Pure Worship and Devotion | Posted September-26-2023 What You Need to Know
Phil Wickham is one of the premier worship leaders and songwriters in Christian music today, with his songs reaching the masses on Christian radio and being sung in local churches around the globe. The GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award-nominated artist has released his latest full-length studio album, I Believe. With singles "Sunday Is Coming," "This Is Our God," and "I Believe" released ahead of the album, I Believe features collaborations with worship artist Tiffany Hudson of Elevation Worship ("Psalm 23") and worship artist Naomi Raine of Maverick City Music ("Holy Moment.")
What It Sounds Like
On I Believe, Phil gives us what we've come to know and love from him: both the tender, prayerful, and worshipful ballads that can be sung in your personal time alone with God, as well as those larger-than-life Sunday morning anthems that could be sung with a congregation. But he also branches out into sounds different for him in arrangement and instrumentation, showcasing his ability to be creative and versatile as an artist while still keeping a worshipful focus.
"Wait" almost has a synth-pop/alt-pop feel, and "100%" and "Relationship" feel like the pop meets hip-hop style we're hearing from Christian pop artists today and from some worship artists, like Elevation Rhythm. These songs are reminiscent of Phil's 2018 single, "Til I Found You."
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Multiple songs on this album fit within the lyrical themes, reinforcing the emotional impact on the listener. As you engage with this album, you'll sing about God's holiness ("Creator," "You Are Holy," "Holy Moment"), the core truths of the faith, and our commitment to follow Christ with our lives ("Sunday Is Coming," "I Believe," "The Jesus Way"), and songs of deep personal prayer and relationship with God ("Psalm 23," "Wait," "Relationship").
Best Song
Choosing the best song on an album written by someone I respect tremendously as a worship leader and songwriter is almost impossible. Still, I'm giving the best music to "Your Name Is Holy" and "Holy Moment." The two songs actually go together, with "Holy Moment" feeling like an unstructured response of worship that overflows from the heart, following "Your Name Is Holy." And the sound of Phil and Naomi's voices singing and worshipping Jesus together is captivating.
I think songwriting in the worship genre leans heavily on songs about God and what He does for us (good and biblical) and less on songs singing directly to God about His character and work in our lives (which is also excellent and biblical). But we need more of the latter in worship music to balance things out, and we also need more songs that model for believers how to worship from the overflow of their hearts as they find their own voice and their own personal song to God in worship.
Any chance I get to highlight those kinds of worship songs, I'll take it. Phil Wickham offers us a great example of that with these songs, and I would have even loved for him to lean into this a bit more on this album.
I Believe will draw you into a pure place of worship, devotion, and encounter with Jesus. Those qualities are something Phil so evidently carries in his own life as a follower of Jesus and as a worship leader, and his example and songwriting will draw you into that same posture of heart. Phil Wickham's ministry is such a gift to me and the Church, and I'm so grateful for his new collection of songs. Be sure to listen to this album.
Anthems of Praise and Faith | Posted June-02-2023 What You Need to Know
CAN YOU IMAGINE? is the 15th album for GRAMMY award-winning worship collective Elevation Worship. Elevation Worship released "More Than Able (feat. Tiffany Hudson and Chandler Moore)" as the lead single from the record, with follow-up "Trust in God (feat. Chris Brown)" shortly after. Live performance videos were released to the band's YouTube channel for both songs, as well as one for "Jehovah" to accompany the release of the full album.
What It Sounds Like
CAN YOU IMAGINE? is another iteration of Elevation Worship doing what they do best: writing anthemic, congregational worship songs full of faith and feel larger than life. The lyrics breathe fresh life into the hearts of the hearer. And whether a tender ballad like "Been So Good" or a high-energy "take you to church" moment like "Praise," the music captures what the lyrics are saying, bringing you into an all-encompassing experience with God both spiritually and musically. The album features collaborations with Maverick City Music artists Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore, who appear on four out of eight songs.
