Soundtrack for you quiet time
Posted January 29, 2012
By KellyS, Staff Reviewer
Known for creating passionate and genuine worship, Bethel Music takes the creation process a step further with their latest release, The Loft Sessions. Recorded live in a refurbished loft, the Bethel Music team (Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, and newcomers Steffany Frizzell, Hunter Thompson, and Matt Stinton) gathered together with friends and family for several nights of heartfelt worship. The result is a live CD/DVD that engages and leads the listener into the reality of God’s presence.
Opening track, “One Thing Remains,” takes a step away from the normal congregational sound of past worship albums and establishes a more intimate feel, which is woven throughout the project. The lyrics are full of truth and comfort: “Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.”
“My Dear” is upbeat and has more of a pop sound than your average worship song. The vocals are even reminiscent of Owl City. An honest love song to God, the vocalist sings, “I need to say what my soul is singing, I need to say what my heart is screaming…that I love you my dear.”
“This Is What You Do” is another upbeat track and even though it doesn’t feature many instruments other than guitar and hand clapping, an uplifting and hopeful energy is contained in the vocals as they sing, “This is what you do, You make me come alive!”
This project contains a variety of musical styles including, pop, folk/bluegrass, contemporary worship, and acoustic, as well as a plethora of instruments. “You Have Won Me” is an example of this eclectic styling where at one point just voices, hand clapping and the pluck of a banjo is all that can be heard. On the other hand, “Walk In The Promise” has an almost haunting and Middle Eastern quality about it, containing electronic tones and strings.
Some songs are sung from God instead of to God like in “Come To Me.” The lyrics remind us of who God is and His promises to us: “Come to Me, I’m all you need. Come to Me, I’m your everything.”
“You Know Me” is our song back to God, featuring just piano and vocals. These lyrics are pure and true: “You know when I rise and when I fall, when I come or go, You see it all, You hung the stars, You move the sea, and still You know me.”
“Draw Near” is a pure song of worship, asking God to “draw near to me for I have drawn near to You…pull on the strings of my heart for I long to respond to You.” After knowing Who God is and that He knows us, all we want to do is be close to Him.
“Angels” and “Fall Afresh” have original and acoustic versions featured on the project. Both are great, but the acoustic sounds lends to a more worshipful atmosphere, in my opinion, because of the purity and simplicity in the sound. Sometimes too many instruments and vocals distract from what’s being sung and when removed, it’s easier to focus on the message within the lyrics.
Closing Thoughts:
The soundtrack to your quiet time has arrived! Refreshing and intimate, The Loft Sessions is ideal for getting back in touch with who God is and who you are to Him. With an eclectic sound and a variety of musical styles, no song is the same, keeping the listener focused on the message within. It calms the spirit and reawakens the soul to what God has done, is doing, and will do in us. View All Music And Book Reviews By KellyS | View KellyS's Profile
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