God With Us
by
Laura Laura Story has become a champion in the female vocalist community within the last several years. From her powerful songwriting for other artists (such as on
Stripped Down, But Lacking Nothing | Posted November-13-2012
Hillsong Chapel is an offshoot worship ministry based out of nationally acclaimed Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia. Having released their first project, Yahweh, in 2010, the focus of Hillsong Chapel is to take some of the most beloved songs birthed out of both Hillsong Live and Hillsong United, and strip them down into more intimate acoustic-type settings--making the worship experience for the listener that much more personal.
Forever Reign comes as the ministry's latest CD/DVD effort, and embodies the heartfelt passion of the Hillsong praise team, while uniquely taking it to a whole new level.
"God Is Able" begins the project on a simple and wholehearted note, and transitions directly into a moving acoustic version of "Hallelujah (Our God Reigns)."
Driven with a hauntingly beautiful piano arrangement, the warm-feeling "Rhythms Of Grace" sounds like it could be a modern day hymn, while "You" picks up the pace a tad and becomes an upbeat moment on the record.
Hillsong staple "Cornerstone" makes a well executed appearance, while the classic hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul," stands as one of the best songs on the album. The melodic yet breezy arrangement is outside of the Hillsong norm, and stands apart from the rest of the CD--a fabulous rendition.
The project's namesake--and what is quickly becoming one of the most sung church anthems of our time--"Forever Reign" doesn't differ much from the original version, but is a nice addition nonetheless. The reconstructed "Desert Song" will become a favorite among listeners, and the powerfully worshipful "His Glory Appears" will leave listeners engulfed in the presence of God, it being my favorite on the record.
"The Lost Are Found" is a stripped down masterpiece of melodic praise, while the last two tracks on the album, the well-known "Beautiful Exchange" and "With Everything" stay mostly acoustic. The latter of the two clocks in as the longest song on the record and the most passionate sounding from a vocal standpoint.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a beautiful collection of Hillsong and Hillsong United hits in the barest form you will find them, making them the most intimate and "to-the-core" renditions out there. Several of the songs don't differ much from their live and/or studio recordings, which might turn off potential buyers looking to hear something new, but the songs that have been rearranged to provide a new worship experience are well worth the investment alone.
I can see Forever Reign being the perfect album for small group worship sessions, and is a definite go-to for private moments of soaking in the presence of God.
Kyle Sherman is the flagship artist for brand new label RayLynn Records. A well-known worship leader for Lifechurch.TV out of Forth Worth, Tex. (the church of well known pastor/author Greg Craig Groeschel), Kyle admits that signing with a label, let alone recording an album, wasn't even on his radar.
Once an independent artist who came up dry on all attempts to get signed, he settled comfortably into his new-found role as a worship leader at his home church when two fellow Lifechurch.TV congregation members told them about their idea to start a record label and have him record an album.
"I kind of chuckled, thinking it was a cool thought," he admits, "but I knew [they] were super busy and really didn't know what might happen from that initial exchange."
Sure enough, one year later, Kyle Sherman's first release, Hear Me, is now itself being heard by the public.
The album starts off an a brutally honest note with the title track, "Hear Me," which is an open cry to God, needing for Him to hear us in the most painfully confusing moments in our lives. The edifying "Come To Me" lightens things up a bit after such a dark opener, and leads into "Fountains"--a song about waiting on God to act on our behalf, no matter how difficult it might be.
"He Prayed For Me" builds in the beginning, but slowly deflates as it hits the chorus, turning the song into something that you may not be expecting. The cheery Southern-infused worship song "All Things New (Hallelujah)" is the perfect song for congregational worship and will surely move the listener into a powerful time of praise.
"Heaven" speaks of the majesty of eternity, while Kyle successfully pulls off a traditional Southern Gospel style song in "Built It On The Rock." It certainly stands apart, but his vocals, as well as his lyrics, go together perfect with the melody.
"One True Friend" presents itself like a modern day hymn, talking about the intimate friendship we have with Jesus, while "New Life" touches base yet again with the traditional Southern Gospel feel he manages to do so well. The bright and slightly pop-infused "You Are The Only One" stands as a firm-standing song of adoration to God.
