Steven Curtis Chapman

re:creation
Sparrow Records/Chordant Music Group

“re:creation,” the new CD by Steven Curtis Chapman, is primarily a remake of eight of his biggest hits, along with five new songs. The re-recorded songs have a bright, acoustic feel and are well recorded and produced. These were great songs the first time around and certainly they’re not hurt by the re-recording. I struggle, however, to get past the feeling that the purpose of the record was to wring more profit from Chapman’s popularity, much like the “Greatest Hits” compilations we grew up with. There’s even a cover of the old song “Morning Has Broken,” sung by son Caleb Chapman. While well done, it adds to the feel that everything lying around was thrown in.

“Do Everything,” one of the new songs on the CD, is classic Chapman and perhaps the best song of the bunch. It’s already getting a lot of air play, as it is the first single released from the record. “Meant to Be” is another good one, again classic Chapman, with airy acoustic guitars and soaring strings, with a strong purpose-based message.

If you’re a fan of Chapman (and of course we ALL are), then you’re going to like this record. I wish more new material had been included, but we can hope that Chapman’s next release will be the blockbuster we’ve come to expect. (Sharp)