Christian Review Magazine Issue 4 - April 2015 | Page 53

MUSIC
REVIEW

A

s a preacher I truly respect artists
who specialize in the art form of
the spoken word. Some of these
artists simply preach the word while others
try to encourage and teach. And much of
the time they say all they have to say all in
the time it typically takes a traditional
preacher to get warmed up.

Artist:

CHRIS RUSSO
Album:

THE FIGHT
Rating:

Genre:

Spoken Word
For Fans Of:

Manafest, Jefferson Bethke
Label:

Chris Russo
Reviewed by:

Christian St John
Release Date:

Out Now

Chris Russo is such an artist. The Fight is his
latest EP and features five tracks of spoken
word set to music. Thought provoking and
poignant, each track focuses on a different
aspect of the Christian journey. Through
short inspiring homilies, with a decidedly
spiritual focus on the spiritual war raging all
around us, Chris tells us how it is, our place
in it all, and how God will save and change
lives if we allow Him no holds barred access
into our lives to train and equip us for the
battle we are all called to engage in...

“The fight is between the forces of
death and the vibrance of life,
between the brightness of day and,
dear God, the darkness of night.
This is a battle that rages, swords
clashing against enemy steel, we
have to get ready and understand
that this war is for real.”

Chris Russo is a campus pastor at Seacoast
Church, SC, and it shows in his words.
Powerful words convey a message all
believers need to hear - we are born into a
war, behind enemy lines, and it’s about
time we wake up and start training to
eventually fight back against the enemy of
our souls in the mighty power of God
Almighty!
The Fight is a pretty unique experience that
is at once challenging and inspiring,
pointed and encouraging. Usually music is
used purely as a backdrop by spoken word
artists, but three of the five songs on The
Fight are a hybrid of spoken word and
actual song… these songs feature the vocal
talents of guest singer / songwriters Cole
Collins and Tristina Miller. And all the
tracks of this EP are great and well
produced.
If I’m honest, The Fight is not something I
would listen to all the time. But in those
times I need a boost in my spirit life, Chris
Russo, like a spiritual drill sergeant, drives
home the truth that we are in this war
whether we know it or like it, his poetical,
and prophetical words of worship cutting
through much of the chaff to show us that
we are fighting for a great prize and that
we are ultimately never alone in The Fight.

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