The most lyrically profound track on the album comes next with the darker folksy tune "The Greatest Tear," talking about what God must've felt when He watched Jesus dying on the cross: "God turned His back and He looked away / and I believe a tear rolled down His face / and He must've cried the greatest tears, the cry for love."
"Healing Come Down" talks about the pain we feel in all shapes in forms as we walk upon this earth, but how Jesus died that we may experience freedom from all hurts and walk in His healing. It's a beautiful and uplifting way to close the album.
Closing Thoughts:
Kyle Sherman's voice reminds me a lot of Bart Millard's (MercyMe), in that it's strong, noticeable and able to sing any style of music well. That being said, it's clear that Kyle is still trying to establish his own style as both a singer and a songwriter. The album switches directions a number of times and leaves you slightly confused as to what genre it is.
Nevertheless, Hear Me is a solid freshman effort from one of the nation's prominent upcoming worship leaders. I look forward to seeing him mature as an artist, and settle on a style all his own.
Plenty to love with Wilson's Noel | Posted October-14-2012
I remember hearing soft-spoken Josh Wilson for the first time as a fresh-faced male vocalist opening up for Matthew West on his Something To Say Tour back in late 2008. From the first moment he began singing, I knew this was a special guy with a bright future in from of him in the industry.
Ever since then, he's had a handful of smash radio singles, including "Savior, Please," "Before The Morning" and "I Refuse," as well as released several successful albums and EPs, securely establishing his place as a singer/songwriter in Christian music.
Now, 2012 brings us Josh's latest effort, a Christmas album titled Noel, a project which follows on the heels of his successful 2008 Christmas EP, which birthed the hit song, "Sing."
A stunning instrumental version of "The First Noel" sets the tone for the album nicely, Josh's famous musicianship--particularly on the acoustic guitar--being absolutely phenomenal. The lyrically powerful "Jesus Is Alive" almost sounds like a tune JJ Heller would pen, and transitions well into the holiday classic, "Go Tell It On The Mountain."
Josh's arrangement of "Do You Hear What I Hear" is adjoined by a well-placed section of strings, while the slightly country kissed original "Christmas Changes Everything" talks about how the world changed the night Jesus was born: "Oh holy night, holy Child / we were dead till You came to life."
"Almost Christmas" provokes the anticipation we feel as Christmas draws closer, it being the most traditional sounding Christmas tune on the record.
"Emmanuel" is Josh's take on the classic "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." His guitar work on the opening section deserving a round of applause on its own. The song builds as it progresses, and while it never explodes into anything grand, it serves as the best song on the project.
A breathtakingly folksy instrumental rendition of "Carol Of The Bells" brings to mind a version of the same sort Steven Curtis Chapman recorded nearly two decades ago, it being a brilliant and simple version of a beloved holiday favorite. "Angels We Have Heard On High" is the most contemporary song on the record, it being a well executed rendition of a classic carol.
The convicting tune "Once A Year" brings the album to a close, talking about how we are capable of feeling that same sense of giving all throughout the year, and not just at Christmastime. It's a heavy way to close an album that is, for the most part, lighthearted. But it sends a great and much needed message: "Once a year December's here and our hearts open up / once a year we give with cheer to those who don't have enough / wouldn't it be something if we all learned to love like it's Christmas more than once a year?"
Closing Thoughts:
Josh Wilson's first full length Christmas album, Noel, is exactly what I thought it would be--simple, airy and chock-full of cozy, holiday warmth. It's been well worth the wait and is sure to please fans and Christmas music lovers alike. This is a very simplistic Christmas project with very few bells and whistles. While that might not be everyone's cup of tea, it does serve as the perfect album for intimate moments of praise by the fire this holiday season.
A Perfect Christmas Project | Posted October-14-2012
The ascension of Francesca Battistelli's concise yet lengthy career has been nothing short of astounding. Having become the fastest selling Christian female vocalist in five years with her 2008 release My Paper Heart (which was certified Gold this past Summer--a rarity these days) she also was crowned Artist Of The Year at the 2011 Dove Awards--one among a slew of other awards including a GRAMMY nod.
Even with two albums under her belt and a handful of No. 1 hits, Francesca still had one goal she'd yet to accomplish, a goal she'd had in mind ever since she started doing music: Record a Christmas album.
