I have to agree with Dave Ball concerning 2nd Chapter of Acts being the best Christian music group of the 70s and 80s. Literally, the anointing on their music helped me through deliverance. People talk about the member's voices; really it is the anointing on their voices and the intensity of the conviction that carries through their voices that makes them so good, because as singers they are really pretty ordinary the way I'm ordinary, and people tell I have a nice voice in church. Phewy! It isn't singing ability but the depth of intensity and love for God that makes the voices so captivating, and that's why this group is so good. They have been blessed with talent, yes; but that talent alone isn't what makes them. The anointing is what makes them. Hallelujah!

I would concur with the previous entries, in that the sister's voices carried the music. This group has been for me an important part of my early Christian life. In regards to this particular album, The Roar of Love, I do not think it is their best, but it is still wonderful! I have listened to it often throughout the year, but especially in this season when the movie has come out. As the book has put in different and profound ways some of the simple truths of scripture ("death works backwards"), so the songs and music bring a different depth to the story. It is too bad that these gifted artists are no longer producing music together. Their absence, along with that of Keith Green, is sorely felt in the era of cookie-cutter, secular-mimicking Christian music.

I started listening to 2nd Chapter of Acts as a teenager when I received *with footnotes* as a birthday present. I was overwhelmed by the whole package of Biblical Christian values combined with meaningful lyrics and catchy tunes, and through the years I purchased every album they released- on either vinyl or tape. Recently I decided to upgrade to CD so my own children can listen to them too. I chose 20 as sort of a "best of", and I'm thrilled. It's one of the best music purchases I've made all year.

To follow up, I will agree with Mr. Wilson that Matthew's voice did not make the 2nd Chapter of Acts entirely what it was. In my opinion, it was the trio of voices and hearts that made the “whole” more than just the sum of it's parts... if that makes any sense. The solo albums of both Annie and Matthew are good in their own right, but still do not have the impact or fullness that the "whole" had as a group. I believe that God poured an anointing on the whole that transcended the 2nd Chapter of Acts merely being a talented trio.

I concur with Dave Ball's review. I recently listened so some of the 2nd Chapter of Acts recently after a break of almost 20 years. What impressed me when I first heard them and still impresses is the combination of musical polish that satisfies my critical musicians ear and a freshness to their performance. Beyond the musicality, the word that comes to mind to describe the quality of their performance is innocence. I got a similar sense of innocence from the early Amy Grant. Behind their songs are not too complicated but smart arrangements which give their performance a sense of musical depth like a full orchestra. The sense of depth (and drama at times) often came from a few, strategic notes from a synthesizer and a few common instrumental effects. All the time I got the sense that these people understood music. I would quibble with Mr. Ball over Matthew's voice. I frankly am not impressed with the sound of it. Vocally it's the sister's voices that make the band. But that said everyone, including Matthew, seemed to come from a muscial background that disciplines and informs their performance.

In my humble opinion, The Second Chapter of Acts was the hands down, best Christian music group of ANY kind during the 70’s & 80’s. This brother and sister combo had a sound and musical style that was both unique AND as polished in delivery as ANY professional band — secular or otherwise. I had the opportunity to hear them live on several occasions, and I can't recall EVER hearing one sharp or flat note! Or any other kind of a mistake for that matter! Matthew especially had (and still does have) a voice that will astound you. He has the uncanny ability to hit rapid fire 1/32 notes with such a clarity and ease, you are left dazed that a human voice can reproduce such a sound. Yet more importantly their music was dedicated to ministry rather than entertainment. They didn’t sing to impress or bring glory to themselves. Rather, their intricate and unique musical style was used to bless and minister to the body of Christ and bring praise to The Father. Their disbanding was such a lost to me, that the day I learned of it literally hit me like I had just experienced a death in the family. One particular illustration of their ministry is recounted by Dennis Jernigan at DennisJernigan.com. Dennis is perhaps one of the premiere worship leaders in America today. His music comes from a broken heart and a deep gratefulness for the healing he received in his life. If it were not for the ministry of Annie and The Second Chapter of Acts, we might not have this extremely gifted singer/songwriter with us today. Dennis' music and ministry is just one — but a very visable and important — legacy of The Second Chapter of Acts.