100
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Elim Sound Elim Pentecostal Church, a UK-based denomination, is turning century-old in 2015. With this milestone in mind, 10 worship leaders from across the UK have collaborated together to record a collective worship...
Hope: The EP
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Drake Funky, soulful, and smooth: these are the first words that come to mind when I hear Drake Kennedy.
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Kennedy is getting his music heard even from his independent...
Aloha from Oahu | Posted September-19-2014
It is becoming an increasingly popular trend for megachurches to have their worship teams write original worship songs and record albums. One church that has followed this trend is New Hope Christian Fellowship based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Last year, their worship team New Hope Oahu shared their music with the world and their first album Hope is Alive gained some success on Billboard. With their second release, Victorious, New Hope Oahu continues to worship God with their talent and invite listeners into a time of worship.
Now don't let the name fool you: just because they are based in Hawaii doesn't mean that this album is full of ukuleles and island rhythms. In fact, their modern worship sound is very similar to that of Planetshakers or Jesus Culture.
On Victorious, New Hope Oahu moves away from the live congregational setting of their first album to a polished studio album. Pulsating synths and infectious house beats drive the kickoff track "We Live," which features Satellites & Sirens frontman Geoff Hunker. "Raise Your Voice" is another danceable anthem reminiscent of Phil Wickham's "This Is Amazing Grace." Other highlight tracks include the vertical "Faithful You Are" and "Perfect Peace," which are accented by excellent vocal riffs as they proclaim the goodness of God.
The greatest moment of this album by far is the last four minutes or so. "None Like You" (featuring Kale Chang) has incredible instances of traditional Hawaiian background vocals that really make the track stand out. The song is then ended with a beautifully unique moment of Boyz II Men-esque vocals in their native language that really makes me wish similar things had been integrated throughout the album. It is a truly special moment.
Closing Thoughts:
With so many worship acts crowding the market, a polished sound and powerful vocal performances are not enough to make Victorious a standout album. With that being said, there are definitely worshipful moments on the record and God is definitely praised by this group and their music. Fans of Hillsong, Planetshakers, and the like will find this album enjoyable and a worshipful experience. I truly hope that New Hope Oahu will continue to explore more distinctive sounds like they did on "None Like You" and integrate their Hawaiian roots (even if it's ever so slightly) into their music.
Year's Best Debut? | Posted September-15-2014
Centricity Music has had a certain knack for picking out some pretty great singer-songwriters over the last decade or so: Andrew Peterson, Jason Gray, Jonny Diaz, Downhere, and Aaron Shust just to name a few you may have heard of. This hit-picking knack doesn't seem to be going away either. Last month we heard the first Centricity release from Lindsay McCaul, and now this month we are introduced to another incredible talent: Lauren Daigle.
She was actually discovered by Centricity as a last-minute backup for a band whose singer was too ill to perform. Immediately Daigle's powerful and smoky voice impressed, and two years later she is releasing her first album. How Can It Be showcases her vocal strength and tone with worshipful and encouraging songs in the singer-songwriter vein of Francesca Battistelli, Adele, and Sara Bareilles.
Music fans may already be familiar with the album's eponymous lead single, which has made its way onto the Billboard Christian Airplay chart. The lyrics of "How Can It Be" are vulnerable as Daigle sings, "These hands are dirty, I dare not lift them up to the Holy one." As she continues her broken, yet rejoicing prayer, she thanks God that though she doubts and falls, God is faithful to give her new life.
People may also be familiar with the album's closer "Light of the World," which was previously released on Centricity's compilation album, Christmas: Joy to the World. This is one of those rare Christmas songs that I feel comfortable listening to year-round without feeling out of season.
The album definitely has a radio-friendly vibe (a good thing in this case...think Sara Bareilles). "O Lord" is probably the best example of this, with background clap tracks and vocal "oh"s aiding the song's catchiness. "Trust In You" is another song I would love to hear on the radio. The message of this song, that we need to trust in God in all circumstances, especially when it seems like God doesn't give us answers, is one that definitely spoke to me and I think is an important message for the Church.
Daigle's more gentle side is also highlighted on tracks "Power to Redeem" (featuring All Sons & Daughters) and "Salt and Light." Both of these songs feature a nice use of strings. I especially have a soft spot for the cello on "Salt and Light" highlighting Daigle's tender prayer: "Let my life be a song revealing who you are."