Now a wife and mother, her brand new holiday release, simply titled Christmas, holds a whole new meaning for the acclaimed songstress.
"I am beyond excited about this Christmas album," she said. "Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I hope that this album is one people want to listen to year after year."
Holiday classic "The Christmas Song" begins the project on an unusually bouncy and upbeat note. The song, made notorious by Nat King Cole, is frequently covered and very little is done to change its rich, mellow vibe. Francesca breaks that tradition however by making it a lively and bouncy piece that is sure to leave a smile on your face.
"Heaven Everywhere," one of the handful of original tracks on the project, speaks of the openheartedness humanity allows themselves to feel around the holidays with a childlike tinker. "Christmas Is" points out the at-times humorous routine moments Christmastime offers, ultimately reminding us that the reason we can celebrate all these moments is because Jesus was born to die for us.
"The First Noel" is a classic rendition of the beautiful carol, and is a breath of fresh air before diving into the spectacular big-band piece, "Marshmallow World." It's hard not to think of a large Broadway production when hearing its grand scale, and is one of the best versions of the song recorded to date.
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is personally one of my favorite Christmas carols, and I hold everyone who records it to a high standard. Francesca more than achieves that standard however, by mixing a haunting yet peaceful melody against the backdrop of the legendary worshipful and passionate lyrics.
A fun, piano-driven version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" lends itself nicely to the project, while the moving original "You're Here" sings out the thoughts that must have ran through Mary's head right after Jesus was born.
Acoustic and light, "Joy To The World" sounds like a fireside carol sung with family and friends around the Christmas tree.
My favorite song on the album comes in the form of the 1940s nightclub lounge-esque, "Christmas Dreams." It captures Francesca's signature diary-like writing style by beautifully capturing all of the warm feelings a family feels in the final moments leading up to Christmas morning. It's sure to strike a chord with parents and become a song that is played among the holidays for years to come.
The classic "Go Tell It On The Mountain" leads us to the end on an uncomplicated note, and almost sounds like a spontaneous jam session with spot on vocals and simple acoustics. A fantastic way to close to project.
Closing Thoughts:
I've long awaited a holiday album by Francesca Battistelli. From the moment her soulful vocals hit the airwaves, I knew if she were to ever attempt a project of the sort, she'd knock it out of the park, and she's done exactly that with Christmas. Fun, beautiful, and at times deeply moving, this is without a doubt one of the must-own Christmas projects of 2012, and one I can see going on to spawn a holiday classic in "Christmas Dreams."
Do yourself a favor by picking up this nearly flawless album this holiday season. It will be one you and your family will listen to for many Christmases to come.
More Than Just Great Music | Posted September-24-2012
Having conquered everything from spinning drum risers and retractable cranes, to unharnessed bungee jumps and inflatable airdomes, when you hear the phrase "Newsboys concert," there's a good chance you're thinking of more than just a night of great music. Sure, you'll get that, but if there is one thing fans of the band with a 20+ year history have learned through the course of their evolving line-up, it's that they like to put on a top-notch show.
2011 brought us the group's latest effort, God's Not Dead--their first worship project in eight years and their first since Michael Tait stepped up to the plate as lead vocalist. Having already firmly established the band's new image/sound with 2010's smash, Born Again, expectations ran high when the group announced their 60-city God's Not Dead World Tour for Spring 2012.
Wanting to take a more vertical approach to this tour, the band left behind most of their technical goodies, minus the drum riser, and set out on the road with the mission to lead people in worship--Newsboys style. The tour was a success in terms of numbers, and saw nearly 5,000 kids sponsored through Compassion International. Yet again, the band proved why they're a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
Recorded at both Lifest and Sonshine festivals this past Summer, and coming as their first live project since 2008, Live In Concert: God's Not Dead encapsulates the Newsboys newly adopted stage performance at it was heard all across this US this Spring and again this Fall. The album not only showcases a few re-vamped Newsboys hits for the first time since Tait took over lead vocals, but also highlights some of their newest and most acclaimed work.
The blazing rock and roll track "Escape" starts the album with a bang, alongside the strident roaring of thousands fans in the audience. The momentum keeps rolling with the band redefining hit, "Born Again." The live version almost perfectly mimes the studio recording, and showcases the musical talent the band possesses outside of their entertainment aspect.