There is grit and passion exuding from Elevation Worship lead vocalists Tiffany Hudson, Chris Brown, and Jonsal Barrientos, as well as Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore. You can tell there is history with God behind the words they sing. They're singing about a God they have personally experienced and believing for others to experience Him too.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Elevation Worship consistently carries a message of faith in Jesus and the victory of Jesus over our lives in saving us from our sins ("No Body") and the way He intervenes in the circumstances of our lives ("Jehovah," "More Than Able," "Make A Way"). That message carries through on this project as well. Listening to these songs will leave you confident in the goodness of God and believing He can and will tangibly demonstrate His power in your life.
In "More Than Able," Chandler Moore sings: "You are more than able/Who am I to deny what the Lord can do/Can you imagine with all the faith in the room/What the Lord can do, what the Lord can do/It's gonna happen, just let the Way Maker through/He's gonna move, He's gonna move."
Best Song On The Record
"Runnin" with Brandon Lake stands out as the best song. Pulling language from Psalm 23 and Psalm 84, the lyrics express pure and simple gratitude to God for His unfailing love, mercy, and goodness that constantly pursue us. I heard this song and immediately started dreaming about leading it during worship in my local community. I believe this is one that will especially translate well to church services and worship gatherings.
The melodic and lyrical hooks are strong, which are not only fun to sing, but help the truth of this song's message get stuck in your head. And I especially love the drum parts in this song.
This collection of songs magnifies Jesus as the God who is intimately, personally, and powerfully involved in every detail of our lives. CAN YOU IMAGINE? will give you language to express your worship to God for His greatness and your trust in Him to work in your life.
Worship For All Generations | Posted May-02-2023 What You Need to Know
Turn Your Eyes (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) Volume II is the first full-length studio album since platinum-selling vocal group Point of Grace's 2015 album, Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know), which was nominated for a GRAMMY. Continuing their legacy of three decades of music and ministry, Point of Grace has released an album that feels like a celebration of the best of worship music, spanning decades and generations.
What It Sounds Like
The album includes covers of contemporary worship hits like Phil Wickham's "House of the Lord" and Sinach's "Waymaker," which was popularized by Leeland. There are also classics like Rich Mullin's "Awesome God," Amy Grant's "Somewhere Down The Road," and beloved hymn "It Is Well." An original song, "At The Table," opens the album.
As has been the case for 30 years of ministry, Point of Grace's vocal harmony is front and center and flawlessly delivered. It's interesting to hear worship songs often sung by one lead singer interpreted and sung by a group. As you listen to this album, you'll hear a lot of Country and Southern Gospel influence to your favorite worship songs; intricate vocal harmonies and banjo riffs make an appearance more than once. But right alongside that are intimate piano ballads accompanied by a string section and joyful praise that will take you to church.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Through the covers chosen for this project, themes emerge of God's greatness and power ("Awesome God"), trust in God ("It Is Well)", and compassion for others ("At The Table)."
Best Song On The Record
There's something about Point of Grace's take on "Way Maker" that is especially stirring. I love the piano melody and strings section in this interpretation of the song. The group's vocals are prominent, making the powerful message of the lyrics stand out even more. They even added some pre-choruses and made changes to the bridge melody that were not in the original version of the song to truly to make it their own. This song felt like a group of believers simply gathered around a piano singing to Jesus, and it's captivating.
I admit this is a different style than the worship music I listen to regularly, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. There's something beautiful about Point of Grace, who are so seasoned in music and ministry, releasing a project that champions classic songs from decades ago right alongside the modern worship songs so many of us have on our current playlists.
It's a significant statement the body of Christ really needs right now: unity and valuing all generations of believers and the diverse styles of Christian music we use to express our praise to God. I'm grateful to Point of Grace for setting that example for us.
Pushing Musical Boundaries in Worship | Posted March-09-2023 What You Need to Know
LEELAND comprises lead singer and songwriter Leeland Mooring and guitarist and co-writer Casey Moore. They have contributed several well-known worship anthems, such as "Lion and the Lamb," "Where You Are," "First Love Fire," and a cover of Sinach's "Waymaker," helping the already powerful worship song gain even more traction in the Church. Following 2019's live worship album Better Word, the GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning worship collective has released their latest album, City of God.
