Speechless

Description

Speechless is the ninth album by the American singer and songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, released on Sparrow Records in June 1999, distributed by Chordant Distribution. The album was recorded and mixed by Steve Bishir with Brown Bannister and Steven Curtis Chapman producing.

The album featured seven No. 1 hits on the radio, the most on any one record in Chapman’s catalog. Speechless was certified RIAA Platinum (one million copies sold) and won the 2000 GRAMMY Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and the GMA Dove Awards for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year (for “Dive”), Artist of the Year, and Male Vocalist of the Year. With these achievements, this album is considered one of his greatest works and one of the most successful Christian albums of all time.

Listen to the opening bars of «Dive», the first offering from Steven Curtis Chapman’s 11th album in 12 years, and you’d think they’re heralding the beloved pop-rock balladeer’s arrival into techno territory.

Not so fast, dance-floor fiends.

The initial spaced-out keyboard electronica and hip-hop beat of «Dive» is a mere set-up for yet another signature, hook-filled Chapman chorus, full of raging, rock guitars and exaltation.

In many ways «Dive» is a microcosm of Speechless: Chapman’s familiar pop style shines far brighter on his 13 new songs than any of his previous sonic experiments. Take the fine third track, «The Change», which begins with a mod-rock, phased electric-guitar riff over a funky beat – and Chapman waxing satiric at bumper-sticker Christianity. Then, just as this left-of-center opening is grooving along, it bows to a standard, fist-in-the-air rock chorus.

Same thing on «Next 5 Minutes», among the album’s strongest and most interesting songs. A coolly dark bass (akin to old Police or U2) intros an off-kilter, odd-timed drum-and-guitar pattern, and Chapman’s vocal deftly joins the fray. But just as this delicious mixture begins heating up, Chapman reverts to a pop-rock chorus. Again, it’s a great chorus, full of the kind of harmonies and hooks we’ve come to know and love, but listeners may be left wanting more of those verses.

The standout tune, «I Do Believe», begins with an undeniably great rock-guitar riff that gives way to a slightly dark, much quieter, acoustic-based verse. And yes, the chorus does travel into pop-rock territory, but it’s just fly over – there’s enough minor-keyisms in its chord sequence and expert harmonies to make «I Do Believe» a satisfying, superior creation.

Lyrically, Chapman’s year-long sabbatical – tempered with tragedy – faintly colors the album’s themes. But hope in Christ far outweighs any signs of despair, and most listeners will find the words on Speechless quite encouraging.

This record is infinitely listenable and enjoyable. Chapman’s gift for melody, sense of timing and sorely underrated voice will undoubtedly make Speechless yet another arrow in his artistic quiver. But what Chapman hints at here is far more interesting than what dominates. It would be very cool if the veteran stayed atop the bucking bronco of brave, new sonic textures and poetry the next time out. The collection of No. 1 singles-in-waiting on Speechless truly does whisper of possibilities ahead. [Dave Urbanski, CCM, July 1999]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/speechless/724866892)

CD tracklist:

01. Dive – 3:59
02. Speechless – 5:07
03. The Change – 3:46
04. Great Expectations – 5:04
05. Next 5 Minutes – 4:22
06. Fingerprints Of God – 4:04
07. The Invitation – 4:57
08. Whatever – 4:02
09. I Do Believe – 4:03
10. What I Really Want To Say – 4:23
11. With Hope – 5:13
12. The Journey – 3:06
13. Be Still And Know – 3:19

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Sparrow Records.

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The July 1999 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Steven Curtis Chapman.

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