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 6:13PM 
If you're like me, you have friends who regularly share with you of their latest discoveries in worship and music. Several months ago, one such friend, introduced me to a song called 'Here I am To Worship'. The song was clear, inviting and sparkling of truth. The more I listened, the less I listened and began to worship and bow my heart to God. Such was my initiation into the sounds and songs of a worship leader Tim Hughes, from Watford, England's Soul Survivor movement. Now, the album from the young Soul Survivor worship leader is released in the US and abroad. And thankfully, the title track ('Here I Am To Worship') was just a hint of the great collection of praise and intimacy that earmarks this terrific project.
As many of you know, my most important criterion in reviewing a praise and worship album (IE. an album for the Church to use in devotion) is the quality of the songs. In that area, 'Here I Am To Worship' is the finest album to come from the UK since Delirious? released their Cutting Edge double CD collection in the US. Most immediate comparisons for this album will go directly to label-mate Matt Redman's 'Friendship and the Fear' and 'Heart of Worship' projects, and rightly so. Tim Hughes garners musical and lyrical style out of the same cloth as Redman, no doubt about it. But comparisons are really not needed to appreciate this album, as it stands squarely on its own merits of terrific songwriting, great production and fine vocals! So let's dive in and look at the songs!
The project kicks off with 'Maker of All Things', a guitar driven song that is definitely a 'freeway hit' (you know what I mean- you will be rocking back and forth singing this song as you roll off to work on the freeway). Not only is the music upbeat, but also the lyrics and attitude of this song truly elevate the heart as you find yourself lifting up the Lord. I really appreciate the album starting this way, making God the context of our music through clearly praise pointed lyrics. In fact, you won't find the word 'I' in this introductory track at all; a tendency critics of modern worship music have said was a shortcoming of many projects. As a writer Tim Hughes does great service to the Church with this first song, making us all focus just on Him through God-ward lyrics. He also does not allow us to worship in isolation by crafting language for the whole Church and joining us all to worship by using pronouns 'we', 'our' and 'your people' through the song. Rolling along, the album ebbs musically softer through tracks 2 and 3. 'May the Words of My Mouth' begins by borrowing from Psalm 19, and resounds with personal devotion and commitment to 'follow You' and 'give my all to You'. Stuck between a great opening track and the title song, this track could get lost, but I encourage everyone not to let that happen. And that goes for this whole album- every track on this project is worthy of its placement on an international release like this.
On to the third song, we come back to 'Here I Am To Worship'. In my opinion, this song is so infectious, so truthful, and so balanced (by both words of heartfelt longing and beautiful lyrical sculpting of God's character) that it will become the most widely used song out of the UK worship stream since 'I Could Sing of You Love Forever'. In the manner as David did in the book of Psalms, this song attains the same amazing juxtaposition of personal prayer/cry and artful etching of God's awesome attributes. And that is the signature of Tim Hughes writing on almost every song- a constant contrast of our emptiness and God's greatness. You just have to look at the chorus of this song to see that clearly:
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
What else need be said? If you aren't doing this song yet in your times of corporate worship, you will be soon.
Arriving at 'I'll Always Love You', the fourth track is easily my favorite. With the best musical hook on the album, this song says what we all long to say:
I'll always love You
I'll always sing to You, Jesus
I long to worship You in Spirit and in truth
The simple lyrics, great melody, and excellent power-chord progression of this chorus-based song will be bouncing around the halls of youth groups and youthful hearts for many years. I have to say it again- this is my favorite song on this album! Don't miss it!
You may have noticed that I haven't said much about vocal style or musicianship and production. Don't worry; this is one of the best musical productions to ever come out of the UK worship leaders. Producers Jason Halbert and Dwayne Larring, of the original Sonic Flood, made sure the project shines with tasteful arrangements (using power and understatement effectively), excellent instrumentation and well placed vocal styling. Not to diminish the superlative work of production done on this project, but the songwriting on this CD is so stellar it remains its backbone.
