Not to Us (CD - 2002)

Personnel: Chris Tomlin (vocals, acoustic guitar); Matt Bronleeve (acoustic & electric guitars); Daniel Carson (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Bruce Gaitsch (acoustic guitar); David Davidson, David Angell (strings); Jeremy Bose (piano, Wurlitzer piano); Phil Madiera (Hammond B-3 organ); Joey Parish (drums, tambourine, percussion); Will Sayles (shaker, percussion).

Recorded at The Bennett House, Franklin, Tennessee.

Personnel: Chris Tomlin (vocals, acoustic guitar); Danielle Carson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, background vocals).

Audio Mixers: F. Reid Shippen; Sam Gibson.

Recording information: The Bennett House, Franklin, TN.

Photographer: Kristin Barlowe.

Singer and songwriter Chris Tomlin released his debut studio project, Not to Us, in September 2002. Known for his work on WOW Worship and Passion: Our Love Is Loud, Tomlin offers listeners pop- and rock-influenced praise & worship. Lyrically, the ten songs focus on Tomlin's conviction that God is the center of everything. When asked about the release and its purpose, Tomlin says, "God is a mystery beyond our comprehension. We can't figure God out. He won't be boxed in. He's bigger than all our questions and bigger than our answers...People are not meant to be worshiped because we're always going to mess up. Our culture longs to ascribe value to so many things that aren't of God, so anytime we can focus on God, and through that help people do the same, we're doing what we were put here for. And that's a powerful thing" (Sparrow Records). Musically, the album contains a live sound, resembling Tomlin's work on Passion: Our Love Is Loud. And while the album does not uniquely set itself apart from other worship projects, it is a strong and accessible collection of songs. Tracks include "Famous One," "Wonderful Maker," and "Come, Let Us Worship." ~ Ashleigh Kittle

Seemingly, there are two things about which Texan singer-songwriter Chris Tomlin is extremely dedicated. One is leading fellow Christians on the road to worship and faith. The other is crafting perfect little pop-rock gems abounding in infectious melodies, ear-grabbing production, and emotionally communicative lyrics. Though he presents a very personal viewpoint in the world of Christian pop, Tomlin doesn't utilize the folk-influenced sonic soft-pedal approach sometimes favored by artists like Bebo Norman. Instead, he employs walls of ringing, anthemic guitars, percolating synthesizers, and resonant percussion to bring across his spiritual messages. And like some crossover-oriented artists, he doesn't shy away from the nature of those messages either. Throughout NOT TO US, Tomlin continually manages to clothe clearly presented worship-based lyrics in majestic rock raiment. minimize