Celebrating An Unchanging God Posted June 03, 2021 By JasminPatterson_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know Influence Music, the worship collective based out of Influence Church in Anaheim, California, has released, Ages (Live). The live-recoded album follows their 2019 album, Rebels, and as well two live mixtapes released in 2020. With Ages, the worship leaders Influence Music trumpet the message that God is sovereign, unchangeable and worthy of worship throughout the ages.
What It Sounds Like
There's a passion in worship and infectious energy that is present throughout the entire album. This record will draw you in, not only to listen, but to participate. Stylistically, Ages (Live) will give you hints of everything from pop-rock anthems ("Theif In The Night"), pop tunes ("If It's You"), ballads ("Devotion," "Someone Worth Living For"), synth-pop ("God of Ages") and Gospel ("10,000 Armies) while still feeling like a cohesive project. No matter the genre influence, each song is packaged in corporate praise and showcases Influence Music's gifting to lead us in worship and their unique voice as a collective.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
There's a theme on the album of looking to God's majesty, power and worth as we worship Him, and from that place having for how He can move in our lives. "House Of God" proclaims the power of God's presence that fosters encounter with Him and transforms our lives. A line from the second verse in particular challenges us to remember the significance of what happens when we worship and come into God's presence: This isn't just a song/This kind of praise will open the heavens/This isn't just four walls/This is the way enter His gates/This isn't ordinary, this is holy
Best Song On The Record
"10,000 Armies" is a fun and unique "rock meets Gospel" type of song. Listening to it, I felt like the best musical sensibilities we've learned from Martin Smith, Planetshakers, and Israel Houghton came together in one song. I love that it showcases Influence Music's ability to put genres together in worship that you may not usually hear on the same track, and it just works so well. Not to mention, the lyrics remind you of God's strength on your behalf to fight your battles. This song will leave you with your eyes firmly fixed on your powerful God and your heart encouraged by His promises.
Final Word Ages (Live) is sure to solidify Influence Music's place in worship music even more as they continue to serve God and others, leading us into His presence and reminding us to cling to the hope we have in Him.
