Style: Folk pop with great poetry; compare to Andrew Peterson, James Taylor
Top tracks: "Absalom, Absalom," "Stubble and Hay," "Birth of a Song"
Singer/songwriter Steve Bell, to whom the lazy lyric is anathema, has come up with another selection of smart poetry for his 16th album. Many of the lyrics are his own, some inspired by the works of others, and several are written by his own favorite contemporary composers, including fellow Canadians Gord Johnson and Byron O'Donnell. Highlights include the title cut with lyrics by Brian McLaren (!): "Christ has no body here but ours / No hands no feet here on earth but ours / Ours are the eyes through which he looks on this world with kindness." And in "Birth of a Song," Bell croons his own lyrics: "Author of the mysteries / Ecstasy of blazing suns / And swooning moons and these crooning / Winds and water, earth and fire."
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
As my doubts about his teachings grew, so did a secret fascination with Jesus.
But experts say it can offer opportunities for leaders and congregations to grow.
