Far Away Places

luv this album! this was my first experience with 2nd chapter of acts (i've since located all thier albums). this one is sort've a guilty pleasure of mine. the band sort've switched gears here and morph into more power pop sounding group. they sound very similiar as to what the secular bands chicago and survivor were doing at the time only with uplifting christain lyrics. this being thier last album, i think this particular album was more focused on Matthew Ward and i feel it was used as a spring board for the rock/pop sound that would later encompass his subsequent solo career. his next few albums anyway. the band really incorporate's a big sound here, complete with not only the usual guitars, drums and keys. but more modern synth's aswell. it's very tasteful and professionally done music with powerful vocals and layered shimmering harmonies. don't listen to anyone that tells you that this one doesn't compare with previous releases or that they were just mailing this final one in. I for one feel that this disc is much better then alot of thier albums, especially their last few releases! it's gettin kind've hard to find so grab it while you can!

Those smooth, elegant female voices are complemented by musical accompaniment that's far, far better than contemporary Christian music.

This is an incredible CD with wonderful Christian Contempory music that was recorded back in the 1980's by a group called, The 2nd Chapter of Acts. Most of the songs were written by Annie and they are song by her, her brother Matthew and her sister Nellie. Their story is a wonderful example of how God can take the most unlikely people and use them to His glory. Once you hear these songs, you will be come hooked on their most distinct soung.

Too bad these siblings no longer record together. Their vocal blends were second to none. They still contribute to a marvelous worship experience.

Worship music that has held up for 20 years!

2nd Chapter of Acts is a singing group consisting of three siblings who started singing together after the eldest adopted the younger two following the death of their parents. Their singing consists of very tight, creative, soaring harmonies. I had most of their original albums and am a big fan. Their music spanned the years 1973 -1988 so their sound reflects some changes in style related to the times. Their voices are large, sometimes operatic. Matthew has one of the greatest male voices & vocal abilities of all times and is widely recognized for this.Their middle albums are reminiscent at times of the sound of the group Queen with similar electric guitar & synthesizer. Their songs are always full of meaning & are inspiring. Faraway Places is one of their last albums and so is a more updated sound. This album is worth purchasing alone just for the incredible songs "Sing Over Me" and "You're My All in All," which I feel are two of their best songs among the many in their career. This album offers a variety, from the cheerful & upbeat "Humble Yourself" and "I Reach Out," to the more intense "It's No Masquerade" which is my least favorite for it's heaviness, but it is thought-provoking, just not as much my taste. "Take it to All the World" and "Falling in on You" are more similar to their usual style. I think the variety reflects the changing styles with Matthew starting to write & Annie heading into more piano & voice, slower songs.After this they stopped touring as a group, I believe so that middle sister Nellie could raise a family. Annie Herring and her brother Matthew Ward have continued on with solo careers and their emerging styles are foreshadowed in this album.

This was the final 2nd Chapter of Acts album not counting their two hymns collections. It wasn't their best, but there were still several good songs on the project. "It's No Masquerade" is a haunting song. Other ones I liked were "Humble Yourself", "Sing Over Me", "A Tender Heart", "I Reach Out", "Fallin' In On You", "Take It To All The World" and "Faraway Places".

This was the last album fron 2nd Chapter of Acts besides their Hymns releases. I just cant get into their music it just isnt my style of music. If you like the harmony type musi it would be a great CD. It also has some great lyrical content and you can tell where their hearts are.