Kim Gentes

Inspiration, engagement, anthems, compassion and justice. These are the themes that stream into the mind when one thinks of the modern student movement and conferences known as Passion/268 Generation and its visible leaders Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin. These themes and impact have only solidified and intensified with the latest edition of their live conference worship recordings, "Passion 2013: Let The Future Begin". With unrelenting stadium rock anthems, excellent lyrical songs and a great live engagement experience caught on the recording, this album continues the tradition of making Passion not only an influential musical voice to the college generation but a perennial provider to the liturgical sound track of the modern church.

Since Passion's first release in 1998, their annual conference has fueled both original songs and re-arrangements of great choruses and hymns from the Christian church song catalog. This project brings a huge collection of songs that are all usable and very thoughtful. One of the things that marks this release is the use of several voices across its track list. No less than eight different worship leaders lead this collection of 15 new tracks (there are only 14 on the regular version, but an extra track on the deluxe version). What this does for a lengthy "live" album like this conference recording is make it much more of an experience than just a collage of top songs. With a consistent sound canvas and band playing, these songs leap off the tracks and engage the heart in a worshipful experience.

Beginning with "God's Great Dance Floor", Chris Tomlin kicks off this album with pop/dance 8th notes that have both the conference crowd and the album listener clapping and surrendering their hearts in energetic praise. This is the 3rd album that this song has appeared on recently, and I have found it invitational and inspiring a song. While it is not likely a song that every congregation will jump to use, because of its dance/pop arrangement, it is perfect for almost every youth group and celebrative praise time that comes to mind. If your musicians can can play it, prepare to start the party!

The second track, "The Lord Our God" is one of the most usable songs on this album. Led and co-written by Kristian Stanfill, this song is a declarative listing of the glorious attributes of the Lord our God. It is a song that combines (in a bridge) those characteristics of God with a declaration from the worshiper to follow God's lead by committing to: 

We won't move without You
We won't move without You
You're the light of all and all that we need

At its core, this song carries the message and undergirded values of the Passion conferences- to make His name famous (Passion's mission statement is based on Isaiah 26:8 which says "...for Your Name and renown are the desire of our souls"). A great medium/fast tempo song with excellent lyrical and Biblically based content.

Track three is "Jesus, Only Jesus", a new song led by Matt Redman (who, like most of the tracks on this project are led by one of the writers of the song being sung). This song is melodic, powerful and very well crafted musically. Like all the songs on this album, I went through them with my guitar, playing along to learn, enjoy and ascertain how I might use these songs in worship times. I really loved this song. It has a unique musical twist in this song, in that the hook of the song contains a single phrase that changes the time signature for one bar. The song is in 3/4 time, but the hook line uses a bar of 4/4 for each iteration. This can be tricky at first, but after you practice it, it fits well. The song is well-worth the time it may take to learn to play it.

"Once And For All" is a great new song as well, another anthem that rings with great music, melodies and most of all some excellent theological concepts said well in succinct language. Some of the the lyrics use Christological language not normally seen in worship songs, borrowing liberally from the ancient creeds, such as these selected lines

He is the light in the darkness
Who took on flesh and took our place...
We believe our God is Jesus...
Jesus, Jesus, God from God, Light from Light

These are deeply theological and meaningful statements that call the worshiper to investigate the claims of such a song. It is certain that such writing will have congregants asking leaders and pastors what lyrics such as "God from God, Light from Light" mean. And this is a very good thing. Understanding the nuances of how such central faith statements have come about can only be a positive to any local church community and the spiritual growth of the people. In fact, what is an undertone in a number of tracks across this recording is the language of the ancient creeds and deeper theological statements. From the song just mentioned to "In Christ Alone" to "The Death of Death" and others- this album's pop/rock sound belies the profound lyrical foundations on which some of these songs are built, and this is a joy to discover.

