All About Love (CD - 2002)

Personnel includes: Steven Curtis Chapman (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Randy Pearce, Tim Pearce (electric guitar); Kris Wilkinson, David Davidson (strings); Matt Rollins (piano); John Guilotin (Wurlitzer piano); Chris Mosher, Adam Anders (keyboards); Scott Sheriff (Hammond B-3 organ, background vocals); Leland Sklar (bass); Neil Wilkinson (drums); Luis Conte (percussion).

Producers: Brown Bannister, Steven Curtis Chapman, Mary Beth Chapman.

Recorded at NRG, Hollywood, California.

Personnel: Steven Curtis Chapman (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar, background vocals); Randy Pearce, Tim Pierce (electric guitar); Connie Ellisor, John Catchings, Kris Wilkinson, Pamela Sixfin, David Davidson , David Angell (strings); Scott Sheriff (melodica, background vocals); Matt Rollings (piano); Chris Mosher (keyboards, synthesizer, programming); Adam Anders (keyboards); Will Denton, Neil Wilkinson (drums); Luis Conte (percussion); Jovaun Woods, Gene Miller, Jerard Woods, Michael Mellett (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Jack Joseph Puig; Steve Bishir.

Liner Note Authors: Mary Beth Chapman; Steven Curtis Chapman.

Recording information: EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England; NRG, Hollywood, CA; Oxford Sound, Nashville, TN; Paragon Audio, Franklin, TN.

Photographer: Randee St. Nicholas.

With two platinum and nine gold records Steven Curtis Chapman probably deserves to be cut some slack for personal projects. Instead of compromise though, the veteran performer refocuses in on the commitment of his 18- year marriage to his wife Mary Beth, and uses that as the nucleus for All About Love. It's an honest, passionately delivered disc that reflects a commitment to vows and his wife. "How Do I love Her" is a song laced with the beauty of a baby grand surrounded by simple bass notes and an acoustic guitar. The tune weaves a melody that's both sincere and fitting. Make it through "11-06-64" without a tear and you're much less emotional than most. Chapman's eloquence here is enriching, both lyrically and musically. The cut boasts the prominence of his wife's birthday, weaving a tapestry a la James Taylor. " I Will Be Here" is one of this release's most touching moments. The brilliance of Chapman's' lyrics are only matched by the beauty of the cut's sweeping strings. Regardless of the inspiration, it has to be difficult to write with one specific theme in mind. While still appealing, a few cuts seem a bit over-sweetened. Tunes like "Miracle of You" and "I'll Take Care of You" are examples of a mishmash of influences. At times, Frankie Vali, Pablo Cruise, and Harry Connick Jr. seem to be emulating from the tunes. Imagine finding 15 love songs on one collection without smut, sexuality, or blatant overtones. Steven Curtis Chapman delivers a lyrical batch of uplifting slants on commitment, passion, and worship that culminate in one beautiful message of love. ~ Steven Douglas Losey

A true concept album dealing exclusively with the joys, trials and tribulations of marriage, ALL ABOUT LOVE is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and emotionally complex examinations of monogamous love ever recorded. One of Steven Curtis Chapman's least overtly religious albums, it is nonetheless ranks among his most stirring and spiritual efforts. Musically, Chapman is in absolutely top form, producing a collection of intensely catchy melodies as good as any in his extensive catalog. Though the production is as slick as ever, ALL ABOUT LOVE is never sappy, often recalling the finest work of refined heart-on-the-sleeve secular artists like Crowded House and Steve Winwood. Highlights include the Beatles/Elvis Costello-style workout of "You've Got Me" and Chapman's pounding, New Wave-ish cover of the Proclaimers' classic "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)". A perfect gift for Valentine's Day or wedding anniversaries, ALL ABOUT LOVE stands apart from other romantic-themed albums as a mature and substantial work which reveals greater insights about its topic with each successive listen. minimize