Album Review: Kari Jobe's Majestic

Kari Jobe is one of many Christian artists whose voice is so distinctive. Her cover of Jennie Riddle’s famous ‘Revelation Song’ in her Integrity Music-released self-titled album has become one of my favorites. Through her experience of more than a decade, I have seen her growth from being a simple CFNI worship leader to one of today's finest Christian artists.

After the release of her Grammy-nominated album Where I Find You in 2012, Kari Jobe is back with her latest praise and worship album, Majestic. This time she offers new songs which are recorded live. This new record comprises 13 tracks released under Capitol CMG Label Group; with Jason Ingram, Ed Cash, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Reuben Morgan and Paul Baloche as some of the co-writers.

The piano-laced opener ‘Hands to the Heavens’ is a very good introduction to the album; as the song grows so does the intensity. The song is a prayer—welcoming the Holy Spirit. I can see this being used by churches at the start of worship services. The shift to the next song ‘Breathe on Us’ is brilliant, its message is still connected to the album opener which welcomes the fellowship and strong move of the Holy Spirit. Some other songs with this theme include: ‘Always Enough,’ ‘When You Walk in the Room,’ ‘Holy Spirit,’ and ‘Let the Heavens Open.’ The desire and eagerness for the presence of God to come, to invade each and every heart is well manifested in the whole album.

Worship projects cannot be completed without having any proclamation of God’s love. The melodious ‘Only Your Love’ has played this part in the album. Its colourful lyrical content gives flavor to the song and suits perfectly to the instrumentation. The opening of the next song ‘Keeper of My Heart’ resembles with Hillsong Live’s Forever Reign. The rest of the song is appealing and catchy.

‘Always Enough’ is one of the songs in the album that are worth mentioning. The moment of worship in this track is ethereal; it has a different strike that touches and warms the heart. The album reaches its culmination on the sixth track, ‘Forever.’ With the following lines: “The moon and stars they wept, the morning sun was dead, the Savior of the world was fallen,” there’s negativity; but as the song rises, you’ll feel something is bursting inside you as you hear these lines: “The ground began to shake, the stone was rolled away, His love could not be overcome. Now death where is your sting, our resurrected King has rendered you defeat.”Songs with this content about the finished work of Christ release huge impact to listeners. Hearts are being stirred, hope’s awakened. I remember Darlene Zschech’s acclaimed song Victor’s Crown with this one.

Another song worth mentioning is Redman-Tomlin-Ingram-Jobe’s co-penned song ‘How Majestic.’ Its beauty and substance is unquestionable. The worshipful theme is wonderfully-laced with Kari’s phenomenal voice. You will love to hear the spontaneous worship at the latter part of the track; a prelude to ‘When You Walk in the Room’ which is obviously born out of the atmospheric worship.

A live album such as this requires greater time and effort than studio albums. As for Majestic, I commend Kari Jobe’s passion and spirit. She has maintained a beautiful performance without compromising the atmosphere of a truthful worship; creating a worship experience rather than a concert experience. All the tracks, from the first down to the last will inspire you to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. I know many worship leaders and CCM enthusiasts will love this album as I do. So far, Majestic is one of the best live albums I encountered this year; and I know this will stand the test of time. I’m so looking forward to seeing its DVD.

Secure your copy now at any House of Praise outlets or you may order online via House of Praise Direct.

Rating: 5/5

Favorite Tracks: Hands to the Heavens, Only Your Love, Always Enough, Forever, Let The Heavens Open
Track Listing:

Hands To The Heaven

Breathe On Us

Only Your Love
Keeper Of My Heart
Always Enough
Forever
How Majestic
When You Walk In the Room
I Am Not Alone
Holy Spirit
Lord Over All
Look Upon the Lord
Let The Heavens Open

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

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My Hillsong United Concert Experience

A week or two before Hillsong United’s concert here in Manila, Ms. Kaye Catral, the Marketing Manager of House of Praise, posted a giveaway on her blog. The mechanics is to post a selfie with your Hillsong United merchandise. And being a Hillsong enthusiast since year 2008, I am so confident to join. I own a lot of Hillsong merch, and I have a complete Hillsong United discography with me. And so, I joined.

It was the 10th of June, the day before the concert, when the winners were announced by Ms. Kaye on her blog. And without further ado, I was selected as the TOP PICK (most creative selfie) to win three (3) Patron SRO Tickets! I was so shocked because of this, and I can’t believe it. First, it is going to be my first ever big concert to attend to. Second, It is Hillsong United, my favourite Christian artist since my high school days, that is going on stage for a concert. But wait, there’s more! On the contest mechanics, Ms. Kaye stated that the most liked entry on Facebook, and the entry with most Hillsong United merch shall each receive a Hillsong United Gift Pack. I may not be the most liked entry on Facebook (I really don’t like liking contests on Facebook!), but I owned the most Hillsong United merch, and so I also take home a gift pack! Thank God!

THE CONCERT NIGHT

11th of June, the first night of two nights of Hillsong United concert here in Manila. I, my sister, and my best friend, Kuya Richard met Ms. Kaye, 5:45 PM, to claim my tickets, and to receive my Hillsong United Gift Pack. We entered the gates at 5:50 PM, and we took a lot of pictures, and bought some concert merch. I think it was already 7:00 PM when we entered into the concert hall of Araneta Coliseum, and 7:30 PM when the concert started.

It was not my first time to go to Araneta Coliseum for an event; I went there a lot of times for some of our Church’s conferences, but it was my first time to go there for a concert. Before, I can only see the stage from afar (General Ad), now I am just before the stage! How blessed and favoured am I?

The crowd is loud, the stage is dazzling with light, and the Hillsong United crew is so energetic and passionate with what they’re doing. The concert started with the song “Relentless” and ended with their all-time favourite “One Way”. Just four songs before the concert ends, my sister and I left for home. We left Kuya Richard because his home is just within NCR and we’re not.

The worship night is simply astounding and memorable. Indeed, it is one of my most unforgettable nights in my entire life. So memorable because as I said earlier, first ever big concert to attend to, with my favourite artist on stage.

See the concert setlist below:

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