Aftermath
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Hillsong UNITED [MAIN REVIEW]AFTERMATH is the highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second-ever studio recording from Hillsong UNITED that released Feb. 15, 2011....
Kathryn Scott - We Still Believe | Posted August-27-2010
Finally! An album that falls into my favorites category. Praise and Worship. Like many of the more recent albums I have reviewed, Kathryn Scott is another artist I have never heard of before. My first thought was, "Wow, she sounds a lot like Darlene Zschech and Rita Springer."
Reigning all the way from Northern Ireland as a worship leader and pastor with her husband at Causeway Coast Vineyard Church, it seems her name has been quietly known since 1999. One of her more familiar worship songs, "Hungry (Falling On My Knees)", has been featured on more than a dozen worship compilations over the years, including this album, which can be found on bonus track 11. Intimate, beautiful, humble and "hungry" are the best words to describe this track. It's like a letter to your best friend... "I'm falling on my knees, offering all of me, Jesus, You're all this heart is living for. Hungry, I come to You for I know, You satisfy, I am empty, but I know Your love does not run dry...So I wait, so I wait, so I wait for You". How many of us can truly say this? How many of us can say that this is our prayer or letter to God?
Another familiar song, "There is a Redeemer", can be heard on track 9. I love the lyrics..."Thank You, Oh my Father for giving us Your son. And leaving Your spirit till Your work on earth is done...When I stand in Glory, I will see His face, and there I'll serve MY King Forever, in that Holy place"! This song is about thankfulness and appreciation for what the Savior has done for us. Adoration, admiration, friendship, honor and love for The One who died for us.
Closing Thoughts
This album is packed full of songs just like these. If you love Praise and Worship music, you will want to pick up a copy of this album. If you are a fan of Darlene Zschech or Rita Springer...definitely add Kathryn Scott to your list.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Britt Nicole [Acoustic] | Posted August-17-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
Britt Nicole is back with her highly anticipated acoustic release, Acoustic EP on August 24th. Britt is one of my favorite new female artists and has an incredible heart for her ministry and an excellent singing voice. If you like Krystal Meyers, Natalie Grant and Francesca Battistelli, then you’ll love Britt Nicole. “Hanging On” opens the album and is the current single. I really love the great personal nature of the song as Britt sings “I’m hanging on to every Word You speak, cause it’s all I need.” Britt’s hit song “Set The World On Fire” challenges listeners to live in the Holy Spirit with the lyrics “Lord with You there’s nothing I cannot do.” If you liked the original version, you’ll love this version which truly highlights Britt’s incredible vocals. “Headphones” on The Lost Get Found for me was the “Holiday” of that album with a great electronic feel similar to “Love It Away” by Krystal Meyers. On Acoustic EP the musical arrangement of “Headphones” allows listeners to really dig into the message of the song which is excellent and encourages people “anytime you feel alone, put on your headphones, Love, Love’s coming through your headphones.”
“Walk On The Water” was recently featured on NBC’s The Biggest Loser and is a fantastic worship anthem where Britt urges believers “don’t be afraid to move, if faith is all it takes, then you can walk on the water too.” “The Lost Get Found” in Britt’s words is “Simply about being who we are called to be as Christians, and through that, seeing the lost get found. I believe that when we become who we are called to be, the lost will come to know God. They will see that God is real, and that His love is greater than any problem, any fear, any sickness.” It has a catchy upbeat tempo and has a very convicting message. In essence it is like a sequel to “Set The World On Fire” and is a wonderful song of encouragement to live as a light and know that in Christ we can do anything. God will never fail us or forsake us until the work of the Lord is finished. So, as Britt asks in the song: “when you get the chance, are you gonna take it?” Britt's favorite scripture is 1 Chronicles 28:20 which she says reminds her daily of God's calling on her life. The album closes with new song “Found By You” which was co-written with Brandon Heath. “Found By You” is a beautiful ballad and closes the album similar to “Have Your Way” on The Lost Get Found. Britt’s vulnerable lyrics and vocals are captivating as she cries out “Jesus, I just want to be found by You.” All six songs are excellent and were meant to be heard acoustically.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Britt has really emerged as one of the top female vocalists in any genre. The acoustic musical arrangements on this album perfectly accentuate Britt's powerful and passionate songs. New single “Hanging On,” along with stand-out songs “Headphones” and “The Lost Get Found” are stripped down musically and showcase Britt's lyrical and vocal prowess. Gorgeous ballads “Set The World On Fire,” “Walk On The Water” and new song “Found By You” are achingly beautiful on this excellent collection. After I finished the album, I immediately played it again, it's that good. Fans of stellar vocals shouldn't miss out on this record. Look out for one of the biggest voices in all of Christian music.
