Chris Tomlin is one of the few CCM artists that I really enjoy. Even though I’m not a very religious person myself I have always been very intrigued with religion and what it brings out in people. The downside of Christian music is that often it’s not as open for interpretation as it is quite clear what it is about. And even though a good number of songs on “Hello Love” have that, they are still very enjoyable. But Chris Tomlin’s real strength is in his passion and intensity. And also he can write and perform songs that can be obviously CCM, but if you want to you can see anything you want in it.
Sing, Sing, Sing
“Hello Love” starts out with the highly catchy Sing, Sing, Sing. Like always, Chris Tomlin gets a full and rich melodic sound to create inspirational music. This song is no different. With his compassionate vocals and accompanied by strong instrumentals, Chris Tomlin starts this album in a very strong way with Sing, Sing, Sing.
Jesus Messiah
This ode to the most famous man who ever lived is one of the better CCM songs of the past 3 years, and maybe longer. Chris Tomlin’s vocals are clear and full of intensity and you can hear the passion that fills this song.
You Lifted Me Out
The uptempo You Lifted Me Out is a pop song with a rock feel. It has strong energy and it carries on very well. The tempo and little louder sound add to the energy and passion that it speaks.
God Of This City
The ballad God of this City is a little paced down compared to the last track, and shows more sensitivity, but it is brought with the same, or maybe even more intensity and passion. Vocally, Chris Tomlin, is one of the best singers in his genre. I also love the subtle keys in this song.
I Will Rise
The build up in I Will Rise is phenomenal and the focus on the arrangement and the vocals works out beautifully. One of the best songs on this album, and it is sure to be a fan favorite.
Love (w/ Watoto Children’s Choir)
Love originally written by Cary Pierce & Mike Finley (it also appears on his new EP), but then adapted by Chris Tomlin to appear on this excellent album. Love probably is the best radio single candidate. It’s message is beautiful and the song invites you to sing along. It’s inspirational and very catchy. The addition of the Watoto Children’s Choir was an excellent choice. The song was already good without the addition, but with the addition this song rises to a level where you can only say “WOW!”
Praise The Father, Praise The Son
The gently sound with it’s folky influence works really well on this spiritual song. It really delivers a message and the subtle music really amplifies that. As the song continues, the song builds up stronger and stronger and the backing vocals are an amazing fit with Chris’ vocals.
God Almighty
God Almighty isn’t one of my favorites on the album. It has great passion and energy, but I don’t feel it as much as the other tracks. Chris Tomlin always has something extra to bring on his best tracks, and I’m kinda missing that on God Almighty.
My Deliverer
On My Deliverer also, I feel like something’s missing. It’s still a wonderful song, and by no means will I skip it when listening to the CD, but that slight extra edge, that added dimension I would love to hear, I’m just not hearing it on this song.
With Me
With Me ranks among my favorite Chris Tomlin songs. The mainstream rock sound works really well. It has energy, it has passion, it has fantastic lyrics and Chris Tomlin and his fellow musicians perform it with as close to perfection as is possible. Besides, it’s catchy, very catchy.
Exalted (Yahweh)
The piano-based Exalted is one of the best tracks on the album, especially vocally. You can just feel the passion and emotion in Chris Tomlin’s voice. It’s a beautiful song and an inspirational ballad. And the build up is just electrifying.
All The Way My Savior Leads Me
The beautiful and intimate closer All The Way My Savior Leads Me is the perfect ending to a great and inspirational album. Once again, the listener is drawn to Chris’ powerful and passionate vocals, but the stripped down nature of the song is also wonderful.
“Hello Love” is probably Chris Tomlin’s best album to date. Even though it was “Arriving” that got me into his music, “Hello Love” just shows growth, passion and inspiration on many different levels. With songs like Sing, Sing Sing, Love & With Me there are a couple of instant hits on this album. And with his inspiring songwriting he does get your attention to the messages in his music.
Sing, Sing, Sing
“Hello Love” starts out with the highly catchy Sing, Sing, Sing. Like always, Chris Tomlin gets a full and rich melodic sound to create inspirational music. This song is no different. With his compassionate vocals and accompanied by strong instrumentals, Chris Tomlin starts this album in a very strong way with Sing, Sing, Sing.
Jesus Messiah
This ode to the most famous man who ever lived is one of the better CCM songs of the past 3 years, and maybe longer. Chris Tomlin’s vocals are clear and full of intensity and you can hear the passion that fills this song.
You Lifted Me Out
The uptempo You Lifted Me Out is a pop song with a rock feel. It has strong energy and it carries on very well. The tempo and little louder sound add to the energy and passion that it speaks.
God Of This City
The ballad God of this City is a little paced down compared to the last track, and shows more sensitivity, but it is brought with the same, or maybe even more intensity and passion. Vocally, Chris Tomlin, is one of the best singers in his genre. I also love the subtle keys in this song.
I Will Rise
The build up in I Will Rise is phenomenal and the focus on the arrangement and the vocals works out beautifully. One of the best songs on this album, and it is sure to be a fan favorite.
Love (w/ Watoto Children’s Choir)
Love originally written by Cary Pierce & Mike Finley (it also appears on his new EP), but then adapted by Chris Tomlin to appear on this excellent album. Love probably is the best radio single candidate. It’s message is beautiful and the song invites you to sing along. It’s inspirational and very catchy. The addition of the Watoto Children’s Choir was an excellent choice. The song was already good without the addition, but with the addition this song rises to a level where you can only say “WOW!”
Praise The Father, Praise The Son
The gently sound with it’s folky influence works really well on this spiritual song. It really delivers a message and the subtle music really amplifies that. As the song continues, the song builds up stronger and stronger and the backing vocals are an amazing fit with Chris’ vocals.
God Almighty
God Almighty isn’t one of my favorites on the album. It has great passion and energy, but I don’t feel it as much as the other tracks. Chris Tomlin always has something extra to bring on his best tracks, and I’m kinda missing that on God Almighty.
My Deliverer
On My Deliverer also, I feel like something’s missing. It’s still a wonderful song, and by no means will I skip it when listening to the CD, but that slight extra edge, that added dimension I would love to hear, I’m just not hearing it on this song.
With Me
With Me ranks among my favorite Chris Tomlin songs. The mainstream rock sound works really well. It has energy, it has passion, it has fantastic lyrics and Chris Tomlin and his fellow musicians perform it with as close to perfection as is possible. Besides, it’s catchy, very catchy.
Exalted (Yahweh)
The piano-based Exalted is one of the best tracks on the album, especially vocally. You can just feel the passion and emotion in Chris Tomlin’s voice. It’s a beautiful song and an inspirational ballad. And the build up is just electrifying.
All The Way My Savior Leads Me
The beautiful and intimate closer All The Way My Savior Leads Me is the perfect ending to a great and inspirational album. Once again, the listener is drawn to Chris’ powerful and passionate vocals, but the stripped down nature of the song is also wonderful.
“Hello Love” is probably Chris Tomlin’s best album to date. Even though it was “Arriving” that got me into his music, “Hello Love” just shows growth, passion and inspiration on many different levels. With songs like Sing, Sing Sing, Love & With Me there are a couple of instant hits on this album. And with his inspiring songwriting he does get your attention to the messages in his music.