Kim Gentes

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

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.

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:

As I wait, you make me strong
As I long, you draw me to your arms
As I stand and sing your praise
You come; you come and fill this place.

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

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

Crisp, clear and radiant--these are the inviting rhythms of Roger Hodges' best worship project to date, 'Big Big God'. Are you thinking of what it would sound like to have pristine sound production, knitted with completely rapturous melodies, all held together with incredible grit through honest vocals? Stop thinking, start worshiping--with 'Big Big God'!

Anyone who may have had the opportunity to worship in a meeting with Roger Hodges knows his approach is a one-way rocket to the courts of God. I have to confess something--I used to be of the opinion that truly great albums and songs would 'float' to the top, get picked up by the majors (labels), and make it to the masses. After the last two-and-a-half years of listening to stacks and stacks of praise & worship CDs, this just isn't reality anymore.

The rise of the 'indie' (independent) praise and worship projects has become a legitimate source of TOP quality resource and expression in that genre's music market. Sure there is a lot of 'fluff' put out by indies, but the truly great stuff is not only competing with the big labels, they are setting the pace in creative and passionate musical prayers and devotion. After indie projects like Langley Vineyard's 'the Well', Rita Springer's 'Created To Worship', and WaterDeep's 'Enter The Worship Circle', the water is gathering for this emerging stream of praise to become a torrent of the river of God.

And now you can add to that flow of God's praise, the rhythmic current of 'Big Big God'!

This CD belongs in that category of top notch projects. 'Big Big God' begins its spin in your CD-ROM with 'You Are,' a power-ballad that throws out the rules and rushes straight to God, speaking passionately to the Father. You will fall to your feet in surrender to Him, as you sing out:

And You are the air I breathe
And You are the song I sing
And You are redeeming love
I trust in You alone

You will be tempted to lock on to this first song and let the [repeat] function hold you here for hours! But that, my friend, would be a big, big mistake. The six minutes this track plays for will seem far too short to anyone who finds themselves on the floor, pouring out the heart to the Father.

Moving on to the next song, Roger calls us to 'rise up' in the military/march-girded rhythms of Psalm 33. I really enjoyed this song, as the music and Hodges' voice invites us to stand in the light of God.

But the journey has just begun, and as the light, crisp strum of the acoustic guitar begins to swell into the title track song, you are swept back into a personal conversation with God. Thankfulness expressed across the breadth of God's character is a constant staple to this great album, which is a well balanced feast of lyrical devotion. Of course, there is a reason 'Big Big God' is the title track to this project--the song is as infectious as it is thoughtful. But if you thought this was just another well-scripted, studio produced session of nice songs. well, by this third song you have begun to realize this is much more. In 'Big Big God', Hodges begins his adding of joyful, creative and honest worship and praise 'spontaneous' moments. And apparently, once he gets started, he can't hold it back.

Throughout the rest of the album, Hodges makes no apologies for his obvious attack of enjoyment that lifts this album into a real praise and worship experience. The joy keeps on going in the boisterous 'You Are Faithful', where this rocket launches into some very nice musical placements by electric guitar power-man Lincoln Brewster.

You can't put much better talent on an album, and those haven't already heard Brewster's work on his self-titled debut (from Integrity Music's youth worship label Vertical Music) will be very pleasantly surprised. After a brief settling back, with Kevin Prosch-esque 'The Son Is Rising', the trip continues with 'The Lamb has Overcome'. This has the same straight-ahead lyrical and progression stylings as 'You Are', but this time points us to the returning of Jesus.

Just when you think you have things all figured out, 'All that I Want' is slight step off the trail, but most welcomed. This song provides good style contrast, and again with deeply heartfelt lyrics sung with actual passion (wow! Imagine that!). By this time you are pretty convinced that Roger Hodges is the real item--an actual worshiper who recorded what he actually would do in a live worship service setting.

This time comes to an intimate juncture with just voice and acoustic guitar (and a touch of oboe or synth patch) laying out the song 'You've Captured My Heart'. This intimate worship ballad is perfect, no other words for it. On the final cut, every instrument is pulled back except piano. Then, Hodges just lets it all come out- passionate prayer, covenant commitment, and loving thankfulness, with a beautiful backdrop of sensitive piano playing.

Quite obviously, this project earns our highest commendation here at WorshipMusic.com, the Editor's Choice Award. I actually struggled to find something wrong with this CD, listening to it for 5 continuous hours (a record for me with any CD). Maybe it was because the musicianship was impeccable. Maybe because the vocals are just everything you ever wanted to say to the Lord. Or, maybe it's because you can't help but get caught up in the praise and worship with this album--I am not sure of the reason, but this project is flat out excellent. Praise God!

Product Link Big Big God - Roger Hodges

Review by Kim Gentes