Rating: 9.6 out of 10 (96%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Chris McClarney [Defender] | Posted July-27-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
Nashville-based Chris McClarney’s first full-length studio CD, Defender, is set to release Aug. 10 from Kingsway Records. Packed with songs inspired by real life, lessons learned and the truth of Scripture, McClarney delivers this collection of soulful modern worship as a triumphant proclamation that God’s got his sleeves rolled up and He’s working it all out for our good - even if we can’t see it. A worshipper dedicated to drawing the eyes, heart and minds of the church toward its heavenly Father, Chris McClarney’s songs caught the attention of the Redding, California-based Jesus Culture youth movement. An “army” of believers in the movement has adopted McClarney’s “Your Love Never Fails” as its theme song. An “overnight” sensation after having led worship for 15-years, McClarney has spent the last six years at Grace Center church in Franklin, TN. He resides in nearby Nashville, TN with his wife Jasmine, and two small daughters.
If you like soulful and message-driven songs, then you should enjoy this collection of songs. The collection begins with “Your Love Never Fails,” which I would love to sing with fellow believers. The song is a great worship anthem with the bridge “All things work together for my good” which is framed by the biblical Truth “I know that You love me, Your love never fails.” I really enjoy this song and keep playing it over and over. “That whole Job story is often misunderstood,” McClarney shares in relation to the song and just a few short days after flood waters ravaged thousands of homes in Nashville. “God didn’t do bad things to Job. All the horrible things: floods, Katrina, earthquakes, economic fallout, oil spills... God has not forgotten us. He’s not mad at us. He’s got great plans for us. His love and grace are endless.”
“Still Saving Me” includes the bluesy musical style found throughout the album and is a great prayer song along with “Who Is This Love Amazing” and title track “Defender.” If you like the classic hymns and you are looking for new congregational songs and new arrangements of great worship songs, you’ll really enjoy this album. Chris sings his heart out on Fanny Crosby’s “Immortal, Invisible” and that is one of the stand-out songs on the album. The album also includes “Across The Universe,” which sets the tone for the album with the cry out to God “let Your Kingdom come.”
Chris has a vocal style similar to mainstream artist Gavin DeGraw and a bluesy-rock infused musical style, which reminds me of the softer songs by Todd Agnew and NEEDTOBREATHE. The album includes a great recording of Fanny Crosby’s “Blessed Assurance” which has an organ-based musical style and a very relatable theme “this is my story, this is my song, I’m praising my Savior, all the day long.” Another highlight for me is a cover of Matt Redman’s great song “God Of Our Yesterdays.” The 16 song collection closes with “Rescuer,” another vocally vulnerable song which again highlights his excellent singing voice. Chris is one of the rising stars in the Christian music worship scene in my opinion. I expect a GMA new artist nomination for Chris and a worship song nomination for “Your Love Never Fails.” Don’t miss out on this album if you like to discover new worship talent.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you like Todd Agnew’s worship-style songs and the bluesy-rock musical style of NEEDTOBREATHE, then you should enjoy Chris McClarney. My favorite song on the album is “Your Love Never Fails.” I would love to sing that song at my church as it is catchy, personal and biblical. Some other stand-out songs for me are “Defender,” “Immortal, Invisible” and “Blessed Assurance.”
