Album Reviews

Caedmon's Call has the unique ability to take a worn-out style and breathe new life into it. When they hit the national CCM market in the late nineties, their depth of emotional exploration and ability to capture common truths in elegant and never-clichéd language gave a glimmer of hope to Christian music fans. Before then, there were stars, yes; talent, yes; but ne'er the twain did meet--until Caedmon's Call. They earned the respect of audiences through relentless touring of the South and Heartland, and the respect of listeners through honest lyrics and well-crafted songs.

In the Company of Angels contains shining moments like those that made so many of us fall for them. The depth and quality of lyrics--loosely tied around the common theme of worshipping in the heavenly company of all the saints throughout time--make this album a stand-out among the cookie-cutter worship albums so many bands are clamoring to release. Cliff Young, Derek Webb, and Danielle Young again share lead vocals, often trading off within the same song--a technique they have not done this well since their national debut. In the variety of vocal styles, mixed song structures (especially the more extensive bridges), and combination of studio and live recordings, Company has a breadth and depth that keep the album unified but not constricted.

The album is not flawless. There really is no need for 'God of Wonders' to be on this album. Previously released on the collaborative City on a Hill project, the canned live version of this mediocre praise song panders to warm-fuzzy experience-mongerers. A downloadable mp3 on the band's website would have reached just as many fans without lowering the standard on Company. But songs like 'I Boast No More,' 'Oh Lord Your Love,' 'Thy Mercy,' and 'God Who Saves' more than make up for any low moments on the album. This is certainly a CD that every Caedmon's Call fan can be proud of, as well as be welcomed in the acoustic-worship crowd.

                                                 ~Tim Y.

Caedmon's Call has broken new ground people! Is this possible? This Christian folk band is the best when it comes to awesome lyrics, upright bass thumpin', emotional singers, and a slew of great instruments.

A worship album has never been attempted by this band before. Wow. The lyrical quality of this CD is exellent. This album is very creative, produced by a CC band member, and all songs are original, written by Caedmon's members, or co-written. If you're looking for a peaceful worship album, you like CC, and expressive lyrics, this album is for you! The slow acoustic guitar of "I Boast No More," the creative drums of "Carry Your Love," and the sweet harmony of "We Delight." I've given Company of Angels: A Call to Worship, a rating of 5. This album is a must buy!

                                                        ~Andrew R.

Caedmon's Call remains one of the most popular Christian bands, characterized more by introspection than head-banging. They are predominantly supported by music fans who lean to the intellectual side (think Dave Matthews rather than Metallica). After several successful albums, they've followed the example of many artists who have recently released worship projects.

In The Company of Angels begins with the enjoyable We Delight by teen phenom Josh Moore, who joined the band while still in high school. Moore also wrote Who You Are, played keyboards and guitars, and co-produced the record. The expected Caedmon's Call sound is present, but the surprise is that the usual songwriters are absent. Cliff Young co-wrote three songs, but most of the songs come from outside of the band. The previously unreleased Rich Mullins song Oh Lord Your Love (finished by Cliff Young) is a highlight; covers of God of Wonders (by Common Children's Marc Byrd and The Choir's Steve Hindalong) and a live cover of Kemper Crabb's Warrior (any old Arkangel fans out there?) are wonderful.

Mix in some Isaac Watts lyrics from three centuries ago, three songs by Aaron Senseman (Cliff Young's brother-in-law) and music for three more songs by Sandra McCracken and another quality Caedmon's Call album is ready to bless you.

In The Company of Angels is for fans of Caedmon's Call, Rich Mullins and the mellower side of contemporary worship. Join one of the most popular Reformed bands in their reverent songs of praise. Soli deo gloria!

                                                          ~Randy Brandt