What It Sounds Like
Sonically, this album might not be what you expect when you think of a worship project. Unlike LEELAND's previous album, Better Word, which had a live church worship feel, City of God sounds like a fusion of alt-pop and worship. LEELAND's heart for worship and for artistry come together in this collection of songs. "Heart & Flesh" featuring TAYA and "Yahweh" are the more contemporary worship-sounding songs on the album that immediately stand out as ones that could translate into church contexts well. Songs like the opener, "Still Mighty," still have a prayerful, worshipful tone but lean more into the singer-songwriter approach.
In addition to TAYA, there are other collaborations with fellow worship leaders on this project as well: Vanessa Hill on "Ark," Charity Gayle (who penned "I Speak Jesus") on "You're Not Done," and veteran worship leader Rita Springer on "Jacob's Ladder."
Spiritual Highlights
Many of the songs on the album are of prayer and praise mixed together. Those lyrics are Leeland praying to God, reminding himself of truth or what he's heard God speaking to him about His prayers and struggles, and responding to God with worship. The title track, "City of God," is a joyful tune reminding us of the truth that we are the dwelling place of God's Spirit and all that implies.
There are also several songs whose titles and themes are clearly inspired by biblical passages and stories, such as "Fall of Dagon," referencing 1 Samuel 5, "Jacob's Ladder," referencing Genesis 28:10-21, and "Midnight," which pulls heavily on Psalm 139. Along those same lines, "Ark" draws imagery from the story of Noah: "Waves are rising all around/Flood as far as I can see/And all of a sudden, wrapped up in light/I hear the heavens cry/My son, build yourself an ark/Let Me heal your broken heart/So when the floodwaters rise, and the sun grows dark/You'll be safe in my arms"
Best Song
I'm partial to raw, extended, spontaneous worship moments, so I'm giving the best song to "Yahweh." It feels like a humble, pure cry of longing for God's presence and, in my opinion, showcases where Leeland Mooring particularly thrives as a worship leader and songwriter. The song's bridge is so powerful. Leeland sings about how atmospheres and lives are changed when God draws near with His presence. I could see churches latching onto this, and I think you'll be singing in your personal prayer time a lot, too. I know I will be.
My favorite context for LEELAND as a worship band is live, congregational church worship, so I did miss the prominence of that sound a little bit on this album. But I also appreciate that they are not only worship leaders but true creatives who aren't afraid to explore new sounds and push musical boundaries while maintaining a heart of worship. You'll hear that intricate blend on City of God. If you love both pure worship and creativity and singing truth over God's people, City of God will be exciting listen for you.
Feels Like Worship in the Woods | Posted October-20-2022 What You Need to Know
Bethel Music recording artist, Josh Baldwinhas been a featured artist and worship leader on Bethel Music's collective worship albums (with songs like "Praises (Be Lifted Up)"). He has had Christian radio success in the past few years with his singles "Standing In Your Love," which earned him two K-LOVE Award nominations in 2019, and "Evidence" the lead single from his 2020 album of the same title. Now, Josh has released his latest full-length album, Where The Glory Is on October 21, 2022. Josh released songs "Where The Glory Is," "I See the Light, "Narrow Road," and "There Is Freedom" in anticipation of the full album.
What It Sounds Like
Where The Glory Is has lots of 4-on-the-floor kick drum, heavy strumming acoustic guitars that hold down the rhythm, piano moments that make you feel like you're in church ("Every Hour") and gang vocals in the background vocals ("There Is Freedom," "Resurrection Day"). It feels like Country twang meets corporate worship, or arena concert meets friends singing around a bonfire.
That's due to the nature of the album's production. It feels rustic and woodsy ("Narrow Road," "Fresh Fire Fresh Wind") while having big atmospheric elements that make you feel like you are enveloped into the sound ("Where The Glory Is"). But it's also due to Josh's Folk/Country vocal style and the anthemic nature of the songs. From the first note on the album, your attention is captured, and you're encouraged to participate, simply by the energetic, worshipful atmosphere these songs create.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
You can tell that Josh really cares about singing the truth and hope of our faith in Jesus and getting that truth into our hearts. There are lots of themes about freedom, resurrection, what Jesus has done for us, and rising up to live in the reality of that. This theme is especially evident in songs like "Where The Glory Is," "Resurrection Day," and "The Power of His Love."
