Album Review: Sovereign by Michael W. Smith

Christian Music veteran Michael W. Smith offers us vibrant collection of worship songs with his latest album, Sovereign. Unlike his 2008 record A New Hallelujah, this new offering from Smith is more on a Christian Pop posing as worship—featuring five covers and seven originals.

As I listen to this album, I see a bolder, adventurous, and an out-of-the-box Michael W. Smith. This first worship album in six years presents a new and very different him. In the past, Smith has not always written his own lyrics. Most of his songs were covers especially on his live worship projects. Now, he partnered with some writers and producers to make Sovereign possible. Jason Ingram, Mia Fiedles, Seth Mosley and Kyle Lee are some of the co-writers.

Instrumentally speaking, Sovereign is diverse and rich. Heaven Come Down, Miracle, and Sky Spills Over are all beautifully-crafted but somehow lack lyrical depth and theological inspiration. In spite of the generic tendencies, each of these songs still affords you a new and different way to worship. ‘Miracle’ is a beautiful re-make of John Newton’s Amazing Grace. ‘Heaven Come Down’ is a song of anticipation for the Holy Spirit.

The fact remains that this is a worship album; it does have congregation-friendly songs. You Won’t Let Go, All Rise, You Are The Fire, The Same Power, and The One That Really Matters are some worth mentioning, catchy-with-content songs, designed for use in worship. ‘All Rise’ co-penned by Smith and Ingram, is my favourite cut on the album. The beautiful lines and brilliant melody speak about the worth of our King Jesus. Its simplicity will surely draw people to worship.

Two of the five covers on this project are Dustin Smith originals. Truth be told, there’s nothing new or special with his cover of ‘You Are The Fire,’ but his ‘The One That Really Matters’ is an extra-special one. His duet with Kari Jobe gives spice and flavour to the song. Their voices that blend perfectly will leave you astounded. So far, this one is my favourite among other covers.

Lyrically speaking, ’Sovereign Over Us’ has the depth. It is the highlight of the album and probably the heart also. This Aaron Keyes original gets a good Michael W. Smith treatment. Its brilliant lyrics dressed with elegant instrumentation is appealing; giving us the message to trust in God’s sovereignty.

In the midst of it all, Sovereign is a good reflection of Michael’s desire for his music to be relevant for all ages. His sudden shift may somehow look ‘unexpected’ for us; and has obviously given him a little discomfort, but for sure this will gather new listeners for him.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: A review copy of Sovereign was provided for review by House of Praise, from whom you may purchase the album.

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Integrity Releases "Stand Up" From Luke Hellebronth

NEWS SOURCE: Integrity Music
November 6, 2013

Integrity Music announces the global release of Stand Up, the debut album from Luke Hellebronth, co-leader of London's Worship Central, a staff member at Holy Trinity Brompton and writer of the song "Spirit Break Out," soon to be featured in a major motion picture.

Stand Up, which is available through digital service providers including iTunes and Amazon, was produced by Hellebronth's fellow Worship Central leader and songwriter Ben Cantelon and executive produced by Tim Hughes. The project features seven studio-recorded songs and two live tracks, all written by Hellebronth with co-writers including Cantelon, Hughes, Nick Herbert and Aaron Keyes.

The album unveils the depth of Hellebronth's talent as a writer with songs that range in tone from urgency and optimism, as in the title track and "Our Generation," to plaintive and personal as with "Miracle of Grace."

… Fully embraced by prodigal love / Wrapped in compassion, I'm held in delight The life in Your laughter, joy in Your wine - "Miracle of Grace"

Also included among the nine tracks is "Spirit Break Out," a song that has quickly moved beyond the UK and Europe thanks to Worship Central's 2011 global release of a live album by that title. Kim Walker-Smith followed this, covering the song for her album Still Believe and Integrity featured it on the iWorship Now/Next collection released earlier this year. The song will reach an even larger audience next spring when it is featured in the Paramount film "Noah," starring Russell Crowe. On Stand Up, Hellebronth and Cantelon give "Spirit Break Out" a stronger, darker treatment, reminding listeners of the fine line between intercession and worship. A live video recording of the song featuring Hellebronth and the Worship Central team can be viewed at "Spirit Break Out".

