Worship In Community | Posted May-19-2019 What You Need To Know
New Mexico-based worship collective from Calvary Chapel Albuquerque release their project, Breakthrough.
What It Sounds Like
What's most striking about Breakthrough is the lyrics: they really are simply stories of believers walking through life with God and singing about their faith together, and that's what makes the album so powerful and such a pure expression of worship. ("What Are We Afraid Of", "Grace After Grace") The arrangements and instrumentation on Breakthrough do an excellent job of supporting and elevating the lyrics so that they stand out and draw the listener in. ("Breakthrough," "Just A Glimpse")
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Battledrums describes part of their mission as inspiring the church to sing anthems that will help us live victorious lives, and "Emmanuel" is a song that perfectly captures that. The lyrics passionately proclaim that God is with us and that we are victorious in Him.
Best Song On The Record
"Edge of Heaven" wins for best song. It has an anthemic, drum-heavy bridge that connects with many when listening to the worship genre. More than that, however, it describes a longing for God's presence that is raw and sincere.
There's something powerful about worship songs that are born out of a local community of believers living life and pursuing Jesus together, and Breakthrough will draw you into the preciousness of that experience.
Worship Meets Rock | Posted May-19-2019 What You Need To Know
Martin Smith, best known for fronting beloved Christian worship band, Delirious?, releases Iron Lung, his first studio album in six years.
What It Sounds Like
With Iron Lung, Martin Smith gives us a sound that is the perfect combination of worship ("Exalt," "Fire's Gonna Fall") and rock ("Iron Lung," "Great and Glorious"). The album is synth-heavy and atmospheric while at the same time giving space for guitar and drums to shine. As usual, Martin's iconic vocal brings heartfelt lyrics to life as only he can.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
The title track, "Iron Lung", is inspired by a miraculous story from Martin's life. As a baby, he came down with bronchial pneumonia and was placed in an iron lung to help him breathe. Prior to his recovery, his mother prayed and promised to dedicate Martin back to God if He would heal him. The song paints a powerful image of remembering our stories, the trials God has brought us through, and how He brings purpose out of some of our most difficult moments.
Best Song On The Record
"Everybody Is Broken" is a standout on the album. It's sonically diverse and super interesting to listen to. Martin speak-sings the lyrics in a way that almost makes the song feel like a spoken word piece. The lyrics cleverly weave in the themes of Ezekiel 37 and the valley of dry bones story to convey that although each of us is broken, God restores and brings dead things to life.
The Power of Worship | Posted April-04-2019 What You Need To Know:
Former lead singer of Desperation Band and New Life Church Worship Pastor Jon Egan releases a solo-project, Unveil, on Integrity Music.
What It Sounds Like:
There's nothing like a live worship experience and Unveil captures the power of these moments perfectly. Sonically, this album creates the feel of passionate corporate worship from top to bottom, because that's exactly what it is. It offers us the rawness of live worship and a congregation singing praise together. Each song is played by a live band throughout the album, with drums that know exactly when to be subtle or when to build to elevate a moment ("The Name We're Running To," "What You Said") and several hauntingly beautiful piano melodies ("Pure Exaltation," "Unveil"). "This Changes Everything" would make a great addition to Easter Sunday worship sets.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
With many of these songs born out of Jon's battles with anxiety and depression, this album highlights the power of worship to help us fight spiritual battles, to turn our hearts to God when life is overwhelming, and to encourage and comfort our hearts with God's presence through hard times.
Best Song On The Record
"Be Strong" wins best song on the record. It's both a vulnerable cry to God to rescue you from hardship and give you victory, as well as a moment of speaking encouragement over your own soul that God will break through into your dark situations.
Jon Egan has a gift for crafting songs for God's people to sing together - anthems of faith and praise. With Unveil he delivers, once again, a collection of songs that will lead you into passionate, powerful moments of connection with God.
With The Wait, David brings us the folk-acoustic worship style reminiscent of his time with All Sons & Daughters ("Know Your Heart," "Come As You Are," "There's Nobody"), and explores new sounds we haven't heard from him before, such as rock ("Share This Burden") and synth-pop and alternative ("By My Side," "Signs of Life"). This collection of songs showcases David's vulnerability as a person and songwriter, as well as his versatility as a musician.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
The album vulnerably explores themes of wrestling with faith, waiting, and trusting God. In "I Will Wait", David sings I won't forget that Your hand will hold me / Your love sustains me through the wait. That lyric reminds me of Psalm 139:7-12, which speaks about God being with us, guiding us, and strengthening us even in seasons that feel dark and difficult. In the lyric itself, David sings phrases verbatim from Psalm 103:1-2, "Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me."
Best Song On The Record:
"Know Your Heart" stands out as best song on the record. It's possibly the closet moment on the album to the type of heartfelt worship anthem that you've come to appreciate so much from David's time with All Sons & Daughters, but David definitely leaves a mark on this song that is all his own. The chorus is both catchy and prayerful. It's one you will walk away from this album singing and praying throughout your day.