Back to the songs, tracks 5 and 6 continue the renderings of Hughes' psalmist heart on the music canvas. 'If There's One Thing' is a medium tempo song that builds into a commitment song of our devotion to God. 'Redeemer' returns to a soft tone, and to contrasting the worshippers heart with the vastness of the One being worshipped. Ringing in the song 'Day After Day', the seventh track is another one of my favorites. This song is a wonderful prayer/cry with another tremendous melodic chorus. Some will say it is too simple, too repetitive. Too bad for them! I love this song, and it makes my list of songs to do in church. Track eight is a fun tune, continuing to weave great lyrics with infectious music and melody. When I first heard 'Jesus, You Alone' I was immediately remind of 'That Thing You Do' musically. It is a bouncy song of God's glory, but with good lyrical weight.
The next song retreats back to simplicity and intimacy with 'Never Lose the Wonder' only to return to another wave of musical exuberance with 'The Eyes of My Heart', which in turn is followed by the calm devotion of 'My Jesus, My Lifeline'.
You don't have to be a fan of UK worship music or Tim Hughes to simply love this album. The tremendous offerings of songs on this project will wash over the Church worldwide, as we praise God. While listening to this CD in my car stereo (I listened to this CD no less than 30 times through!), I was able to get to know the songs personally and am now ready to begin incorporating them in my own local churches worship services. But I have said enough, the best way for you to believe it for yourself is to listen online to the CD! Get yours soon- this is a great CD!
Product Link Here I Am To Worship - Tim Hughes
Reviewed by
Kim Gentes
album, cd, here i am to worship, kingsway, music, original, review, tim hughes, uk, worshiptogether in CD Review Friday, August 17, 2007 at 6:00PM 
Recently, I was thinking extensively about liturgy, and the concept of 'call to worship' songs. It was in the context of this thinking that I clicked the 'play' button on my portable CD player and let spin the new Vertical Music title 'Much' by the band Ten Shekel Shirt.
The first song, 'Meet With Me' knocked me out! Strictly speaking, this is what you would label a 'call to worship' song, as I mentioned above. But labeling it as such would be akin to calling the Titanic just a boat. The beauty of Lamont Heibert's voice is like a wind whistling in the desert- dry, clean and hunting for waters of life. As the intro layers his voice with acoustic guitar, Heibert leads me from listener to participant in about one stanza. No sooner am I riveted into the prayerful verse, then the chorus erupts with:
The arrangement here is absolutely perfect, with an artful use of dynamics. This song is a keeper, and the most useable tune for congregations off of this album.
Moving on to the second track, we find 'Ocean', a song that you have already heard steadily on the Christian radio channels, and in the charts for Christian radio singles.
I have heard a few people trying to equate this group (Ten Shekel Shirt) with other pop or Christian bands. Frankly, that is too bad. While they have some sounds that reminisce with a torrid of other pop/acoustic/worship bands, this group has their own sound and, more importantly, their own call from God. Sent out through YWAM to bring the gospel to the campus of Yale University, they have used music to speak the message of Jesus to students hungry for a real God. 'Ocean' reflects the meditative timbre of their message, where a very present God is both near us, and surrounding us, in His closeness and vastness.
As we move to 'Sweet Embrace', we find another wonderful song of praise that is easily useable with a worship team/band. This is just one of those infectious songs that grows on you more and more as you listen. Speaking straight to God, this song will work its way into contemporary services and youth services everywhere. The fourth track leans back tempo-wise and, like Ocean, reflects on how we can feel empty and tired when we take our focus off of God's love. But it leads from there to the solution- 'so I fall on my knees...'
The next track, 'Unashamed Love' settles into the prayerful surrender that this album returns to often. On this album, musically, you will hear acoustic guitar, electric, some rock organ, and well-placed violin/strings, along with the standard rock rhythm section.
As the tracks roll on, through the title track 'Much', to 'Come Away' and ending at 'Great', the diversity of this CD is echoed in lyrics and arrangement. From powerful and driven (Come Away) to soft surrender (Great), this project shines among a sea of sameness in the 'worship' music genre of albums.
