Kim Gentes

From 2004 to the present, few Christian recordings have been able to attain the level of popularity that garners platinum record sales.  Fewer still have included songs that are not only great radio favorites but long term standards for Sunday morning worship. But all that and more has been accomplished by this amazing solo project from one of the top artists in Christian music today- Chris Tomlin. Arriving was Chris Tomlin's break out blockbuster album and it still holds sway as one of the best artistic endeavors in Christian music in the last 10 years.

Arriving became such a tremendous success for several reasons, but the primary are: great songs and great production. One of the hallmarks of a great artist is their ability to incorporate great songs that they didn't write. Tomlin shines in this regard, recognizing that while he has strong songwriting chops, some of the songs he is best known for are not his writing at all- Indescribable and Your Grace Is Enough two brilliant examples. Arriving is the perfect balance of radio ready songs and corporate worship favorites. This became the backbone of its stream of #1 radio hits. The creative genuis of Ed Cash rendered Tomlin in his absolutely best light, making the songs on this album shine.

Songs like Holy Is The Lord and How Great Is Our God have become staples in the CCLI top 10 list of most used songs in the world.  Cash's perfect production and layered sounds has since been copied time and again by other worship records, but never to the same level of authenticity or success.

But beyond the awards, success and record sales, this album represents what is the pinnacle of the praise and worship genre in Christian music- great art in a devotional context. While the album lacks the gritty vibe of a live project, nothing sounds phoney about the stellar arrangements placed on every track. Tomlin's high tenor reach and textured voice makes the project worth listening to all the way through.

While worship leaders would be ill-advised to retain the songs in same key as the original recording with Tomlin's soaring vocals, all the songs are usable and accessible. In fact, the tunes are so hook-laden and melodic any revisions will do well to retain the memorable arrangements even if shifting pitch for congregational singability. Again, this CD has recieved all the accolades possible. In the age of a collapsing music industry, church based worship music has continued to be as popular as ever. And none more popular than the songs, artist and writer of this album. Arriving has left a monumental imprint on the last 7 years of Christian music and continues to do so.  If you haven't got your own copy of the tremendous album, check out the link below and get the MP3 album for your collection. It is worth it.

Product Link: Arriving: Chris Tomlin

Review by Kim Gentes

The chapters of Nehemiah have long been a prophetic spark to call forth life in the church. The painful beginnings in the rubble of defeat and shame. The ongoing antagonism and attacks of Sanballat and other nay-sayers. Even the internal struggles of uniting the families and people into the one task of rebuilding the wall of hope. Nehemiah is not a story for the great victorious church, where Christians triumph idyllically in every circumstance. Rather, it is a call to the broken and tired church, where followers of Christ long to be reminded, and encouraged, to once again stand up, and say with that ageless prayer-confession of Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

With these two thoughts, Brian Doerksen begins an interwoven message of music and ministry through his newest offering, entitled "Today". As I soon found out, merely picking up this CD and listening to it, was a bit of a limiting perspective in engaging with all that this project encompassed. For days, I listened to and enjoyed the CD, but the richness of the "Today" experience wasn't clear until I began to read the book-length liner notes (seriously) and finally to pour over the "Today" DVD (available separately from the CD).

"Today" is a worship project that really needs to be experienced to be appreciated (IE. get the DVD!). And there is much to appreciate here. Musically, the track list is comprised of eight new songs (except for one, all written or co-written by Doerksen), five redone songs mostly from Doerksen's Vineyard repertoire, and two re-visited classic hymns. Stylistically, this is Doerksen's most diverse palette of tastes presented on a single album yet. While maintaining his signature vocals and soft pop acoustic/electric sound, Brian draws in sounds and sights of the past with moving renditions of hymns of the church, and incorporating music styling from classical and traditional influences. Blending pop vocals and instrumentation, adult & children's choirs, a wonderful orchestral group and even a jazz ensemble, Doerksen, and co-producer Philip Janz, create an album that bridges ages and builds a wall of God's faithfulness through music and multimedia.