Best Song On The Record
I'm giving best song to "Narrow Road." Referencing Jesus' words in Matthew 7:13-14, the lyrics acknowledge that the road of walking with Jesus in this world can be difficult, lonely, and wearisome sometimes, but Jesus is with us just like He promised to be. And He leads us, steadies us, and keeps us going. I appreciate the honesty about the challenges of walking with Jesus and the sweetness of meeting Jesus in the middle of those challenges.
In the chorus, Josh sings: You said it'd be a narrow road/You said it'd be a narrow road/So why am I surprised when it seems on my own/You said it'd be a narrow road/This world would never be my home/The journey might be lonely but I'd never be alone/I'll never be alone
This song, in particular, has that rustic folk sound I mentioned earlier and it's the perfect fit sonically for the lyrical theme.
I became even more of a Josh Baldwin fan listening to this album and I believe it's his best work yet. Where The Glory Is will make you feel like you're at a cabin in the woods, singing about life with Jesus with some friends. These songs blend tenderness, passion, and hope and will make you want to sing truth at the top of your lungs.
Grit, Grace, Redemption | Posted October-12-2022 What You Need to Know
Ben Fuller has released his first major record label album, Who I Am, with Provident Label Group/Sony Music. The album is an honest take on Ben's personal story and experience of God's grace that he hopes God will use to draw others into the same.
What It Sounds Like
Who I Am opens strong with anthems "World Changed" and title track "Who I Am," singing the truth about what Jesus has done for us. It makes sense that the choruses and bridges are big and energetic, making you want to belt out the words along with the record. There are several moments like that on the album.
I love the choice to have piano mirror the vocal melody in the verses of "Wide Awake." That whole song feels epic and cinematic, from the production to vocal delivery. Who I Am not only has its big production and anthemic moments; it also does subtlety well, with simple, stripped down ballads like "Chasing Rebels" and "Other Plans" that give the lyrics even more space to take front and center.
Ben has a natural grit in his voice that sets him apart, and his vocal style sounds like a combination of Country and Rock stylings. As a body of work, Who I Am combines the familiarity of Contemporary while keeping a rock-influence that gives it an edge, and the blend is perfect.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
A few themes stand out to me from this project. Declaring what Jesus has done for us through His death and resurrection and how that comes to bear on our real lives is a common thread from start to finish. ("World Changed," "But the Cross," "He Found Me")
Honesty is another. It's refreshing to hear Christian songs in which the artist isn't afraid to be real about their past, their struggles, and how God met them in the middle of it all without sugarcoating anything. I was also inspired by the skill of the songwriting. In song after song, the words are at the same time truthful, vulnerable, and crafted with compelling imagery.
Best Song On The Record
"Other Plans" wins best song. There's no other way to put it: we need more songs like this in Christian music. In this folky acoustic ballad, fittingly stripped down to just Ben's voice and guitar, Ben courageously and vulnerably opens up about his close call with suicide at the age of 16. He sings candidly about his thought process that day, how nervous he was, and God intervened to save his life. More than just great music, this is an important song God can use to rescue others.
Ben Fuller was a new artist for me to discover and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his testimony and music through Who Am I. When you listen to this album, you'll not only enjoy a unique sound, but you'll be reminded of God's power to redeem and rescue. What Ben sings about in his own story will give you hope for what God can do in yours.
A Pure Place of Worship | Posted September-08-2022 What You Need to Know
Contemporary worship artist, Chris Tomlin has released his 17th album, Always. In an interview with E! News, Chris reveals the inspiration for this record: times of worship at home with his family during the pandemic lockdowns, and particularly teaching them the song, "O Lord You're Beautiful" by the late singer/songwriter Keith Green. He wants Always to bring people back to a pure place of connection with God in worship, in the same way, those times of worship at home reminded him of his early days in worship.
The album features collaborations with fellow worship leaders Steffany Gretzinger on a cover of Keith Green's "O Lord You're Beautiful," Brandon Lake on "I See You," and Elevation Worship on a new recording of "No One," first released by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music.
