What can be said that hasn't been said about Michael Card? His strongly Scriptural songs have been encouraging and enlightening believers since 1981, and he has sold over 2 million albums. With that sort of success, one might think that he's entitled to a couple of albums where there is less of an intensive lyrical basis. But, it's pleasant to report that Card's newest album, Unveiled Hope, is every bit as good as any of his previous albums-and in some respects, better.
This time out, Card takes his usual in-depth, thorough lyrical style and applies it to the book of Revelation. "Hold on, an album on the book of Revelation?" was my initial reaction. But, without any of the usual personal interpretations that usually cast a cloud over the book, Card lets the Word speak for itself. As he says, Revelation is "not a book about hiddenness... it's really very simple. I think a child can read it and understand it." And, by just letting the Scriptures speak for themselves, Card transforms the view of this book, taking it from the more prominent view of a book of mystery to a vision of a songbook in praise of the One who enables us to overcome (hence one track on the disc, "The Overcomers").
Musically, this album fits into the same vein as his other albums, almost too much at times. This is my only criticism of the project. At times, such as the start of the song, "The Unveiling," the tunes seem to be exactly the same as those of the songs in his catalogue (in this particular case, "The Promise" from The Life trilogy). But, in a positive development, the use of the orchestra and alternate lead vocalists keep this album from being a musical retread of any of his previous works.
In fact, the various vocal contributions to this album are quite worthy of mention. Darwin Hobbs' baritone rings true and clear in "You Are Worthy" and "Hallelujah," in each case functioning as an effective counterpoint to Card's tenor. Steve Green also shares lead vocals with Card in "Holy, Holy, Holy." They make an effective combination, leaving me wishing that they had done more work together. The choirs Veritas and London Metro Voices also add, in their own ways, to the overall sound dynamic of the album.
Ultimately, Card doesn't break much new ground with this album, except with his treatment of Revelation. If you've enjoyed Card's work in the past, you'll likely enjoy this one. I'd recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Scripture set to music, or anyone who likes AC, celtic-tinged folk music.
More from Michael Card
1994Poiema
1998Starkindler
2003A Fragile Stone
1999Signature Songs
1996Brother To Brother
1991The Promise
