For this album there were stories before there were songs.
The process of writing gave me permission to explore and to breathe in a new way I didn't know I needed. I was given a gift - to find out what I actually believe about God, to ask big questions, wrestle with what I have been told are answers, and find peace within the mystery. These are my imaginations and confessions put to melodies and music.
Brave New World represents a voyage of discovering that God has been on our side all along, that we can live a whole life, full of heart, with a capacity to process pain, wrestle with truth, and find ourselves steady at the end of our pilgrimage.
There is an endless possibility for God to create a world within us, a world transformed through the bravery of perfect Love. My prayer through this record is that you experience the reality that you, in fact, house a Brave New World; you are a Brave New World. May you be filled with hope in the One whose mercy is timeless, and whose Love for mankind is as boundless as the sea.
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An Atmosphere Of Worship| Posted September 16, 2015
Amanda Cook, most known for her work with Bethel Music, is also a powerhouse worship leader in her own right. The heart and pen behind extremely successful hit "You Make Me Brave" and many others, Amanda has already established herself as an anthemic songwriter. Now with her debut Brave New World, Amanda works to establish herself as a solo artist.
The album opens with standout track "Heroes," an invitation to trust God even in hard times: "You taught my feet to dance upon disappointment, and I will worship You." "Shepherd" begins with a beautiful piano melody before singing out lyrics of Biblical promises. Written with a few other Bethel leaders, "The Voyage" speaks of taking a chance and stepping out of your comfort zone, while "Closer" is a prayer to go deeper with Christ.
"Never See The End," another highlight track, praises God for His eternal love with powerful statements of truth: "where can I go from Your presence? Your love surrounds me from all sides." "Mercy," "City Of Hope," and "Bittersweet" talk of the grace that washes away our sins and restores what was once broken, with lyrics straight from Scripture. "Kind" creates an intimate moment of worship as Amanda sings of the nature of our good Father, much as "Pieces" responds in worship to all He is.
Instrumental pieces "Flagship" and "Brave New World" add an extra element as the album comes to a close.
Closing Thoughts:
Amanda Cook has created a beautiful atmosphere of genuine worship and praise with Brave New World. With her soft yet bold vocals and anthemic lyrics that declare God's promises in every song, Amanda has crafted what I believe to be one of the best worship albums this year. Given that it's easy for worship music to become repetitive and cliche, I was pleasantly surprised with how Brave New World ushered in God's presence and constantly reminded me of Biblical truths in new ways. Listeners will surely find some new favorites in this album, and we can all wait in anticipation of what comes next for Amanda Cook's solo career.
Song To Download Now:
"Heroes" (Get it on iTunes here.)