Kim Gentes

Sometimes listening to CDs means we miss the whole point of a worship recording project.  The idea that we are supposed to just "listen" to a music experience was not part of the heart or intention of most pastors, worship leaders or ministers. In fact, most of them would say that if all you did was listen to some nice songs, that they aren't interested in writing songs, making music and producing CDs. 

Such is the case with Vertical Music newcomer, Dave Lubben. His freshman release is a completely live and personal journey into what is really worship.  This does not involve the temporal items such as instruments, music and CDs, but the eternal action of laying down one's life, as a surrendering act of obedience, into the powerful peace of God's will.  You could have learned this was on Dave Lubben's heart, and in God's heart for him (and us!), simply by reading the incredible story in the CD liner notes. I will leave you to do that, but even without the amazing story of life and death that surrounds the recording of this album, all one needs to do is simply participate in what is sung and spoken on this wonderful musical journal to catch the real "story".  Aptly named, A Place Called Surrender is about the real message of Jesus.  The message he gave to all who would come after him- that they should take up their cross and follow him.

Each song on this project weaves a tapestry of humility and praise that any follower of Christ can echo, in words and heart. From songs of building joy ("Lord Most High" and "King Of Nations") to plaintiff prayers like ("We Need You", "Save Us" and "Speak To Us") to songs of abandon and devotion ("Surrender" and "Lay It Down"), this engaging night of worship is not just a CD, but a beautiful collection of modern psalms.  Initially, I was captivated by the energy and intensity of the opening cut "Lord Most High" and the heartfelt prayers included in the recording.  As I continued on, I went from praise to prayer and finally to bowing on my bedroom floor in worship to Christ, tears running down my eyes as I found myself reflecting on the call of the lyrics on my favorite new song- track seven, "Speak To Me".  Repentance is the response of our lives coming in contact with the Holy One, and as I echoed the words on that song, I found myself weighing sadly short of the scriptural themes being sung to God. As the CD continued on, the next track, "Lay It Down" has Dave Lubben reading from the text in Psalm 116 (verses 2, 3, 5, 7).  As the lyrics of the song and the Scripture reading wash over you, the essence of this project will become pristinely clear- it is about expressing the true heart of worship (submission to God's will, brokenness, offering our lives to Christ, and repentance).

And while the experience is clearly out front on this new project from the re-launched Vertical Music (the youth label from Integrity Music), this CD is also purveyor of both excellent musical presentation and powerful songs for the church.  In fact, the more you listen to this CD, the more the great work done by producer Nathan Nockels (from OneDay/Passion CDs, Philips, Craig & Dean "Let Your Glory Fall", Watermark and others) begins to shine.  The presentation is aptly framed with accessible musical and vocal parts. Along with great song writing by Lubben, this album is absolutely full of usable, excellent songs for the church.  Nockel's arrangement skills not only make strong presentation of the material for church use, but also give a wonderful diversity to the flow of the album.  So the album is top notch stuff in the production department.  But as I said before, that is clearly not the focus here- worship is.

If you are a worship leader looking for a cache of excellent new songs, you must give this project a serious listen.   I will be listening to this CD for a long time... you simply will not get tired of it.  I believe that songs from tracks 1 through 4, and tracks 7 through 10 provide the best set of songs on a single album that I have heard in a very long time.  In fact, I have never recommended 8 songs from any single album ever!  If you are like me, you would be skeptical of anyone claiming there was eight (yes 8!) strong, usable songs on an original album.  So don't believe me, but make sure you check out the songs yourself by listening to the samples provided online.  And thankfully, Vertical Music backs up this excellent CD by providing us with an entire suite of resources to get these songs to use in church (songbook, stereo tracks, and CD-ROM digital songbook).

This CD is easy to select as an Editor's Choice Award winner for me, for all the reasons I have given in this review.  But again, don't take my word for it, check out the songs above for yourself. And remember, once you buy the CD for yourself, be sure to read the liner notes!

