Passion For Praise, Volume 1 (CD - 1999)

Personnel includes: Carman, Natalie Grant, Rodney Covington, Nicole Coleman-Mullen (vocals); Chris Graffagnino, Mark Baldwin, Tom Hemby, Andrew Ramsey (guitar); Blair Masters (piano, keyboards); Boh Cooper (piano); Harlan Rodgers (Hammond B-3 organ); Matt Pierson (bass); Mark Hammond, Dan Needham (drums); Eric Darken (percussion); Tim Davis, Darwin Hobbs, Nicol Smith (background vocals).

Passion for Praise, Vol. 1 is a decently executed album of its type. The choir is nicely balanced and lends a "live" feel to the album, especially with their moments of spontaneous praise. The album includes several standard worship songs: "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High," "Give Thanks," "Shout to the Lord," and "Awesome God." "Shout to the Lord" and "Awesome God" have been done far better on other worship albums. Carman's "I Feel Jesus" is nicely performed, as is his "Now's the Time/Hosanna" combo. When compared to the glut of worship albums on the scene at the time of this album's release, this one is average at best. It's definitely one of Carman's best albums, though; it's nicely arranged with a consistent, full sound. ~ Melinda Hill minimize