The complete tracklist for Stand Up is: 1. Stand Up 2. Love Like This 3. Awesome Is He 4. Miracle Of Grace 5. Ready For You 6. Who You Say You Are 7. Spirit Break Out 8. Now Is The Time For Us (Bonus - LIVE) 9. Our Generation (Bonus - LIVE)

Luke Hellebronth serves as worship pastor at London's Holy Trinity Brompton church (creators of the "Alpha" course). He also works with Worship Central, helping train local worship leaders and equip churches around the world. His passion is to use music and lyrics to help people worship and connect with God. Additional information, including acoustic versions of his songs and accompanying chord charts, can be found at http://www.worshipcentral.org.

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The Rock Won't Move {Album Review}

ALBUM TITLE: The Rock Won’t Move

ALBUM ARTIST: Vertical Church Band

ALBUM LABEL: Provident Label Group/ Essential Worship

FAVORITE TRACKS: I’m Going Free (Jailbreak), The Rock Won’t Move,

Worthy, Worthy, Strong To Save

RATING: 5/5

My home church will be celebrating its 19^th Year Anniversary on the third Sunday of November. We are holding a very powerful theme from the book of First Corinthians chapter fifteen verse fifty-eight; where Paul is urging the Corinthians to stand firm, do not be moved and always give & submit fully to the work of the Lord. This is very timely to every Christians today whose navigating through the ups and downs of life. This is also the message that is being conveyed by the latest record from the Vertical Church Band, The Rock Won’t Move.

It is my first time to write a review for VCB & their label, also my first time to listen to their songs. What’s impressive with this album is it’s flavorful and diverse in atmosphere, brought up by the collaborative works of Harvest worship leaders: Seth McConkey, Meredith Andrews, Kyle Fredricks, Jon Guerra, Andi Rozier and Tara Rios. Each song is a declaration of faith to the Lord, our ever-faithful Solid Rock.

The album opener Found In You is energetic which is common to many albums. Its instrumentation is somehow familiar to me, mixtures of New Life Worship, Hillsong and Worship Central. I love the thick participation of the people that is well consistent throughout the song up to the next track, I’m Going Free (Jailbreak). The entirety of the song is catchy and chanty, making it one of my favorite tracks in the album. I commend the enthusiasm of Kyle Fredricks in declaring the freedom found in Jesus, the reprise at the latter part is a blast.

The title track The Rock Won’t Move is elegant in its folky instrumentality; a modern remake of Edward Mote’s renown hymn Solid Rock, putting new touches to the lines “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand..” Meredith Andrew’s soul-stirring Worthy, Worthy is the ultimate worship song in the album. My heart is pounding as I listen to it. Her sustaining high-pitch soprano voice will surely give any listener chills.Songs with this theme on God’s holiness & worthiness are memorable and easy to follow because of their simplicity in lyrical contents.

Another folky track is I Will Follow You; a song of commitment, submission and total surrender. This song is not for the lukewarm Christians, and those who don’t want to step out of their comfort zones. Never sing this song if you’re not yet ready to deny yourself and to take up your cross to follow Him.

To emphasize more the theme of the album, Strong To Save exhorts the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ. The entirety is a full blast which makes it the best track in the album. Parallel in this concept is Meredith’s Strong God. I've reviewed Jon Egan’s rendition of this song from New Life Worship’s latest album of this title, and I must say they’re just the same.Call On The Name is perfect for personal devotions and soaking sessions.

As soon as you reach the last two songs of the album—Only Jesus Can and He Has Won, you’ll be delighted to listen to these two tracks over and over again. The next generation worshipers would love the rhythm, energy and enthusiasm of each of these tracks.

Overall, The Rock Won’t Move is one of the best modern worship albums I've ever encountered; an ideal album for multi-generational congregations. The songs that are captured in this record are bold declarations of faith and solid trust to our Solid Rock—the Rock won’t move, the Rock of Ages. With its dynamic and various musical styles and sounds, there is no doubt that this album could resource the church for years and generations to come.

