The Presence on the Mountaintop Posted April 27, 2021 By MarkRyan_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know Christian artist Emile Weiss originally released the A Song Of Ascent as an EP in 2017. In this 2021 deluxe version, we get the six original tracks from the 2017 release–with some minor arrangement and feature changes. And, let's add remixes, unplugged, live, and reimagined studio versions for good measure.
What It Sounds Like Emilie delivers breathy vocals along with an incredible vocal range, which layers over indie-folk instrumentation. The instrumentation throughout the album is string-based–guitar, piano, harp, orchestral strings, and so on. The arrangements are pleasant and pair well with the singer’s voice.
Spiritual Highlights Although the entire album is focused solely on bringing glory to God and drawing closer to the Father, certain tracks carry heavier theological themes than others. A perfect example is on “Heaven’s King.” The opening verse says, “Heaven's King who lived to die/Made lame to walk and blind to see/And unto death He reconciled/The stony heart to God the King.” The main refrain says, “Hallelujah, King forever/Now I live for Him alone.” This is a beautiful song for Easter, a season that lives throughout the year for those of us who claim God as our Father.
Best Song “A Song of Ascent” is such a beautiful song of worship. The simplicity of Emilie’s voice along with the organ, and the purposeful recording quality as though it was recorded in an intimate time of prayer and worship invites us not only into the artist’s heart through the unabashed vulnerability, but also on the journey with her as she ascends a very personal mountain to meet with her Father and receive freedom.
Final Word There are times in our walk with Christ where we want the amped-up worship party which is so easily to come by. But then, at times, we want to sit at the feet of Jesus and just dwell in His presence and allow our spirits to be filled by His. Emilie delivers the latter on A Song of Ascent. Let the music and the lyrics fill your heart as you sit at the feet of your Savior and allow His Spirit to wash over you and His breath to fill your lungs.
