A True Pursuit Of Christ | Posted May-02-2016
Due to the high volume of worship releases so far this year, NRT has appropriately deemed 2016 "the year of worship," which makes it a good year as the church can always benefit from more songs to sing collectively to our Savior. With their new collaborative project My Pursuit, the All About Worship community lends to this great worship movement by giving us 10 tracks that will aid the local church in passionate worship for years to come.
Featuring the voices of Alisa Turner, Michael Farren, Benji Cowart, Aaron Tomberlin, Corey Voss and many more, My Pursuit proves to truly be an album focused on a true pursuit of the presence of Christ-- a refreshing authentic spirit in a time where worship can so easily become nothing more than trite words and music.
Handing listeners the standout track right from the beginning, the album opens with "Lift My Eyes," an already powerful song made even better by the soulful voice of Alisa Turner leading the intimate time of worship. Matched with Alisa's hopeful testimony of faith even in dark seasons of illness and loss, the song comes through as a truly moving moment. Michael Farren's contributions to the collection, "God Most High" and "Royal Blood," are both upbeat tracks, offering Scripture-saturated lyrics lead by Michael's raspy, strong vocals.
The title track, led by Benji Cowart (also lead vocals on "Hope Of The Cross"), is a slower moment that feels like genuine worship. I could see "My Pursuit" being added to many church's worship sets with its Kingdom-focused lines: "never gonna stop chasing You / never gonna stop praising You / never gonna stop pursuing You," the bridge powerfully crescendos. A cheery track that would fit well in the beginning of a worship service, "Faith Forevermore" is another incredibly strong cut on the album.
More reverent piano-led moments "Great Is The Lord" and "Back To Life" usher listeners into an emotional time of praise as the voices of Rhyan Shirley and Amanda Kinner gracefully sing out the redemptive lyrics. "I Will Call" plays on the male/female harmonies matched with stunning lyrics of faith to create a brilliant moment of declaring trust in God's love, much like "I Can't Contain It," which is another piano-led piece that strongly ushers in the presence of God with its well-written words and atmosphere of worship.
The Bottom Line:My Pursuit is truly one of the most well crafted and authentic feeling worship albums I've heard so far this year. Each vocalist leads in a way that invites the presence of Christ to be part of the music, creating a truly life-giving worship experience. A job well done to the All About Worship team for giving the church a brand new batch of songs to sing to our Father.
Worship With A Pop Twist | Posted April-28-2016
Sisters Lauren and Brooke DeLeary, better known as pop/rock outfit LoveCollide, are back with their sophomore project Resonate. While making the Resonate project, the duo had so many songs they wanted to include that they decided to split it into two parts: A Ripple To A Wave out April 29th, and the second release A Spark Into A Flame scheduled for this fall. The first half of the project, A Ripple To A Wave, showcases both the fun pop worship and edgier rock sides of Lauren and Brooke's sound, all while keeping in the theme of what fans have called a "fresh, cool new vibe."
High-energy track "Resonate" opens the album with a kick, summing up the whole message of the album in a mere 3 minutes. Standout pop song "Follow," written by Francesca Battistelli, Mia Fieldes and Seth Mosley, displays the versatile vocal abilities of both girls while giving a nod to the old hymn "I Have Decided." "Fox" has a musically intriguing beginning, mainly driven by a strong horn section and acoustic guitar against the empowering lyrics.
Slower track "Storms" features beautiful lyrics of faith in the God who holds us during our own personal storms: "I have only ever known You to be One who does what You say You'll do / I have only ever found You faithful." Taking the tempo back up only a little with a still more reverent piano-driven vibe, "Atmosphere" showcases well the harmonies of Brooke and Lauren, much like harder track "Fighting On My Knees."
Staying on the more rock side of things, "Break Through" proves to be another strong offering on this album. Ending back on a worshipful note, "Yahweh" shows LoveCollide at their best with a seemingly effortless, beautiful vocal (especially on the bridge) and powerful lyrics.
The Bottom Line: Although I hope in the future to hear an increasingly mature sound from the LoveCollide ladies, Resonate: A Ripple To A Wave is a promising offering of fun worship that strongly displays both their rock and pop sides and leaves me looking forward to hearing what they have created with the other half of the Resonate project this fall.
Newcomer Gold | Posted April-19-2016
What if I told you there was a new artist on the scene who makes music with the skill and quality of someone who's been working in the industry for years? Would you rush out to buy his album or at least be intrigued to hear such a newcomer?