Dipping into the archives, the Michael Tait fronted version of "Something Beautiful" will be a treat for longtime fans, the quartet putting a modern spin on the now career classic.
After introducing the Minnesota crowd to the fact they're going to be featured on the live album their recording that night, the band dives straight into their worship centered set list, playing recent tunes such as "The King Is Coming," and their rendition of Jesus Culture‘s "Your Love Never Fails."
The passionate "Here We Stand" lends a nice addition, and transitions directly into one of the band most recognizable hits, "He Reigns." Throwing in a touch of humor before the song begins, it turns into one of the most moving moments on the project, classic hymn "Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus" making a brief appearance on the end. The massive crowd singing the latter in one voice is sure to give every listener chills.
Newsboys version of Hillsong tune "Mighty To Save" concludes the praise portion, coming back into pop/rock territory with the infectious, "Save Your Life." While the stellar background vocals of guitarist Jody Davis are muted far more on this version then they are on the original, it's still a fun song to hear live.
Aggressive pop fan favorite, "Miracles" comes next, and leads to the addition of "Jesus Freak," the history-making song Michael first recorded with dcTalk 17 years ago. Newsboys have been performing this song since his joining, it now being one of the most exciting moments of their show. George Moss, a rapper often seen with KJ-52 (who, ironically, does the rap on the band's studio version) steps up in this case and brings his own flair to one of the most famous raps in Christian music.
Coming back for an encore due to the crowd's demand for "one more song," keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein shares a short lesson on the topic of God's existence. Dispelling the theory of evolution, addressing several questions atheists ask and sharing the beauty of the gospel, it's a thought provoking/faith affirming message, and is the perfect opening for the band's current hit, "God's Not Dead."
Bringing things to a close on a Jesus-focused note, "Revelation Song" begins with heart pounding drums courtesy of drummer Duncan Phillips, and ends powerfully with crashing applause and cheers of praise.
Closing Thoughts:
As someone who adores the pulsating concert experience, when it comes to live albums, I hold a high standard. Often times, they either sound too studio polished and don't sound like a live recording at all, or they're left so rough and unrefined that they're, frankly, grueling to sit through. It's rare to find a CD that sits somewhere in the middle and captures the live experience with excellence. Newsboys however, have done just that with Live In Concert: God's Not Dead.
There are a few trivial production hiccups here and there, but that's expected of any live recording, and are disregarded as listeners engage with the album's fun and worshipful feel. While this will never fully capture the thrill of attending one of the band's shows (a show well worth the price of admission, might I add), this does a fantastic job of summing it up and making you feel like part of the audience. This is a treat for Newsboys fans, and paints for those still unsure about the change, or just unfamiliar with their history, a clear picture of their continually solid musical performances.
Focusing On God | Posted September-11-2012
Fresh-faced female vocalist Holly Starr might still be considered an up-and-comer in the music world, but that hasn't stopped her from already collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry. At just 21, she's toured all over the US and opened for big named acts such as LeAnne Rimes, as well as written with top-notch producers Chris Stevens and Ian Eskelin.
Having been discovered on MySpace by singer/producer Brandon Bee when she was just a teenager, Holly has released two albums that chronicle her growing relationship with God, and the daily struggles and victories that go along with it. Taking an organic pop approach to her music, she has been wildly acclaimed for her stylistic originality and lyrical maturity.
Holly's third effort, Focus, comes as her most personal project to date. Deriving from a season where ‘focus' seemed like the farthest thing to achieve.
"I want to be around to be able to disciple kids that I really love", she explains, "but because of this calling, I'm not constant in people's lives. Learning to balance all that has been a challenge for me, but it's been a huge blessing to see how when God calls us to something, He provides and He gives time."
The airy and acoustic "Let Go" opens the album nicely, and dives right into deeper subjects of faith with the mid-tempo tune, "This Love", which speaks about our broken lives coming face-to-face with the unfathomable love of Jesus. The grove-driven and eccentric pop track "Don't Have Love" serves as a nice follow up to the previous track, sharing that we can have all the worldly positions we could ever hope for, but without Christ, they all mean nothing.
