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The greatest tragedy of contemporary Christian music is its failure to honor its history.  A “classic” song on Christian “hit” radio rarely grays around the temples.  There are no “classic” Jesus music shows.  Or “oldies” tours.  Or VH-1 Behind The Music specials.  And yet the roots of today’s Christian music cry to be celebrated.  Over thirty years of this genre’s history has passed with little, if any, fondness.  We have forgotten so many.

Enter Keith Green.

A radical preacher.  A former child television star.  A confused spiritual seeker.  A passionate prophet.  A musical minstrel.  And arguably one of the single most important artists in the history of contemporary Christian music.  His music remains a staple for the spiritually aware and his power to influence two decades after his tragic death (July 1982) only proves Keith Green’s lasting charisma.  Elvis has nothing on him.

Keith Green is an enigma.

His passions produced problems and possibilities.  His fiery sermons and pointed proclamations fostered both fan and foe alike.  In the mid-70s, his growing faith in Jesus caused friction in his quest for secular fame and fortune.  In 1980, he upset an entire industry by giving away his records…for whatever a person could afford.  He remains one of the few original cuts who walked the talk.  He housed dozens of homeless and helpless people.  He waged a jihad within his heart in the eternal balance between law and grace.  He was a noted Bible teacher.  A loving father.  A doting husband.  A fierce friend.

Keith Green is a legend.

Such a background is essential to understanding this troubadour.  And this sampling of his songs (billed as the “ultimate collection”) is an understatement.  I cut my teeth on Keith Green tunes.  From my initial taste of For Him Who Has Ears To Hear (1977) until the final recording of Songs for the Shepherd (1982), few artists in Christian music mastered the magic of Keith Green for me.  He was an Elton John, pounding on the piano with unbridled passion.  He was an Elijah, willing to war against idols both within and without the Christian community.  He was a John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness of a fledgling music industry desperately seeking to build a kingdom without losing its soul.  And at 28 years of age, God took him far too soon.

Keith Green is a keeper.

Forget the fact that no “ultimate collection” could cram (honestly) the best of Keith Green onto a single CD.  It isn’t possible. The Ministry Years (Volumes 1 and 2) are the complete package and it’s four CDs rich.  Nevertheless, for the uninitiated this is a great starter.  All of Keith’s finest are here, from the memorable melodies of “Your Love Broke Thru” (one of the finest Christian songs ever penned) to the biblical “So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt” (a humorous look at Moses and the Israelites pining for Egyptian comforts).  Other gems include the bouncy “You Put This Love In My Heart,” the heart-felt “My Eyes Are Dry” and the worship standard “Oh Lord You’re Beautiful.” 

The real treat in this package isn’t a re-packaging of Keith’s music though.  The beauty of this collection is the extra DVD hour-long “Behind The Music” documentary of Keith Green’s life.  This biography features his widow (Melody) and a fellowship of friends who fondly recall Green’s passions, purposes and problems (including Randy Stonehill and Buck Herring).  Well-produced and packed with rare concert footage and home videos, this DVD makes the “Ultimate Collection” one of the best Christmas gifts for 2002.  It should also be required viewing for every wannabe Christian musician, songwriter, producer and retailer.  Keith Green represents the soul of this genre.  The message is loud and clear that what made “Jesus music” in the ‘70s so special has been tragically tainted by over-priced concerts, merchandising and profiteering in today’s Christian music industry.

Keith Green is unforgettable.

He represents a simpler time and a more honest approach.  He wasn’t afraid to say the “J” word nor was he interested in crossing over, compromise, comforts and complacency.  He was politically incorrect and eternally loved.  Keith Green wanted to change the world.  This “Ultimate Collection” represents the finest of what Christian music is really all about.

If you’re tired of trite Christian cliché-ridden lyrics and formula music, Keith Green is as fresh as he was in 1977.  Maybe more so.  But only for those who still have ears to hear.

Rick Chromey 12/4/2002

Twenty years after the death of Keith Green, Sparrow Record releases The Ultimate Collection.  There are 20 songs on the CD, one for each year that has passed since Green's death.  While the recording showcases his best songs, it also speaks volumes of the world changing impact which Green brought to the music industry.

With classics like "Oh Lord You're Beautiful," "You Put This Love in My Heart," and "Your Love Broke Through," the recorded music flows incredibly well.  If you are not familiar with the sound of Keith Green, it's like Ben Folds meets Dashboard Confessionals with an older sound.  

Green's music paints the picture of an emotionally and lyrically passionate man that loves to talk about his relationship with God.  He is even more transparent, by including songs with a humorous reflection. Tunes like, "He'll Take Care of the Rest," and "So You Want to Go Back to Egypt," remind any believer that there is a softer side of faith, and singing about God can be fun.  That sounded so cliché' but if you listen to much Christian music, you'll hear a doldrum sound that speaks more condemnation and loneliness, and despair.  This could have been one of the reasons Green's popularity has remained 20 years after his death. 

While Green was an amazing believer, the CD is incredible on its own merit; included is a special DVD highlighting Keith Green's life and ministry.  Narrated by Toby McKeehan with a script from writer Doug McKelvey, the DVD is done with class.  In the format of a VH-1 Behind the Music video, the Keith Green story spells out the path Green took to find God, and how he took the message to the world.  Throughout the story, the gospel is spelled out in a clear concise way.  This could make for a witnessing tool if used properly.  It's powerful.  I would recommend this purchase to anyone.

John Wehrle  12/15/2002