The live evening of worship (as recorded on the DVD) begins with the reading of Nehemiah and a short message by Doerksen. The music recorded on the CD provides the content structure of the worship flow that goes from declaration and celebration to deep devotion and contrition to heartening prayer and exultant praise. The first song and title track bursts out with the anthem "Today", singing a modern revision of the declaration of Joshua. This song is typical Doerksen- refreshing lyrics, hook-laden melody, and easily played music. But right from this first track, there is a distinctive clarity on this project that defines a previously indefinable Brian Doerksen. From the understatement of pop influence on this album, to the inter-generational song selection, to the orchestral arrangements, to the blends of vocal leads, choirs, and children- Doerksen looks more at home on this album than any to date. The song "Today" will be a great new 'call to worship' song for the church.

The second track is the song "Everlasting", which is a building declaration song that is vibrant and memorable, and ripe for use in churches. And like much of the new songs on this album, it is a well-crafted collaborative songwriting effort. This CD is a wonderfully arranged worship set, songs selected purposefully to tell a story in a rich sequence of ebb and flow. Track three is a deep prayer/declaration (in the tradition of Psalm 42) called "You Are Everything". This song leads perfectly into the lilting melody of "The River", a country-styled song highlighting the beautiful voice of Brenda Janz. Don't miss this song, or you will miss one of the most easily adapted contributions on this new album. For brevity, I will not explain each song on this album, but please give yourself the benefit of listening to them. You won't be disappointed. From a song about our place with God ("My Redeemer"), to the call to war in "Fortress 144", to the timeless repentance anthem of "Refiner's Fire", this is a storehouse of great songs for the church.

My favorite track on this project is titled "Hear From Heaven", a soul-piercing prayer borne from text of 2 Chronicles 7:14. This prayer/song calls to God to forgive our wickedness and heal our land. I have been saying regularly in this review that you must experience this project to fully appreciate it, and this is most poignantly expressed in the video (from the DVD) of this song. I was moved to tears as I watched every person in the auditorium of the event expression hand actions while singing this song. The song rests in tender prayer transitioning from our cry for God's healing into the wonderful declaration of His work on the cross, through the song "I See The Cross". The album concludes with an equally powerful reprise of "Today", in which any father or parent will be brought to tears as you see generations of Christ's servants declare in song to Him, "today we choose to follow You"!

There is no doubt about it, the new album "Today" with Brian Doerksen will bring you a collection of songs ready for use in a broad spectrum of church applications from styling as diverse as guitar-driven bands to blended worship to choirs and orchestra-backed ensembles. But this project is much more of an experience of sounds and sight than just a few new songs. It is a celebration of what the church is called to, and what it can be- a church of unity, of power, of history and of "today".

Product Link Today

Review by Kim Anthony Gentes

For those who have enjoyed the sounds of celtic music as they praise and worship God, there is no sound like the music of Eden's Bridge, and the signature vocals of Sarah Lacy. You will be captivated by the sounds of this excellent collection of the best work from Eden's Bridge. But more than just a pleasing sound, I found that the depths of devotion and contrition that are apparant in the lyrics of these songs had me rending my heart before God, then dancing in joy. For those who are new to celtic praise and worship, this is an excellent place to start. Normally, I don't laud much on collections, since they often things we have all heard. But in thise case, the uniqueness and rarity of excellent devotional music in the celtic style has me recommending this project very highly. Check out this project above and listen to the song samples, then add this album to your spin cycle on your car or home CD player. You won't regret it.

Product Link The Best of Celtic Praise & Worship: The Worship Music of Eden's Bridge

Review by Kim Gentes

The Canadian cultural motif is the mosaic, a concept that highlights combining differences into a collage of united strengths, much like a patchwork quilt. If you wanted a musical mosaic of the heritage and anointing that has been the Canadian legacy to the worldwide Christian church, you could go straight to the latest project from Vineyard Music Canada -- 'All I Need'. Actually, this is the third project from the northern nation, which deliberately looks for a diverse musical pallet. But where previous efforts ('Shake Off the Dust' and 'Believe') left off, 'All I Need' continues on, and takes up its place as a great worship project.

