Aaron Shust [Take Over]
Posted June 28, 2009
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
Aaron Shust’s latest release, Take Over is a solid compilation of prayerful lyrics with gentle hooks on a backdrop of mid-range contemporary acoustic rhythms. The album is less moody than the last, but stays true to the introspective depth of expression and worship you expect from Aaron Shust. This is not an album of one or two standout hits. Rather, it’s a full album where the more you listen to it, the more it draws you in and you appreciate the music. Take Over very much plays like one man’s prayer and petition to the Lord. There’s gratefulness and beauty in Aaron’s expressions of adoration.
For younger fans there are a few up-tempo tracks like “Come Save Us” and “Still You Love Me”, but as is consistent with Aaron’s style, listeners should expect arrangements that keep a moderate-to-slow pace. For those of us that appreciate the power of slow builds resonant with praise, Aaron delivers again and again. Songs like “Rest In The Arms” which declares, “You can rest in the arms of The One who holds you. Rest in the arms of The One who knows you. Rest in the arms of The One who won’t let go…” and “Forevermore”, with lyrics, “There is no other God before You. No one can replace You. You are forevermore…” (inspired by Isaiah 46:9-10) are vehicles for you to sing out to the Lord.
Aaron’s God-given ability to capture heartfelt, honest moments and express them in psalmist fashion is not only captivating, but award-worthy. Now on his third studio album, Aaron has already garnered the Song Of The Year award for the song “My Savior My God. For those that follow Aaron’s music, there is no doubt that his lyrics are one of the central elements that sets him apart from other artists. Among my favorites on this album include lyrics from the title track, “Take Over” which exclaim, “I tried to run. I tried to fight you, I’m done. I’m giving up. I’ve learned to trust You, Your love…Can you take over, take over – can you take over me? I’ve been here over and over again, here on my knees. I’m only closer and closer to where I wanna be. When you take over, take over – can you take over me?” This album is special as well because so many of the lyrics explore the depths of the soul of the believer.
There was a great deal of anticipation for Aaron Shust’s third album after the breakout successes of Anything Worth Saying (2005) and Whispered And Shouted (2007). In the end, I find Take Over to be even more hopeful and upbeat than Whispered And Shouted, though similarly compelling. With Take Over, Aaron Shust continues on with his signature artistry, putting forth a solid effort that is certain to be well received by both fans and critics alike.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Aaron’s latest album, Take Over is a vehicle of praise. If you’ll replay this album again and again and let it soak into your soul, you’ll find it not only to be inspired, but inspiring. The great thing about Aaron’s music is its depth of message. Believers in their daily walks can easily identify with Aaron’s sentiments. This is a good album to take on a car trip, to play in the office, to listen to during a morning jog, or during a commute. You’ll want to have this one in your collection – I am so glad to have it in mine.
For more Reviews by Aaron, visit:
http://www.reviewsbyaaron.com
Rating: 9.1 out of 10 (91%, A-)
Review written by: Aaron Hassen | Review can also be found here.
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