http://www.umc.org United Methodist News en-us Copyright 2004 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:54:57 GMT 20 Though the statements on faith are often limited to images of new mornings and distant shores, the passionate performances on Nine Lives often speak eloquently about a world that, despite its pleasures, leaves us longing for something more. ]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:54:00 GMT On new tracks that blend longtime Diamond trademarks with a few unexpected turns, the classic pop stylist reveals deeper vulnerabilities than perhaps ever before. ]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:55:00 GMT Stacey’s identity is nearly as fully formed musically as he claims it to be spiritually, and indeed, on his engaging and stylistically forward-thinking first outing, the two parts are all but inseparable. ]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:58:00 GMT But the coal songs that cut the deepest come from the folk and country traditions - songs originating from, or written specifically about, America’s Appalachian Mountain region where mining has long been a way of life. On her latest album, Coal, Kathy Mattea collects nearly a dozen such songs to teach an affecting history lesson about coal mining’s cost, both human and environmental. Mattea, a native West Virginian whose male relatives all worked in the mines, draws not only from her own experience but also from her work as an environmental activist.]]> Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:53:00 GMT While this is the band’s best-received album in a decade, its urgent response to current affairs, coupled with songs that often trade craft and melody for immediacy, leaves questions about how well it will age.]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:36:00 GMT Newcomer not only sees the emotional colors that exist between black and white, she makes a deliberate study of them on her challenging album The Geography of Light. ]]> Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:23:00 GMT ]]> Thu, 29 May 2008 14:37:00 GMT We Weren’t Crazy is a well-crafted and energetic pop-country record, and one that a perfectly sane country fan might find totally satisfying. However, the listener who desires inspiring music that resonates deeply and consistently with faith-based values wouldn’t be crazy for wanting something more. ]]> Tue, 27 May 2008 14:50:00 GMT Detours finds Crow taking some alternate paths, though its many sure-footed turns may take unsuspecting musical joy-riders down avenues of awareness they might otherwise have opted to avoid altogether. ]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:44:00 GMT ]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:02:00 GMT Prism is a bold exploration of diversity that shines light on our shared impulse to seek ultimate truth. But not even a work of this scope can change the fact that when it comes to personal faith, the world can often be colorblind.]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:55:00 GMT Johnson’s writing can be oblique, but he puts his big heart across. Indeed, it’s the ingredient that makes Sleep Through the Static hopeful without sacrificing the vigilance needed to stay awake.]]> Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:40:00 GMT Fall and Winter makes for a somewhat frosty listen, and yet Foreman’s transparent self-disclosure and ultimately redemptive message offset the chill, reminding us that even in the season of death and decay the promise of new life awaits.]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:12:00 GMT Blige’s tough-and-tender blend on Growing Pains is both grounded and optimistic, offering hip-hop hope for growth that promises more gain than pain.]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:11:00 GMT Nelson may be too self-styled to stand for any particular thought or belief, and while that clouds the message, the musical scope and character found on Moment of Forever make it a Willie record for the ages.]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:34:00 GMT