His may still be a new name to you, but my bet is that won't last much longer. His current single "The River" has been burning up radio waves for the past few months, gaining Jordan a growing fan base of people excited to hear what's next from the newbie. The River, Jordan's first full length project with Centricity Music, comes less than a year after his stunning debut EP Beloved. Featuring four of the songs from Beloved and seven brand new tracks, The River proves to be a stellar offering from soul/pop blended Jordan Feliz.
"Carry Your Troubles (Intro)" begins the album with a static-styled acoustic moment that feeds perfectly into lead single "The River." Fans of Christian radio are far from strangers to this energy-filled tune that is sure to induce foot stomping, tapping on the steering wheel and maybe even car dance parties while stuck in traffic. I'd be hard pressed to find a better debut single from any other artist this year. That same joyful energy continues into Jordan's current radio single, "Never Too Far Gone." Once again, I find myself singing along to every word each time it comes on the radio, caught up in a moment of carefully crafted creative genius.
Another incredibly strong track follows with "Best Of Me." The song boarders gracefully into EDM territory, proving Jordan's pop sound is not only that of a seasoned artist, but can also be diverse. "Living in Your presence now I can see only You bring out the best of me," the chorus closes. My personal favorite from the previous EP, "Beloved," beautifully pleads with listeners to realize their true value: "forget the lies you heard / rise above the hurt and listen to these words / you are Beloved." Showing off Jordan's soul side on an album full of pop gems, "Simple" also made it over from the EP.
Yet another track that could easily be the highlight of this album, "Cheer You On" plays on Jordan's vocal strengths, producing a bubbly song of encouragement and support. "Your Great Hands" slows things down slightly, proving to be another catchy track with its well-written lyrics of faith and trust in our God. Drum-driven "Live It Out" brings the tempo back up, again giving us a taste of how versatile Jordan's vocals are.
There are a few ballads on The River: "How Long" is a personally deep prayer song sure to resonate with listeners, much like "Satisfied" is an emotional prayer of wanting to find our all in Christ alone. The slower-paced moments close the album well, proving to be a truly moving time of worship.
The Bottom Line: From beginning to end, The River pulls through as an album honestly hard to find fault with. Showcasing the immense growth and innovative talent of a surprising newcomer, The River falls into a small category of debut full-length albums that truly feel as if they've been crafted by longtime artists. If Jordan Feliz continues with music like this, there can be nothing but good things ahead for his career.
Worship Without Words | Posted March-21-2016
For Beckah Shae, instrumental music has been a key element in life recently. The songstress shared that she has been in the process of writing a book and needed something that would breathe inspiration and life. She found it was easier to listen to music without words during this time, which led to thinking maybe her listeners would need something to fill that same purpose in their own lives as well. Thus Rest Without Words was born.
Releasing as a surprise to fans, Beckah took her 2012 release Rest and turned it into a fully instrumental album. Now without words and allowing room for God to speak into the void, she hopes it will serve as healing, hope and inspiration for those willing to listen.
The title track opens the album with a soothing vibe. A song that set the worship mood for the rest of the album back in 2012, it accomplishes the same task again now. "You & I" continues in that theme, serving as a mellow, relaxing piece. "Without You" is my personal favorite track here, picking up the beat a bit while still maintaining a calm feel. "Everlasting" stays upbeat as well, while "Have Your Way" and "Forever Yours" give variety to the album by venturing off into an EDM style.
The piano-driven "Overflow" proves to be a beautiful cut on this album. "Unique" strives to live up to its name as "Forever Yours" and "You Conquer" end the album with what Beckah previously described as "movement and stillness at the same time."
The Bottom Line: Even for fans like myself who tend to be more lyric and vocal driven, Rest Without Words comes through as an enjoyable listen. A well-produced project from beginning to end, this is meditative music for the soul.
A New Talent | Posted March-04-2016
North Carolina native Cameron Moore has been playing guitar and leading worship from a young age. By the end of high school, Moore was beginning to record his own music and hasn't looked back since.
Now a full time worship leader on his college campus and at churches in the area, Cameron recorded his self-titled debut EP in his first year of college and released it towards the end of 2014. With a sound reminiscent of artists like Aaron Shust, Cameron Moore, a 5 track offering, displays Moore's talents in a strong way.