The album continues through spiritual hunger song "Burning In My Soul", and the now church standard "Revelation Song" and into "Children of Light" a call to "rise up children of light" (which, with its overwrought "whoah- oh oh oh" lyrics sounds like a lot of superfluous cheer leading that abandons the strength of the rest of the album). But moving on through this project, track after track testifies powerfully with exceptional lyrics and great music, making this perhaps the best collection of new songs ever to appear on a Passion album. Yes, it is that good, and that extensive. Other songs that you must check out include "Whom Shall I Fear" (led by Tomlin), "Come to the Water" (led by Kristian Standfill), "In Christ Alone" (led by Stanfill, this is the best revision of this song I have ever heard- excellent additional bridge and more singable than any other arrangement of this song) and dubiously named "The Death of Death" by Charlie Hall. Really, be sure to listen to every track on this project and find out what would best fit your local congregation. It is truly worth hearing.

But I would be remiss if I didn't give a special recognition to the standout song on this project. My favorite song on this album is a simple but incredibly poignant surrender song "Here's My Heart" led by David Crowder (written by Giglio, Ingram and Tomlin). This song reminds me lyrically of Brenton Brown's "Surrender" or Hillsong "I Give You My Heart" (Reuben Morgan). This text of this song is a powerful offering of the soul given up to God through simple lyrics that present the one gift God looks for in our worship- the human heart, will and obedience.  If you absolutely are looking for one amazing song, this may become your favorite new song of 2013. It is mine.

Let me be clear- when I listen to a project from a group that has high popularity or notoriety, such as Passion, Hillsong or Jesus Culture, I am especially critical of their projects primarily because I don't want to recommend music based on the commendations of their namesake or past success to guide the value of a current project. With that understanding, I was armed intently to investigate this release. But instead of having a stoic critique of this project, the thorough and wonderful application of thoughtful lyrics, excellent music, melodic songs and a seamless live experience make this album the latest winner of my "Editor's Choice Award". It is really that good.

For churches using WorshipTeam.com, all of the songs, chord charts, lyrics and audio from this album are already available and pre-loaded for you in the WorshipTeam.com system song database.

If you are not part of WorshipTeam.com and want to listen to audio samples or purchase the album directly yourself, see the Amazon link below.

With a jubilant song of freedom, Matt Redman leads us into his newest album "10,000 Reasons" on the wings of the high-energy declaration song "We Are The Free". This is about as upbeat, power-chord driven, high-tempo as I've ever heard Matt Redman- and he doesn't waste it on bad lyrics. "We Are The Free" is spendid lyric writing, coupled with the hard driving beat and a passionate voice it makes for a great introductory track.

As we look through this entire project, Redman has offered up what may be his best complete project of new songs ever. Ever? Really? Yes, really. No one knows what a record and its songs will do before they make their way to the church. In fact, in Redman's case, it would have to be said that some of his most popular songs have risen over time, and through the coverage of others artists (Blessed Be The Name comes to mind especially in this regard).  After "Friendship and the Fear" and "Heart of Worship" back before the turn of the millenium (ya, I know, wow!) I had to wait until "Facedown" to enjoy an album from Redman's new songs. Was it because he didn't put out good songs? No. He did, just not one great project with a large batch of great songs, great production values, and that energetic live presentation with that extra "something" that can only come from a true time of worship captured on a recording for worshipers to engage with later.

Well, I am here to say- "10,000 Reasons" delivers it all. Great songs, great production, and engaging, worshipful live experience. So let's get on with it.

Track two is a trademark three section song, where a steady A/B pattern is established, then an equally infectious melody line is added for a C section about 2/3 through the song. "Here For You" tags "We welcome You with praise" and lifts the entire song, and all of us along with it. A keeper for the Sunday setlist for sure.

Track three is almost a clone of the format set up for track 2. "Holy" has a verse/chorus happening just well and strong. Then another mid-section is added for contrast. But this song has an extra chorus that is yet a 4th part- close enough to fit as the chorus, vamping on strong major chords to start (instead of the minor chords the chorus 1 begins with). The entire song is overwhelming and humbling to anyone involved with it. It works well, and again is a great song for the Sunday selection. 