Rating: 8.7 out of 10 (87%, B+)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Hillsong LIVE [A Beautiful Exchange] | Posted June-23-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
With more than 11-million albums sold worldwide, Hillsong LIVE returns with 12 new songs for its 19th recording, A Beautiful Exchange, set to release June 29th on Sparrow Records. The album was recorded live Nov. 8th along with thousands of worshippers gathered together in Sydney Australia and features new songs by worship leaders Reuben Morgan, Joel Houston, Darlene Zschech and others. Known for such worldwide worship anthems as “Shout To The Lord,” “Mighty To Save,” “From the Inside Out,” “Hosanna,” and “Desert Song,” I eagerly await each new Hillsong release and A Beautiful Exchange is truly stellar and my top overall album by Hillsong LIVE.
A Beautiful Exchange opens with a new song co-written by Joel Houston called “Our God Is Love.” Right from the opening drum beat and Coldplay-style guitar riffs, I was hooked immediately. If you are looking for new worship songs to sing with fellow believers, this album is chock-full of congregational songs, especially the next pair of songs “Open My Eyes,” co-written by Reuben Morgan, and “Forever Reign,” co-written by Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram. The lyrics are excellent and worshipful and for me, this track order is the best of all of the Hillsong collections. The musical styles blend perfectly. A studio version of “Forever Reign” is also the last track and is the first radio single from A Beautiful Exchange. Nashville-based artists have been covering Hillsong to much acclaim and radio success, most recently Laura Story’s recording of “Mighty To Save” and Selah’s recording of “Hosanna.” “Forever Reign” has a great bridge “my heart will sing, no other Name…Jesus, Jesus” and is the stand-out song on the collection. “The One Who Saves” keeps the reflective flow going into my personal favorite recording on the album “Like Incense/Sometimes By Step.” Brooke Ligertwood co-wrote and sings her original song as a medley with the Rich Mullins song and I can’t get enough of this song. You’ll be singing along at the top of your lungs with the crowd and then at some point hopefully with your church congregation. Great song.
“Greatness Of Our God” is co-written by Reuben Morgan, Jason Ingram and Stu Garrard of Delirious? Darlene Zschech sings the lead vocals and the song reminds me of the classic “I Give You My Heart.” Back to the Coldplay musical style, “The Father’s Heart” picks up the tempo with a solid drum beat and will have you clapping and singing along with this worship anthem which includes a “Viva La Vida” style keyboard/string part. “You” was written by Joel Houston and keeps the electronic beat going, this time mixing in the signature Hillsong Brit-Rock type guitar riffs. “Love Like Fire” was written by Matt Crocker, who wrote one of my favorite songs from the last Hillsong UNITED album, “Oh You Bring.”
“Believe” was written by Reuben Morgan and Darlene Zschech and reminds me of “The Potter’s Hand.” It is wonderful to hear Darlene singing great new worship anthems as her songs “Shout To The Lord” and “My Redeemer Lives” all but started the female worship leader genre. The title track “Beautiful Exchange” was written by Joel Houston and similar to “Tear Down The Walls” from the Hillsong UNITED album, it has an epic and ambient feel and really draws you in to worship our amazing God who made the exchange of His only Son Jesus to save us from our sins. “Thank You” closes out the live recordings before the studio version of “Forever Reign.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you are looking for new worship songs to sing with fellow believers, this album is chock-full of congregational songs, especially “Open My Eyes,” “Like Incense/Sometimes By Step,” “Greatness Of Our God,” “The Father’s Heart,” “Thank You” and “Forever Reign.” I eagerly await each new Hillsong release and A Beautiful Exchange is truly stellar and my top overall album by Hillsong LIVE.
Rating: 9.3 out of 10 (93%, A-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Addison Road [Stories] | Posted June-16-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
For an “accidental” band formed in college by now husband and wife Jenny and Ryan Simmons, along with guitarist Ryan Gregg, bass player Travis Lawrence and original drummer Jeff Sutton, Addison Road sure has had a purposeful impact on Christian music. Their self-titled 2008 release on INO Records garnered strong reviews and chart-topping singles, and songs like ”All That Matters,” “What Do I Know of Holy?” and “Hope Now” still resonate with listeners. But the success became intermingled with a season of struggle. Their van and trailer were stolen twice, along with their gear, and once the van was finally recovered it was soon totaled in a collision with a fallen oak tree. The songs on their new album Stories became part of a theme without the band realizing it, a theme the members would soon experience quite personally. The first radio single, “Fight Another Day” (written by TobyMac), is a good example. “We’ve never done anybody else’s song, ever, but he felt sure the song sounded like us,” Simmons recalls. “We had no idea when we recorded lines about feeling the flames when the fire gets hot that we would actually have everything we own literally burn up in a fire.”