The album opens with energetic "Drowning," a song I could hear fitting perfectly at the beginning of a church service. The track boasts Biblical truths of God's love against a melody sure to get you moving around in worship. "Ransom" slows things down a bit to sing of the freedom and redemption found in Christ. "Eraser of the marks of sin / crimson washing through," Cameron sings to give a depiction of the forgiveness so graciously offered by God.
Keeping with the topic of Christ's love, Cameron returns to the high-energy tunes with "Unrelenting," another Scripture-soaked track. Softer cut "From The Depths" brings us into an intimate moment of worship before leading into closer "Sweet Love," a lyrically strong inclusion on this record.
The Bottom Line:What this EP lacks in sonic diversity, it makes up for with smooth, polished vocals and well written, Scripture-based lyrics. It will be fun to see what comes next from Cameron Moore.
Worship For The World | Posted February-18-2016
While everything else may shift, the mission of Vineyard UK will always remain the same: to capture and document the songs of the Vineyard movement that are written and sung for the local church communities, for home groups, on Sunday mornings, or anywhere else they get the chance to worship Jesus together. Everything they do revolves around that goal, and their latest release Open is well on its way to doing just that.
Filled with the voices of gifted and anointed worship leaders, thoughtfully written lyrics that give glory to God with every phrase and excellent production that makes the listening experience diverse and enjoyable, Open is a strong offering of praise.
The album begins with the title track, which proves to be an incredible contribution to this collection of songs as the key lyric passionately rings out "Heaven's door is open." EDM-infused "Living In The Light" and "Concrete Love" boast an upbeat background and high-tempo vibe as momentum for the scripture-packed lyrics that echo His love for us. "All Who Are Weary" hooks listeners in from the opening guitar riff before introducing a just-as-captivating lyric that boasts the Matthew 11:28 promise of rest for the weary souls.
The silky smooth vocal on "No Longer Strangers" immediately makes it a track that stands out as more scripture-filled lyrics fill the space behind gospel infused music before leading up to another bubbly track, "We Need More." Worship-centered "The Light," "Waterfalls" and "My Heart Is Free" pull the album to a conclusion with beautiful words and heartfelt vocals.
The Bottom Line: With Open, Vineyard UK offers an album overflowing with EDM influenced production, lyrical depth and powerful moments of praise sure to change the atmosphere of worship. One of the best worship albums so far this year, Open ups the game for worship leaders and songwriters across the globe.
Tradition With A Unique Touch | Posted January-30-2016
Winner of countlesss awards (including several Doves and Grammys), artist behind countless successful albums, writer of so many of the songs we sing each week in church-- it's hard to sum up the career of Michael W. Smith with only one paragraph. A true legend in Christian music, Smitty has gained a fanbase of loyal listeners that eagerly await his next release. With Hymns II: Shine On Us, his second hymns record in partnership with Cracker Barrel, he fulfills that request.
The Highlights;
Clocking in at a lengthy 16 songs, you're sure to find some of your favorite hymns on this record. The album begins with energy-filled "Down To The River To Pray" that'll have you tapping your feet in no time before slowing things down with the worshipful moments "I Need Thee" and "Jesus, Only Jesus." The always peppy "I'll Fly Away" is of course included in this collection, along with mainline hymn staple "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," which boasts an impressive background choir.
Longtime Christian music fans will be pleased to see a trio of songs that harken back to the golden age of Christian music, with Smitty's first remake of one of his first worship songs, "Great Is The Lord." Title track "Shine On Us" was made popular by Phillips, Craig & Dean back in the day, but not everyone knows that Smith and his wife, Debbie, were the original writers--so it's nice to finally hear the author lend his voice to it on this record. CCM fans' ears also will perk up when they hear a beautiful rendition of Chris Rice's classic song, "Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)."
The Bottom Line:
With Hymns II: Shine On Us, Michael W. Smith once again proves why he's one of the greats in this industry as he takes timeless favorites and adds his unique touch--breathing incredible creative energy into them to make them feel revived.
Worship Re-imagined | Posted January-20-2016
As an extension of the Vineyard Church movement, Vineyard Worship exists to help the local church experience God. They strive to embrace a wider definition of worship and to empower the core value of worship in the Vineyard. As part of that mission, the group recently set out to create Anchour Studio Sessions. Recorded in a small Southern Maine town, the album breathes new life into some previous Vineyard Worship anthems.