Product Link A Place Called Surrender - Dave Lubben

Review by Kim Gentes

Rising, lifting, resting, flourishing the ebb and flow of the sounds from the new Vineyard album from New Zealand, One Glimpse, has placed some excellent songs on a skillfully crafted sonic palette for all to listen to. When you think of new music for the church, most people think of live worship projects, anthemic choruses and congregational sounds echoing in the recording. Vineyard delivers a whole different offering to the Body of Christ with One Glimpse. While the songs remain very accessible, the recording quality, arrangement styling, and track selection bring one of the first mainstream worship labels to the table with radio playable (CHR or alternative) songs. The last 3-4 years has seen regular CCM labels bringing their pop-artists to bear on classic worship tunes, giving great visibility and access to many great songs of the church. But where the CCM industry has reached into the worship realm with their offerings, the worship music labels havent done as well in adding a polished production to their projects, allowing them to gain access to the larger CCM audience.

Vineyards One Glimpse is an amazing leap from the tired sound of 90s praise and worship albums to true alternative and pop rock sounds native to the music, not opted and arranged on top of yesterdays songs. Its not surprising, then, to find that the project has strong production and recording from producer Nic Manders (of NZ band, Solace), and even guest contributions from Mark Millard (from the NZ group, the Lads). But what muses and audiophiles will note on listening to this project is the almost complete absence of the acoustic guitar, the staple of every Vineyard Music recording since its short 20+ years as the recording arm of the Vineyard church movement. Except for track seven (I Will Sing) and parts of track 11 (Risen One), even the contemplative songs in this project are highlighted with keyboards or soft electric rhythm. What remains is the occasional acoustic strum as a rhythm highlight on some musical transitions throughout a couple other songs.

Musically, the feel of this album resembles much more the ethereal patch and play keyboards, brit/pop guitars and driving rock drums of Delirious?, hard rock/alternative shots (track 4, Surround Me) at Creed, CCM radio sounds similar to Audio Adrenaline (track 2, One Glimpse) with little samplings of American soft rock and power ballad thrown in. That might seem like a heady mixture, but somehow this sonic meal is textured true (and is not cliché-ridden) with the distinctive Kiwi flavor added in. Suffice to say that this is easily the best radio playable worship album I have ever heard from non-artist driven worship sources (Vineyard recordings, Maranatha, Integrity Hosanna, Hillsongs, et al.).

But for all the polish, does this album have something of value to the church in a congregational worship setting? Yes, and a resounding yes! With the first spin of the CD, (track one, Sacrifice) will let you hear the prime suspect for Sunday mornings in many churches. My favorite on the project, this song is very strong with a devotional declarative verse and a glorious chorus announcing the holiness of the Lord, saying:

Holy, holy, holy are You Lord
Im set apart for the One that I adore
Holy, holy, holy are You Lord
You paid the price that I could not afford

This song should make its way into many contemporary services with great lyrics and a moving musical and melodic chorus.

Delivering the tribute to Delirious? is track five, with To The King, which is almost shameless in stealing lines from I Could Sing of Your Love, but in the style of Lord You Have My Heart or Find Me In The River. This song is a great option for worship leaders looking for a pensive song that builds into another glorious chorus, this time with effectual Hallelujahs ringing the song through. The project completely mellows out with track 6, drawing you in with warm guitar swells and a solo voice of brokenness calling out for God to Sing Over Me. This is a beautiful contribution, ripe for Sunday mornings, especially times of prayer, intercession or ministry. Track seven I Will Sing starts the rebuilding of the tempo and volume that holds out through Song from the Heart and Close To You (whose chorus brought me back to the 80s with a Journey-esque stadium rendering). My Soul and Risen One wrap up the project nicely with beautiful contemplative songs, and again, amazing lyrics. I especially love the simplicity and focus of Risen One, which should not be overlooked by any worship leader.

Overall the project breathes nicely as a selection pallet for new material, with a good variety of songs. It shines as a listening contribution, not only in a personal time of praise (driving in the car), but as a serious offering for Christian radio. I was so excited about this CD, that I really want to recommend it to you worship leaders for consideration in your song hunting journeys. And while the CD itself contains a CD-ROM component with chord charts, overheads and some intro parts, the lack of available support resources (such as songbook, tracks, etc) will limit these strong songs from going to churches that cant play from chord charts or arrange from listening to a CD. Then again, churches that will use this material upfront will have younger musicians, who are very used to playing from chord charts in church situations.

