Music Reviews (by Kim Gentes)
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.
Entries in hymn (2)
When I Survey [single] - Darlene Zschech & Andy Mak (2013) - free download
Friday, March 29, 2013 at 11:18AM 
When I Survey
(written by Darlene Zschech, Andy Mak & Thom Macken, based on Isaac Watts original hymn)
-Sung by Darlene Zschech & Thom Macken from Hope UC
There are few songs that cut straight to the heart of the message of Christ's crucifixion like "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross". Originally written by Isaac Watts, the song was penned for a communion service in 1707. The most popular rendition of music to be applied to Watts' lyrics came from Lowell Mason whose composition applied to the hymn became the what many people recognize as the "When I Survey" of the church.
What strikes me most about this song is that it conveys the power and truth of the scriptures with such terse language. We often want things boiled down to singular concepts that are easy to digest and focused in theme. While Watts certainly has focused on the cross with this hymn, he has expressed it in its wide diversity by showing how the cross applies to the breadth of creation and our human condition.
A friend of mine, who works with Darlene Zschech and other songwriters/artists sent me this message a few days ago:
Darlene wanted you to be able to bless whomever you wanted to with this wonderful song "When I Survey" that she and Andy Mak (producer and engineer at her studio The Grove) created for Easter weekend at Hope Unlimited Church. Feel free to spread this around...
Thank you Darlene and Andy!
Darlene Zschech, Andy Mak & Thom Macken have crafted a new chorus that adds a modern flourish to this great hymn of the last 4 centuries. The track is sung by Darlene Zschech and Thom Macken. Below you will find an MP3 and chord chart of this song. I encourage you to download BOTH the mp3 and the chord chart and engage with this song.
Many thanks to Darlene Zschech, Andy Mak and Hope Unlimited Church (Australia) for giving us permission to post this.
Be sure to chime in and let us know what you thought (post comments below) and you are welcome to share this with friends on Facebook and twitter with your friends.
Free Song Download "When I Survey" from Darlene Zschech, Andy Mak & Thom Macken / Sung by Darlene Zschech & Thom Macken
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"When I Survey" Already in WorshipTeam.com
This song has been pre-loaded for all those who use Worshipteam.com for their worship planning. You can include it in your set planning this week! If you are a member, simply login and find it in the song database, or under "New Songs" tab. If you aren't a member, you can check out Worshipteam.com for free for a month (more info here).
Review by Kim Gentes
Joyful Joyful (We Adore Thee) - Dunn & Wilt (2011)
Friday, January 6, 2012 at 2:17AM 
Recently, I was looking for a version of Joyful, Joyful. One of my first stops online was to see if Dunn & Wilt had a version. They did. I love it. Subtle piano-scaped corners with a core of electronic beat and pads is an apt description. My Joyful, Joyful moment with this song occurred as I sang along with the song, all the while feeling like the Euro-pop soundscapes of the late 80's had somehow floated in the window. Nicely arranged, simply sung and thoughtfully sparse at the most important moments, this is a great little peice of music.
The song, of course, was the original creation of Henry van Dyke, with Beethoven's music framing its poetic form. Dunn & Wilt bring their signature expression to the song, and it takes a delightful form. The nice thing is you don't have to believe me- you can go get the song yourself, for free. No strings. They let you download it and its yours. Cool. Go check it out this way:
- Go to http://bit.ly/AqK3us
- Then scroll down to the song "Joyful, Joyful (We Adore Thee)" and use the "Download album" button.
- Follow the instructions and pretty soon you have the song.
I love it! Thanks Dunn & Wilt.
Review by Kim Gentes
80s, adore, dan, dunn, electronica, hymn, jeremy, joyful, modern, wilt in Christmas Music, Free Download, Music Review