Chris Tomlin's New Album Wins Praise

One of the premier songwriters of today, sixsteps/Sparrow Records' Chris Tomlin released his critically acclaimed third studio album, Arriving, to high praise. The album features "Indescribable," Tomlin's first hit to ever reach No. 1 on radio. Producer Ed Cash (Caedmon's Call, Kathy Mattea, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon) calls it "one of the best songs I've ever heard." "It is the kind of song with the anthemic appeal of Darlene Zcech's 'Shout to the Lord' or Tim Hughes' 'Here I Am to Worship'… expect to hear it for some time to come," agrees CCM Magazine. "…I believe there's something really special about this song and this album," adds Steven Curtis Chapman.

As tens of millions of people are already singing his anthems such as "Forever," "We Fall Down," "The Wonderful Cross," "Famous One" and more in churches across the world, Tomlin has crafted nine of 11 new songs for Arriving. His first studio record in two years, the album's guitar-driven pop melodies were recorded in Austin, Texas, home to Tomlin and the church he co-founded, Austin Stone Community Church. Produced by Cash, Arriving tips the scales more toward corporate worship songs than devotional, melding wisdom, gratitude and celebration into a single package.

"I feel as though we're like this landing strip in the desert for our great, incredible God to arrive on; a way for Him to come into people's lives," Tomlin says of the album's metaphorical moniker inspired in part by Isaiah 40.

Tomlin's fastest selling recording to date, Arriving more than quadrupled the debut sales of his lauded sophomore release, Not To Us. In its first week at retail, SoundScan® reported 22,349 copies of the recording sold, landing the album at No. 1 on the Praise & Worship chart, No. 3 on the Top Current Contemporary Christian chart and No. 39 on the Billboard Top 200.

Receiving a mention today in USA Today for its sales success, Arriving also outsold release week debuts by Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and Lil' Romeo, as well as current projects by Linkin Park, Modest Mouse, Maroon 5, Evanescence and others.

"All of us at sixsteps are so excited about the release of Arriving and humbled that God would allow us to be a part of it," says Louie Giglio, sixstepsrecords founder. "Once again, Chris displays his unique and God-breathed gifting, bringing songs to the world that are easily accessible, yet theologically rich."

"We are ecstatic for the response to Arriving and for all the support received from retail, radio and the industry," says Peter York, EMI CMG Label Group president. "Chris Tomlin creates a worship experience through lyrics and melody that engages its listener. Whether leading worship on stage before thousands or simply sharing stories one-on-one, he encouraging us all to come along."

Media are similarly lauding the album. "Another of worship music's most beloved writer/performers, Chris Tomlin…again displays his ability to merge cutting edge sonics with genuinely poetic devotional lyrics in a manner both artistic and remarkably accessible," says Worship Musician. "When all is said and done, this release should solidify his standing as one of the premier songwriters in the modern church's praise-and-worship movement," writes Amazon.com.

"Tomlin's third album doesn't flirt with spiritual superficiality or hint at lackadaisical song-writing, but simply comes across as a worship album that was created for just that purpose," says RELEVANT Magazine. ChristianityToday.com, in a 4.5 out of 5 star review says. "For more than ten years, the world has been blessed by the musical contributions of prolific worship songwriters like Darlene Zschech and Matt Redman. Perhaps it's time to start mentioning Chris Tomlin in the same breath…these songs are generally easy to sing, and just as important, you'll want to sing them…"

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