Since this album is my first real exposure to Ray Boltz, other than his popular song "Thank You," I can't very well compare this release to his past work in either style or content. I can say, however, that I found the CD as a whole very moving and relevant to this generation.
My personal favorite in the collection is "For Only One," a truly beautiful song of Christ's love for us individually and His desire to reach each one of us. Three other songs also deal with the topic of salvation. "Saving Grace" is a contemporary Christian radio favorite with a rock feel and a great message about God's loving guidance. "Not Long Ago" is a gentle call to return to Christ, and "Mercy" is a smooth, flowing tune in praise and awe of God's grace.
The title cut, "Seasons Change," reflects a theme of hope and a message of perseverance heard in several other songs as well. Just as "Seasons Change" encourages us to look forward to better times in spite of our struggles, "The Last Time I Fall" and "I Think I See Gold" urge us to see beyond our worldly problems to what lies ahead of us in Heaven or even what is hidden within the pain. Along the similar lines, "I Want to See" reminds me of I Corinthians 13:12 and the coming freedom from what encumbers us here on earth.
As for the remaining songs, the up-beat "What Are We Doing Here" has powerful, and perhaps unsettling, lyrics that quickly come to the point of our responsibility to Christ in this earthly life; it is a sort of social commentary from a Christian perspective. "Heaven is Counting on You" has a catchy chorus that, likewise, hits hard on stirring us to action and really living for Him.
I am enjoying this project, and I think others who like a variety of sounds from the pop/rock to the soft and ballad-like will also appreciate it. The lyrics are well-written and meaningful, leaving the listener with a renewed desire to "run the race" so that others can see Christ in us.