And so it goes, from "10,000 Reasons/Bless the Lord" (the song) to "Fires" to the droning "Never Once" to the anthemic "Where Would We Be", the driving "We Could Change the World", the glorious "Magnificent", the straight pop/rock "O This God" and finally the piano ballad "Endless Hallelujah".

This album is full, I mean FULL of excellent songs. Well written lyrics, excellent musical hooks, great production, and the gift of one of the best song writing worship leaders in the last 50 years who has obviously poured a ton of work into his craft for this album. Of course, literally every song is a co-write, a testament to the fact that Redman (and most worship writers) have finally figured out that the best songs are made brilliant with co-writing. Jonas Myrin fills in for a bulk of the co-write credits, but familiar names of Matt Maher, Jesse Reeves and Jason Ingram also chime in along with relative new-comer Tim Wanstall.

It would be almost impossible for me to select a favorite song without trying to predict which song will become the next huge song. I absolutely love the first three tracks "We Are The Free", "Here For You" and "Holy". But I would have to settle with "Magnificent" as my standout track. But a dozen people will come out liking a different list each.

You might have checked out of worship recordings for the last few years. Check back in. This album is that good.  Five years down the road, two or three of the songs on this recording will still be rising in the church. If you are a worship leader looking for fresh, well written songs, listen to this entire album. You will find something that will fit your church. Great stuff. Thus far, this is the best album of 2011, hands down.

Worshiping Him

Kim Gentes

One of the treasures we have in the United States is the songwriter, equipper and worship leader Paul Baloche. I have had the opportunity to meet with Paul a number of times. He has a desire to encourage and equip the church as much as any worship leader I have met. He doesn't just record albums and write songs- he has developed helpful resources, often pioneering in training, in an effort to truly give away the gracious gifting God has blessed him with. With that kind of heart, one isn't surprised that his recordings and songs have a special place in the heart of millions of Christians around the world. The same genuine pastoral care he has for the local church is conveyed in his songs and recordings.

The album "A Greater Song" shows one of the richest collections of new songs in recent memory. But beyond being just great singable new songs, they are crafted with excellence in lyrics and music. Paul manages to put together a truly great album with "A Greater Song" by not only attending to musical production, but by co-writing nearly every song on the album with some of the best songwriters in the world. Brenton Brown, Matt Redman, Glenn Packiam, Graham Kendrick, Sara Groves, and Don Moen all count Paul as a friend and lend their talents to this cornacopia of new songs harvested for the modern church.

The project kicks off with the very popular Hosanna (Praise Is Rising), a reverberating exaltation that declares with the Palm Sunday tradition "Hosanna, Hosanna, You are the God who saves us." This is a co-write with Brenton Brown, author of Everlasting God, Halellujah (Your Love Is Amazing) and many other songs. The lyrics have captivated congregations around the world and is rising to become one of the most used songs in the Christian church. If you haven't heard this song, take time and do so- excellent, playable and well-written theological lyrics.

The songs continue with brilliance in songwriting and top notch presentation with Because Of Your Love, another co-write with Brenton Brown. This upbeat declaration thanks God for his great love and it rings true with a unity of lyric and beat that emphasize the point. Like all the songs on this album, electric guitarist Ben Gowell works perfect tone and rhythmic placement on the leads and overlays for each section of the songs. They are as enjoyable to listen to as they are to sing along- a real delight.

The tracklist doesn't falter, and you get full load of rock/country/pop ballad and more on this project. Some of my favorite tracks are Thank You Lord (co-write with Don Moen), Creation's King (co-write with Graham Kendrick), and Here And Now (yet another co-write with Brenton Brown). Paul not only recognizes the value of great co-writing in his song craft, but incorporates the beautiful voice of Kathyrn Scott on a couple of tracks.  And this brings me to my favorite song on the album.