“Fight Another Day” is a great anthem in the style of Toby’s hit song “Get Back Up” and is a surefire hit for the band. I’m a huge fan of the electronic music of the 80’s and for me the best part of this album is the musically diversity of the songs. The pulsing beats of “Won’t Let Me Go,” “Don’t Wait,” and “Where It All Begins” which include a Depeche Mode type musical vibe blend perfectly with gorgeous ballads “Change In The Making” and “Need You Now.” “Show Me Life” actually features a synth-pop keyboard part, harmonica, guitar and banjo all in one song which for me is musical genius.
As if those songs aren’t enough to make this an incredible step forward for this up and coming band, the true stand-out songs for me are the incredible re-writes of sorts. “This Little Light of Mine” has the familiar chorus of the children’s song and is a stirring anthem written by Ryan Gregg. The song could be recognized as a tender letter of encouragement from parent to child, but it somehow takes on greater significance for any child of God seeking hope to keep battling through life’s journey. The other song that gives me goose bumps is the closing song “My Story,” which Jenny wrote based on the hymn “Blessed Assurance.” The song’s message arose from a time when Simmons was so empty and exhausted that she questioned her calling in music ministry. A good friend confirmed her feelings, but then reminded her of her place in God’s plan, saying, “The only thing I know for sure is that I’ve watched you over the last five years be a part of God’s story. This isn’t about you, it isn’t about your family or your story, it’s about you being a part of God’s story.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The messages behind the songs are what truly lift this album to that upper echelon of albums released this year, and for me this is one of the top 5 albums of the year. This is a 5 star album. If you liked Addison Road’s debut album, then you’ll absolutely LOVE Stories . This is an excellent album and I can’t get enough of the musical hooks, Jenny’s vulnerable and sincere vocals and the extremely poignant lyrics.
Rating: 9.7 out of 10 (97%, A+)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Delirious? [Farewell Show] | Posted May-17-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
Delirious? played its final, farewell concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo Nov. 29, 2009. The collection includes favorites such as the anthemic “History Maker,” “Deeper” and “Majesty” alongside offerings highlighting their stellar career including "My Soul Sings," “Obsession" and "Find Me In The River.” With Delirious? saying ‘farewell’ this is the last live project from one of the pioneers of the modern worship movement. Since 1997’s Cutting Edge I have greatly enjoyed the Brit-Rock music and lyrical worshipfulness of Delirious?. “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever,” “My Glorious,” and “Majesty” have become staples in church services, and as a long-time fan of fellow British rockers U2, Coldplay, Radiohead and worship leader Matt Redman, I have eagerly anticipated every album by Delirious?.
Farewell Show begins with “All This Time” and the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd is infectious. I knew when I started singing and clapping along with the live recording that I was in for a real treat. The next 90 minutes and 20 songs kept me hooked with Martin Smith’s vocals, Stu G’s guitar playing and the amazing audience participation. This is what a live recording is all about. I also enjoy Now Is The Time: Live At Willow Creek and My Soul Sings and this album is a perfect complement to those amazing recordings. What especially impressed me about this collection was the inclusion of very early songs “I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever,” “Thank You For Saving Me,” “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?,” “The Happy Song” and “Shout To The North” from their Cutting Edge albums.
