NYT, USA Today, Billboard Critics & Fan agree, Overwhelming support for BEAUTY WILL RISE

SCC press release being serviced as I type.

November 5, 2009

Critics nationwide are showing overwhelming support for Beauty Will Rise, the latest from multi-platinum selling artist Steven Curtis Chapman.

Across the board people agree Beauty Will Rise is unlike any other Chapman release.  Calling it his most candid work yet, the project is filled with “raw lyrics and honest emotion” that while bringing “many to tears,” also “gives tremendous hope” to all who listen.  

“…the aching candor that suffuses the album, paired with Mr. Chapman’s unmistakable gift for melodic uplift, exerts a deep emotional pull. The production, leaner than usual, backs up the raw feeling behind the songs.”- New York Times

“He quietly, thoughtfully works through his grief but never surrenders to despair. If you can’t imagine how to find hope out of such devastation, Chapman can show you.”- USA Today

“Both intensely personal, yet universal as well, this is a brilliant, deeply moving album sure to resonate with listeners on many levels.”-Billboard Magazine

“After his daughter's death, the veteran artist battles despair but finds hope in his most candid record to date.”-ChristianityToday.com

“What might seem as a depressing premise for a recording has turned into an extremely hopeful, intensely raw and gut-wrenchingly honest recording that brings the listener through the wrestling and into the hope that awaits.”- Advance Magazine

“Beauty Will Rise is a CD that is sure to move you emotionally. Every song on the album will make you feel as if Chapman is singing to your own pain, and offering hope for your own situation. And in a very real way, he is.”-Gospelmusicupdate.com

“The bare-bones structure incorporates musical gestures of hope, using a colorful glockenspiel, bellowing chimes and triumphal timpanis to convince listeners Chapman's spiritual testing is not countering his steadfast faith. Even dissonant strings haunt the famous father's melancholic intimations, but without deterring the album's blunt beauty.”-CCM Magazine

The radio single “Heaven Is The Face,” is already at No. 22 on the AC monitored chart, and continues to climb with 10 new adds in the last two weeks, including The Fish Atlanta and K-Love.

Chapman is extremely thankful for all the support and encouragement that he and his family have received through blogs, letters and emails. Although this was a recording that Chapman wishes he never had to make, he says he has gleaned a measure of peace knowing that these songs may help heal others.  

Chapman states, “If there is comfort to be given to others then that is going to make some sense out of this; that is important and vital to us. Part of what makes this survivable is that we can see God using it for good in the lives of other people.” 

Comments

[shannon blake]

gotta love this. Still havent gotten mine in the mail yet though I chose Priority shipping. I didnt get the digital download promised from the website either. Guess I will just have to wait some more. sigh

[shannon blake]

ok went back to my account once I was able to log in again and found it lol. Finally have it on my comp & am listening to it now. Amazing.

[Kalee]

Praise God!

[Jill Hamilton]

What fantastic reviews from secular critics. I pray this album will show the world who God is in a very real way. You're awesome.

[Sharon]

Got it on the release date and can agree with all the positive reviews. I like the way Steven brought the melody of the "Beauty will Rise" chorus back in with children's choir entrance in "Spring is Coming."

May your hearts continue to know the Lord's comfort.

[JennC]

Honestly, I was afraid to buy the album. I wasn't sure I could handle the many more tears I would shed for the Chapman's loss. I pray for them, and so thought I'd leave it there. Well, I did buy the album, and I'm so glad! More tears? Yes, a few. Beauty rising from the ashes? Yes. A wonderful album of hope, even amidst the pain. My thanks to all who put this difficult album together. I'm confident I'm not the only one to be blessed as a result.

[Tina]

I'm ready to move on so I won't be buying the album but I have no problems with those wanting it. It's just a personal choice and we all need to respect each other's opinion on this matter.

[Jamie]

Tina,

I too won't be purchasing this album.
I have every album of SCC's career up until now but I'll pass on this one. I hope I get to see the old "SCC" return on his next album/tour.

[SandyB]

Our daughter fought a difficult battle filled with complications after open heart surgery when she was 8 days old. She was 7 weeks old when she went to be with the Lord 2 weeks ago. We chose "Heaven is the Face" for her slideshow because it had the perfect sentiment that we wanted as a tribute to Jayden. This album could not be more perfect for us. It's almost as if SCC is singing to us.

[Christine Gordon and Family]

I honestly can't imagine anyone not wanting this album; BEAUTY IS RISING for all to SEE.
SCC is the very man God has intended him to be; only more convinced of every word he sings even in the most bittersweet of times.
Thank you Chapman Family for "SHOWING HOPE" even in the midst of your grief.
To think SCC didn't think he'd ever sing or write again....so glad he did....don't miss out on the most genuine album you'll ever hear this side of heaven.

[Jim Houser]

If you have any issues with the store at StevenCurtisChapman.com, please contact our partner BandFarm. Their info is clearly displayed on the store page and they have an excellent customer service reputation. They desire to partner well with Steven and that means serving you well, so let them hear from you if you have a concern on question. Thank you!

[Ruth]

I just purchased "Beauty Will Rise" yesterday and I am SOOOOOOOO looking forward to receiving it in the mail.I brought it through this website actually.This will be my first CD from Steven Curtis Chapman. I have never really followed Steven much till May 2008,ever since then I have had the Chapman family laid heavy on my heart.I come here often now.VERY often.

[Laurie]

I've listened to SCC since I was a very young girl. My big brothers were the ones who introduced me to his music. After the shocking loss of my eldest brother a month ago, I feel like this album is a HUGE blessing and came at just the right time. SUCH A BLESSING from my Father in Heaven. This music is like a balm for my aching heart. Filled with wonderful TRUTH from Scripture. I just wish I could tell SCC "Thank you for letting God use you and your music to touch the lives of so many others."

[Steve in UK]

Just received my copy of "Beauty will rise" - its taken a little longer to get here in the UK. I really considered whether I wanted to add this to all my other SCC albums I have, but on reflection I am so glad I have.

I've thankfully not had to face the challenges of losing a close family member, but I see this album as a real resource for me as I pastor families in our church through difficult seasons. It is full of scripturual truth, honesty and vulnerability.

Thank you Steven for allowing us to walk with you all through this period of your lives.