Steven Curtis Chapman

Item: Signs of Life
Author: Evan Dickens

Signs of Life

(1996)

Reviewed by Evan Dickens

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Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseDecember 1996

adult contemporary ccm pop rock

Steven Curtis Chapman certainly has an impressive resume. Consider these accomplishments: nineteen #1 songs (and six other songs which have hit the top five); six albums which collectively have sold over three million copies; and the best-selling Christian album of 1994 (Heaven In The Real World). With credentials like those, Chapman could very easily carry the title "king of Contemporary Christian music" or something similar. But where does an artist of his stature go from there? Can he top these seemingly impossible standards he has set for himself? The answers found on Signs Of Life will settle any doubters-Chapman HAS raised himself to yet another level.

I can say without compunction that Signs Of Life is a better album than Heaven In The Real World. Chapman called upon veteran producer Brown Bannister to help him out of the creative rut he seemed to be trapped in these past couple of albums. The results are energized and ignited. I had heard "buzz" that Chapman wanted this project to have an "edgier direction." But I'm not convinced that this came to pass-there is nothing on this project that won't be played on AC stations across the country. (Although I must admit that the lead-off track, "Lord Of The Dance," has a slight hint of grunge). Right from the outset what's most noticeable is the songs on Signs Of Life aren't as catchy as the typical Steven Curtis Chapman fare. Rest assured, each track is unquestionably "cool" and musically enjoyable.

"Lord Of The Dance," the first single from this album, tells the story of Chapman's birth in Kentucky:

Before my feet had even touched the ground As the doctors and the nurses gathered around I started to dance.

Beyond being a way for Chapman to express how much he loves to dance, "Lord of the Dance" speaks powerfully about relying on God. The guitar riffs and beat give the music a very strong and danceable feel. It is my favorite song on the album and definitely another #1 contender for Chapman.

For the first eight cuts, Signs Of Life takes an up-tempo approach, including: "Children Of The Burning Heart," an anthem-ish track; as well as "Signs Of Life," "Let Us Pray," and "Free," which are sure to please SCC fans, as all three are reminiscent of much of The Great Adventure. Chapman rarely slows his pace until "Celebrate You," which was written for his wife and expresses his desire to "hear the thunder I'm so quick to steal." A refreshing acoustic piece, "Celebrate You," will immediately bring to mind shades of "Love And Learn" and "When You Are A Soldier." Continuing in this more mellow and reflective vein, Chapman follows with "What I Would Say." Musically, this song departs from Chapman's typical guitar-based ballads and showcases his able voice over an exquisite piano and string arrangement. A song of forgiveness, written to a grandfather he knew "only by pictures and letters," this song is full of emotion-bringing me a bit closer to tears each time I hear it.

I have only a few minor complaints regarding Signs Of Life (and perhaps, these are only personal preferences). First, while I enjoyed the predominantly up-tempo focus of the album, I found myself really wishing for a song along the lines of "Remember Your Chains" or "Still Listening." Just one more ballad would have made things complete. Maybe even just a different sequence would have appeased my ears. Eight songs is a long time to rock without a rest. Also, "Free," "The Walk," and "What I Would Say" seemed to ramble on a bit too long and they could have been drawn to a quicker and perhaps more powerful closes. But mind you, none of this poses a serious detraction to the overall impact or quality of this project.

While I would not classify Signs Of Life as the "definitive" Steven Curtis Chapman album (Real Life Conversations still holds that title for me), it is certainly the best thing I've heard from him in a long time. Overall, Signs Of Life is a wonderful treat; and it will be interesting to see where Chapman ventures from here.