Elevation Worship: Only King Forever {Album Review}

The day we accepted Jesus in our hearts and decided to follow Him, is also the day we were born in the family of God (John 1:12-13). It’s the day when we have fully committed our loyalty and allegiance to Him our Only Lord and King, and we stand and gather under the Banner of the Name who is above all names—Jesus Christ. It’s awesome to be reminded of this, that deep in our hearts we have our King; and it’s the theme of Elevation Worship’s newly released album—Only King Forever.

This 14-cut album is the reflection of what God has been doing in the Elevation Church today. It comprises 12 new songs, one reprise, and a remake of the classic hymn Blessed Assurance, the album also features Darlene Zschech.

With a high level of musicianship, the title track, “Only King Forever” is a very good album opener. I can sense a great anticipation and conviction in every inch of their declaration: “You are the only King forever Almighty God we lift you higher, You are the only King forever, Forevermore, You are victorious.” Knowing that there is always been a high ‘expectation’ for title tracks, this one will not disappoint you.

The entirety of the album is presented with a spirit of authenticity. Songs such as “Glory is Yours”, “Mighty Warrior”, “Great & Mighty King”, and “Unto Your Name” focus on the victory and glory that is found alone in Jesus. Each of these songs is parallel in their message.

Three songs that are worth mentioning for their rich lyrical content are “Grace So Glorious”, “The Love of Jesus”, “Raised to Life”, all are songs about the finished work of Christ, and the benefits of the cross and His redemption. Songs with such theme has become the highlight of many worship albums, because it is close to the heart of congregations. Another song worth mentioning (with the same theme) is the gorgeous remake of the hymn “Blessed Assurance”. The simplicity that turned to intensified worship moment will make your heart pound. The newly-written vamp lines: “Oh what a Savior, Wonderful Jesus, death could not hold You, You are victorious praise to the risen King” formed the peak of the song.

Closing Thoughts:

Elevation Worship is one of many worship bands that are literally changing the sound and atmosphere of worship in the church today— all for God’s greater glory. I am confident of this, that this new record will be cherished greatly by Christians especially musicians and worship leaders. I admire the atmosphere that’s been consistent in the album, which uplifts and stirs up the spirit. Overall, Only King Forever affords you an opportunity to worship God in a fresh and new way.

Don’t miss some FREE RESOURCES they’re giving away. Make sure you secure a copy of this great album.

Favorite Tracks:

Only King Forever, Grace So Glorious, Mighty Warrior, Blessed Assurance, Raised to Life

Rating: 5/5

Track listing:

Only King Forever

Glory is Yours

I Will Look Up

Grace So Glorious

Grace So Glorious (Reprise)

The Love of Jesus

Last Word

Mighty Warrior

I Will Sing

Everlasting Father

Blessed Assurance

Great and Mighty king

Unto Your Name

Raised to Life

Disclosure: I received free review copy of the album in exchange of my honest review and opinion. Special thanks to Essential Worship/ Provident Label Group

Continue reading »

NEW Album from Elevation Worship {Free Songs+Lead Sheet}

Continue reading »

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. 

Continue reading »