Yes, this is Rich Mullins' third album, yes this is the album that has "Awesome God," and yes, this is the album that positioned Rich Mullins as one of the top names of Christian music during the '90s. But what about the rest of Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth? Does it hold up to the legendary status of "Awesome God?" Well, yes and no, but that doesn't keep it from truly being a great musical experience.

For starters, this is the album where Rich Mullins really began to hammer out what would become his signature sound. While not a perfect example (he would perfect the organic instrument sound a couple albums later with The World As Best As I Remember It), it definitely contained some signature tunes which exemplified what he was capable of doing with only acoustic instruments, namely "Awesome God" and "If I Stand." A few of the songs - "One True Love," "...And I Love You," and "How Can I Keep From Singing" - suffer a bit from dated electric piano and guitar solos, but that doesn't keep the album from being quite good from a musical standpoint.

As for the lyrical content, the album could be best described as a worship album, though it's less like worship music in the 21st century and more like something you would read in the book of Psalms. Many of the lyrics use illustrations of God's creation as catalysts for worship such as "With The Wonder," while others describe the might and power of God like "Awesome God" and "Such A Thing As Glory." There is even one song that is about the joy of being baptized and taking communion ("...And I Love You").

Overall this album stands as a solid example of why Rich Mullins is such a beloved artist even today.

JFH Reader Review: written by Samuel King, 11/10/15, for Jesusfreakhideout.com