Deep Enough to Dream is Chris Rice's official debut, released in 1997. It is a showcase for Chris' knack for creating soothing arrangements mixed with tasteful/witty lyrics. This album is also well produced/mastered for its time and a real treat to listen to. The album speaks of parts of the Christian walk, such as the Gospel being the cure for our anxiety and pains ("Good News"), Jesus' entry into the world ("Welcome to Our World"), and explaining Jesus' incredible love for us ("Sometimes Love" and "My Tree").

All of the songs on Deep Enough to Dream are piano (i.e."Welcome to our World") or guitar (i.e."Clumsy") lead, with percussion and strings taking on a supporting role. However, the strings do appear for solos on occasion, and a tag-team performance by a simple drum set and bongo-style percussion help provide variety to the album. Deep Enough to Dream has a casual atmosphere to it, as if Chis and his band are performing in your living room.

This is where some may fault the album, however, as it is rarely toe-tappingly upbeat. It should be pointed out that Deep Enough to Dream is not like Norah Jones' similarly pleasant debut, which is only skin deep, but rather it possesses beautiful poetry about the Christian life. Specifically, lyrics like, "Sometimes love has to drive a nail into its own hand," ("Sometimes Love) and "Deep enough to dream in brilliant colors I have never seen, deep enough to join a billion people for a wedding feast" ("Deep Enough to Dream") highlight this. Also, the album certainly doesn't overstay its welcome, clocking in at just under 40 minutes. This helps the album avoid a boring back half.

Overall, this is a stellar debut album by Chris Rice. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy relaxing music, but also like the Christian poetry contained in the lyrics. But it is worth at least a listen through to everyone else. It is certainly excellent for listening to when unwinding after a long day.

Review date: 4/4/15, written by Isaac Harkness for Jesusfreakhideout.com