Kim Gentes

While most of our reviews have centered around products that don't get a lot of attention (either through retail advertising or simply an indie), one of the things I have noticed in the last couple of years is the waning influence of Vineyard's Touching the Father's Heart series on the list of "new songs" being used by churches. Partly because of the insurgence of the UK worship songs, increase of similar music from other labels in the US, and growth of indies, the TFH series has been less than the "staple" of excellent song selection it has been in the period of 1994-1996. With a string of ho-hum projects like "Receive Your Praise", "I Love Loving You", "I Love Your Ways" and "I Just Want To Thank You", Vineyard Music has not helped themselves a lot. Additionally, much of Vineyard Music focus recently has been on a flurry of collections, remixed oldies, and "best of's", making the even the most ardent of Vineyard worship fan crinkle a brow.

But alas, things are looking up! One thing Vineyard has done since early days (under the direction of John Wimber) is to foster the constant birthing of new songs. That kind of real encouragement can't go too long before another crop of good fruit comes due. The most recent addition to the TFH series is just one such "pick" of recent fruit from Vineyard Music. Along with the new project "The Burn Service", this CD has indicated a strong crop of usable and fresh music from Vineyard.

So let's dive in to this CD, "It's All About Jesus"!

To kick it off, this CD begins with a karate chop to the chin of P&W project "formula" of starting with an upbeat song and fading to slow. Instead of hyping us up, pumping the emotions, and playing to our expectations, they start off with the song "Stand Back". This song moves from the contemplative position of encouraging us all to "stand back" and let God move. Writing the lyrics in synch with musical feel, Scott Underwood lets the song grow, building intensity. In an attitude of "standing back" and letting God move, the song ebbs you into the presence of God as you refocus why we worship. This song eases into your heart, and just as you get the point of it, you run into the title track, "It's All About Jesus".

Easy to sing and powerful in message, this song exemplifies the musical contribution that Vineyard has placed in modern praise & worship over the last several years- easy lyrics, simply played music, contagious melodies, and unashamed intimacy. While it isn't as reflective and haunting as the Matt Redman "Heart Of Worship", it doesn't have to be. Still, the messages are the same, and there is no doubt a number of people who will get the two songs confused just by title.

The trek continues through Simple Prayer, a vintage Terry Butler song rife with accidentals (those keyboard players :) and the lyrical message of God's holiness. Another nice touch on the first "set" of this project is the modern hymn "My Soul Finds Rest" by Mary McLean. Not a redone oldie, but a revisitation to themes of "On Christ the Solid Rock", complete with 3/4 time and beautifully spacious notes.

The second "set" is led by Danny Daniels. Track eight heralds a wonderful song "Faithful Love". A great songwriting contribution by Rita Springer and nice vocals by Paula Bowers make this a [repeat] track on most CD players. Danny Daniels chimes in with "River Of Delight", a soft congregational declaration of what we will do at the coming of Christ. Another song that builds with intensity, "River Of Delight" leads well into the 70s country/rock sounding "Lord I Lift Up My Voice". A signature of Danny Daniels songwriting and leading, this song reminisces of the straight forward praise of his classic "Glory". Thereafter comes a couple of songs from Mark McCoy, lifting the worship into much more upbeat praise. "Messiah" is an excellent moving rock ballad that calls out to Christ. "Messiah" hints at a blues feel, and that gets re-ignited in the next song. "Sow In Tears" has strong musical composition, though it misses singable and well-paced lyrics that typically accompany Vineyard songs. The trek of nostalgia doesn't end until the song "We Will Run", when Danny Daniels wraps up the set with another declarative song, but this one has a 60s feel. A nice praise song telling God how we will run to Him.

And just when you were sitting back and thinking you were finished, the great surprise of the album happens- "Wonderful"! Appropriately titled, this song is jumps and hops into praise for God. I was unsure as to the language of the lyrics in the intro line of the song, but Vineyard Music assures me it is that oft sought after language of aboriginal Australian. Apparently the word "Humbia" means "yahoo" (not to be confused with the website) or "yippee". I didn't need to call VMG to get the intention of the song, though. Contagious and upbeat, you will be bouncing throughout the day as this tune rings through your head. This would be a great song to alter, by fixing a "yippee" in your favorite local dialect over the current "humbia" ('course, you'll want to make sure that's covered on your CCLI license and such ;) .

Overall, I think this CD represents the meatiest offering from Vineyard in some time. Though not as creative a musical effort as "You Shelter Me", from the same TFH series, the songs are certainly more useable and likely to be used in the local church. You won't love all the songs on this album, but you will like 3 or 4. Your friend across town will like a different 3 or 4. Your friend across country will like another 3 or 4. You get the picture- a little something for everyone, without fluff anywhere.

Nicely done Vineyard Music! Welcome back.

The project also has an accompanying songbook and split tracks, for those worship leaders who intend to use the songs.

Product Link It's All About Jesus: Touching the Father's Heart

Review by Kim Gentes