Passion albums have become something that many Christians
anticipate each year. One of the things that I really love about this team is
their passion. Every single song that
comes from them is literally heart-changing, touching, and faith-stirring. Many
of their songs have not only become my personal favourites but also our congregation’s.
This year’s Passion album ‘Take It All,’ captures the heart of the Jesus
generation united for His name. I do not know the story behind this album, but
in my mind it is a picturesque of people in total surrender, melting under the
light of the grace and love coming from Jesus. The entire album is
presented with a high level of musicianship and authenticity.
Starting with the lines “Whatever
is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is light, lead me in
Your way everlasting,” ‘Don’t Ever Stop’ opens the album with energetic
praise party. The lines of the song is obviously taken from Philippians chapter
four, verse eight. Its synths, powerful drum, and ripping guitar accompany
Chris Tomlin as he leads thousands of voices in praise.
The second track ‘Never Gonna Let Me Go’ describes the great and
saving love of Christ. This acoustic-based composition of Kristian Stanfill is very
congregational. I love the last part that tells “Whatever you’ve been, whatever you’ve done, come as you are, come into
His open arms...” It’s a perfect song to draw people to worship. After this
track comes the long, and ethereal worship moments. You will surely love to
worship while listening to ‘Let It Be Jesus’ sung by Christy Knockels. This is
my ultimate favourite cut on the album. The theme, musicality, and
lyrical-depth jive perfectly. I am so excited to line it up on my worship
setlist.
‘At The Cross’ is not
your favourite Hillsong classic. This new song is one of the moments you do not
want to miss. Chris Tomlin invites everyone to surrender everything at the
cross where love ran red. It is one of the stand-out tracks in the album. As
you reach the near-end point, Chris drops out almost completely. The way how
the crowd grabs hold of it is what I love most.
Biblical content is very
critical to a worship song. This important part should never be omitted, unless
the writer wants to create songs with cliché lines of “we love You, we adore
You.” Truthfully speaking, Passion’s
Take It All fell tothis common pitfall that is prone to worship albums. Some of
the songs in the album which I find generic, and have the cliché lines are ‘My Heart is Yours,’ ‘Almighty,’ ‘Mercy,’ ‘Worthy,’
‘This Grace,’ and ‘Sing and Shout.’ But still these are good to be had in the
album. Each song has brilliant instrumentations and are not just ‘album fillers.’
Overall, Take It All is
honest, raw, and passionate. I commend the heart of the Passion Worship
Leaders. Their love for God, heart for worship, and compassion for people are
extravagantly manifested in this project. Each track, from the first down to
the last, affords you a unique way to worship the Lord while being edified
spiritually.
Rating: 4.3/5
Track Listing:
1. Don't Ever Stop [feat. Chris Tomlin]
2. Never Gonna Let Me Go [feat. Kristian Stanfill]
3. Let It Be Jesus [feat. Christy Nockels]
4. At the Cross (Love Ran Red) [feat. Chris Tomlin]
5. I AM [feat. Crowder]
6. My Heart Is Yours [feat. Kristian Stanfill]
7. Almighty [feat. Chris Tomlin]
8. You Came To My Rescue [feat. Christy Nockels]
9. Mercy [feat. Matt Redman]
10. Come As You Are [feat. Crowder]
11. Worthy [feat. Matt Redman]
12. This Grace [feat. Kristian Stanfill]
13. Sing And Shout [feat. Matt Redman]*
14. My Heart Is Yours (Radio Version) [feat. Kristian Stanfill]*
15. Let It Be Jesus (Song Video) [feat. Christy Nockels]*
16. Come As You Are (Song Video) [feat. Crowder]*
17. Crushed By Grace [Louie Giglio Talk]*
*available on Deluxe Edition (CD+DVD)
Disclosure: A review copy of Take It All was provided for review by House of Praise, from whom you may purchase the album.