David has opened up his heart on The Wait, honestly sharing his journey of faith and conversations with God. His words will give voice to your own journey and conversation with God as well.
Worship In Many Musical Styles | Posted February-14-2019 What You Need To Know
Bethel Music releases their latest live worship collection, Victory (Live). This project features familiar Bethel Music voices such as Brian and Jenn Johnson, Cory Asbury and more, as well as some new voices such as Molly Skaggs, Bethany Wohrle, Emmy Rose and Daniel Bashta.
What It Sounds Like
No stranger to musical excellence and exploration, Bethel seems to have stepped out even more stylistically with Victory (Live). Even in subtle ways, these songs reveal the influence of various genres such as folk ("Raise A Hallelujah"), country ("Goodness of God") bluegrass ("Ain't No Grave"), while still creating moments of God's people singing and experiencing Him together in corporate worship, which Bethel does so well ("Praise Is A Highway", "Promises Never Fail").
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
These songs were born out of Bethel Music artists facing and overcoming real trials in their lives, such as Brain Johnson's battles with anxiety or the life-threatening sickness of Bethel Music CEO Joel Taylor's son. These declarations are honest and faith-filled. It's clear that they are written and sung from a place of clinging to God's character and promises and declaring the hope and victory we have in Him over every circumstance.
Best Song On The Record
"Stand In Your Love" stands out as the best song on the record. The song creates an atmosphere that feels like house worship and it's a really special moment on the album.
Victory (Live) is a collection of songs that will bring you into an encounter with God, empower you to sing His promises over your circumstances, and give you a variety of musical styles to enjoy while you do it.
Worship With EDM Influence | Posted February-13-2019 What You Need To Know
Recorded live at Planetshakers Church in Melborne, Australia, Planetshakers releases their latest project, Rain Part 1 (Live).
What It Sounds Like
Once again, Planetshakers delivers a collection of songs that showcase their ability to put a unique spin on worship music. A standout feature on Rain Part 1 (Live) is the way Planetshakers blends the stylistic influence popular in current Pop/EDM music with those classic anthemic lyrics, powerful piano and bass, and electric guitar riffs that we've come to know them for. This EP delivers both moments of joyful praise that you can dance to ("All Around," "I Lift Your Name") and tender, prayerful worship ("Right Now," "Fire Fall").
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Both "All Around" and "I Lift Your Name" carry themes of Jesus being with us at all times and the truth that we can lift up His name everywhere that we go, at every moment, in everything we do. The lyrics make me think of Colossians 3:16-17: "Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."
Best Song On The Record
"I Lift Your Name" wins for best song on the record. Upbeat and fun, it's a song you can not only sing along to but can integrate into your daily life because it reminds you to praise and represent Jesus in everything you do.
If you're looking for an EP with a combination of high-energy praise, tender moments of devotion and surrender, and lyrics that will inspire you to live truth every day, Rain Part 1 (Live) is it.
Musically Diverse Church Worship | Posted December-14-2018 What You Need To Know
Freedom Movement, the Philadelphia-based church worship collective, releases their second album No Limits (Live), recorded live at Freedom's Church's 2018 Go Live Conference.
What It Sounds Like
Right from the start, No Limits (Live) feels like you've walked into a Sunday morning church service. The energy and community that is unique to a corporate worship experience permeates this album, and understandably so. Freedom Movement is the worship collective of Freedom Church in Philadelphia, PA and exists to capture the sound of worship and move of God in that local church and the city. Influenced by pop ("Wonder," "Glory Song"), contemporary ("You Are Good," "Awakened") and gospel sounds ("Narrow Gate," "At The Cross"), No Limits (Live) excels in musical diversity as much as it does in powerhouse lead vocals, stirring three-part harmonies, and sing-able lyrics. The album also features covers of worship repertoire staples "Mercy" by Bethel Music, "King of My Heart" by John Mark McMillan, "Build My Life" by Pat Barrett and "Spirit Break Out" by Jesus Culture.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Recurring themes on the album are surrender to God, devoting all of our lives to Him, and finding satisfaction in Him above anything else. From "Only You": You are my portion and I will wait for You / You are good to those who hope in You and we will see only You
Best Song On The Record
"Peace Be Still" wins for best song on the album. It contains one of the album's most powerful moments as the lead vocal sings out "You are the God of peace" and the lyric declares God's peace over our hearts and circumstances.
No Limits (Live) is an album born out of God's people worshipping and pursuing Him together and because of that, it's an album that will facilitate God's people worshipping and pursuing Him together. Even in moments of personal worship, the lyrics will give voice to your prayers of faith, devotion, and surrender to God.
Simple Truths and Sincere Praise | Posted November-02-2018 What You Need To Know
Renowned worship leader and songwriter Chris Tomlinreleases his eighth album, Holy Roar, featuring the previously released singles "Nobody Loves Me Like You" and "Holy Roar."
