Article
CD (r)Eview:
"I Could Not Love You More"
Various Artists
Here To Him Music
A companion CD to the recently released book, Jesus Wept by Bruce Marchiano, "I Could Not Love You More" features contributions from some of Christian music's brightest stars as well as up and comers.
The compilation, which focuses on the human side of suffering and the God side of comfort, is a gently meandering collection of previously recorded songs tied together by the emotion-swept narration of Bruce Marchiano. From Natalie Grant's soaring "Because of Love," through Margaret Becker's tender "Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer," to Carman's encouraging "Always Will," "I Could Not Love You More" maintains a remarkably cohesive feel, as if these songs were meant to flow together.
This is a project that is shot through with melancholy, but refuses to give in to sadness. Instead, each song acknowledges our human frailties while rejoicing in the ability of Christ to raise us above our sorrows. Newcomer Joe Rogness amply demonstrates this quality on his haunting acoustic ballad, "Simply Divine." 'Simply divine,' he croons.' So gentle and kind. Only you could take the shape of the cross and make it something…beautiful.'
The title cut by worship band Among Thorns is heart wrenching while Kelly Minter's "Say The Word" is hope inspiring. And "Borne" by Not By Sight is simply breathtaking in its simplicity. "I Could Not Love You More" flows seamlessly from start to finish. It stands head and shoulders above most compilations.