Kim Gentes

Right at the start let me say "Hymns: a modern translation" is an engaging, and beautiful worship experience that I am pleased to grant an Editor's Choice Award.

In the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of listening to and writing reviews on hundreds of worship projects/CDs. Of all those only a handful have captured my ear and hearts as much as this project. As a Christian, I have never believed that any single style of music was more "sacred" than any other for one simple reason: it all comes down to content. This is especially so in our devotionally focused worship music since it carries with it our expressions of both our theology and our heart cry of praise. But no matter how well written the lyrical content, a song will not engage as a script for the church worldwide if it does not contain exceptionally crafted music as well.

"Hymns: a modern translation" takes on both these challenges and adds sparkling productions to beautiful vocals and genuine emotion to make one of the best modern worship CDs I have ever heard.

Starting with an outstanding list of time-honored songs from the centuries Sean and Aimee Dayton, along with producer Andrew Horrocks, burst into acoustic rock renderings of Nothing But the Blood, My Jesus I Love Thee, All Hail The Power, Fairest Lord Jesus, Crown Him With Many Crowns, and Holy, Holy, Holy. They add to that a perfect selection of recent century hymn expressions in The Wonderful Cross, In Christ Alone and What a Friend We Have In Jesus.

I am sure some will assume I am exaggerating by saying this is a perfect CD. They would be wrong. From vibrant acoustic rock instrumentation to warm, emotive vocals with a pensive and honest interpretive styling, Sean Dayton brings each song to track as an act of worship. Of the 320 some reviews we have written in the last 10 years at Worshipmusic.com, just 5 of them have been specifically albums dedicated to modern renderings of hymn classics. Taking the risk to make an artful blend of historically loved songs with engaging music for the present day requires not just musical prowess, but sensitivity to gather the best of the ages and present them to today's church.

As I travel down the freeway, this CD spins in the player. My 16 year old son is worshiping loudly, my 13 year old son lifts arms held up in worship and dear old dad (at the grand old age of 40) is lifting his voice and heart up in exultation to God (and keeping hands and eyes focused on the road). The scripture comes to mind - "One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4)

Clearly Andrew Horrocks and the Daytons have succeeded with this CD in their goal of having "people of all ages worshipping together". I encourage you to join in as well and review this CD for yourself. I am sure you will be caught up, as I was, with the saints of the ages as we sing to our Savior, Jesus.

If you are a subscriber to WorshipTeam.com, all the songs on this CD, including audio and chord charts and lyrics are included in WorshipTeam.com's song database (along with 6000 other songs).

Amazon Product Link: Hymns: A Modern Translation  

Also available on ION Worship @ Hymns: A Modern Translation

Review by Kim Anthony Gentes

For many years we have seen a growing influence of mega churches in the worship music being popularized and played in US churches.  Churches such as Colorado's New Life Church, Australia's Hillsong Church, and Houston's Lakewood Church have all had profound influence through their worship ministries on the Sunday morning set lists of churches across the nation. In the last 3 years a new local church ministry in Southern California has become influential with its youth-centric music and events. Jesus Culture is a youth ministry that has been holding events worldwide for years now, but worship has always been an integral part of their focus and excellence.

One of the early recordings that they produced was "Your Love Never Fails". Like all of the Jesus Culture recordings it is a live album, collected from their live events.  Jesus Culture has produced other albums since this, with great success. But none of them comes to the pinnacle live experience, great song collection and excellent live musical performance as Your Love Never Fails. Featuring leaders Chris Quilala, Kim Walker (now Walker-Smith) and Melissa How (now Wise), this CD brims with energy, great song writing and clean but rocking production.

The title track, Your Love Never Fails, is a hook laden anthem that has become a staple in modern worship churches around the world. But Jesus Culture didn't rely on just new choruses to lead worship in this live experience. Also included on the track list are excellent renditions of Matt Redman's King Of Glory, Tim Hughes' Happy Day and Pete Sanchez's classic I Exalt Thee.

This album stays true to the Jesus Culture vibe and intention of great music, influencing people to change the world. In my opinion, it is the best album released by Jesus Culture, though each project has included gems of songs for local church use.  If you haven't heard this album yet, you owe it to yourself to get this amazing experience.

Product Link:  Your Love Never Fails (CD/DVD)

Review by Kim Gentes

For over ten years, I have been listening to and reviewing CDs in my job at Worshipmusic.com. In that time, I have listened to thousands of CDs, liked a few hundred, and have reviewed many dozens of projects. I'll be honest, I am not a traditional Christmas music lover. Assuming that the fundamentals of good music are included in a CD, after that I find that I am looking for freshness and creativity, inspiration and contrition in music. So when I think about Christmas, I don't usually get excited. I am not one of those guys who is excited to sing carols with the family or anything. Still, in the last few years, I have begun to appreciate the depth of truth and community that come with the tradition of many of the Christmas songs of our faith. So that is the place I found myself at when I started listening to the new Christmas project titled "Yuletide Blend".

Produced by veteran worship leader and song writer, Terry Butler, along with CCM acclaimed producer Smitty Price, "Yuletide Blend" is simply the best Christmas project I have ever heard. It is a wonderful mixture of sparkling instrumental expression, brilliant arrangements, excellent song selection and perfectly spaced occasional vocals. The majority of the songs are presented as instrumental renditions that live up to everything perfect you think of when you hear the word "blend". Mixing large symphonic swells with gentle classical guitar, to radiant full band songs with world class electric guitar solos this CD is a surprise of joy right from the first bells chimes of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" to the last chorus of "Silent Night". Along the way you will find some of the best favorite traditional Christmas songs, along with a selection of 3 contemporary Christmas worship songs that you will want to begin singing every Christmas. I could rant on about the notable musical talent used on this CD, but I won't spoil the latte by telling you what spices where added here.