Let's get right into it. As the CD starts, the gentle swell of rhythm from a shaker, djembe, congas, bongos and darabuka fill up the air. Softly touched piano chords enter and a lone voice calls out with these beckoning lyrics: Who is moving on the waters? Who is holding up the moon? Who is peeling back the darkness With the burning light of noon? The questions are answered by the refrain, 'He is Yahweh'. Combining vocals in English, Zulu, and Lingala with great arranging and genuine passion this opening song will move you into solid assurance of God's sovereignty, through the scripture-woven chorus. After listening to this barrage of blissful truth, one can hardly go away without a powerful sense of our Creator God. What many preachers attempt to convey in a well-spoken sermon, worship leader/songwriter Dean Salyn does in 5 minutes of praise. This is great lyric writing, and producers Brian Doerksen, Daphne Rademaker, and Philip Janz take full advantage of this incredible song by placing it on the first track of this great CD.

Thankfully, the worshiper is clear that this is no ordinary cookie-cutter CD as the tracks roll on. But instead of being 'different' for 'difference' sake, the songs used on 'All I Need' are truly useable, accessible songs meant for the nations. The second song, 'Amen Hallelujah', uses country music to bring the 136th Psalm to life. And while I won't take the time to talk in depth about this and track 3, 'Be My Guide', both deserve their spot on this project with continued diversity and strong musical and lyrical contributions.

Arriving at 'Into Your Presence', written and sung by Kim McMechan, you will be arrested. With McMechan's incredible vocals, you may be tempted to consider this a 'performance' song, but continued listening will draw you into the very singable and melodic chorus. Such is the journey of this entire album. When the title track starts up, you will need to find a chair or simply kneel down in worship.

'All I Need' carries the cry of longing people to the ears of a ready and listening God. First person, and in the manner of David's Psalms, this song is clearly from the Vineyard tradition (can we call 20 years 'tradition'?) of great songs like 'Come And Fill Me Up', 'Draw Me Close' and 'I Want To Know You'. With this and most tracks on this project, Doerksen's mastery of spatial distribution in music gives us crisp, fresh sounds that evoke but don't attack. Frankly, it would take several pages to describe the texture, diversity and excellence that has been put into each of these songs. From the passionate 'Long To Know You', the bluesy 'You're So Wonderful', the anthemic 'The Lighthouse', to the radio playable 'Desire Of The Nations'. My passing over these so quickly is in deference to brevity- I strongly encourage you to sit yourself down and soak these incredible songs into your heart and soul.

What are left are 4 spectacular songs. First, there is 'Dance On It', a dance song that implements an unbelievable collection of sounds and instruments from mandolin and electric guitar to techno, drum loops and electronica. A great rhythmic collage that actually works for explosive, vibrant worship!

Second comes Psalm 113, which is a simple, yet stunning scripture song. There is something wonderful about singing Scripture. Soaking you in God's Word, encouraging each other with His wisdom, and releasing an unquestionable song from our heart to His. Reminiscent of the song 'Blessed Be The Name of The Lord' (Daniels/Prosch), Psalm 113 is presented through a wonderful spectrum of tempo and tenderness- making it accessible to every worshiper, small group, and large congregation on the planet.

Then comes the haunting rhetorical question 'Could I'. With just Kim McMechan and a piano, this worship leader questions and answers how waiting on God is the only place of rest and strength.

The final new song is what may be the most usable song on the album, 'Multiply Your Love'. Veteran songwriter Andy Park pens a call for God to multiply His love, expand the kingdom and grow His church. Every church should sing this song. Even better, ever church should open their hearts to living this song out, through God's love. This is truly an anthem that we, the consumer-centric church of North America, need to get deep into our souls.

The project is concluded with all the various worship leaders on this project combining to sing out a reprise of the title track, 'All I Need'. This album is a spectacular collage of songs, styles, worship leaders and production. Even better, this CD includes a CD-ROM component that has song stories, producer notes, and (thank you VERY much) chord charts and lyric masters!

In my mind, this is one of the best Vineyard project since Winds of Worship 12 (Come, Now Is The Time To Worship) and Hungry. While it doesn't need accolades to get noticed, I would be crazy to not give the Editor's Choice Award to this great project. 'All I Need' will stand out for its great songs, and great worship, for many years to come! If you have one CD in the budget for this entire year- this is the CD! And be sure to let your local church/music leader hear it too- you'll be singing these songs on Sunday morning very soon!

Product Link All I Need

Review by Kim Gentes

Note: This project was awarded 2001 Album of the Year from WorshipMusic.com.