Original drummer Stew Smith joined his replacement drummer Paul Evans for an eight-minute jam on the song, “Investigate,” which is an incredible display of the musical genius of this band which for me proves that Christian music and worship to our God and King can be loud and rocking. A legacy of this trendsetting band is how they have forever set the bar high on musical excellence that has completely transformed the genre. One of my favorite songs of the past decade is “Majesty.” This is now my favorite version of “Majesty.” The album beautifully builds to a 10 minute version of the classic “History Maker.” This amazing collection ends with the worship song “My Soul Sings” and has the sold-out crowd of 5,000 people singing “my soul sings” to close out the incredible career of one of my all-time favorite bands.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This is an amazing collection of songs from one of the greatest bands in Christian music. If you like Brit-Rock and praise and worship live albums, then you can’t go wrong with Farewell Show which is a touching and powerful concert. This is a keep sake that celebrates an incredible career. Have your tissues handy and bid 'farewell' to the most influential modern worship band in the history of Christian music.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10 (95%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Jimmy Needham [Nightlights] | Posted May-14-2010 [MAIN REVIEW] Nightlights is the highly anticipated third project from singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham, released May 18, 2010. The lead single from the album is an upbeat pop song, “Yours To Take,” with the lyrics written by Needham and music by Needham and Tim Dillon. Nightlights features twelve new songs written or co-written by Needham and showcases his continued growth as a singer/songwriter and performer. The album kicks off with a funky gospel tune, “Moving To Zion,” recounting Jimmy’s journey away from the pressures of the Law toward the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The song sets the tone for this very solid album as Jimmy Needham blends his signature sound that to me blends mainstream artist Jason Mraz with recent American Idol winner Kris Allen. Jimmy's soulful voice and personal lyrics are very engaging and every song puts me right there with him.
“Being Small” is a great song based on John the Baptist’s statement “He must increase, I must decrease,” which is the theme of the album. The semi-autobiographical song, “The Reason I Sing,” says the Lord is the basis for Needham’s music ministry and not the accolades that comes with a music career. “Right Where You Are” is based on A.W. Tozer’s book “The Pursuit of God.” Knowing facts about God is not a “relationship.” Jimmy really grabbed me with his song “Grace Amazing,” which tells how Christ brings life to the believer in a strong R&B approach, which reminds me of Maroon 5. I can’t get enough of the vocals and rhythm of the song, my favorite song on the album. The message of this song is so personal and biblical as it is directed to both believers and non-believers to know that there is no condemnation for our sins when we accept Jesus as our substitute and Savior.
The only song that wasn’t written by Needham is his remake of the pop classic “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).” Just like on his first two albums, Jimmy ends with a spoken word benediction where he spells out the message of the album “Nightlights.” With this new project, Needham wants to continue ministering to the churched and unchurched with his music. “The goal of this record is to breakdown walls and help me achieve my mission in the same sense those old spiritual songs did in the past,” Needham explains. “If people can take something positive away from this album, that’s all I can ask for.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you like Jason Mraz and Kris Allen, you need to check out Jimmy Needham. "Being Small," "Yours To Take," “The Reason I Sing," “Right Where You Are" and "Grace Amazing" are my favorite songs on this very solid album. Nightlights is the best overall album by Jimmy Needham and one of my top albums of 2010.
Rating: 9.4 out of 10 (94%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
MercyMe [The Generous Mr. Lovewell] | Posted April-27-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
MercyMe’s new album is called The Generous Mr. Lovewell. The album has already garnered a No.1 song with “All of Creation,” almost four weeks before the release date. “He’s like Buddy the Elf meets Forrest Gump,” says MercyMe singer Bart Millard of the fictitious namesake behind the band’s sixth studio album. “He sees the good in everyone and knows his neighbors enough to know their needs. Mr. Lovewell may not be the next Billy Graham, but he’s changing the world each day in every little word and deed.” His advisory board—Millard, guitarists Mike Scheuchzer and Barry Graul, bassist Nathan Cochran, drummer Robby Shaffer, and keyboard player Jim Bryson—equips the red balloon-toting make-believer with airy ideas (“Pay for a stranger’s lunch today”) that were already being embraced by MercyMe fans before this batch of songs left the studio.
The album kicks off with “This Life” with an electronic rock beat in the style of Electric Light Orchestra. The chorus “this life was meant to shine” sums up the message of the song and album. I’ve been telling people that the new MercyMe album reminds me of a classic theme album like Sgt. Pepper by The Beatles or Songs For Jane by Maroon 5, both in musical diversity and with the challenging lyrics. The title track keeps the dance floor beat going and brings the theme into focus with these lyrics “He wakes up every day believing he’s gonna make a change. ” I was amazed at the energy of the first three songs as “Move” actually takes it up a notch musically. “Move” has a fantastic rock-dance arrangement like “This Love” by Maroon 5. True to form lyrically, the song keeps the Love Well theme going as Bart passionately sings “gonna move to a different drum no matter what life brings.” A major strength of the album is how the theme of loving others is found in every single song mixed with basically three musical styles. “Crazy Enough” and “Back To You” usher in a more laid-back musical style yet continue the focus on Christ’s commandment to “love one another.”
