Steven Curtis Chapman - Two For One: For The Sake Of The Call/The Great Adventure

Reviewed by Stephen Luff

At the last count, Mr Chapman has released 14 albums not including Best Of/ Greatest Hits CDs resulting in a vast back catalogue. Contained here are two of them from 1990 and 1992, both produced by Phil Nash. The first of these, 'For The Sake Of The Call' opens (and closes) with the title track in the usual Steven Curtis Chapman style of strong vocal, acoustic-driven pop ballad, which describes most of the album. The third track "Busy Man" increases the tempo a little and to my mind is the best song on the album encouraging us to slow down and "take a look around you." The second album however gained a large number of awards including four Doves and a 1993 Grammy, and comparing the two highlights why.. In the two years between them, Stevens's songwriting had matured creating deeper lyrics, with more variation in style (although the acoustic base remains). Highlights for me are the heartfelt "Don't Let The Fire Die", the amusing "Got To B Tru" (featuring rapping from the much missed dc Talk) and the exhorting "Still Called Today", showcasing a vocal from BeBe Winans. In summary, here we have a tale of two albums, and a voyage of development for a classy CCM act.