Praise Adonai! What a way to start this incredible album. I love the journey that this new project, from Integrity Music, takes. One of the unique things about this album is that it is the first album in a very long time (perhaps since 'Father's House' from Brian Doerksen) that seriously considers the listener in the song sequence, laying out a well developed progression of intimacy, drawing us into the courts of praise and worship of our God. But this opening cut is far too overwhelming to worry about the rest of the album... so, let's 'Praise Adonai!'

The writing talents of Paul Baloche come to us in the ebb and flow of the country/rock instrumentation that is this well crafted call to worship in 'Praise Adonai'. Inquiring of us with the rhetorical phrase 'who is like Him', we see Jesus as:

The Lion and the Lamb
Seated on the throne
Mountains bow down
Every ocean roars
To the Lord of Hosts

Like the Psalms and Proverbs, Baloche proclaims the unchangeable paradox of God's character (the Lion and the Lamb), pushing us into the view from the heavens. Then, as he surveys the kingdom from this view (Seated on the throne), we see such power, in profound simplicity of word, that our hearts and voices launch unstoppably into the chorus, 'Praise Adonai'. Giving away any more of the lyrics would simply script the entire song for you, since it is as terse as it is powerful. The unfortunate thing about this song is that it has such appeal it threatens to keep many a CD player on long term loop, keeping the listener away from the other gems of this well produced studio project.

Moving on to the second and third songs, Paul Baloche teams up with Ed Kerr to pen some upbeat songs of great praise expression. These songs connect musically and lyrically. The lyrical connection is made in that both songs detail a modern day chorus for Psalm 47, in which we see God ascending amidst the shouts of people and sounds of music.

And if God is indeed enthroned in our praises, then the delight of His presence being made manifest in our times of celebration are made all the more evident through 'I Love To Be In Your Presence', and 'Sing Out'. Both these are earlier works for Baloche, and they get a well deserved update in production with these tracks.

Though this project is a tribute of sorts to Baloche's prolific songwriting, it could have just as easily been a thematic album, showing how an extended worship and praise time can be woven into a thoughtful trek of devotion and exaltation to our God.

Entering into 'Falling', 80's fans will recognize a page from the softer musical side of the sound of 'the Police'. Another collaboration, this song is co-written with UK writer Brenton Brown, whose contributions have been on such noted albums as Vineyard's 'Winds of Worship 12- Live from London' and 'Hungry'. My guess is that 'Falling' was something of an experiment, but instead of flopping into dead CD space, this song 'Falls' effortlessly into the ears of God, as genuine adoration expressed in love ballad style. Very nice! When we come to the song 'Above All', the theme is pure adoration, where simple arrangements replace guitars and drums with piano sounds and string backgrounds. It is simple, and powerful.

The trek of well-worn songs hits full stride with 'Revival Fire Fall'. The CD cover copy says this is 'funky, folksy', but I call it just intense! Not since the searing fiddle backdrops in 'Praise Adonai' has our tour taken us to such powerful undertones (and oh, btw, just thinking about 'Praise Adonai' again, should be enough to make you turn back to it for another listen). The contrast, however, is that while 'Praise Adonai' creates its energy through subtlety and understatement, 'Revival Fire Fall' simply pummels you with burning desire to participate in seeing God's revival fire fall!

I am sure you are wondering why I don't discuss the title track of this project, but it hardly seemed like much more could be said about Open The Eyes of My Heart, that the church at large has not already said. With the worldwide acceptance of that song, you hardly need the 3 cuts of it on the CD, though you certainly won't find it unlikable.

There is much more to this CD, but without ranting on each of the considerably exceptional songs on this project, I want to get right to my favorite song of this great collection- 'Celebrate the Lord of Love'! Like 'Praise Adonai', this song builds its arrangements using superb dynamics to propel you into abandon. By the time this song is vamping into the key change, you are lifting up your praise with outstretched arms and dancing around your kitchen, I guarantee it! Don't miss this song, or you will miss my #1 reason for playing this CD for hours on end in my CD ROM drive.

There will definitely be something everyone will like about this CD, but I guarantee you that a listen through the whole thing will be time in heavenly praise. The songs, the production, and the track sequence make this an easy selection for my Editor's Choice Award.

Product Link Open The Eyes Of My Heart - Paul Baloche

Enjoy! Kim Gentes