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, March 15, 2013 at 4:09PM 
This week I was researching in preparation for Easter, hoping to find some great resources that we could highlight here. One resource that I found is a truly great new song from our friends at Hillsong Australia. The song called "Man of Sorrows" is a brilliant combination of theological verses about the betrayed, suffering, killed and finally ressurected Christ, who is glorified with praise in a vibrant chorus
"Now my soul cries out
'Hallelujah! Praise and honour unto Thee.'"
"Man of Sorrows" is a single they are going to release on an album later in July of this year. But, they have released the song early since it is really an Easter song. I love it. Musically, this song is arranged straightforward, cadenced slightly with guitar overlays that make it "hymn-like", if that can be a style. Very singable, but with a style and lyrics that resound to the authority of Christ as He rises from the grave in the triumph of Easter. The lyrics borrow from allusions to Philip Bliss' "Hallelujah What a Savior" and tacitly to George Bernard's "The Old Rugged Cross". But more than direct quotes, "Man of Sorrows" uses punctuated lingual style and phrases of the hymns ("to that tree", "on Jesus laid", "honour unto Thee", "is free indeed", "His own betrayed") that will endear the song both to those who love traditional hymn-style and to the newer power of the great modern choruses.
This is a wonderful song that can be opened up to full engagement by a congregation, whether just with a guitar or a full band or a whole choir- a wonderful worship experience. It is a standout strong song, that can easily be adapted and used in most churches. This is especially true with Easter Sunday just a couple weeks away. Something to definitely consider for that "big Easter" song that everyone can join in with, be surprised (shouldn't there be some "surprise" in our Easter!) with and celebrate the Resurrection with!
Below you will find download links for both the PDF lead line sheet music and the mp3 audio file.
We hope you find it helpful for this season.
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 "Man of Sorrows" from Hillsong
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"Man of Sorrows" 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).
Article by Kim Gentes
PDF, chord chart, download, easter, free, hillsong, lead sheet, man of sorrows, mp3, sheet music, worship in Easter, Free Download, Music Review, Musician Resource Review, Single Song Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 2:27PM 
Our friends at Hillsong Australia contacted us this week wondering if our readers might be interested in getting a free MP3 and sheet music copy of their new song "Cornerstone".
Of course, I was happy to say "yes!"
Based on the hymn "The Solid Rock", Cornerstone is a brilliant anthem of Christ's Lordship, which is perfect for the glorious celebrations coming up for our Easter Sunday's.
Below you will find download links for both the PDF lead line sheet music and the mp3 audio file.
We hope you find it helpful for this season.
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 "Cornerstone" from Hillsong
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"Cornerstone" Already in WorshipTeam.com
Thanks to our friends at Hillsong Australia, 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).
Article by Kim Gentes
PDF, cornerstone, download, easter, free, hillsong, lead sheet, mp3, music, sheet music, song, worship in Easter, Free Download, Music Review, Musician Resource Review, Single Song Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 11:05PM 
We are all too often carried away by the complexities of modern music production and arrangements, and drawn away from the simplicity of both a song lyric and melody. The purpose of a song is, after all, to draw lyric and music into a partnership and deliver a singular, powerful message. When a song does this, it becomes our song, our anthem, our community script for things we previously lacked the ability to say well together.
As Advent Season is upon us, I had the opportunity to hear a beautiful song that so perfectly punctuates the clarity of this season it instantly captured my heart in worship. Through the song I was drawn up in waiting, in desire and returned powerfully to the coming kingship of the Christ as the song became my declaration of preparation for Emmanuel. Because the song is so poignant and timely, I asked the writer, Darrell Harris, if I could share it with others. He graciously consented, and so I am delighted to present his song "As We Wait" below for you.
Simple, yearning, stark- its a delightful song in the hopeful pattern of the advent season. Feel free to use this resource. Below are three links: the mp3 audio demonstration, a basic PDF leadsheet, and the PDF SATB sheet music. If you choose to use this song, please respect the request of the authors and record any usage of this song in your regular CCLI reports.
Again, a heartfelt "Thank you" to Darrell Harris for sharing his fine song for the blessing of the broader church!
With you in Hope
Kim Gentes
PDF, advent, as we wait, christmas, darrell, harris, hope, lead sheet, mp3, neftzger, song, tyra in Advent, Music Review, Musician Resource Review, Single Song 