Crosswalk.com

I Could Not Love You More

reviewed by Andy Argyrakis
Sounds like … a prayerful book companion in the adult contemporary mold, similar to My Utmost For His Highest, Traveling Light, or The Prayer of JabezAt a glance … several Christian pop and worship artists lend tracks from previous albums to bring Bruce Marchiano's book Jesus Wept to greater lifeTrack ListingBecause of Love – Natalie GrantSimply Divine – Joe RognessComplete – Parachute BandJesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer – Margaret BeckerI Could Not Love You More – Among ThornsBorne – Not By SightSay the Word – Kelly MinterCrave – Tinman JonesHallelujah – Detour 180Always Will – Carman

Actor-turned-author Bruce Marchiano's latest book Jesus Wept is a powerful depiction of Christ's passion. And that message has been supplemented nicely by an all-star lineup of Christian artists on the I Could Not Love You More compilation tie-in.

The project is a mix between adult contemporary reflections and all-out worship, with a blend of male and female artists between several spoken word interludes. The project kicks off with Natalie Grant's "Because of Your Love," which, despite a languid instrumental pattern, booms with her diva-like pipes. The Parachute Band and Among Thorns offer moments of hands-raised praise with "Complete" and "I Could Not Love You More," though neither push the creative envelope given their generic acoustics.

On a more artistic note, Kelly Minter's tender "Say the Word" uses poetry to describe Christ's strength, while Detour 180's "Hallelujah" builds with stadium-filling power. Margaret Becker's earthiness on "Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer" also stands strong, thanks to her familiar voice and a variety of rootsy instruments. Unfortunately, Tinman Jones' drab power ballad "Crave" and Carman's over-dramatized "Always Will" round out the album on a disappointing note.

Those who already own most of these artists' individual CDs might skip this compilation, and even those who don't might take a pass. Some tracks do enhance the reading experience, but others are more likely to be discounted as dull background music. Whatever or not you decide on the disc, do at least check out the nicely crafted book, which is loaded with timely insight for the Easter season.