ABOUT VCB

Vertical Church isn’t the name of a church. It is an idea. The idea that worshiping Jesus Christ is best done not when we just sing about Him or what He has done or what He will do in the future. The highest and best worship is modeled by what the angels do: sing to God about God. Vertical.

Vertical Church Band is a collection of people who play every week in places all over Chicago land as part of Harvest Bible Chapel, a place that believes singing isn’t a warm-up for the sermon; singing is a warm-up for heaven. So the faces may change. The style may evolve. But the aim will stay the same. Vertical.

ABOUT PROVIDENT LABEL GROUP/ESSENTIAL WORSHIP

Provident Label Group is a division of Sony Music Entertainment focusing primarily on Christian music in Franklin, Tennessee. The group handles its own physical distribution through its Provident-Integrity Distribution service. Provident Label Group is affiliated byForeFront Records, Sparrow Records, and Tooth & Nail Records. Essential Worship is a community for worship leaders and teams. A place to share in conversation about songs for the church....a place to have a voice.

Disclosure: I received free review copy of the album in exchange of my honest review and opinion. 

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Natalie Grant's New Album "Hurricane" Hits No.1!

NEWS SOURCE: Plan A Media
October 23, 2013

Curb recording artist Natalie Grant has made an extraordinary chart debut with her long anticipated new album, "HURRICANE." The collection entered Billboard's "Top Christian Albums" chart at #1, marking the award-winning singer/songwriter's first-ever debut atop the chart. In addition, "HURRICANE" made a top 20 entry at #17 on the overall SoundScan/Billboard 200.

Grant's first new release in more than three years, "HURRICANE" includes the ebullient title track, which arrived earlier this year and proved the fastest rising single of her career. "Hurricane" swiftly ascended to #1 on the iTunes Store's "Top Christian & Gospel Songs" chart while also achieving top 10 success on Billboard's "Hot Christian Songs" tally. In addition, a companion video clip for the album's moving "In The End" is now streaming at Grant's official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/nataliegrantvideos.

Natalie Grant is among contemporary Christian music's most talented and beloved superstars, acclaimed around the world for her breathtaking vocal abilities, powerful songwriting, and courageous efforts to help victims of human trafficking. One of the most honored artists in CCM history, Grant is a five-time GMA (Gospel Music Association) Dove Award winner as "Female Vocalist of the Year" (including four consecutive victories spanning 2006 to 2009 and a return win in 2012), as well as a 2012 GRAMMY® "Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance" nominee for "Alive (Mary Magdalene)," featured on 2011's blockbuster, "(MUSIC INSPIRED BY) THE STORY)."

"HURRICANE" - available now on the iTunes Store -- follows 2010's "LOVE REVOLUTION," which like its predecessor, 2008's "RELENTLESS," reached the #2 spot on Billboard's "Top Christian Albums" chart. Produced by her multi- award winning husband and longtime collaborator Bernie Herms, the album stands as Grant's most affecting and spirited collection to date. Songs like "Closer To Your Heart" and the powerful duet, "Born To Be" (featuring Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox) chronicle her recent struggles and hardships, a personal journey which saw this gifted artist emerge at last from the darkest, most challenging period of her life thus far.

A brilliant performer known for making lasting connections with her audience, Grant has a number of live dates scheduled through the year, including a leading role on the upcoming multi-artist "THE STORY Tour," slated to get underway November 29th at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and then travel through mid-December. For complete details and ticket information, please see nataliegrant.com/tour.

In addition to her extraordinary musical career, Grant is also committed to giving voice to the voiceless through a variety of charitable efforts. An outspoken advocate for victims of human trafficking, she is the founder of Abolition International, a non-profit origination that works towards providing quality restorative aftercare to human trafficking victims both domestically and around the world.

What's more, Grant has visited the nation's capital twice this year, including a memorable appearance before Presidents Obama, Clinton, and Carter, among others, at the "Let Freedom Ring" ceremony held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

For more information, please visit nataliegrant.com, twitter.com/nataliegrant, facebook.com/nataliegrantmusic,instagram.com/nataliegrant, and www.youtube.com/nataliegrantvideos.

