#1's, Vol. 1

Steven Curtis Chapman has enjoyed such sustained success in Christian pop/rock that it’s easy to lose sight of the individual impact of his songs. The release of #1’s, Vol. 1 (the first in a series of Chapman greatest-hits compilations) reminds even longtime fans of the scope and depth of his quarter-century in music. The album can also serve as a fine introduction to this singer/songwriter’s work. From the bluesy simmer of “Lord of the Dance” and the R&B-tinged flow of “Magnificent Obsession” to the boisterous energy of “The Great Adventure” and the majestic sweep of “Speechless,” the full spectrum of Chapman’s music is represented here. While early hits like 1989’s “More to This Life” sound distinctly different from recent tunes like 2004’s “All Things New,” the same exalted yet plainspoken approach to faith is present in both. Though not a No. 1 single, “Cinderella” merits inclusion here because of its deeply personal significance to Chapman and his family. Taken together, the tracks on #1’s, Vol. 1 reaffirm why he continues to be one of Christian music’s most beloved artists.