Kim Gentes

Over the years, reading and growing in the words of life given to us from the Scripture has been a combination of desire, delight and duty. Like many people, I am sure, enjoying the encouragement of the bible text is not a constant level of delight. Sometimes we continue in the word, simply because we are instructed by the Lord and the Bible itself to do so. Eventually, our duty turns to desire and then delight.

Along the way through that ongoing progression of our devotional lives, it is encouraging to have inspiration from the Lord come through other sources. One such source is scripture in music. If we were to trace the history of modern day Christian music (not just worship music, but even contemporary Christian music- CCM) we would find much of its origins in small publishing company called 'Scripture In Song'. From that company in the late 60's/early 70's (and other like sources) grew much of what we have today in praise and worship. There was a reason for the potency and application of those songs-- they allowed the authentic follower of Christ to draw in the God-breathed words of Scripture through their minds and emotions-- through words and music. It is that same strength that Heather Clark draws on to continue the 'Praying the Bible' series of projects with her latest CD 'Selah 2 - Like Men Who Dreamed'.

Using the Psalms as the base, she adds her signature vocals and growing musical palette to develop melody and vibe to a number of songs of the Psalms. It is suprising to me that this powerful combination seems somewhat lacking as a general rule through most praise and worship projects. But this CD certainly adds a wonderful example for all of us byt taking good music and melody writing skills and partnering them to the skill of the lyric writers in the Psalms.

You will find these not only resourceful as praise and worship materials, but you will be reciting Scripture joyfuly, as these infectious melodies work their way into your mind and heart.

What is great is that you can check out a number of the songs online by listening to some audio samples yourself. I think you will find, as I did, that scripture in song is alive and well, and has some heart and passion! See the above sound clips to hear it yourself!

Product Link Selah 2 - Like Men Who Dreamed

Selah!
Kim Gentes

Terry and Darlene Wildman, of Rain Ministries, led worship on Nov. 8 at the Worship Gathering, an event sponsored by WorshipMusic.com. It was an amazing call from the Lord that reached out to native peoples, and to all who were in attendance. The music of native drums, flutes and shakers combined with prayers and songs in both native and English tongue drew the worshipers into a deep sense of the presence of God. The result was a community of people lifting their hearts in praise, thanks and even repentance as they focused on the Lord. The evening concluded as those gathered called on the Lord to bless our native brothers and sisters and all the indigenous peoples as we come together under the Lordship of Jesus.

What was amazing about the music and ministry of RainSong wasn't just the songs or style, it was the reality of God's presence permeating the message. It was the brokenness turned to joy that is revealed when people hear the music of their own culture and native lands speaking the truth of Christ. This CD project captures this essence and this passion. 'Sacred Warrior' is more than a CD meant to reach native American peoples, it is a project born from the reality of a ministry that lives as a beacon of Jesus love in those communities. Rain ministries' Terry & Darlene Wildman are YWAM missionaries sent out from their home church of East Valley Vineyard (Mesa, AZ) who have made their home and are now living with the Hopi people in Northern Arizona. They live with, pastor, and reach out to them day in, day out.

It is in that context that these songs, and this album was born. And the songs are the key here (once again). You will be haunted by the call of the ancient flute in the opening track, beckoning all nations to rise and see the Creator God, and know that they can come boldly to the 'Throne of Grace' (track 2). You will be intrigued by the native calls and audibles in 'Hey Yahweh Hey' and 'Itanna Kwakwhay'. But beyond the interest in the unique style of the music, the heart of the songs draw not just native, but all people into declarations of devotion to the 'Sacred Warrior', Jesus.

This CD is not for everyone. It is not for those looking for copies of standard praise and worship, or for those looking for another pop worship mega-hit, or for those looking for amazing CD production. However, if you are looking for authentic worship in the musical form of blended and native American sounds, with true missional call to all peoples to worship God, then you have found something special in 'Sacred Warrior'.

I don't regularly tell people all the Kingdom benefits of why you should buy a CD, but I want to be clear on this one. The income that goes back to the people of RainSong, through this CD, goes to real ministry, that God is using to do His work in the native Hopi people's in Northern Arizona. If you'd like to participate in that kind of ministry, I'd encourage you to consider supporting it through checking out this CD, 'Sacred Warrior'.

You can listen to audio clips and see more info above as you consider whether to check out this CD. I hope you do!

Product Link  you can buy RainSong CDs at http://www.rainsongmusic.com/thegoodroad/

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

Seth Parks isn't a person I have met before. But I know something about him. It's likely he enjoys music, but isn't enamored by it. It's likely he is well versed in life's pain and struggle, yet remains satisfied at the place of quiet confidence in Christ. And, oh ya, it's likely he knows how to put the dialog of his journey with Christ down onto paper in the form of good music, and devotional praise. How do I know this? I have been listening to his new worship CD. This new worship project is a diary of sorts telling the beauty and ashes, pains and joys struggle that declares 'Here is Life'.

From pensive steps in easy listening ballads to driving acoustic rock, Seth Parks highlights the journey of life with what real life is made of-- from the mundane to the brilliant! Whether intentional or simply the fruit of his life, everything on this new CD is connected with that premise. His declaration is that if the story of life with Jesus is worth telling at all, it is worth telling in honesty, and expressing through exceptional lyrics and genuinely innovative rhythms and melodies.

The songs found on this CD are superb. Creating continuity across lyric and music, Parks has made songs like 'Be Still' and 'Great And Marvelous' say and sound one message when the music actually follows with ardent purpose the content of the lyrics- very well done! The lyric-writing captures an crispness that can only present in a heart that has actually touched Christ's heart as Seth Parks says 'Jesus, where life in You is my reality' in title track 'Here Is Life' or when he sings these lines from the 'Great And Marvelous' track : 'So let heaven sound with Christ's reward/ And let earth exalt this Champion Lord/ Who triumphs over all His courses run/ Whose glory far outshines the sun/ Sing blessing to this Blessed King/ When, with justice, fear and love He brings/ I will bow and kiss the Son'.

And while the lyrics are well worth the listening, they are equaled by a consist ant strength and depth in both melodic support and musical creativity. In fact, after listening to the first 3 or 4 songs you may be tempted to think that Seth Parks wouldn't have much more new to say, but you would be wrong. This CD finishes as strong as it starts (which is saying a lot, considering the first two songs are so exceptional) with a great medley of 'Crucified' and 'Psalm 113' (a spontaneous song).

If you are looking for content for your local church, this CD has 6 songs I believe are especially strong in this regard (though musical tastes might find you selecting completely different songs at this point). The songs 'Here is Life', 'Be Still', 'Great And Marvelous', 'Strong Tower', 'Crucified' and 'Psalm 113' would all have application. All the songs on this CD are worthy of listening, but to get a good taste of the songs, be sure to go online and listen to the track samples and judge for yourself.

Because of the tremendous giftedness expressed in these songs, the wonderful music accompanying them, and the foresight to provide the church with the printed chord charts on the enhanced CD portion of this new project, I am happy to award 'Here Is Life' with the Editor's Choice Award.

Product Link Here Is Life - Seth Parks

Blessings,
Kim Gentes

p.s. a complete chord songbook for this album is INCLUDED on this CD!! Yes, this is an enhanced CD. Almost unheard of for an independent release, Seth Parks obviously cares about resourcing the church. Very rarely will independent projects include songbooks, but never do they actually include that content right on the CD! Kudos to Seth for having the foresight and putting in the work to see these songs are available for the Body of Christ to use in worship. So don't worry about buying something separate to get the chord charts for these great songs, just buy it here.

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