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Artists inspired by Mel Gibson's epic film The Passion of the Christ have banded together for Passion of the Christ: Songs. The album features newly recorded original songs sparked by the experience of seeing the film, and features the diverse lineup which includes tracks by former Creed singer Scott Stapp; Lauryn Hill; P.O.D.; Kirk Franklin featuring Yolanda Adams; Brad Paisley & Sara Evans; Third Day; Steven Curtis Chapman; Mercy Me; MxPx featuring Mark Hoppus; Charlotte Church and others. The Stapp contribution is the album's lead single and marks his debut as a solo artist. The collection will also serve as the inaugural release for Lost Keyword Records, an imprint which will be marketed and promoted by Wind-up Records. Provident will handle marketing and distribution in the CBA marketplace and BMG through the secular market. The album will be released on August 31st, the same day the film's much anticipated DVD arrives at retail. The Passion of the Christ released February 25, 2004, creating a tsunami of media and public interest before and after it hit theatres. The film from Academy Award(r)-winning director Mel Gibson is a story of courage and sacrifice depicting the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus Christ. Featuring stunning cinematography and an inspired performance by Jim Caviezel as Jesus, The Passion of the Christ is considered a triumphant and uncompromising filmmaking achievement. To date the drama is credited with over $370 million box office receipts in the United States alone, and over $600 million worldwide. Gibson welcomed the artists' support. "My kids think these guys are cool, so they must be," joked Gibson. "It means a lot to me that this group of artists dug my film and all wanted to contribute a song. The project came about very organically. Some of the artists on the album saw early screenings of the film and offered to create a song because they had been so moved by it. When we got similar reactions from others, we knew we had something special happening." Scott Stapp, who contributed his song "Relearn Love" shared, "Mel Gibson again shows his genius as an artist and director. His passion for this film is obvious from beginning to end. He took on a very controversial historical event and, in my humble opinion, displayed it with extraordinary artistry. All of us who have different faiths could use some tolerance for one another. This film depicts a timeless story of betrayal, forgiveness and eternal atonement. I am blessed to have the opportunity to contribute 'Relearn Love' to this project." "This is the real deal-brutal, honest, touching," P.O.D. lead singer Sonny Sandoval said of the two-hour film. The San Diego band wrote and recorded its contribution "Amazing" after a showing at Gibson's offices in November. "This film made me check my own heart and my own faith," Sandoval continued. "It's not the fairy tale story of Christ we're all used to hearing. So, even before anybody wanted to be involved, in the heat of the controversy, I wanted to give back and contribute to this. The only way for us to truly give back and raise awareness is through our music." Lauryn Hill offered, "The film was a visual representation of what life is supposed to be for the people of God - a sinless man willingly gave himself up so that others might be saved. I was inspired by the film and proud to contribute a song to this collection." The Passion of the Christ: Songs features twelve newly recorded original songs. In running order they are: Third Day - Steven Curtis Chapman - MercyMe "I See Love" Scott Stapp "Relearn Love" P.O.D. "Amazing" Brad Paisley and Sara Evans "New Again" Big Dismal "Rainy Day" Lauryn Hill "The Passion" Kirk Franklin (Featuring Yolanda Adams) "How Many Lashes" MxPx (Featuring Mark Hoppus) "The Empire" Charlotte Church "Finding My Own Way" BeBe Winans and Angie Stone "Miracle of Love" Dan Lavery "To Give Love" Big Dismal "Reason I Live" |