Kim Gentes

As I have mentioned before, when we do reviews it is normally only for full album projects, not singles. But we must make exception where it is due. And with this new song by Jeremy Riddle, trust me friends- it is due. 

The song "The Lord Is My Shepherd" is a new single just releasing from Vineyard Music. I discovered this new song at WorshipTeam.com (which adds all the new music from Vineyard and most other worship publishers as they release).  If you aren't a WorshipTeam.com member, you can find the song on Vineyard's site at Vineyard Resources.  Let's talk about this new song.

The song is obviously a lyrical reference to Psalm 23, and the chorus relies on this image of God providing for us and bringing us to safe waters to satisfy our souls.  The chorus, using this sharpened theme from David's psalm, is melodic, infectious and even rhythmic. Lyrical purists will note the 3rd to 1st person voice change that happens throughout the chorus, though it remains thoroughly first person for the rest of the the song. This is normally a faux pas for songwriting, but it works in a unique way here to reference the classic rendering of the scripture ("The Lord is my Shepherd") giving it an anchor to our tradition, and as an implied voice to call others to notice the provision of God. 

The Lord is my Shepherd and I'll want for nothing
You lead me to water for You know I'm thirsting
And I I'm only satisfied
By You by You

Riddle's songwriting here is marvelously in stride with the tension of reality- that we live in the knowledge of God's provision and the need for it to satisfy the very human thirst of our souls.

The music and the lyrics are punctual and poignant, capturing the essence of what it means to both need God in the "pain in my life" and to declared to Him that "You are there". But ultimately, the song returns to rest in God not only providing the provision, but being the provision, as Riddle sings "You are the water for my soul".

I will say it clearly- this is Jeremy Riddle's best song. It is blissful, articulate writing, and wonderful soaring music. Not contrived, the song lives in itself and doesn't try to solve anything beyond the scope of its theme. Perfect.

Likewise, the arrangement and execution by Jeremy is dead on.  The music doesn't climb off of the song and overcome it.  Some of the previous tracks on Riddle's other albums became so enamored with Jeremy's souring vocals they would run roughshod over songs which had no right being "wall of sound" anthems.  That does not happen here. His voice is first and it stays out front.  He climbs to some extremely high notes and sings like he means it.  This is Vineyard's best radio ready single- ever. If this doesn't climb past the radio popularity of Sweetly Broken, I will be surprised.

That said, I have one problem with the song- it is a great radio single.  The notes of his excalamatory aria, especially on the second and third choruses, are brilliant but absolutely remove the song (in this form) from possible congregational use. This single is in the right key for congregational singing (G), but when Riddle explodes into his falsceto, he leaves all hope for this arrangement being used in local churches.  Vineyard will need to produce a crisp arrangement for local churches to use this song, perhaps removing the extensive "by You, by You" throw offs that make this a great listening radio single.

Worship leaders, worshipers and musicians- check out this new song.  It is excellent!

Available at WorshipTeam.com (for subscribers).

Also available for purchase at Vineyard Resources 

The Lord is my shepherd! Yes, Lord!

In Him,
Kim Gentes