The album opens on a high note with a remake of the Jeremy Riddle tune "As Children," producing an intimate atmosphere of worship from the very first notes. Following that is another powerful moment of praise, "Oh Lovely One." The female lead vocal ushers in a sweet spirit, echoing that of a Hillsong United or Bethel Music album. Taking on the traditional hymn "I Surrender All," "Surrender" continues the peaceful atmosphere of worship.
"Throne Of Grace" lyrically depicts the splendor of grace in a beautiful way, leading listeners in a special moment of adoration for all Christ is. Bringing up the tempo a bit, "What Can I Bring" and "Stand In Awe" are other notable pieces in this collection of songs. Singing scripture in a powerful way, "I Lift My Eyes Up (Psalm 121)" ends the album.
The Bottom Line: With Anchour Studio Sessions, Vineyard has crafted an album that gracefully carries listeners to a deep place of worship.
Soulful Christmas Music | Posted November-23-2015 Danny Gokey first captured our hearts on season eight of American Idol, where he placed third in the competition. Now he's capturing our attention all over again.
Gokey jumped back on the scene last year with his hit "Hope In Front Of Me" and has been going strong ever since. Now Danny offers up his first holiday album, Christmas Is Here, boasting a soulful take on festive favorites to get you in the Christmas spirit.
"What Christmas Means To Me" opens the album with high energy and Danny's unmistakable voice, making it an enjoyable listen from the very beginning. Danny's voice also shines on his remakes of "White Christmas" and "O Holy Night," further showing that he has one of the very best vocals you'll find in music today.
"Christmas Is Here" and "Lift Up Your Eyes" prove to be strong original tracks among the classics. "Lift Up Your Eyes" in particular is an upbeat moment of praise that focuses on everything Christ is to us, and it's sure to become a holiday favorite in the years to come. An unusual but fitting choice for a Christmas album, Danny's version of "Give Me Jesus" is one of the best I've ever heard thanks to his impressive vocal range and the choir that completes the worshipful sound.
The whole album is a treat for fans, but I think most would agree with me in saying that the standout moment definitely comes in Danny's take on the Christmas standard "Mary Did You Know," which many have complimented as the best cover ever done of the popular song.
Closing Thoughts:
Christmas Is Here is a perfect example of how to take classic favorites and remake them into modern songs of holiday praise and worship. Also including fun and upbeat moments that will fit well as a soundtrack to your Christmas season, this album has so many elements to enjoy. Danny Gokey's remarkable voice turns anything he sings into a masterpiece, as is the case with Christmas Is Here. Easily one of the best Christmas albums this year, this is a collection of songs you absolutely need to hear this holiday season.
Christmas Music Done Right | Posted October-10-2015
Hot on the heels of their majorly successful spring 2014 release Welcome To The New, this summer MercyMe unveiled news of their second Christmas album. MercyMe! It's Christmas is the follow up to 2005's The Christmas Sessions and features fun holiday favorites, recreated Christmas classics and festive originals.
Original offering "The Newborn Has Come" begins the album with a mix of new lyrics and words from the classics "Away In A Manger" and "Hark The Herold Angels Sing." Also originals, "Christmastime Again" and "Hold On Christmas" are both tracks that center around the topic of the holiday's fast-paced nature and are sure to get you moving with their upbeat energy.
Slower favorites "Sleigh Ride" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" add signature MercyMe style to already well-loved classics. "A Holly Jolly Christmas," "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and "Do You Hear What I Hear" bring the tempo back up and display Bart's flawlessly smooth vocals that soar across high and low notes alike.
With a bit of a southern feel, original song "Our Lullaby" brings words of peace and rest based off the Christmas story. Standout track "Joy" shows off Bart's vocal range yet again as he mixes "O Come Let Us Adore Him" and "Joy To The World" with original lyrics for a beautiful moment. "O Come, O Come" brings the album to a close with stunning harmonies from the group.
Closing Thoughts:
MercyMe! It's Christmas serves the purpose of both bringing to life new Christmas music and reviving old classics. If this past year has told us anything about the MercyMe guys, it's that they are now more confident than ever in who they are as a band, and this second Christmas album is further proof of that. Well-crafted melodies, perfectly mixed lyrics and Bart Millard's incredibly strong vocals are a great combo for any album. It's Christmas is certainly a success as far as Christmas records go and is sure to be the soundtrack to many holiday festivities in homes around the country this season.
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