For those looking for MercyMe’s classic worship-filled musical style, “All of Creation,” “Only You Remain,” “Free” and “Won’t You Be My Love” are all worship choruses written for the Church in the style of “You Reign” and “God With Us.” There are no songs that I find out of place and I love how MercyMe seamlessly weaves the best of what I’ve come to expect from this incredible band with some new twists and turns. Amazingly, even after all of those great new songs, the songs I keep coming back to are “Beautiful” and the closing song “This So Called Love.” “Beautiful” was written with the band’s daughters in mind. Having three young daughters, I’m extremely moved by the passion behind the lyrics speaking of how the world says we are never good enough, yet Christ saw something beautiful in us worth dying for. Closing song “This So Called Love” is equally moving as Bart sings “If all that we do is absent of Jesus, then this ‘so-called’ love is completely in vain.”
The message of committing to extravagant selflessness and faithful optimism threads its way through every song, and while “It’s one thing to be kind to someone, to be decent,” Millard concludes, “ if we really believe we have this hope, then to stop short—to not be the hands and feet of Jesus—seems almost offensive. Our dream is for this album to inspire others to ‘pay it forward’ to the cross. It doesn’t have to be about major sacrifices. Just let your life become such that people know what you stand for.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS The Generous Mr. Lovewell is RIDICULOUS!! That means AMAZING if you remember when that word meant something else. If you are like me and have been enjoying this band ever since the first time you heard “I Can Only Imagine,” then surely this is your most anticipated release of 2010. This album truly establishes MercyMe as the premier artist in all of Christian music. I didn't think MercyMe could top All That Is Within Me but The Generous Mr. Lovewell rocks, has some incredible new musical twists and Bart's vocals have never sounded better.
Rating: 9.8 out of 10 (98%, A+)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Matt Redman [Ultimate Collection] | Posted April-20-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
Matt Redman may be the premier songwriter in Christian music over the past decade as the writer of worship classics “The Heart of Worship,” “Better Is One Day,” “Blessed Be Your Name” and “You Never Let Go.” He is also part of the Passion conferences and most recently his hit song “Shine” was part of the Passion: God Of This City album. One of my favorite stories about Matt Redman, a native of England, is that in response to his church having too much focus on music he suggested they take a break from singing which led to his writing “The Heart of Worship”. The lyrics “I’m coming back to the heart of worship, it’s all about You” sums up Matt’s ministry and focus on vertical worship. His sincere singing and songwriting style and biblical inspired lyrics have made me a huge fan of Matt Redman.
Award-winning songwriter, recording artist Matt Redman has written 17 Top 500 CCLI songs that are being sung by millions in church services every week around the world. A dozen of these songs are featured on Redman’s 14-song Ultimate Collection. What I like most about this collection is that although I have many of these recordings from various Matt Redman albums, there are some great versions found on this collection that you can’t find on a previous Matt Redman album, such as the fantastic studio versions of “Once Again,” “The Heart of Worship,” sung with Martin Smith of Delirious? and “Facedown,” as Matt’s Blessed Be Your Name collection only included the live versions of those great songs. Some other studio version rarities include “I Will Offer Up My Life” and “The Father’s Song” from Matt’s 1999 release The Father’s Song. Just as great as it is to have some excellent studio versions, many of these songs were meant to be heard sung live with fellow believers. “Better Is One Day” is included from the Passion recording One Day Live with Charlie Hall and Christy Nockels singing verses and background vocals. “Nothing But The Blood” is included as the live version from 2004’s Facedown. Personally, I think Matt’s most recent songs are among his best as the album starts off with the great studio version of “You Never Let Go” and also includes “Shine” and “Yes and Amen” from 2006’s Beautiful News.