What It Sounds Like
On Holy Roar, Chris Tomlin consistently points us back to the worthiness of God and His love for us, while also drawing us into praise in a way that is accessible for everyone. Yet again, he delivers on the congregational singing with a church worship band style that we've come to love him for. The title track "Holy Roar" sets the tone for the album really well by declaring that we are approaching God to give Him what He is worthy of: a holy roar of worship. "Praise Him Forever" is a fun, mid-tempo, four-on-the-floor song that would be powerful for congregations to sing together. "Goodness, Love and Mercy" has a Gospel music inspired bridge that will take you straight to church, and it's a great moment on the album. "How Sweet It Is" features fellow worship leader and songwriter Pat Barrett, who also wrote "Good, Good Father" from Tomlin's previous album, Never Lose Sight.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
"Is He Worthy?" is a standout song on the album. The lyric pulls from Romans 8:18-24, which is about humanity and creation groaning for Jesus to come back and free us from sin and suffering. It also references Revelation 5:1-14, which is a prophetic passage declaring Jesus is the only one worthy to break the seals on the scrolls in Heaven that unfold God's plan at the end of this age. That plan includes Jesus returning to earth, ending sin and suffering, and establishing His reign of peace and righteousness. It's a theological theme that is lacking in much of worship lyrical content today, so it's refreshing to hear Chris tackle this type of song and keep it so sing-able and biblically grounded.
Best Song On The Record
For best song on the album, it's a tie between "Is He Worthy?," as mentioned above for its rich and much needed theological content, and "Praise Is The Highway" for its hopeful declaration of how praise ushers in the move of God.
Holy Roar is an album that is sure to create many moments of believers singing praise together. Simple truths declared and sincere praise expressed are powerful, and this album is full of both.
High-energy Praise and Personal Encounter | Posted November-01-2018 What You Need To Know
Australian worship collective Planetshakers releases their full-length album, Heaven On Earth, recorded live at their Planetshakers Kingdom Conference in Melborne, Australia.
What It Sounds Like
Planetshakers is no stranger to creating worship songs that are fun and powerful, and are unafraid to experiment musically. It's part of what makes their music so enjoyable to engage with, and all of those qualities make an appearance on Heaven On Earth. "There Is No One Like You," "Electric Atmosphere," and "Move Out of My Way" are high-energy praise anthems that are perfect to dance to, complete with all the slap bass, electric guitar riffs, drum breaks, and synth you could want. These would translate especially well into a kids or youth worship setting. "Through It All" and "Not Alone" provide powerful worship encounter moments that bring an awareness of God's presence, and declare the truth of who He is. Hearing the crowd engagement on this record truly brings the worship moments to life.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
"Not Alone" in particular is a song that declares how God our Father always loves us, is always good, and always with us. The chorus singsI am not alone / You are here with me / You've given me Your heart and You will never leave / Father You're always good and You're always here for me / You'll never leave.
Best Song On The Record
"Above All Names" is hands down the best song on the record. There's something incredible about God's people collectively declaring that His name is exalted above every other name, and is more powerful than anything in this world or anything we are facing. I love that this is one of the longer songs on the album, giving you space to linger in truth and connect with Jesus.
There are songs and moments on Heaven On The Earth for every expression of worship, from joyful praise to reverent awe and personal encounter. Whatever moment or season you find yourself in, this album will help you connect with God.
Musically Intriguing and Theologically Rich | Posted October-05-2018 What You Need To Know
Michigan-based worship band, Inspiration Worship, releases their first full-length album, Powerful, on Radiate Music.
What It Sounds Like
What's most surprising and engaging about Powerful is the diversity of musical styles on the album. Inspiration Worship draws from different genres and sounds that you wouldn't expect to hear together on one album and crafts them into an overall body of work that is musically intriguing and true to who they are. Songs like album opener "Take Me," "One God," and "Roar" are more electronic, synth driven mellow pop. "The Blood" feels closer to what comes to mind when you think of a corporate worship song. "I Can't Fix You, a song written by band members Tom and Linda Doane for their daughter as she struggled with anorexia, is a ballad that is beautiful and vulnerable both lyrically and musically. "Rise Up," featuring Adam Klutinoty, feels like a nod to a more pop/rock style.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
It's refreshing how theologically rich the lyrics are on Powerful. In "Scepter and Crown," lead vocalist Linda Doane sings, "But the Word had the last Word when He rose from the grave, free from the nails and scourge / And the Word won't be held down / He's coming back in the clouds with a scepter and crown." The fact that Linda isn't afraid to be honest with God about her struggles and need for Him comes across clearly in songs like "Never Let Me Go," which is as honest and hopeful as it is catchy and sing-able.
Best Song On The Record
"The Blood" wins for best song on the record. It's a special moment on the album because of the truth it proclaims about the cross and the blood of Jesus, and also because it features Diane's husband Tom Doane as the lead vocalist.
Powerful has a little bit of everything. The lyrical content perfectly balances being relatable and vulnerable with being theologically rich and challenging. And no matter what genre of music you gravitate toward, there's something on this album you can connect with.
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