CCM Countdown: 10 (again!)

Today I continue my countdown of the 50 Contemporary Christian Music projects that had the most influence on my life and ministry.  The Top 10 continues with an album that is my second number 10.  To see last week's post and get links to go all the way back to number 50, click here.  Enjoy!

10)  HEAVEN IN THE REAL WORLD-  Steven Curtis Chapman-  1994
No artist in the short 40 year history of CCM has received more awards and recognition than Steven Curtis Chapman.  By the time this CD came out, SC2 was already established as one of the young stars of the growing business.  Featuring no less that seven songs that received major airplay on Christian radio stations, Heaven In the Real World catapulted him to a whole new level.  This album was very popular when I first arrived in Kissimmee in 1994, and I still remember Darin Miller's moving performance of The Mountain in worship one Sunday morning.  SC2 is still among the most popular CCM artists around, and has continued to produce quality music for the past 16 years.

Featured Songs
The title track (see video below) is a classic, reminding us that heaven is not just "out there" somewhere, but, because of Jesus, can be right here on earth.  We just have to take Jesus to the people.  Using news headlines to set the tone and spoken words that ask the question "Where is the hope?,"  HITRW moves you to ministry.  King of the Jungle reminds us that Jesus is no wimp- "The Lord of the gentle breeze is Lord of the rough and tumble"- and that He is the King of this jungle we call life.  Treasure of You is a rocking reminder that God doesn't make junk- you were created as a treasure.  Burn the Ships uses a quick history lesson to teach us that the best way to move forward in a new life with Jesus is to get rid of the things that might take you back to your old life.  And my favorite song on the album, Facts Are Facts, gives us this great piece of pop theology:  "I know there's a God who knows my name and His Son who died to take the blame.  I believe Jesus is coming back, 'cause a promises are promises and facts are facts.."
Download this:  The Mountain

Other Recommended Steven Curtis Chapman Albums
More To This Life-  1989
For the Sake of the Call-  1990
The Great Adventure-  1992*
Signs of Life-  1996
Speechless-  1999*
Declaration-  2001
All About Love-  2003
* indicates that this album is also featured on this countdown