The collection also includes the original studio version of “Blessed Be Your Name” which Matt co-wrote with his wife Beth. If you’ve only heard the Tree63 or the Newsboys & Rebecca St. James covers of the song, you need to hear Matt’s original 2002 version. I love how the song builds to the emotional bridge right from the book of Job, “you give and take away, but blessed by Your Name.” That type of songwriting is truly God-inspired and Matt’s gift of putting the words of the Bible to song has blessed churches around the world for over a decade and he is my all-time favorite worship songwriter.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Matt Redman’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James, David Crowder, Newsboys and Phillips, Craig & Dean, among others. These songs are a great representation of Matt’s best loved songs from 1997-2007. If you have always wanted to pick up a Matt Redman album and didn’t know where to start, then look no further than Ultimate Collection.
Rating: 9.4 out of 10 (94%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Vicky Beeching [Eternity Invades] | Posted April-06-2010 [MAIN REVIEW]
Vicky Beeching has always desired to be a worship leader first and recording artist second. Integrity Music could see this was her true DNA, so now, after a two year recording absence, Beeching releases her Integrity debut, Eternity Invades, on April 6. The album re-introduces Beeching as one of today's most gifted female worship leaders, and her new music is a testament to her credentials as both a thoughtful theologian and accomplished musician and songwriter. The 30-year-old Beeching was raised in the UK by parents in church ministry and grandparents who served as missionaries in Africa and Israel. She began writing songs when she was just 11, and later, was inspired to prepare for her calling into music by pursuing a theology degree at Oxford University, one of Britain's most prestigious schools. “It turned out that my theology degree at Oxford would be my training ground as songwriter – shaping my mind and taking me deep into God’s word. It’s often said that songwriters are the theologians of our day as people remember songs far more than sermons. Songs literally are the soundtrack of our lives – so getting good theology into songs is vital,” says Vicky.
I’ve been a big fan of Vicky’s songs since her major label debut Yesterday, Today and Forever and I really enjoy her songs “Above All Else,” “Great Is Your Glory” and “The Wonder Of The Cross.” If you like those songs, then you’ll love Eternity Invades as this is a fresh new worship album with 13 songs of vertical worship that were all written or co-written by Vicky. Opening song and first single “Salvation Day” really sets the tone musically for the album, which has a Brit-pop feel similar to Matt Redman and Delirious. Most of the lyrics come straight from the Bible as the verses of “Salvation Day” are straight out of John 3:16. “Blessing And Honor” keeps the up-tempo feel going and was drawn from Revelation and reflects the concept that worship on Earth is a foretaste of how it will be in heaven. My favorite song on the album is next, “Deliverer,” which is a worship ballad and is very moving. Especially as we celebrate the resurrection, this song really grabs me with the worshipful chorus “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is healing.”
Some other album highlights include Vicky’s take on the hit song “Glory To God Forever,” which she co-wrote with Steve Fee. Her version starts with the chorus and is a more stripped down acoustic style and would be a great addition to any church worship set. “One Day” was co-written with Robin Mark and “Break Our Hearts” is a great call to action reflecting the truth found in Isaiah 58: “feed the hungry, help the oppressed.” The chorus cries out “break our hearts with the things that break Yours, wake us up to see through Your eyes.” My all-time favorite worship song “Hosanna” by Hillsong United reflects that same powerful message in the bridge written by Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood. “Undivided Heart” is a gorgeous and vulnerable song. It has a pretty piano-based melody which really stands out on a guitar-based album. It is a confessional prayer song and I find myself very much praying along with Vicky “give me an undivided heart, I want to love You with every part…I want to be Yours alone.” The album closes with a new recording of “The Wonder Of The Cross,” which is also a highlight.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you like Hillsong United, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Brenton Brown and Fee, then you must pick up this album by Vicky Beeching. For me, the highlights are “Salvation Day,” “Blessing And Honor,” “Deliverer,” “Glory To God Forever,” and “Undivided Heart.” Eternity Invades is a very solid worship album filled with personal and extremely biblical and prayerful messages. Vicky’s songs are truly a “blessing and honor” for me, and I can’t get enough of her sincere songwriting and emotional vocals.
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
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