They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. A good visual image can capture the essence of an artistic expression better than any amount of words. The process of photography can be taxing and time consuming, between finding the right moment to shoot, the right angles, the proper film and the right ways of developing the pictures. However, in a world where digital photography has taken prominence over other methods of capturing pictures, waiting any amount of time for pictures to develop has become somewhat of a foreign concept. These days, it's simply a matter of pointing, clicking, and printing. Photographers can shoot a number of pictures and have them digitally enhanced to easily produce the effect and message that they're looking for.

With Snapshots, Chris Rice creates a picture of his career - a picture that has been developing for over ten years. Chris Rice has spent much of his career writing lyrics and music that tell great stories and challenge the listener to look beyond conventional thought and wisdom, stepping out in faith and trusting in God. With a series of "collections," however, Rice seems to be challenging the patience of his audience, causing them to continue to wait for new material. This latest collection, includes six live songs, two songs from compilations, and seven songs from previous releases, encapsulating a career during which Rice has connected with his audience, with fellow artists, and with God, expressing his thoughts effectively through music. The liner notes include several quotes from fans testifying to this effect.

Opening with the live performances, most of which were recorded in 1999 at Hard Rock Live in Orlando, Rice draws the listener into a somewhat intimate setting. The recording displays fully the frail nature of a live setting, and Rice's willingness to open up to his audience. The two bonus songs, previously from the Veggietales movie Jonah and a Rich Mullens tribute album, continue this comforting pace and add to the overall effect of discovering Chris Rice as he really is. Clumsiness has been a recurring theme throughout Rice's music so it's fitting that he record Billy Joe McGuffrey, a song detailing the struggles of a accident-prone boy growing up. "Calling Out Your Name" creates vivid imagery and tells a great story with the lyrics, much like Rice has done throughout his career. The fans chose the remaining tracks, labeling them as favorites. Overall, Snapshots delivers all that it promises, a clearer picture of the man behind the music, the music itself, and an entertaining retrospective.

-CMcentral