Christopher Lewis – Crisis: Change Is Required

Gospel singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader, Christopher Lewis, is back with his newest awe-inspiring release, Crisis: Change is Required. The impressive 18-track album is filled with songs that evoke courage and strength in the time of a crisis. Lewis felt compelled to create the album after experiencing two crises in his life. Not only does he provide an 18-track album, Crisis is accompanied by another disk with additional songs.

Lewis explains this album release is about looking at crises from a different perspective. "This whole CD is about how we confront a crisis," says Lewis. "Sometimes we look at things as a negative when it's really just a turning point where change is required."

Earlier releases from Lewis include themes surrounding life, and Crisis: Change is Required is no different. The sultry, jazzy and soulful gospel album contains songs encouraging listeners to persevere through troubled times. "I think this CD is so timely with its message because we are in a season that people are ready to make changes across the board," says Lewis.

Joining Lewis on the edgy The Cryout is reggae performer, Monty Garner. The Cryout is a plea to God to help with temptation. The brief exchange in the beginning of the track includes a dialogue of a burdened man asking for help. Lewis assures him that God is the answer. Similarly, the traditional hymnal, Show Me the Way featuring Bishop Paul S. Morton, speaks of the relief that comes in knowing and turning to Jesus Christ in time of need. The lyrics express this plea, by asking for direction in life: “Show me the way/ I need you to show me the way/Yeah!/Yeah!/Show me the way...make me what you want me to be, Jesus…”

The first contemporary track on the release, U Don’t Know, is a distinctive remix of harmonious melodies exploring the theme of living life from a testimonial perspective. The song states God is wonderful and good. While U Don't Know lends a unique perspective to living a blessed life, Runnin’ is a bold plea for God to cleanse throughout. Runnin’ is also a soulful cry to run back to God.

The undeviating lyrics that reflect a man in pain, emotionally seeking the comfort of God during troubled times are heard on every song on this album. Lewis includes short dialogues to emphasize this message, including The Fall of London Bridge featuring Darlene McCoy. The dialogue is a fight between a man and a wife over an alleged online affair. Touching on sensitive issues such as infidelity and death, Lewis does not shy away from issues that trouble Christians. Title track, Change summarizes how crises drive people to change. The song is both comforting and provokes the soul to action. Lewis’ soothing vocals tell listeners: “If you want to get through/you got to keep pressing on….Got to keep pressing on/if you want to get your change to come/Got to keep pressing on/if I want to get my change to come…I got to press on!”

The second disk includes a compilation of praise and worship styles with an enchanting twist. The 10 tracks include melodious ballads, from the sweet serenity of Open My Heart to the spiritually inviting Incline My Heart. Other tracks include the revitalizing Psalm 95: A Call to Worship and the soul-filling Flow. Lewis takes the listener on a journey of reverence – a sacred place of worshipping God in spirit and truth.

Born and raised in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Lewis’s early upbringing in a family heavily influenced by gospel music is evident in his music ministry. Released on Tyco Records, Crisis: Change Is Coming is an innovative project. With two disks provided and a wealth of information about the artist and his inspiration behind the project, Crisis is truly a unique and introspective listen.