"Come Alive (Dry Bones)" is a stand-out track with a synth-driven chorus citing the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. The lead song on the album, "I Am Yours" is another highlight that shows off Daigle's commanding vocals and great range as she sings "Let the waters rise, I will stand as the oceans roar."
Closing Thoughts:
There have been some pretty great debut albums this year, and How Can It Be is definitely one of my favorites. Her messages of faith, of trust in God, and of the power and love of God are presented in lyrics and music that are accessible and yet not cliché. It doesn't hurt either that those messages are presented by one of the best new voices we've heard in the Christian market. I really can't think of much to say negatively about this album, it is a fantastic debut that will appeal to a large range of music listeners. I would guess that we will be hearing Lauren Daigle's voice quite a bit more on the radio very soon, and that is a very good thing!
Chill Worship, Wild Earth | Posted September-03-2014
Late last year Micah Bentley, former frontman of pop punk outfit A Change of Pace, felt the call to do just that... by writing creative worship music. By joining forces with session guitarist Jason Richard and a group of talented friends, he started the project Wild Earth as a "vehicle" to "[live] out the wild and counter-cultural life in the Kingdom that Jesus has called us into."
With its new EP, Wild Earth hopes to extend the boundaries of worship music with a fresh sound that they have cited as influenced by alternative rock groups Radiohead, Mutemath, and Minus the Bear. This self-titled project is a five-song teaser of what is to come as they campaign through Indiegogo to bring us their first full-length album.
As a whole, Wild Earth creates a dynamic soundscape with its broad range of synth and guitar tones that is very pleasing to the ear. Adding to the EP's auditory appeal is that the songs gradually flow from jubilant to prayerful and meditative very smoothly. This flow begins with the lead single, "Majestic," and immediately my attention was caught by the exciting instrumental intro. Bentley then praises God for His majesty made evident throughout all nature and contemplates his own worth compared to God's amazing creation.
Chill tunes "Craters" and "Molecules" rely on gentle reverb effects and lyrical analogies as the band admits their need for God in their lives. The former says that "There are craters in our hearts...Lord you are the missing part," while the latter is a request for God to "rearrange our molecules", that is, to transform who we are into who He is.
As things simmer down, the percussion-driven "Death Nor Life" pulls from Romans 8 by declaring that neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God. The EP comes to a close with the ethereal "Reveal" which brings the listener into a deep place of worship as it builds to a crashing climax with Bentley petitioning God: "Reveal yourself to me, it's you I seek, it's you I feel." This ending to the EP encourages listeners to continue in a worshipful state even after the music concludes.
Closing Thoughts:
Wild Earth's self-titled EP is an enjoyable debut from the group. Its refreshingly calm sound and lyrical content definitely has appeal to modern worship fans. If the hope of this project is to extend the boundaries of worship music, I don't think they are quite there. However, I do think they are standing right at outer walls waiting for a little push to break through. I hope we will hear more soon from Wild Earth with a full-length album, but until then this EP will be a good addition to worship music fans' collections.
Encouragement For The Fatherless | Posted August-25-2014
Couple Brian and Christa York first met as vocal students at the musically inclined Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where they soon realized a common link between themselves: Christa's father died of cancer when she was a child, and Brian never knew his biological father. The two bonded over their shared knowledge of what it's like to grow up without a father. Thus For the Fatherless was born. Their passionate mission is to let people know that "We all share the same Father who loves us more than we can understand, regardless of our experiences with our earthly fathers." And they strive to preach that message through the medium of music.
Now living in Buffalo, New York, For the Fatherless is releasing their debut album to the world. On this album, For The Fatherless emotionally stirs their audience with their charming folk duets and their reassuring message that God is the perfect loving father that every one of us needs.
The album starts off with the uplifting "Not of the Night," and immediately Brian and Christa's years of vocal training is felt. Their voices are clear, powerful and blend harmoniously together as they rejoice that our identity is found in something bigger than our mistakes and failures. Following the opener is what I would consider not only the best song on the album but one of the most powerful songs of the year. "What This Love Is For" is a pure gospel message: "Calling all the broken, calling all the poor, calling all the ones who are hungry for more, that's what this love is for. Come to the table, come take your place, come to the feast there are none turned away, that's what this love is for." It is a lyrically refreshing song that truly makes the love of God present.