What It Sounds Like
"YAHWEH (No One)" opens the album with energy and has an air of '80s influence. It's a more contemporary worship-leaning take of the Gospel version released on Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music's Old Church Basement album. I personally prefer the Gospel version. But I love that the different styles represent diverse expressions of worship in the Church and give local church worship leaders options on how best to incorporate this song into their own communities.
"Always" has a strong bridge, perfect for corporate worship. "O Lord You're Beautiful" is a beautiful, simple piano ballad. "Father of Lights" and "History" lean more toward Country Pop. Songs like "Strongholds," "Great Forgiver," and "I See You" round out the project with joyful and energetic praise.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
The consistency of God's character is a theme throughout the album. Whether singing about His faithfulness, His forgiveness, or His holiness, God is front and center on this release. In a time when many songs in the worship genre lean towards singing about God to one another or songs of faith and prayer for our personal lives, it's refreshing to have an album with so many songs directed toward God and simply exalting Him for who He is. There are still songs that are prayerful or declare God's promises over our lives, as there should be; those songs are needed in the Church, too. But Always gives a good balance of each theme.
Best Song
"I See You" wins the best song for me. It stands out the most on the record because of its style and, in my opinion, is the most fun song on the album. This lighthearted midtempo is clearly Pop influenced but still has that corporate worship feel that we know and love from Chris Tomlin. It's also interesting to hear Chris and Brandon Lake's unique styles come together on this song about the different ways we see God at work in our lives.
What I love about Chris Tomlin is that he's consistent. When you listen to a Chris Tomlin album, you know what you're going to get: songs that are accessible for anyone to play and sing along with pure worship, and the truth of who God is. True to Chris' mission in ministry, Always will point your heart to God in adoration.
Songs of Prayer and Faith | Posted August-28-2022 What You Need to Know
The Responding is the worship collective born from Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, Washington led by Pastor Daniel Fusco. The Responding has released three previous full-length albums since 2014 (Your Kingdom Is Here, No Name Is Higher, and It's Only You) as well as several singles--most recently their 2021 Christmas single, "Shepherd Boy". In May 2022, The Responding released their fourth project, Victory's Name (Live) EP, which was recorded live during a worship night at Crossroads.
What It Sounds Like
Victory's Name captures the sound of a church that's passionate about worshipping Jesus. It's everything you love about a church worship album: live instruments, worship leaders who are strong in setting an example of how to pursue the presence of God and strong vocally, and the voices of a fully engaged congregation soaring right behind them. Title track "Victory's Name" is the most unique on the album, combining Gospel, Folk, and Country Rock vibes into a contemporary worship song.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
In sharing the behind the scenes process of writing these songs, the band reveals the intentionality and rich story behind each song on Victory's Name (Live). What I love about this album is how many of the songs are so prayerful ("Bring Revival," "Forever In Me") and how many of them of are so faith-filled and declarative ("Hope," "Greater Things"). They are a perfect blend of intimate conversation with God and expectant hope for what God can do in our hearts, communities, and nation. For the fatherless and the lonely heart/No matter where we are/Revival is coming/He's reforming lives/Children returning/He's fixing our eyes/The people uniting/I'm adopted in/Known by the Father/All sons and daughters/Revivial is coming ("Bring Revival")
Best Song On The Record
"Victory's Name" stands out as best song. I mentioned earlier that it sounds like a Gospel/Country Rock worship song. I love The Responding's creativity and boldness to bring a sound like that to a worship album and Channing Stockman does an incredible job leading the song. You can't help but sing this one at the top of your lungs. "Victory's Name" is an anthem that will remind you of the identity, victory, and authority you have in Christ.
Victory's Name (Live) is such a refreshing worship album. There's no fluff or hype. Just simplicity and substance that focuses your eyes and your heart on Jesus and leaves room for you to experience His presence.
Freedom In Worship | Posted June-09-2022 What You Need to Know
Jesus Culture worship leaders, Bryan and Katie Torwalt, have released their first-ever live recorded album, I've Got Good News (Live). The album explores themes of what the good news of Jesus looks like in our lives today. "Miracle In The Works" resonated on Christian radio, reaching the No. 1 position on Air1. The Torwalts have also released live videos on their YouTube channel for each song on the album.
