Beauty Will Rise by Steven Curtis Chapman

Reviewed by James Lidgett

This latest from the CCM hitmaker has already been acknowledged by Cross Rhythms as one of the outstanding albums of 2009. 'Beauty Will Rise' is testament to the creative skill and raw courage Chapman shows in turning the tragic death of his young daughter into exceptionally compelling art. I'm sure that there are times in all of our lives where faith is shaken, bruised or perhaps even broken, but this album speaks from the point of view of one whose worst nightmare has come to pass and yet remains stalwart in his faith, finding strength where others would only find betrayal, and love where others might experience emptiness. Chapman has always managed to present a pop rock sound that is right up to date. This album is certainly no exception, but its real beauty remains in the honest and compelling words. If ever there was a demonstration that music can be a window to the soul, and a powerful form of healing and therapy, this album is it.