I strongly encourage you to consider taking a look at One Glimpse for some great new songs and a fresh and exciting new sound from Vineyard Music. If you are a congregation with a large youth group or college/young adult service, they will definitely want to hear this CD. But dont say I didnt warn you, because you will be going to get the CD back from them for your regular service, once people start asking you hey, can we do that Sacrifice song they are doing in the youth service? So be nice to your youth leaders- get one for them and one for you. You wont regret it! The innovation of the sound, the level of musical presentation and the quality of the songs are strong enough to encourage us to give One Glimpse an Editor's Choice Award.

Product Link One Glimpse

Review by: Kim Gentes

A single voice echoes through the halls of an historic church in Dublin, Ireland. Shortly, the voice of that young chorister joins not just a band on a worship recording, but the choir of human history singing an anthem whose message is as old as Abraham, but as timeless as the long awaited return of Christ.

The LORD had said to Abram, 'Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.'

Ever since the call of Abram back in Genesis 12, the challenge to all of us has been to turn our attention to the greatness of God, especially in light of the discouragement of the earthly conditions that surround us. As the title track 'You Shine' plays on, the lyrics synthesize this struggle perfectly, saying:

In this world we will have trouble
But You have overcome the world
You shine brighter than the brightest star...
You shine, filling us with courage and strength
To follow You

Welcome to the the first track of the new worship project 'You Shine', from Brian Doerksen and Integrity Hosanna Music.

In keeping with his modus operandi, Doerksen places his most significant new song offering right on the first track, and in that sense, he also sets the tone for the album. For this album is not just about singing joyful answers (though it certainly does that)- it is about the struggle, the questions, and, yes, the joy of living in the resting place of God's love and strength. For those not familiar with him, Brian Doerksen is a worship leader from the Vineyard tradition, having written dozens of tremendous songs (including Refiner's Fire, Light the Fire Again, and many others) and recorded on over a dozen albums.

This spectacular new album, 'You Shine', palettes a wonderful song spectrum, adding seven newly-written Doerksen songs, four modern classics from his Vineyard repetiore, and a redone version of the church hymn 'It Is Well'.

Certainly the title track is the song which will gain huge acceptance in the global church, through this recording. But I would strongly encourage you to set aside an afternoon or evening and take the journey archived for us on this recording. As the power of the chorus drives home the hopeful message of 'You Shine', the listener is left perfectly at the doorstep of praise for the second song, 'Hallelujah (Your Love is Amazing)'. This popped-up version of the already classic UK Vineyard birthed song will carry your heart through the lyrics with musical bliss running through a path of crisp, exciting electric guitar, celtic bridges with violins, flutes and whistles, and a drum-framed acepella chorus. For the audiophiles, hearing these first two songs will make it clear that there is a level of excellence in this album that places the production on a whole other strata for Brian and his creative crew (who are the some of the same amazing musicians he has been recording with for years).

It is hard to deny the amazing timeliness of these songs. The third song, 'I Am Convinced', speaks succinctly to God's response to the deep sense of fear that has been imbedding North America around this one year anniversary of 9/11. It says

Violence or danger
Hunger or shame
Won't separate us
From the love of God

The song answers wonderfully drawing from the Corinthian text:

So high so wide so measureless, filling eternity
So strong so deep so intimate
Encircling mystery
That nothing can take Your love from me

The next few songs walk through Gaelic prayers with 'You Surround Me', the Vineyard classics with 'Faithful One', and the deeply personal struggles of life with 'Your Faithfulness'. I won't talk through all the great songs on this album, but would very strongly encourage you to spend time listening and praise and worshipping along with this album. You should especially highlight the following songs when searching for materials usable in your local church, and with your music and worship teams: 'You Shine', 'Hallelujah', 'I Am Convinced', 'Faithful One', 'Hope of the Nations', 'I Lift My Eyes Up', 'With All My Affection' and a lyrically updated version of 'Come Now is the Time to Worship' (includes new second chorus).

