Nineteen eighty-eight's Real Life Conversations, Steven Curtis Chapman's second release, shows why he became one of Christian music's best. While other CCM artists were tinkling around with that late-1980s synthesizer sound and disposable pop music, Chapman was releasing thoughtful and well-written material. "Faithful Too" and "Tuesday's Child" open with a power-chord-driven rock appeal. But Chapman slows it down with the beautiful "For Who He Really Is," augmented by Nashville session superstar Mark O'Connor on mandolin. "His Eyes" and "His Strength Is Perfect" also show Chapman's quieter, softer balladry. One of this CD's gems is "My Turn Now," an upbeat, Gospel-infused rave that will have you humming along before you know it. --Michael Lyttle