"Father Eyes" opens with an instantly ear-catching acoustic riff, and progresses into one of the best songs on the record both musically and lyrically, talking about seeing our lives through the eyes of God: "I know it's hard to see through what this world will tell you / Cause misconceptions and false reflections will never be the truth / Just know you're not the only one who's ever cried for help / Jesus loves you in way that you cannot love yourself."
"Me And You" talks about getting away from distractions that pull us away from God, while "Stop And Focus" walks along the same lines, coming as a statement to step away from the chaos life throws at us and take some time to stop and focus on our relationship with Jesus.
The upbeat and bubbly "Satisfied" shares about finding true fulfillment in our faith, and showcases Holly's bright and versatile vocals. "Constant" is a fun and dance inspired worship song, it being the most musically unique song on the project.
Slowing things down as the project comes to a close, the final two tracks "I Believe" and "Grace For All" are personally penned ballads that almost sound as if they were pulled directly from journal entries, the ladder of the two being my favorite as it opens up about the undeserving grace God is constantly showing us: "He knew the greatness of my fall, still He broke down every wall / All my sins are washed away / He has grace for all."
Closing Thoughts
When listening to Holly Starr, it's almost impossible to not think of fellow female singer/songwriters like Bethany Dillon and Sara Groves, who take similar simplistic approaches to their musical craft and allow their thought provoking lyrics to take center stage. Focus showcases Holly's incredible lyrical talent, and it would surprise me greatly if she's not one of the most sought after songwriters in CCM within the next several years.
While her last effort, Tapestry, offers a better musical variety in my opinion, this project is far from disappointing, and is the perfect find for anyone looking for music with stripped back production and intimate lyrics of confession and praise.
With Praise and Worship | Posted September-05-2012
Jared Anderson is no stranger to the music scene. Having gotten his start as a member of Desperation Band, a worship movement birthed out of Colorado's New Life Church, Jared has had a hand in penning some of the Church's most notorious worship anthems, including "Glorious", "Amazed", and "Great I Am." An amazing achievement for someone who admits he almost walked away from worship music altogether.
"I grew up playing the piano in church, but by the time I was in college, my music was going in a different direction", he says. Still, his pull towards writing music for the church was unavoidable. "God [slowly] revealed to me that worship isn't just a genre of music. Worship songs are prayers. We're reciting the word of God back to Him, and pretty soon we're not just reciting it or singing it, we're living it."
Coming as his first solo project in almost three years, The Narrow Road was inspired by a notion John Bunyan coined in his historical work, Pilgrims Progress.
"[The book] tells the stories of trials and how they shouldn't define us", Jared explains, "Instead, they prepare us for the destination. Walking ‘the narrow road' isn't an option for followers of Jesus… it's a necessity."
"Bless The Lord" starts the project on a bright note, saying how we should bless God whether times or good or bad. "Impossible Possible" follows along the same lines and pulls it's lyrics directly from scripture, making it a highly uplifting tune of encouragement and praise.
CCM fans will recognize "The King Is Coming" almost instantly, seeing as Anderson and producer Seth Mosley originally penned the song for Newsboys God's Not Dead project. His version doesn't differ much, but offers more of his own unique spin on what's fast becoming a beloved battle-cry.
Yet another tune Anderson is most noted for writing, "Great I Am" makes an appearance on this album and serves as the best recorded version of the song to date. Personally, it's one of my favorite worship songs and I was thrilled with it's inclusion, it being the most lyrically passionate song on the record: "I wanna be near, near to Your heart / Loving the world and hating the dark / I wanna see dry bones living again, singing as one."
"According To His Word" and "Behold Your God" both take a melodically low-key approach while keeping the lyrics scriptural and enriching. "Pouring It Out For You" is yet another tune Newsboys recorded on their aforementioned worship project, already making it familiar among listeners. This is also one of my personal favorites and was excited to hear Jared Anderson's version—it doesn't disappoint.
Simplistic and beautiful, "Call On The Name Of The Lord" sounds like a song that would be played during an alter call, while "When The King Comes" can almost be seen as a follow-up to "The King Is Coming."