You will love this new recording from Brian Doerksen, and will find it an ample archive of excellent new songs for your local church. Thankfully, Integrity's Hosanna music brand has made this a useful church resource, by making available accompanying songbook and split tracks products as well. From the album liner notes and song stories, the only complaint I would have is a question as to why this project didn't also produce an accompanying VHS/DVD video of the live night of worship. Some of the moments and prayers were so poignant, I am sure it would have been a wonderful experience to share.

And while you will think deeply about the pains and struggles of life as you hear some of the lyrics of these songs, the overwhelming theme of God's powerful hope and love will surge into the forefront of your thoughts as you sing and bless the Lord with the album 'You Shine'. In many ways, Brian Doerksen is relaunching the Hosanna brand for Integrity with this new album, bringing to it sounds and raw passion that echo the heartbeats of so much of the worldwide church.

Don't pass by this new project, or by the great songs it gathers for us. You won't be dissappointed. In keeping with my lauds for this project, I am very happy to give this project our Editor's Choice Award. The great thing is, you don't have to take my word for it, you can check out the RealAudio sound clips for yourself.

Product Link You Shine - Brian Doerksen

Blessings in the Hope of Israel,
Review by Kim Gentes

P.S. Musicians and worship leaders, don't forget to check out the songbook and/or split track resources so you can put these songs to use in your local church

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.

Refreshing, enthralling, and God-ward! That is the rapturous sounds of "Draw Near To Me", the independently released devotional music project from Scott Brenner. The CD is sub-titled "Intimate, devotional worship for your quiet time". This is the perfect by-line description of this project.

The lyrical content of the project is prayerful (I Want To Be Holy), scripture themes (Changed by The Mere Reflection), and sometimes direct scripture quotes (O God You Are My God). Simplicity is woven into these lyrics, giving the church gifts of excellent songs for devotion.

The purity and integrity of Scott's love for Christ comes through in his voice and music, as though you are sitting in a room with him and everyone is lifting up Jesus. Melodic and rich, the CD takes a trek of invitation (Longing for the Day) to prayer (O God You Are My God/ Psalm 63) to intimacy (In Silence I Wait) and finally thankfulness (Thank You Lord).

This CD is notably soft music, laying the heart and soul of Scott's prayer's before God with care and kindness. It isn't rushed, and it isn't loud- it is intimate, and it is soft. This CD certainly reminds me of his earlier work on the Vineyard project "Before You Now" (second half of that project). Yet, this project is even more pensive, more intimate.

The thing that made me fall in love with this CD was the music and the arrangements. And perhaps not in the way you might think! The power of this project was the simplicity and care that was taken in giving it lots of strength with a few instruments. Using the guitar, keyboards, a cello and oboe, this project stays uncluttered- and it SHINES! Those of us used to listening to praise and worship music are used to the ever-present bass guitar- but not here! This CD is the first indie project I have heard that absolutely does away with the bass guitar and thrives because of it. I know this might sound strange, but the breadth of instrumentation with just the oboe, cello, guitar and piano give a wonderful diversity in relative simplicity. The occasional visit of electric guitar and some drums and percussion (all without a bass guitar present) make a few songs accented perfectly for some variety to the ear.

You will be turned toward the Lord immediately as "Longing for the Day" begins this project off, and we share an invitation to Christ for His return. Each song leads effortlessly into the next on this whole project. The fourth song (and title track), "Draw Near To Me", is a wonderful invocation song calling out in the theme of the Davidic devotional prayers for the Lord to have our daily lives from the early morning to the "never-ending". The tenth track, "We Cry Glory", is my favorite song of this CD. It's pacing, vocals and instrumentation become so rich (yet well spaced) it reminds me of the intensity of purity and precision of devotion that I first heard from a John Michael Talbot album- different musical framing, but deeply and similarily focused. The CD ends on a unified praise and thanksgiving that brings up such a heart of gratitude, you will find yourself singing "Jesus I Love The Way You Are".

This CD get's my "Editor's Choice" award from Worshipmusic.com.

A great project!

Product Link Draw Near To Me - Scott Brenner

Review by Kim Gentes.