Arms of Mercy

Description

Arms of Mercy is the sixth album by American singer and songwriter Kim Hill, released on StarSong Records in 1998, a division of Sparrow Label Group, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group. The album was recorded by Curtis Schwartz at Curtis Schwartz Studio in Sussex, England; with Andy Piercy of After the Fire fame producing. Mixed by Steve Bishir at Sound Kitchen in Franklin, Tennessee. Featuring a cover of “Show The Way”, a song written by David Wilcox and recorded on his 1994 album Big Horizon.

Kim has taken a bold step for her latest release by switching recording studios from Nashville. USA. the heart of CCM. to sunny Sussex in good old England, entrusting production to one certain Andy Piercy. It was with great anticipation that I prepared to listen to ‘Arms Of Mercy’ as Kim has a lot to live up to. Past albums have set a high benchmark and on top of that she has the editor’s seal of approval who once described her voice as “one of the most magnificent in CCM.” So what of this, her latest offering? The album kicks off with Kim leaving no doubt as to what she is about. “I vow to walk in blind faith/ Willing to sacrifice it all/ To reflect amazing grace/ I am committed to the call.” I find it easy to imagine «Committed To The Call» with electric guitars and driving beat being played to a packed stadium rousing today’s generation to own it as their anthem. The tempo is upheld by «Rain Of Mercy» reminding us so powerfully of the generosity of God’s mercy. These opening tracks have me already convinced that Kim is more than equal to the current top pop songstresses, with no disrespect intended to ladies who possess sweet singing voices, my preference lies with the husky tones with which Kim has been graced. When they are coupled with a ballad. «Hold Me Close», I find myself close to tears: “Whatever I held on to I’m ready to let go/ Burn my bridges and dance within the flames.” From start to finish this album oozes quality, by that I don’t only mean the deft touches in production, the superb musicianship but that quality that cuts through all irrelevancy to impact the heart. Kim has limited her own songwriting input to two tracks, «You Alone» and the final track «Up To The Moon», which is a song addressed to her sons. I didn’t find it cloying as is sometimes the case with songs of this nature. All the songs are drawn together by a common thread stimulating the listener into worship, «All That I Want» a powerful personal prayer. Excellent! [Brian Carr, Cross Rhythms, April 1999]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/arms-of-mercy/715854452)

CD tracklist:

01. Committed To The Call – 4:10
02. Rain Of Your Mercy – 4:40
03. Hold Me Close – 6:05
04. All That I Want – 3:56
05. You Are Still Holy – 5:05
06. Shake The Heavens – 5:34
07. To Call You Lord – 4:25
08. Show The Way – 3:52
09. When Will You Love Me? – 3:23
10. You Alone – 3:42
11. Up To The Moon – 2:24