theme. His message in this theme is that he is, "playing Gameboy in the middle of the Grand Canyon," in other words, he is missing the glory of God in this life. It doesn't fit in with the rest of the album very well, yet it is an excellent addition to the CD in its own right.

Declaration moves into a softer mood and more into his older style with the beautiful "When Love Takes You In," although it also doesn't seem to blend very well. Another highlight, "Carry You To Jesus," has some of the best guitar work I've ever heard from Steven Curtis Chapman, and, again, sounds like more to his usual style.

For fans of Steven Curtis Chapman, this is one not to miss. He maintains his trademark style while adding new facets to his music at the same time. For those who believe that all his music sounds the same, I challenge you to pick this one up and see for yourself the new changes on this album. However, for those who just don't like Chapman's overall style of music, there isn't enough change to fix this problem. But don't count him out for good: I am expecting Declaration to be a stepping stone to bigger and better things for Steven Curtis Chapman.

Mark's Score: 3.5/5