Cody Carnes and Brock Human are featured songwriters and vocalists on "Simple Kingdom" and "Hallelujah On My Knees," respectively. Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine of Maverick City Music are also writers on the album.
What It Sounds Like
There's something so refreshing about believers gathered in a room singing their hearts out to Jesus. I've Got Good News (Live) captures the raw passion, infectious energy, and communal encounter with God's presence that happens in an environment like that. Throughout the album, you can hear the voices of the intimate crowd singing along with Bryan and Katie to these songs as live instruments support and set the atmosphere of worship.
The Torwalts lead worship with authority, boldness, and incredible vocal strength. Even still, you can tell Jesus is the focus and the goal is to empower His people in worship to God. My favorite moments on this record are the spontaneous ones where they just leave space and encourage the room to sing their own song. Listening to this album is a masterclass in how to lead worship with a balance of humility and confidence that frees others to bring their worship to Jesus uninhibited.
Spiritual Highlights
The album's overall tone is grateful, hopeful, and full of faith--even when singing prayers and praises for the tough moments in life ("Hallelujah On My Knees"). I'm amazed how many declarative songs are on the album, each boldly proclaiming God's character and promises. And what He wants to do in our lives ("Sound Mind," "Wouldn't It Be Like You").
Best Song
I'm going to highlight "Be Unto Me" as the album's best song. The verse lyrics quote the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. Overall, the song is a prayer of adoration, surrender, and devotion to God. It captures the cry of a heart that wants to live a life that praises God. A song that lives in the promises of His Word. And it has a free worship moment towards the end that is pure gold.
I've Got Good News (Live) is more than just a worship album, it's a worship experience. And if you'll lean in, it will stretch you to new places of growth as a worshipper where you can gain confidence lifting your own voice to God and declaring His Word with boldness as you worship.
Vulnerable and Healing | Posted May-26-2022 What You Need to Know
Bethel Music's Amanda Cook has released her third full-length album, State of the Union, with record label, Provident. This album follows her 2019 release, House on A Hill,as well as several features on projects with Maverick City Music over the past few years, and Brandon Lake's latest album, HELP!. State of the Union explores themes of healing in relationship with God, self, and others. Fellow worship leaders Pat Barrett and Steffany Gretzinger, as well as GRAMMY award winning producers Paul Mabury and Jason Ingram are co-writers on the record.
What It Sounds Like
State of the Union is a clever and creative blend of Electronic Pop and Lofi ("Hell or High Water," "Miracle of the Mind") that's still worshipful at heart ("Our Jesus," "All That I've Ever Wanted"). Each song is strong and in its own right and serves its own unique place on the album. But at the same time, the album maintains a singular sonic vibe from start to finish. And nothing is lost artistically because of this decision. Rather, it adds strength to the project.
Once you start listening to the album, you step into a cohesive lyrical and sonic experience that keeps your attention the entire time. Every detail of this record is excellently crafted and delivered--the production and musicality, the lyric, and Amanda's passion, vulnerability, and vocal strength that cut straight to the heart.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
The whole time I was listening to this album, I felt like I was listening to prayers and journal entries. I kept thinking: "This is what words born from intimate friendship with God sound like." There's a peaceful and healing quality to the album because of that. The lyrics are raw and reflective, hopeful, and prophetic. Amanda is open with her struggles and victories, which invites you into the same close connection with God and healing found in His presence that she's experienced.
"Time," in particular, holds nothing back in its bold call to let go of the unforgiveness we sometimes hold towards ourselves. Don't you think it's time to forgive yourself/Heaven says it's time/ Hasn't the self-hatred stayed long enough...Heaven says it's time/Heaven says it's time/To free your hеart and free your mind/Heaven says it's time
Best Song On The Record
"Edens" gets best song on the record but, honestly, I could say that for about every song on the album. This project just doesn't miss. I love the way "Edens" proclaims the truth that God is with us in everything we experience and redeems everything we experience, making edens out of wastelands. You will be singing this one as a worship song and a victory anthem over your life.
State of the Union is a treat musically, but even beyond that I sincerely believe this album will teach you how to talk to God and walk with Him through tough seasons. This album is sure to lead many into encounters with God that bring comfort, peace, and healing only He can provide.
JasminPatterson_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
