Solid Favorites, Surprising Additions | Posted May-28-2014
WOW worship albums are always a highlight of the Christian music year, and the most recent edition, WOW Worship Lime, is no different. A compilation of the best worship songs, Wow carefully picked some of the favorites from the past few years and put them into a two disc set that proclaims the heartbeat of Christian music - love, grace, and mercy through Jesus Christ.
Starting off with well-known musical giants such as "Our God", "10,000 Reasons", "Your Great Name", and "Oceans", the record is already solid within the opening tracks.
However, the gems in this album are found in the remakes of popular worship tunes by some of the greats in the business. Tenth Avenue North's "Christ Is Risen", Building 429's "White Flag", for King & Country's "From The Inside Out", and Francesca Battistelli's "Holy Spirit" are beautiful tracks, adding each artist's own spin to songs that are already incredible.
One of my favorite moments in this record comes through in Hillsong Young & Free's version of the Hillsong classic, "The Stand", proving that you can always find a new and fresh perspective even in the best of songs.
Personally, I loved this mixture of old favorites and new sounds all rolled into one. WOW Worship Lime is one of the best albums in the series thus far, showcasing powerful worship songs and a great blend of slow and fast tracks. It's an honor to be included on this record, and all of the artists involved should be proud of the work they've put into these songs. They truly are the best of the best. If you don't already own these songs, go get them -- I'm sure they'll bless your heart and leave you in an attitude of worship!
Song to Download Now:
for King & Country - "From The Inside Out" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Folktronica Fusion | Posted May-14-2014 David Crowder is no stranger to the world of Christian music. After singing lead for the Dove Award winning group David Crowder*Band for almost two decades, Crowder is finally stepping out on his own. His first solo album with SixStep/Sparrow Records, Neon Steeple, will release late in May 2014. Crowder described his new project as "folktronica," a mix of front porch music and computer/electric sounds.
The first single from the record, "I Am," has already hit a chord with listeners. Speaking of how God is our constant anchor in storms, Crowder's fans have connected with the song's message and reacted well to the new sound. As far as the worship tunes we all love and expect from David, "My Beloved," "My Sweet Lord" (a duet with country great Emmylou Harris) and "Here's My Heart" from the Passion conferences Crowder works with all come through as strong tracks. "Come As You Are" proves to be a powerful listen on the album, boasting the lyrics "earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal," straight to the weary and worn out hearts of the world.
On the folk and electronic side of things, we find previously released "This I Know" to be among the sure-fire favorites. "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner," "Come Alive" and "Ain't No Grave" shine bright as Crowder tries out his genre fusion. "You Are," perhaps the best mixture of the two sounds on this record, reminds fans that God truly is everything we need and more.
Closing Thoughts:
At first, I was a bit skeptical of the new approach Crowder announced he was taking. However, after just one listen, I was hooked. Both the folk elements and the computer side came together brilliantly and produced a new style for listeners to enjoy. This album stands out in its genre and, even though it was risky, created a fresh sound that will intrigue both the solo-Crowder-era new listeners and longtime fans. Neon Steeple was a pleasant surprise and is sure to be a favorite in the Christian music community.
Worshipful Strength | Posted May-14-2014
Alabama-based band Rush Of Fools has quickly made a name for themselves since they won a national talent competition back in 2006. They say their passion is to lead people in worship and above all, praise the Lord.
With their fourth record, Carry Us Now, it seems they've successfully accomplished that goal. The album has a reoccurring theme of surrender and trusting God despite the circumstances--a theme that resonates with listeners everywhere.
Starting off on a worshipful note, "God Of My Salvation", "Held In Your Hands", and "In All Things" speak of God's sovereignty in every situation of life. "Lord Have Mercy" and "Nailed To The Cross" bring forth lyrics of thankfulness towards the salvation we receive because of Christ and the joy that comes from knowing all our sins are washed away. Some familiar tracks in this record come through in Fools remake of the Passion song "Lay Me Down", a new take on the old hymn "Power In The Blood", and the longtime favorite single "Undo".
While there's truly not a bad song on the album, the strong point lies in the surrender-toned ballad "My Heart Cries Out", which reminds us to focus on Jesus and come to Him for life and meaning.
Closing Thoughts:
Overall, this record was solid through and through. Strong vocals mixed with powerful lyrics and combined with hearts that really love Jesus and live to bring glory to Him. Rush Of Fools may not be the most heard of group around, but with music like they presented in Carry Me Now, they're sure to gain some fans and find more success.
CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