I have already played this CD through a couple of dozen times and I still love it each time through. Unlike most Christmas music that grows weary quickly on the ears, this project lifts you up and doesn't stumble at any point. Not only is this one of the best CDs I have ever heard, but I am awarding it an Editor's Choice for changing my mind about Christmas music. Thanks, Terry and Smitty, for brewing up a truly is a great "blend" for Christmas! Amazing! I can't recommend this CD enough to you- I highly encourage you to check it out!

Product Link Yuletide Blend: Songs For Christmas

Review by Kim Anthony Gentes

"Our God Saves"! With this declarative anthem, Paul Baloche launches another missile of praise heavenward, and takes us all along for the ride. This new album is a glistening collection of songs in a progressive acoustic/rock styling while remaining a thoroughly congregational experience. In many ways, "Our God Saves" could be considered the second edition of "A Greater Song" (the award winning album released last year from Paul Baloche). "Our God Saves" extends the repertoire of co-written songs from Paul and others such as Matt Redman, Brenton Brown and Kathryn Scott. Add to that writing and vocal contributions from Glen Packiam, Lincoln Brewster and Rita Baloche and you have a set list of 13 life-filled songs of praise. Top it all off with passionate prayer (track 5), a "live" feel and an emptier sonic pallet throughout the album and you have a great new project- Our God Saves.

Like "A Greater Song", the main contribution here is the well-written congregational songs that are encouraging (Our God Saves, Kingdom of God), content rich (Rock of Ages, How Great Thou Art) and sacrificial (I Cling to the Cross, You Gave Your Life Away, Great Redeemer, Your Love Came Down). Paul ebbs and flows through great news songs and reworked timeless songs of the faith. While the style stays with the primary acoustic rock style, the occasional detour into country-fried chorus (Praise) and easy listening (Beyond Us, You Gave Your Life Away). In many ways, Our God Saves steps back from being a heavily produced guitar album with loops and overdubs, making 90% of the album a lighter sonic project than A Greater Song, and lending to its markedly "live" sound. I actually liked this, because it gives us an experience that sounds easier to reproduce with our Sunday morning settings (from a worship leader perspective). While I believe the songwriting on A Greater Song edges out the collection gathered here, Our God Saves is certainly more exciting for those looking for a "new sound" from Paul Baloche and his "dream team" band.

The song "The Way" with Lincoln Brewster and the newly arranged revision of "How Great Thou Art" are excellent new contributions that will refresh any congregation wanting to hear a new way to sing timeless truth. The standout best song on this album is the title track "Our God Saves", which will be welcomed in almost any church using modern praise and worship styles in their musical devotions.

For me, though, my favorite song of the album is a guitar crunching new song called "Your Love Came Down". With sounds and harmonies similar to Amanda Abizaid singing "A Place in Time" (from the TV show 4400) or Sixpence None The Richer's "Kiss Me", Paul Baloche grooves into uncovered territory for him or any of his earlier albums. Somewhat musically similar to David Ruis's recent "When Justice Shines", I loved the new song "Your Love Came Down". While I'd guess it is not a song most churches will venture into, it was my favorite song to listen to on this album. I'd place it a strong favorite for youth bands and more progressive worship bands to use in their appropriate settings.

"Our God Saves" continues not only Paul's relentless pursuit of great worship, but his ongoing insistence of making sure resources are included on the CD products to help get the songs into local churches. Here we find PDF lead sheets are included for 8 of the songs, and Quicktime movie files of how to play the 6 of songs are also placed on the CDROM portion of the product. Thanks again, Paul, for an encouraging set of songs, a great worship experience, and a nice contribution of resources.

Product Link Our God Saves

Review by Kim Anthony Gentes

Anyone who has been present and involved with local churches and ministries at a formative time period understands the kind of encouragement and freedom that comes with discovering God anew. The fresh sounds of praise music are often synchronous with a burgeoning work of God's Spirit among those who are willing to abandon themselves to God's purposes.  It is this tenor and effusion of enthusiasm that rings true in the music of Jesus Culture, and especially in one of its earliest releases, "We Cry Out".

Worship leaders Chris Quilala, Kim Walker and Melissa Wise explode across this album with honest rock music, sung and played with conviction. Even ballads don't accquiese to straw-man band arrangements with no guts. You get electric guitars, drums, bass and unapologetic vocals on every track. But this isn't a rock show- this is real worship. All out, forget-anyone-is-watching, leave your offering and life on the alter before God, kind of worship.

What is interesting about the early Jesus Culture albums, including this one, is that they don't enamor themselves with their own songwriting. Instead they prove to be possibly some of the best arrangers of some of the best worship songs both known and unknown. Very few of the songs are home grown to the Jesus Culture band. This is one of the first albums to record the then controversial song by John Mark McMillan How He Loves. The track list on this album includes sparkling rock favorite Delirious' Rain Down, riveting title track We Cry Out by local worship leader Brian Johnson, three excellent selections from Hillsong United song catalog, I Adore You by Phil Wickham, and the song Your Love Is Everything from rising writer Chris McClarney.

This is a live album, like all the Jesus Culture recordings. Included are poignant moments of prayer, encouragement and proclamation. The recording doesn't suffer from adding these elements, instead they help it retain a sense of authenticity and place the listener in the context of the worship experience. The production on the later Jesus Culture albums do continue to improve, but the raw energy of this recording is irreproducible. It is a glimpse of a group of people praise God with all out abandon, great music and great songs.

Product Link: We Cry Out - Jesus Culture Music (CD/DVD)

Review by Kim Gentes