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Songs of Christmas {Album Review}

ALBUM TITLE: Songs of Christmas

ALBUM ARTIST: Gaither & the Homecoming Friends

FAVORITE TRACKS: Jesus the Light of the World, Jingle Bell,Go Tell, Mary, Did You Know?

RATING: 5/5

Recently, I had the privilege to review Gaither Music’s two-volume Women of Homecoming Album. Not only me but my whole family is really enjoying it. If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, you are missing a lot! Now, I have in this post another Gaither Music offering, and this is very timely for the coming season. It’s their latest Christmas compilation album called “Songs of Christmas”, comprising 12 gorgeous and well recorded Christmas hymns featuring Bill & Gloria Gaither and their Homecoming friends.

The songs that are recorded in this album are covers and remake of most-loved Christmas songs of many generations. I am certain of this that this new covers will be enjoyed and loved by generations to come. The album was introduced by a lovely cover of Isaac Watts’ signature hymn Joy To The World. I've listened to countless covers of this song, and this is one of my favorites; its simplicity and elegance make it special.Another beautiful cover is Florida Boy’s I’ll Be Home for Christmas; very masculine, harmonious and jazzy. After this, comes the folky Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. Ben Speer’s low vocal compliments to the choir and gives a sweet country theme—it’s a complimentary song to Jake Hess’ C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S.

Jesus the Light of the World, Jingle Bell, and Go Tell are someof the memorable covers that are worth mentioning. The Hopper’s Jingle Bell is an outstanding remake, fast in tempo and dynamic in instrumentation. Another stand out is the elegant and well-orchestrated Oh Holy Night. The song is very ethereal and every inch of the song is perfection; so momentous and soothing just like the peaceful moments with Silver Bell that is thoroughly engaging.

In a powerful and driving violin plus piano introduction, Mark Lowry delivered expressively his rendition of Mary, Did You Know? The atmosphere built by the instrumentation jives perfectly to the thick emotion brought out by Mark, it’s an amazing worship hymn. The Christmas Song was also given an elegant jazz makeover sung by the Gaither Vocal Band. Of course there’s no question with the vocals—which is perfectly blended. It’s just wonderful to listen, it’s very relaxing.

To end the album, a stunning acapella rendition of Away In a Manger can be heard, but it is just an introduction to the entire song. After the audience’s applause, the choir restarted it in the middle having the same atmosphere of the first song Jingle Bell.Thus far, every revival that Gaither has released (not only in this album), I must say is better than the original, owing mostly to their very rich vocals and creative musicianship.

ABOUT GAITHER HOMECOMING 

Gaither Homecoming is the name applied to a series of videos, music recordings and concerts, which are organized, promoted and usually presented by Christian music songwriter and impresario Bill Gaither. To date, the Gaither Homecoming title is applied to more than 60 videos, dozens of music recordings, and an annual concert tour that drew more than half a million fans in 2004 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). On February 19, 1991, the Gaither Vocal Band had just wrapped up a recording session in aNashville, Tennessee, working on an album called Homecoming, which featured many of the great voices of southern gospel music: The Speers, the Gatlins, Jake Hess, The Cathedrals, Howard & Vestal Goodman,Buck Rambo, Eva Mae Lefevre, James Blackwood, Hovie Lister, Jim Hill, and J.D. Sumner & The Stamps. After the session, the artists stayed around to chat, swap stories and sing old standards around the piano. The impromptu session was recorded on video and later published. The recording was so well received that Gaither began a series of professionally-produced videos with larger gatherings of gospel musicians.

See more at: http://gaither.com/

Disclosure: I received free review copy of the album in exchange of my honest review.

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Women of Homecoming {Album Review}

ALBUM TITLE: Women of Homecoming (Vol.1 & 2)

ALBUM ARTIST: Gaither

FAVORITE TRACKS: You Brought Us Out, Oh Happy Day, 

God Will Open Up The Windows, It is Well With My Soul

RATING: 7/7

Gaither Music occupies a very huge space in the world of Gospel and Christian music industry. Through the years they have resourced the worship community with amazing releases. Their very famous Homecoming Series has impacted and inspired many lives globally and has been the home for numerous gospel artists. To add to the long list of Homecoming discography, Bill and Gloria Gaither hosted a night full of joy, stories, testimonies and celebration which they called ''Women of Homecoming.''

