Album of the Year Contender
Posted October 02, 2017
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Compilation albums are a delicacy of sorts since they often bring together the leading artists in a genre, uniting them on one record under the banner of a special project. It's clear from just one look at the outstanding track list overflowing with brand new songs and unique collaborations from CCM's top voices that Word Entertainment's My Utmost for His Highest compilation album is set to be one for the books.
Celebrating the beloved Oswald Chambers' devotional of the same name with thirteen songs each inspired by a specific passage of the bestseller, this album contains tracks from industry giants for KING & COUNTRY, Lauren Daigle, Big Daddy Weave, Francesca Battistelli and many more.
Kicking off with a long-awaited collaboration, Grammy winners for KING & COUNTRY join their sister Rebecca St. James for a moving version of "Amazing Grace." The true standout moment for me on the album comes early, delivered flawlessly by Meredith Andrews' powerhouse vocals on "Needing You Now," a tender yet captivating song of praise in difficulty. Following with an equally special, We Are Messengers puts their fingerprints on Crowder's lyrically-stunning "My Victory," which was co-written by Messengers' frontman Darren Mulligan.
A previously unreleased acoustic version of Lauren Daigle's "Power To Redeem" displays her smoky vocals, much like pop songstress Hollyn's heartfelt ballad "There's A Hope" featuring Chris McClarney. In unique collaborations that perfectly hit their mark, Zealand Worship is joined by Tenth Avenue North's Mike Donehey on well-written "Yours," Big Daddy Weave and Francesca Battistelli join forces for worshipful "Lavish" and Unspoken and Blanca team up on thoughtful "Light That Never Fades."
Worship leaders Sarah Reeves and Chris Quilala bring their signature passion to "This I Know," while "I Surrender" is another praise-worthy offering from Brandon Hampton and United Pursuit. The first piece of new music from Chris August in a while, "Abide In Me" shines with Chris' soulful vocals at the helm. Closing out the album, Selah's emotional "Unfailing Father" contrasts well with upbeat, sonically energized "I Come Alive" from Out of the Dust and The Gray Havens.
The Bottom Line: After only one listen through, I was ready to name My Utmost for His Highest a strong contender for album of the year. The more I listen, the more hooked I get on each brand new, heartfelt song. No other album this year has given us multiple artist pairings like this, not to mention the eloquent songwriting, quality creativity and top-of-their-class vocals found in every track. My Utmost for His Highest is a highly significant release you don't want to miss.
Song To Download Now:
"Needing You Now" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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