Back in the mid-90's Kim began writing impromptu reviews of church music CDs (worship music) so that people who were looking for CDs would have an opinion from someone who is also a worship leader and is garnering music for local church use. Up to this point, this was rarely something that was done, because church music was revered as sacred and it was thought that any offering of that sacred worship shouldn't be criticised or evaluated. In fact, Kim wasn't as much a critic as he was an evaluator, helping people find what fit their church. He began posting his reviews on line in a email discussion forum, called the Worship List (website). After a while, when he helped launch Worshipmusic.com, he continued that same concept of trying to help other local church worship leaders and musicians find music that might be applicable to their situations. The reviews continued to be a part of that. Worshipmusic.com went on to grow a staff of writers that would add many more reviews to the collection they have, but Kim continued to participate as a key reviewer. This journal logs all the reviews Kim has written on worship music CDs and projects.
Kim's reviews of CD projects of worship music includes independents, label and main stream recordings, but all having to do with worship music.
Friday, August 17, 2007 at 5:36PM 
Another level! That is how I describe the latest project from the increasingly popular catalog of projects from PDI Music. 'Everlasting' releases a new level of musicality, production, and diversity for the listeners of PDI music. From the series, Come & Worship, this latest CD takes on the 'big' labels with excellent musical presentation and very strong song selection.
The project opens with 'I'm Calling Out', a dynamic song of God's faithfulness and our need to call out! Well written, the lyrics simple, but not simplistic. Songwriter Mark Altrogge gifts us with this song of paradox, by comparing (in the manner of Proverbs) our attempts at reaching God to the provisions He has already made to enfold us. Excellent biblical based content while being singable and worshipful! Just take a look at the first half of the chorus of this song, a sample of excellent lyric writing :
So I'm calling out To You who called me I'm holding on To You who holds me I'm seeking You Who came and sought me in my sin
Moving on, 'Great Is Your Faithfulness' is another nicely singable and scriptural based song, again by Altrogge. Next, we run into the title track, 'Everlasting'. For a minute you may think your CD changer moved over to your Jars of Clay CD, as the into and musical interludes of this song mix a nicely rhythmic and acoustic sound with a string quartet from heaven. This is one song in which the listener can hear the strong increase in production and musical presentation put into this sixth edition of the Come & Worship series from PDI. Nicely complimentary percussion, and violin parts make some beautiful listening and worshipful sounds.
I am not sure why, but my favorite song on this entire CD is next with 'This Fathomless Love'. Maybe it is the hintings of Celtic sound, the 6/8 feel, the ringing vocals, or the gut-wrenching lyrics.. who knows, but it works for me! Even writing this review now, I am listening to this song for about the 30 or 40th time, and it still causes me to say 'yes, Lord' as I pray and sing along.
But you don't have to agree with me on the favorite song to LOVE this CD. 'Your Love Is Higher', 'For Your Glory Alone' and 'I Love The Cross' add to the sizeable list of singable and useable songs on this project! 'I Love The Cross' is a simple, but heartfelt, cry of thanks for God's sacrifice. At times this CD stretches quite far vocally and stylistically, making it tougher in some songs to consider them for strong congregation use. Particularly, 'More than Life Itself', 'I Must Have You' and 'For Me' make for excellent solo presentations, with some reaching notes and rushing lyrics in a more CCM style. Having twelve excellent songs, though, it is nice to have the diversity of this CD.
The climax of this project is the song 'I Bow Down'. Ethereal and flowing, visions of the Titanic movie love theme will no doubt come to you as you listen. Super clean vocals with pristine acoustic guitar work, this song could be the track to any movie! Surprise- it is! This tremendous trek of devotion is appearing on the new 'Searching for True Love' videos by best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye).
Though not a progressive stylistic project, this CD is excellent and solid with content and very good production.
Product Link http://www.sovereigngracemusic.org/albums/category/sovereign_grace_music/everlasting
Review by Kim Gentes
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