"Narrow Road" serves as the most musically original track, while lyrically, it's taken straight from Matthew 7:13, becoming a passionate declaration of immovable faith in Jesus.
"35 Lines" is a departure from the rest of the album and is a song I can hear being covered by a major artist within the next few years. It's a challenge to the church to go out and reach the lost and the hurting, looking to a system that will never fulfill them the way Christ will: "They can't be reached by themselves / Economics can't help the good news of the kingdom / Sons and daughters in love, don't be silent / You must make disciples and preach the good news of the kingdom."
After taking a mellow approach through the belly of the album, the last two tracks greet us with a more upbeat tempo in the edifying "Go Ye", and familiar anthem, "I Am Free", which features an appearance by the song's writer and fellow New Life worship leader, Jon Eagan. These two higher energy tunes are a great way to close the project.
Closing Thoughts:
Jared Anderson is fast becoming one of the "go-to" worship songwriters in our industry, and it is easy to see why. Pulling 90% of his lyrics directly from scripture, it's almost impossible to walk away from one of his songs not feeling more intimately connected to God. While you'd think that concept would be a no-brainer, it's a refreshing change to hear the Word of God set against the backdrop of song, seeing as so few worship artists take that approach anymore.
While the production aspect on The Narrow Road is minimal at best, it allows the stirring lyrics to shine and usher the listener into the presence of God in a meaningful way. This is a powerful project and goes down as one of my favorite praise and worship albums of the year.
The Royal Royal is a sibling duo made up of Canadian brothers, Gabriel and Nathan Finochio. Having led worship in their father's church from a very young age, these two pastor's kids formed a love of music early on in life.
After heading off to bible collage shortly after graduating high school, the brothers soon discovered their love of songwriting, and while they toyed with the idea of coining a worship project of their own, they admit they were too scared to follow through with it at the time. That was until, they met good friend and Hillsong worship leader, Matt Crocker. Crocker believed in the two and encouraged them to move forward with the idea of an album, even spending a week at their house to help them co-wrote a few songs.
After working on it for a year, Gabriel and Nathan sent the freshly finished project out to a few fellow worship leading friends to get their feedback. Those friends loved the album so much, they ended up sending it to other friends, and those friends to their friends. Before long, there weren't many people who hadn't heard the record, even though it had yet to be made public!
Making friends along the way who encouraged them to release their music to the masses (at least, the masses who hadn't already heard it), the Finochio brothers known as The Royal Royal finally released their debut project, Royal, in mid-2012.
"How Wonderful" starts this album off on a regal edge. The song talks about the beauty and majesty of our God, and although it feels a tad dragged out, is the perfect starter for what is to become a stunning project.
The upbeat and techno inspired "Praise Him" sounds similar to the styling's of Hillsong United, and is sure to be a favorite among the duo's younger crowd. Following it up, is an acoustic rendition of the same song, better fit for more intimate and laid back times of praise.
"Love (Acoustic)" and "Heartbeats (Acoustic)" both come next and stand as acoustic renditions of songs later be heard on the album. It's a rarity to hear an acoustic version of a song before an original, but in this case, it's highly enjoyable, and in a way, gives you the feel of the song from a songwriters perspective before hearing a polished studio rendition.
The delightfully folksy "Savior" is my favorite song lyrically, speaking about the daily transformation we undergo as followers of an almighty Savior, and transitions nicely into another quirky worship tune, "To You."
The original version of "Heartbeats" doesn't disappoint, and from a musical standpoint, sounds like it could be played on alterative mainstream radio. A rarity for worship, but a beautiful one at that.
Finishing on a strong note, "Love" finds us delivering worship to the King in the form of an 80's pop/rock inspired melody. It yet again mirrors the sounds of Hillsong United, but in a fresher and more relevant way.
Closing Thoughts:
I'd heard good things about The Royal Royal going into this album, and they definitely lived up to it. Combining passionate spiritual songs of adoration with the fresh sounds of a generation, Royal is a strong beginning in what I'm sure will be a lengthy and highly accredited carrier for the Finochio brothers.
This isn't contemporary worship to say the least and may not be for those seeking something more melodically traditional, but for fans seeking something similar to immerging worship acts like John Mark McMillan, Gungor and Daniel Bashta, you will not want to miss this release.