Gathering famous and finest female voices of Christian music, Women of Homecoming is a two-volume collection of 40  gospel songs and hymns recorded live in an intimate worship setting. It's awesome to see some of my favorite Christian artists gathered together to do an album including Sandi Patty, Natalie and Amy Grant, and the youngest of them all--Jamie Grace.

Each of these songs is wonderfully-crafted and soul-stirring. What's amazing with these women is that they sing not because they were assigned to sing a particular song, but because they have some stories to tell. Behind each songs are testimonies of faith, hope, love, pain and grief that these women bears. The DVD-Video feature these testimonies and it makes a good stuff to keep for the family.

Breaking generational barriers, the album also showcases new covers of the most-loved old and new gospel songs; out of which are the classic hymn It Is Well With My Soul where Natalie Grant mashed with her single Burn Bright. There's the newly interpreted trio song--Oh Happy Day Medley by the Sisters that will surely bring you chills; and the remake of Nothing But the Blood, Days of Elijah, plus covers of Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone), Indescribable and Your Great Name.

If you are going through pain and grieving for a loss, Hurt by Hurt, In the in Between, Hear My Heart, In Good Hand, She's Better Now, Lord I'm Listening and Give Them All To Jesus will give you strength, peace, comfort and encouragement. These songs cuts through the heart and it will leave you comforted. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow is a modern re-write of Gaither's classic Because He lives, a perfect complimentary song to Getty's critically-acclaimed In Christ Alone that exhorts the hope found in Jesus, that he is worthy of our trust. Other songs on the album that are parallel in their messages are: Bread Upon the Water and God Will Open Up the Windows which speaks of the Blessings by Obedience. Another set is I Am Loved, I Will Go On and Standing in the Need of Prayer which talks of the forgiveness and love found in Jesus, and so we ought to let go of the hatred and bitterness within which cannot be blamed to others.

Everything Has Its Season is an exhortation of Ecclesiastes chapter three and it co-relates with Amy Grant's Our Time is Now. A reminder that time is an illusion, and so we ought to seize every second of our lives. To celebrate womanhood, The Women I Come From has been the anthemic theme song of the entire album. A mother's heart is wonderfully expressed with Kristyn Getty's A Mother's Prayer--filling the room with strong emotion and tears. You Brought Us Out is a picture of the Israelites' journey to the promise land, and also a depiction of a Christian's journey. Journeying through the wilderness and crooked ways to spread out the gospel is also the message of Jesus Saves.

Women of Homecoming is a no-ordinary album. It's just hard to express all of my emotions in this review, because all that I'm looking for an album is very well present: the powerful vocals, driving instrumental accompaniments, biblically-sound lyrics and of course the professional and well-talented artists. This album is simply perfect, and so I need to raise my standard of rating for this album.

+++

''Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised.''
-Proverbs 31:30

ABOUT GAITHER HOMECOMING

Gaither Homecoming is the name applied to a series of videos, music recordings and concerts, which are organized, promoted and usually presented by Christian music songwriter and impresario Bill Gaither. To date, the Gaither Homecoming title is applied to more than 60 videos, dozens of music recordings, and an annual concert tour that drew more than half a million fans in 2004 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). On February 19, 1991, the Gaither Vocal Band had just wrapped up a recording session in a Nashville, Tennessee, working on an album called Homecoming, which featured many of the great voices of southern gospel music: The Speers, the Gatlins, Jake Hess, The Cathedrals, Howard & Vestal Goodman, Buck Rambo, Eva Mae Lefevre, James Blackwood, Hovie Lister, Jim Hill, and J.D. Sumner & The Stamps. After the session, the artists stayed around to chat, swap stories and sing old standards around the piano. The impromptu session was recorded on video and later published. The recording was so well received that Gaither began a series of professionally-produced videos with larger gatherings of gospel musicians.

See more at: http://gaither.com/

Disclosure: I received free review copy of the album in exchange of my honest review.

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