How You Live  (Audio CD) 
by Point of Grace

How You Live is the talented contemporary Christian act's first "real" album in three years. (Greatest-hits packages and Christmas albums may be neat, but they don't pack the full wallop of Point of Graces's vision the same way). A new offering from the devout quartet is always a treat, and this is no exception. Less upbeat than its predecessor, the record has many charms. It has all the hallmarks of PoG: a huge-sounding, slicked-up manner of production buffeting gorgeous harmonies and solo vocals loud and clear in the mix, making it impossible to miss the group's message. That message is one of hope and faith, of course. And though it's delivered in a simplistic and clear-cut manner that might strike some as hackneyed or clichéd, the group has the power of its convictions, and a fantastic talent for overarching pop. After listening to some of these songs--"He Believes in You" and "All the World" in particular--it's hard not to feel like you just got run over by a stream-roller made up of marshmallows. --Mike McGonigal