Another Successful Reinvention | Posted August-16-2012
It’s near impossible to pinpoint one achievement CCM legend tobyMac HASN’T accomplished in his career. GRAMMYs, Dove Awards, multi-platinum sales, books, magazine spreads, TV appearances, movies, even his own record label. You name it, Toby McKeehan has probably been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. Crazy to think this whole journey started with humble beginnings in a dorm room at Liberty University with dcTalk almost 25 years ago.
Having made a name for himself as a solo artist over the course of the ever changing music scene, Toby has been able to successfully do what few have: reinvent himself time and time again without missing a beat. From the thick hip-hop rhythms on 2001s Momentum, to the pop friendly stylings found with 2010’s Tonight, it almost seems as if he can do no wrong. Needless to say, when tobyMac announces he’s working on a new project, the industry pays attention, as do his faithful legion of diehard fans.
Coming just two years after his last release--a miracle for his notoriously long recording standards--2012’s Eye On It has taken shape not only as one of Toby’s most musically whimsical projects, but one of his most passionate.
“‘Eye on it’ is simply a phrase used to mean ‘stay focused on what really matters,’” he explains. “My relationship with Christ and the calling He has placed on my life is what matters to me and what I’m trying to keep my eye on.”
Melodic pop smash “Me Without You” starts the project on an infectiously catchy note, and keeps the same fun yet chill pace through the next track, “Steal My Show.” The song is an invitation to the Creator to come and interrupt our lives, ultimately allowing Him have His way in us.
Picking up the pace, the title track “Eye On It” serves as the most rambunctious song on the record, and one of his best to date. Taking the album’s main theme of keeping our eyes on the prize, it’s nearly impossible to keep your feet from moving, and chances are you’ll be singing along with the contagious chorus after only a few seconds.
“Forgiveness” takes us back to Toby’s hip-hop roots, and features a great appearance by acclaimed rapper, Lecrae. The tune talks about man’s struggle with guilt, but shares that even when we throw stones at ourselves for bad choices, God’s forgiveness still rings true. It‘s a message every listener will be able to relate to.
“Speak Life” again showcases a fresh melodic pop sound, while lyrically, is taken straight from the Bible, reminding us how powerful our words are and how we should chose to speak life even into deadest of situations: “Lift your head a little higher / Spread your love like fire / Hope will fall like rain when you speak life with the words you say.”
Again delving into the waters of the chaotic, “UnStoppable”--featuring guest vocals from Blanca Callahan of Group 1 Crew--serves as an anthem that boldly declares we will go against the flow of this world. The musically on-par “Lose Myself” opens with a beautiful piano piece, but picks up speed along the way, becoming a progressive moment of total surrender to God.
“Family” is one of the deepest on this project, both musically and lyrically. It tells the story of a couple ready to throw in the towel on their marriage, only to come to the conclusion that while it won’t be easy, their family is worth fighting for: “So are we still trying or simply surviving? / Facing these giants / The bigger they are, the harder they fall / But I still believe in the dreams we’ve been dreaming / The hope that we’ve built on is never too far, it's never too far.”
The next two tracks serve as mini autobiographies. The groove driven “Thankful For You” written to thank his lifelong supporters for believing he could make music that could impact the kingdom, while “Made For Me” is a fun song written for his wife, Amanda. Recounting their love story, it playfully shares their differences, and how they cause them to love each other, brilliantly coining the word for their five half American, half Jamaican children--“Jamericans.”
The big surprise for longtime tobyMac fans will be “Mac Daddy (Tru’s Reality).” Though it’s only been a little while since we last heard from him, teenage truDog now almost mimes his father vocally. The quirky dubstep song humorously tells of Tru’s desperate need for cash to buy a MacBook. While it pulls on the sentimental heartstrings of fans to hear him so grown up, there’s no question it’s their best--and goofiest--father/son duet yet.
The album comes to end with the 1940s romp, “Favorite Song”, with reigning GMA New Artist of the Year, and Toby’s musical protégé, Jamie Grace, assisting on vocal duties. The lyrics liken our life to a musical composition, us singing our own melody before joining the harmonious family of God. It’s one of the best closing tracks I’ve heard on album in a while, taking you out on a cheerful and encouraging note.