This CD was a slam-dunk selection for the Editor's Choice Award, and it should be a slam-dunk for anyone who hears this band. Proof of this was crystal clear around our offices at WorshipMusic.com, when complimentary copies of the sampler CD were vanishing, and the CD could be heard on just about everybody's CD-ROM player in the complex. This is the only CD that I remember our entire staff hounding me to review. And why not; they were right- this CD rocks! Worship God!
Product Link Much - Ten Shekel Shirt
Review by Kim Gentes
Lamont Hiebert, Much, Ten Shekel Shirt, cd, hiebert, integrity, modern, music, ocean, sony, vertical, worship in Awards, CD Review, Music Review Friday, August 17, 2007 at 5:32PM 
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
The Heart Of Worship
Review by Kim Gentes
cd, heart of worship, intimacy, kingsway, matt redman, music, redman, survivor, uk, when the music fades, worship, worshiptogether in CD Review, Music Review Friday, August 17, 2007 at 5:31PM 
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
Friday, August 17, 2007 at 2:00PM 
For over 15 years, one of the most acclaimed worship recordings has been this now classic from Robin Mark. Revival In Belfast is a truly remarkable recording for several reasons, but the main one is this- authenticity. Guided by award winning producer Paul Mills, this recording delivers a brilliant collage of uilleann pipes, pennywhistles and the honest cries of North Ireland through the voice and music of Robin Mark. This recording hits the pinnacle of what every artists hopes to achieve- authenticity with artful skill. You believe every word, every instrument, every prayer in this experience embodied in this album for the simple reason that it is exactly what it appears to be - a true worship-filled exchange of a congregation praising their God.
Robin Mark has penned most of the songs on this landmark album, and they remain classics even today. From Revival, to Jesus, All For Jesus and even the epiphinal Days of Elijah, each of these songs ring as true for us as they do for Robin Mark. Other classics Shout to The North (written by Martin Smith) and Be Unto Your Name (written by Lynn DeShazo and Gary Sadler) are incorporated in perfect style to fit the nuance of this cultural Irish worship collection.
While the writing and music are authentic, the narrative of this project is nonetheless directed and intentional. This is clear from the song order, pacing of each arrangement and its final track which is the climax to a perfect live experience. In my opinion, this album has one intention, one clear purpose- to point you to the heralding call of its final song. As you weave through the experience of this Irish musical countryside, you end up at the masterpeice that is Days of Elijah. And without leaving the authentic narrative that has brought you to this point, Robin Mark and producer Paul Mills take this experience to a whole other level. Flute, organ pads glide you gently into rising anthem. Mark's acoustic guitar strums softly, and the rhythm draws you into the song. They lyrics open to a contrasting hope of Biblical characters Elijah, Moses and David with the worl'ds current state of brokenness, loss and desolation saying "and though these the days of great trial, of famine and darkness and sword".
Mark uses a destinctly John the Baptist tone, declaring "Behold He comes riding on the clouds." The chorus is a blissful hope declaration ringing to the truth of the Christ's return as the hope for all Christians and indeed the world. The lyrics written on a page might appear like a bit of a collection of "Christian cliche" today, but they sound anything but that when you listen to this tremendous recording. The blissful conclusion to this recording is the final prayer that Robin Mark administers with graceful humility. Then, just as you think the recording has concluded, a final rousing chorus is rallied with such passion, such authenticity, such artful effusion one is often left in tears. I certainly am.
For over 10 years, people have seemed to agree with this kind of lauding of this project. Indeed for a full 10 years, this project stayed in the top 40 sales of all products on WorshipMusic.com, outselling more than any other project in the last 15 years- including top charting collections like WOW Worship, iWorship and all others. Something about Revival In Belfast struck the heart of worshipers around the globe for more than a full decade. Phenomenal!
If you haven't had a chance to enjoy this amazing experience, take this opportunity to enjoy something hundreds of thousands of Christians worldwide have experienced. You won't be dissappointed.
Product Link: Revival in Belfast
Worshiping with you,
Kim Gentes
celtic, christian, days of elijah, integrity, irish, music, praise, revival in belfast, robin mark, worship in CD Review, Music Review 
