Charlie Hall "Porch and Alter"

Title: Porch and Alter
Category: Praise and Worship
Artist/Group: Charlie Hall
Rating: 3.75 / 5
I like this CD because it is very gospel message centered and gives a John the Baptist-like flavor in the lyrics (though the general style of music is a little slow and dragging for me). The electric guitar is the driving force of most of the songs. In general, the CD has a reflective and heavy aura - I wouldn't say that it is up-beat and light. Also, an attempt to play or sing some of these songs might be difficult because the beats seem like they come from his own timing and feeling.

Charlie Hall gives a prophet-like like message in his songs of repentance, awakening and coming of the Lord. Songs like King of Glory, Holy Visitation and Don't Pass Us By are a cry for intercession of the saints, salvation to come to the lost and watching of the coming of Christ. These are the more heavier melodies with electric guitar-very fitting to the lyrics though. Savior of the World has a steady minor-key like melody that switches to a major key for the chorus. I didn't like the melody to much at first, but as I listened to the words, the song grew on me - it is very Jesus exalting and there is a sense of broken-ness for the Christian: "Oh Jesus, lifted up on high/crucified for fallen man/You died and then you rose again."

The classic Salvation song is great (some of you may know it as the moshing song at Passion) - there is much glory in the broken and needy coming to salvation in Christ - lots of glory given to God. The melody is very forceful, explosive and victorious - lots of electric guitar and drums. You could feel the sense of freedom and glory in this song.

Two of the more mellow songs on his CD, The Cross and One Thing are very personal. The Cross is a very simple song accompanied by simple words that convey a personal message of the gospel. It has a steady beat with alternating piano chords, and the melody adds a lot to the feeling of the song. One Thing just about sums up the very desire of every Christian; "Single minded, whole hearted" and the last verse says, "All of life comes down to just one thing and that's to know you oh Jesus and make you known." Charlie sings this song with just the guitar and some light organ in the background towards the end of the song.

Overall, I think the CD is definitely worth listening to - the lyrics are GREAT. I'm no Charlie Hall expert and I don't know if this CD fits into his genre of music, but I really like the messages conveyed in his songs. There aren't many songs that have apocalyptic messages, and I think it's something for us Christians to be reminded of especially in our worship: Christ is coming soon, and that is the longing and hunger of every Christian.

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