Closing Thoughts:
tobyMac has reinvented himself yet again. Fun and chock full of deep spiritual moments, Eye On It once again proves why he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. While it might not break new ground, it establishes familiar ground in a fresh new way, and showcases a clearly evident musical maturity, this offering some of the best work melodically he’d ever done. Lyrically, the themes on this album dig a little deeper as well.
I would like to see him go back to his hip-hop roots a tad more with his next effort, seeing as it’s an aspect fans have grown to miss as he‘s pulled away from it more each album. Nevertheless, this is a masterful project and one that has been well worth the refreshingly short wait. This is without a doubt one of my top albums of the year and one of the “cant miss” CCM projects of 2012. Longtime fans won’t be disappointed, and those new to Toby’s music will be in for a treat. Take my word for it: this is one album you will definitely want to keep your eye on.
onething Live Magnificent Obsession | Posted July-31-2012
Back in September of 1999, minister Mike Bickle took a step of faith by leaving the church he was pasturing to launch a radical and almost unheard of ministry in the modern day Church. The International House of Prayer of Kansas City (IHOP–KC), is a sanctuary which holds unceasing prayer and worship--that’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
This thirteen year prayer meeting has drawn thousands of worshipers from all over the world, all gathering together to stop and take time to bask in the presence of God, whether it be in the light of day or the dark of night.
Every December, IHOP-KC holds an annual meeting knows as the onething Conference. While each year, the sessions focus mainly on teaching, prayer and evangelism, the fourteen round-the-clock worship teams also gather together to lead the massive group of believers, averaging 25,000 per year, in an unhindered time of praise and worship.
Back in 2009, onething Live, a conglomeration of all fourteen worship teams and the songs they’d written, released their first live CD/DVD project, simply known as onething Live. The album made waves upon its release and quickly garnered this unapologetically passionate group of worshipers a lot of attention in the worship music genre.
Coming three years after their first release, Magnificent Obsession serves as onething Live’s latest live worship effort, recorded, of course, at 2011’s record breaking onething Conference.
“Worthy Of All” starts this album off on a beautifully melodious note, building momentum along the way and becoming an explosive anthem of praise to our King. “All Is For Your Glory” is a convicting, yet moving tune about how our soul purpose in existing is to worship God, all of our fleeting ideas of success one day ultimately falling to the wayside. It runs over 11 minutes in length and feels almost too dragged out, but is a powerful moment of worship nonetheless.
“Wounded One” comes as a song of total adoration to Jesus, while “Storm All Around You” opens with an incredibly haunting piano sonata, and talks about the unmatched power of our God. “Be Exalted” has a rather awkward introduction, the track sounding like it begins right in the middle of the song. Unfortunately, it’s only confusing to the listener and almost makes you feel like you’ve missed something.
“Measure Of A Man” and “All Men Are Broken” are led by IHOP-KC worship leader and well known singer/songwriter Misty Edwards, and brings a nice change of pace to the album, the latter of the two becoming an incredible moment of spontaneous prophecy and prayer in the midst of worship.
“It’s My Joy To Love”,“New Jerusalem” and “There Is One Found Worthy” continue the flow of praise and do an excellent job of leading the listener into a place of total abandonment before God.
“Eyes To See”, led by Zachary Simms, serves as the most unconventional tune on the project, carrying a very indie sound, both musically and vocally. It still being very worshipful and poignant.
The project finally comes to a close with the track, “Never Gonna Leave Me Dry”, which happens to be my favorite. The song comes as an cry of personal honesty before God, and pulls passages from the Psalms to craft a lyrically stunning piece of work. (“God, make complacency my enemy and Your fight / And let desperation be like David’s key for my life.") I hope to see this song earn the recognition it deserves in the worship market, seeing as it could become huge within the next several years if given the exposure it deserves.
Closing Thoughts:
onething Live’s Magnificent Obsession is raw prophetic worship at it’s best--unfiltered, anointed, and chalk full of soul stirring moments of intimate praise. I felt the production quality overall was a tad disappointing, almost as if they left it completely unedited, making it considerably incommodious and vexing at times. Still, this is a delightful piece of God honoring art that is sure to leave worshipers in deeper and more passionate pursuit of Christ.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
