Soul Anchor

Excellent music. Great story telling in the lyrics. Very uplifting music and provides encouragement for the soul. One of Michael Card's best works.

Love it!

Enjoy all of his music!!!!!!!

Enjoying this CD.

ok

Why review an album that has been out for seven years? The same reason I would review a book that has been around for over 350 years (The Bruised Reed): quality is quality - and personally, I think this particular album deserves recognition regardless of its release date. Granted, the underlying reason might be that I have a difficult time remaining up-to-date and that I have a weak grasp of all the new music out there today (O the tyranny of staying current!) - but even if that is the case, I would rather be one who catches the pleasant midst of good music rather than trying to drink out of the fire hose of the contemporary scene. I guess I'm just not cool anymore. Michael Card has been around for a while. One of his first major hits you might remember was El Shaddai (no Amy Grant didn't write it - she only performed it). Between his most recent work, 'The Ultimate Collection' (2006) and his first, 'First Light' (1981), Card has completed nearly 30 albums, written numerous #1 hits, published and co-authored over 14 books, hosted two radio programs, and written for a wide range of magazines. All of this from a man whose aim in life was to simply and quietly teach the Bible. Soul Anchor was released in 2000 and followed in the pattern of many of his previous albums: it is a musical exposition (is that a phrase?) of the book of Hebrews. Many of Card's titles before this one, as well as the ones after, take as their lyrical base the text of Scripture. For example, between 1989 and 1992, Card would complete a three-disk set on the Old Testament: 'The Beginning,' 'The Way of Wisdom' and 'The Word: Recapturing the Imagination.' In 1997, Card would release 'Unveiled Hope,' which was a tour through the book of Revelation. Most recently, Card examined the life of Peter in 'A Fragile Stone.' As I just mentioned, the book of Hebrews provides the lyrical foundation for 'Soul Anchor.' The title of the album is taken from Hebrews 6:19 where Christ referred to as the anchor of our souls. Card's ability to creatively form workable lyrical phrasing from the actual text of the Bible, plus his tremendous songwriting and musical ability (the man plays the guitar, the harp, the piano and who knows what else), make his songs both musically enjoyable and spiritually edifying. Joining him on this album is Jars of Clay frontman, Dan Haseltine and Christian female vocalist, Christine Dente. Dente couples with Card on the first song of the album, 'Violent Grace' and Hasetine brings a Jars of Clay sound to song number four, 'By Faith.' 'A New and Living Way' and 'He Was Heard' rejoices in the finality and supremacy of Christ's sacrifice and priesthood over the Old Testament sacrifices and priesthood. 'Never Will I Leave You' is taken from God's promise in Hebrews 13:5 while 'Fellow Prisoners' is an exhortation and rebuke to care and pray for Christians who are incarcerated for Christ's sake. The album's title song, 'Soul Anchor,' is a jazzy celebration of our security in Christ despite great earthly turmoil, and 'Seventh Sunrise' looks forward to the Christian's final Sabbath rest in the Kingdom. 'Pilgrims to the City of God,' taken from Hebrews 11:13, is a sober yet refreshing glimpse at the reality of our residing in a country that is not our own while seeking another City. The final piece of the album, 'Grace be with You All,' is a simple, piano and voice conclusion to the book, which takes as its text Hebrews 13:1, 8 and following. This is a refreshing and encouraging album. I applaud Card for taking on the monumental task of making his way musically and theologically through the book of Hebrews, and I recommend his work to you.

Thank you.

I would have to label this album my favorite from Card's collection. The songs have such zeal and passion; each reaches into your soul and changes you in a way you might never have imagined. "Never Will I Leave You" is perhaps the most meaningful CCM song I have heard. With the promise that even when "you fear/the scars and tears," Jesus is there "with you through the storm," Card reminds us that we need never fear in God's loving arms. We are never abandoned. And Card challenges us in other songs to make that promise true for others -- to suffer and tend to the sick, the dying, the imprisoned, the anguished. "New and Living Way" is another exemplary track. I also admire Card for striking out in new musical directions. He even includes a full-out gospel song that is unlike anything you've heard from Card before! You may not thoroughly enjoy it, but I think the breadth of songs conveys a larger message: that there is room under the "spiritual tent" for more than just one type of follower of Christ. All are welcome at the Lord's Table. Take the challenge. Try this album. It will challenge you.