A series of three inspirational ballads follows, bringing more truth and comfort to listeners. "Learn to Love" features a standout verse from Brian as they wrestle with the struggle of selfish ambition and the need to love. The simple piano and strings arrangement of "Unfailing Father" is a nice change, although the lyrics and theme are very similar to "What This Love Is For." Closing out the slow set is "My Anchor True," which features another building arrangement as Brian and Christa declare that God alone is strong enough to hold onto.
Succeeding the series of five ballad-style songs, is a sudden change to three up-tempo songs in a row. The first of these, "Good Things," while it's still encouraging, falls a little flat with well-tread lyrical themes. "The Waking Hour" and "The Time For Singing Has Come" follow up with a similar catchy sound (reminiscent of Casting Crown's "Thrive") and the theme of arising to praise and glorify God. Things slow down again with "Welcome Us Home," which is a really powerful track that says "Father to the fatherless, You restore our brokenness, Father to the homeless hearts, We belong inside your arms."
Bringing For the Fatherless to an end is definitely the most sonically different song on the album. "Child of the King" has a waltz-y feel accompanied by accordion and a soft use of acoustic fingerpicking on the guitar reminiscent of the recently disbanded The Civil Wars. It creates a nice end to an album full of truth and encouragement as it continues to remind us that God has adopted us and called us His own.
Closing Thoughts:
For the Fatherless is a solid, catchy, and moving debut full of important messages presented by powerful vocals. The emotional arrangements of many of the songs just add emphasis to their words. If their mission is to comfort us and help us realize that we all have a perfect Father in heaven, they are doing things right. With songs like "What This Love is For" highlighting the album (and the year), Christian music fans should definitely be picking up this release.
There is some room for improvement for the duo as the themes and lyrics tend to become a little bit repetitive by the end of the album. Rearranging the track listing so that the three up-tempo songs were more spread out also would have been a nice change. Regardless, it's an overall wonderful release that I have been and will be listening to over and over again.
Rocking Worship from Across the Pond | Posted August-08-2014
It has been two years since the release of Ian Yates' sophomore album, Good News. Since then, Yates has been touring in his native country across the pond to "inspire, equip, and encourage the church in worship." The response to his music has been extremely positive and his fan base is continuing to grow.
With his new release, DNA, Yates' mission is to realign listeners to their original DNA. He says, "We are made in the image of God, designed to change the world, born of incorruptible seed." The album is filled with upbeat songs focused on God's love and how that relates to our lives.
A major standout point on this album is the sound. Yates' brand of worship music consists of heavy influence from alternative rock groups like The Killers, The 1975, U2, and Arctic Monkeys. This influence creates a unique sound in the realm of worship music that is progressive and sounds great.
The album kicks off with a bang as the guitars and synth drive the anthemic "Freedom Song," which reminds us that we have freedom from sin and fear through Christ and the Holy Spirit in us. "The First Day" sustains the energy from the kickoff song and reminds us to rejoice every day in our freedom.
The next two songs slow the pace, beginning with the haunting "Christ in Me," in which Yates proclaims, "Every step, every breath, every moment: Christ in me." The dancaeble "Innocent" follows up with the encouragement that Christ has made us innocent and our identity is found in Him.
The tempo briefly picks up again with the vertically directed, guitar-driven "Fullness" before coming to the most worshipful and vulnerable song on the album, "God I Need You." This song, my favorite of the album, is an earnest cry out to God in which Yates confesses his need for God in every moment of life.
"Rescued Me" and "We Remember" are energetic songs of praise with vertical lyrics praising God for His love and everything He has done for us. "Spinning" remains in the same vein as Yates declares, "Your love is like a tidal wave of joy."
Bringing the album to a close are two truly worshipful songs that keep their focus upward. "We Enjoy You", another one of my favorites, leads listeners to profess the goodness of God and to enjoy God's fullness. Lastly, "We Stand" closes out the album with a beautiful building arrangement. The mostly instrumental last minute and a half of the song is a perfect way to finish out the album as it allows the listener to meditate and praise God for His goodness that has been proclaimed throughout.
Closing Thoughts:
DNA is a great worship experience that will lead listeners to worship God throughout the entirety of the album. Its songs are lyrically simple and yet packed full of truth and praise. Worship music fans will enjoy it and may even find themselves playing it on repeat for a while.
Another summary point is that the instrumentation and arrangements on this album are fantastic. The guitars especially were exceptional. I believe that the production that was done on the instrumentation will cause fans of alternative rock and British rock who would not normally listen to a worship album to pick up this one.
ChristopherThiessen_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
