"People & Songs, Opus 1 Collective" by Jennie Lee Riddle View All Reviews

Jennie Lee Riddle’s project People & Songs, Opus 1 Collective features twelve artists performing fifteen original songs written by three time Dove Award winner and author of the worship anthems “Revelation Song” and “When The Stars Burn Down.” We have become familiar with Jennie Lee Riddle’s songwriting through the voices of Kari Jobe, Phillips Craig & Dean, Selah, NewSong, Tricia Brock, Newsboys, Travis Cottrell, Rebecca St. James, Shane & Shane, and JJ Heller to name a few. Now, Jennie Lee Riddle is opening up to share more of her heart and life with us. Jennie founded New Nation Music out of a desire to write Scripture-based doctrine upon the heart and mind of the church. Motivated by a desire to cultivate unity and authentic respect in the family of God, New Nation Music Band travels throughout the churches inviting all age groups to join together to lift one voice as one Bride to One King. Visit http://www.peopleandsongs.com to discover more.

If you like the top five CCLI worship anthem, “Revelation Song,” then you’ll love this album which also includes a must hear version of Jennie singing her song along with her daughter Emily, which has been made famous by Kari Jobe. The song brings me to the Throne Room and Jennie’s tender and even tentative vocals remind listeners of the reverence of the biblical lyrics. Rather than write about every song, I’ll focus on my favorite new songs for the Church that Jennie has written for us to worship along with, “in Spirit and in Truth.” Opener “Waking Up The Dawn” features the album’s producer Michael Farren of Pocket Full of Rocks and sets the tone musically as these are stripped down Americana style musical arrangements that allow listeners to really focus on these vertical lyrics. Jason Walker of Know Hope Collective lends his vocal talent to another standout song, “Love Like This.” I absolutely love Jennie Lee Riddle’s songwriting and the beautiful and stirring worship song “When The Stars Burn Down” co-written with and sung by Jonathan Lee. The song has also been recorded by Phillips, Craig & Dean and Travis Cottrell.  I really appreciate Jennie’s insight into the song especially as I sing along with the biblical truths throughout this song, especially the incredible lyrics: “There will come a day, standing face to face, In a moment we will be like Him, He will wipe our eyes dry, Take us up to His side, And forever we will be His, Singing blessing and honor, glory and power, forever to our God.” The song title says a lot, “when” not “if” the stars burn down. “When Love Was Slain” is my new favorite worship song and features the stunning vocals of newcomer Crystal Yates. This song moves me to reflect on just how much Jesus endured for His bride to purchase us from the grave. “When Love Was Slain” is about submitting to the Lordship of Jesus over our lives and acknowledging that “I am freedom’s slave.” The case of those that are the servants of sin is sad, but thanks be to God it is not hopeless. You can make the decision to admit you are a sinner, believe that Jesus is the Son of God and came to die as a sinless Savior on our behalf, and choose to make Him the Lord of your life. What a wonderful, loving and gracious God that we serve. I am so thankful to Jesus for saving me.  John 8:36 says, “If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” Amen to that!

There’s this emotion that the song “You Are My Shepherd” brings out even the first time you hear it. Jonathan Lee brings a vocal sincerity that wrecks me and this gorgeous song was also recorded by Tricia Brock. For me, I need that rescue and peace referenced in this beautiful song that comes from knowing that God is my Shepherd. No matter how lost we get, we can know that He is seeking us out, even when we feel lost, hurting and straying. He’s never lost us and He’ll find us. That brings peace when life isn’t easy. Standout songs “Glory Fall” featuring Crystal and Will Yates and “O Come Divine Messiah” featuring Robbie Seay keep the worshipful flow going right into another song which stops me in my tracks, “Broken For Love’s Sake” featuring Don Chaffer. Just like the other songs it has a tender and moving confession, “Should my heart break, when Love’s the only way, So be it Lord, may I be broken for Love’s sake.” Wow, what an incredible sentiment and sacrificial offering to our Savior Jesus. “From the time my pen hit paper, to this very second there was not a moment where you have not been lovingly thought of. This album contains everything I could want to say to you up to this point in my life and my (our) prayer is that You are made RICH with the knowledge of Christ and overflow with His goodness,” says Jennie Lee Riddle about her worship project.

CLOSING THOUGHTS
This album grabs me with every song. Truly, every song is amazing. Jennie has a knack for hitting me where I am spiritually and expressing the prayerful yearnings of my heart. This album is no exception as I get welled up praying along with several of the songs and most of all, I am stirred with compassion to love people as Jesus loves us. That’s the heart behind this album, and thank you Jennie for blessing us with your music and for writing and singing the Truth of the Gospel for the Kingdom of God. This album soothes, moves and challenges listeners. People & Songs, Opus 1 Collective by Jennie Lee Riddle is a profound listening experience. I love her writing. It is so honest, and has lots of depth lyrically. It feels like at times as Christians we’re living on another planet and we’re fighting all the time. We all know why, because we weren’t made for this world. Writing and singing songs of worship aren’t always easy when things aren’t going well. We’re called to worship and we need to be obedient. We are dependent on God for every breath. A state of brokenness keeps us on our knees and helps us realize how much we need God. This five star worship album reminds me that “this world is not my home, this life is not my own, and soon Lord, O very soon, You’ll come to take me to be with You.” Choosing to worship when you don’t feel like it deepens your faith. Even in the midst of our greatest struggles, we need to find joy and peace from knowing God. This album reminds us that the pain of this world is temporary and to live for Heaven.

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