Album Review: Elevation Worship - Graves Into Gardens (Deluxe)
Posted May 14, 2020
By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know
Elevation Worship has become one of the fastest-growing names in the growing genre of megachurch worship music. With several iconic hits under their belt, this latest release will most likely have a few more.
What It Sounds Like
As worship music has evolved, so has its sound. With more and more megachurches starting bands that find great commercial success, this music space isn't just reserved for Hillsong anymore. These songs use the many sonic styles present in contemporary worship. The live setting gives the album's music an intimate feel. Most songs either stay soft and reflective or build to a crescendo of a finish that has the band firing on all cylinders. Some songs have memorable experimentation, like the energetic opener "RATTLE." At times, it feels like it takes inspiration from bands like NEEDTOBREATHE or We Are Messengers, with a chat-like structure and even a pleasing bass hook.
While I think the track could have probably been several minutes shorter and stronger for a more compact delivery, this was definitely an attention-grabbing way to kick off the album. If anything, I think the live setting may lead to a lot of the songs being a little too extended which, when translated to an at-home listening experience, doesn't quite have the same appeal as in a church setting. There is certainly strong musicianship backing these songs just waiting to breakthrough.
Spiritual Highlights
Elevation Worship finds some unique topics to mix into the common worship themes, most notably a challenge to the listener for how they'd react if they encountered Christ in "What Would You Do." "RATTLE" highlights the joy of the resurrection, both of Christ's and the resurrection we are promised in Him.
For Fans Of
Hillsong United, Bethel Music, Passion
Best Song
"RATTLE"
Final Word
As megachurch bands become an even more powerful force in contemporary Christian music than they were in the past, this latest release from Elevation Worship demands to make their name one of the most iconic and recognizable bands in the genre.
Graves into Gardens is available on Apple Music and Spotify. View All Music And Book Reviews By JJFrancesco_NRT | View JJFrancesco_NRT's Profile
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