Excellent worship album!
Posted March 28, 2011
By gizmodad,
Since joining Underoath over ten years ago, Aaron Gillespie has been full of success, from forming his side project The Almost and producing the hit single "Hands", to now producing his debut solo worship album. Anthem Song is 11 songs of straightforward, upbeat worship tunes that encourage us to sing praises to our almighty God.
The album kicks off in superb fashion with "All Things", an upbeat reminder that God is in control and that he holds the world in his hands. Aaron has humbly described this song as a "U2 rip off" as the delay effected guitar work is incredibly similar to that of U2's hit "Pride (In The Name Of Love)". The lyrics of the chorus were outstanding. "No life, no death/Could keep you away...No light, no depth/Could keep you away..." The following song "Hosanna", written by worship leader Paul Baloche, stands out for its rocking upbeat and worshipful chorus, "Hosanna, hosanna/You are the God who saves us, worthy of all praises/...Come have your way among us, we welcome You here Lord Jesus."
"Washed Away" is a excellently arranged track. with a beautiful piano line and an encouraging message describing a desire to be closer to God and feel his loving grace. This song then immediately leads into the slow and gentle acoustic-driven track "Earnestly I Seek Thee", co-written with Stu Garrard from Delirious?. Aaron's voice shines brightly in this song, as it eventually builds up into a passionate chorus with amazing lyrics. "None by You and You alone/Take my life and make it your own/In my offering build you home/Earnestly I seek thee."
The first single "We Were Made For You" follows, singing about how we were made to have a relationship with God. "I Will Worship You" is a very powerful acoustic-driven track that talks about worshiping God through any circumstances that we might be going through in life. It is easily my favourite song off Anthem Song. Starting off on the slower side of things with some gentle acoustic strumming, the song then builds up into an incredibly passionate bridge with Aaron's vocals during the lyrics "Hallelujah, our God reigns!" showing off just how much talent he possesses.
The title track "Anthem Song" leans on the quicker side of things, as it talks about how God has given each of us an "anthem" to sing, and encourages us to share our song of truth, live and love with the world. "Hear it rise, our hearts they cry/Your anthem song, it goes on and on." "You Are Jesus" is a touching song where Aaron humbles himself before the Lord sining that Jesus is everything he needs to be satisfied in this life. "You are Jesus, You are Jesus/You are everything I need/You are holy, I am dirty/in You I am made clean...". "You Are My Everything" emphasizes a similar message to the preceding track as it describes how Jesus' love is everything we need when our world comes crashing down.
"Your Song Goes On Forever" ties in with the album's theme as it sings about how God's "song" will go on for all eternity. "Your song goes on forever/I will sing my part with all my heart/Your song goes on forever/I will bless Your name/I will sing Your praise." The closing song "I Am Your Cup" is a raw acoustic track that describes a prayer from Aaron where he asks God to fill his cup with His almighty love. "I am Your cup/Come fill me with Your love/My heart's in Your hands/It's broken for You...". This song closed the album in spectacular fashion and leaves the listener with an excellent idea of what Aaron Gillespie was trying to communicate with Anthem Song.
Overall, Anthem Song was a very enjoyable listen and one that gave me a surprise. I've never been a fan of The Almost and Underoath, and my knowledge of Aaron Gillespie was limited. Although Aaron doesn't bring anything new to the table regarding sound and lyrics, I am very pleased with what I've heard. Aaron's passionate voice and the album's simple yet remarkable theme were very endearing.This project is full of upbeat worship tracks that really reminded me to take some time out and simply praise God for who He is, and to keep singing the "anthem song" that God has given me.
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