Your Name is a co-write with Glenn Packiam (of New Life Church in Colorado). On this recording, Paul Baloche entreats a ballad by way of a duet with Kathryn Scott- a duet that marks simplicity and perfection on the most singable and infectious melody on the album.  If for no other reason, get this recording of this song- it brims with glory, declaration, and not the least- the focus on the Name above all names. You will be launched into praise and worship if you dare to begin singing this encouraging ballad.

A beautiful song and a wonderful album, "A Greater Song" was awarded 2006 Album of the Year by WorshipMusic.com and it is no wonder. Don't hesitate to add this great album to your collection.

Product Link: A Greater Song - Paul Baloche

Review by Kim Gentes

In the mid-90s a number of local musicians, songwriters and worship leaders in the UK began to flourish and influence not only their nation but the world in bringing new songs to the church. From that stream of praise and worship comes possibly the most influential songwriter over the last 20 years within the modern worship movement- Matt Redman. Redman's songs have been used across the globe, and in virtually every Christian denomination. They have been recorded by countless other leaders, artists and musicians. And while Redman shirks the notariety of his influence, there is scarecly a Christian musician or leader in North America that would not recognize his songs or his name.

Matt Redman was introduced to the North American church largely through the efforts of the music label WorshipTogether, a brand of EMI Christian Music in the United States. The WorshipTogether moniker was comprised largely of songs and recordings from UK leaders and songwriters that were connected with Kingsway Music.  As part of that effort, WorshipTogether introduced Delirious?, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes and others to a broad church and consumer music market from 1998 until the present. While some of Delirious? (Martin Smith) and Matt Redman's songs were making their way across the pond before the EMI marketing effort began, the impact and effectiveness of the WorshipTogether brand, recordings, marketing and website was nothing short of phenomenal.

To review either of Matt Redman's first two albums seems a bit misinformed, as both albums were released first in the UK and both contained slight modifications before being introduced to the US market. The first was a merger of UK releases (songs from UK releases "Passion For Your Name" and "The Friendship and the Fear" became  the US version of "The Friendship and the Fear"), the second was simply a name change (UK "Intimacy" was released as "The Heart of Worship" in the US). In any case, we review each album here.

Redman's first recording that released in the US was "The Friendship and the Fear" in 1998 (released through the EMI StarSong label).  This album was chock full of singable and upbeat songs that contained a rock driven sound with fresh rhythmic sensibilities such as Believer and Better Is One Day. But it was mixed in with intimate melodic classics that have become staples in churches worldwide- such as I Will Offer Up My Life and Once Again. Each of these songs resonated across the North American church, but probably none more so than the Better Is One Day track, which found wings on many other recordings including the phenomenal explosion of the Passion youth gatherings and their associated recordings, whose breakout album in 2000 not only included the song but was entited "Passion: Better Is One Day".

After establishing a strong presence in the church with "The Friendship and the Fear", WorshipTogether released another album by Redman a year later. In 1999, the WorshipTogether label released what would become, at the time, Matt Redman's signature album and song in "The Heart of Worship" (it would later be eclipsed only by his most popular song, Blessed Be The Name). Like Believer on "The Friendship and the Fear", this new album included another celebratory praise hit with Let Everything That Has Breath. But it was the title track that seemed to find its way into hearts across not only North America but the world. In what Redman would later explain as a response to God's corrective to him (as part of his serving in a local church worship leader context), the lyrics of the song The Heart of Worship focused on repentance and Godward devotion intended for worship rather than the music in which praise or worship may be delivered.

These two albums were not only the introduction of Matt Redman as a worship leader and songwriter, they were the seedbed of dozens of other recordings both in North America and abroad. The songs were just the first of dozens that Redman would continue to write, which eventually placed him as one of the most prominent church songwriters in the last 100 years.  And he continues to write the songs of our modern liturgy, even today.  These original albums are still available and are a great archive of wonderful songs usable for churches.

Product Links:

The Friendship And The Fear - Matt Redman (1998)

The Heart Of Worship  - Matt Redman (1999)

Review by Kim Gentes