“Dwell”, Aaron Keyes – CD Review

Although Delirious? bade their farewells to the worship music industry as a band last year, their influence and legacy is very much alive in the field of production at the moment. Hot on the heels of Tim Hughes’ Love Shine Through album, produced by Martin Smith, comes Aaron Keyes’ Dwell album, produced by Delirious? lead guitarist Stu G. Let’s have a look at this exciting offering from Aaron in more detail. 

Aaron’s call as a worship leader and songwriter would appear to draw heavily on his ability to sing the Word of God. Aaron’s gift, not dissimilar to that of Matt Redman’s, presents worshippers with songs deeply rooted in the heart of the Word, and Aaron communicates this succinctly through many of the tracks on this album.

The opening track “O My Soul” is, in my opinion, the standout track on the album. The message of hope, love, praise and adoration conveyed through the lyrics of this song is overwhelming, truth and beauty shine through every part of it. If this were not enough on it’s own, it is set to a very well structured backdrop of piano, bass, drums and guitar, with well thought out, easy to follow chord progressions and subtle production.

There are two definite strands to the production of this album – the warm, heartfelt style of the opening track is replicated across several of the tracks, but in “I Am Not the Same” we find this style mixed with a rawness…lo-fi drums, synths and fuzz added to the guitar create a more electronic atmosphere and feel, with Aaron’s distinct vocals still being pushed to the fore. The result here is effective – the message is not lost through the music, overcoming a potential pitfall of adopting this style of production. In particular, the chorus proclaims a strong message of salvation and change, with an underlying strength in who the Lord is, and what He has called us to.

The title track, “Dwell”, is a stirring song of faith, acceptance, and the Lord’s presence. We are invited into His shelter, into His being, where we can dwell and rest in His presence, knowing that nothing can keep us from His love. Similar to “O My Soul” in feel, this song has a completeness to it – where lyrics and music complement each other serenely.

Aaron’s heart for the Lord and his call to worship Him are reflected strongly across the album, but in “Sinless Savior” we hear a song that takes these attributes to new levels. Almost hymnal in feel (a.k.a. hymnish, as coined by Michael Farren at the All About Worship Retreat), with structured verses opening out into a praise chorus, Aaron really lets himself go in this song, with abandoned praise to His Lord and Savior. If I were to pick a song in which Stu G’s influence was most apparent, I feel this is the one. Delirious? would have been honored to have written and played this song, and this is a true testimony to Aaron’s gifting.

Also worthy of note is the pensive “Every Knee Will Bow Down”. Led by piano, but underpinned by an almost slicing rhythmic effect, this song brings out the more soulful nature of Aaron’s vocal ability. The ethereal nature of the backing is highlighted by an ever-present E-Bow (another Stu G influence perhaps?).

From here, we go to a similar song in feel, “Hope is Dawning”. Here I feel the message of the album is wrapped up concisely – our hope is in the Lord, we are longing for His presence, His power, His majesty, and His glory to reign now and forever more.

-Review by Ed Rotheram
(review copy provided by Kingsway)

Aaron Keyes, Not Guilty Anymore – CD Review (and Giveaways)

A review by Mandy Thompson

Aaron is a worship leader at heart. He brings to the church songs that are singable, inspiring, and truth-filled. His lyrics are accessible, clear and simple. No need to for interpretation, we know exactly what his songs are about. We know the message and how we are to respond to the words.

He asks important questions like: “Who will cry out, unashamed, ‘He is glorious?’” “When will our faith be a burden no more? When will I not have to hope anymore?” And beautifully brings God’s words to us: ” Doesn’t matter where you’ve been, Hear me tell you I forgive.” “Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul.” This album carries both a modern hymn, and a pop-rock praise song. With beautiful ballads and worshipful melodies in between.

Forever Worthy: Pretty, but with passion and power. Singable and accessible for the local church.

Psalm 62: Sung like a modern hymn, poetic, lyrical, beautiful. With an elegant and inspiring rise in the Chorus.

Blessing and Honour: I’ve always appreciated Aaron’s studied approach to worship leading. His knowledge is evident in this song, as it recounts the various names of God found in scripture, holding the heart behind these names in the chorus: blessing and honor, glory and power, be unto your name oh Lord.

I Am Yours: This song is a challenge to the Body of Christ – a challenge for us to stand up and declare that we are His. It’s a call to devotion. To speak up on God’s behalf in our lives.

Like Jesus: I can hear this song filling youth bands across the country. Rocking, fast, with power chords and steady beats, and a simple catchy message.

Not Guilty Anymore: This song soothes the weary soul. It brings a refreshing element of grace and love, through poetic lyrics and a solid melody.

Nothing Less Than Beautiful: “Even in tears, You’re always good to us.” Wow. What a song. Simple. Clear. This is a song of faith that runs deep. Much deeper than we realize. The lyrics are short, repeated, and will quickly be written on the heart of the hearer.

Help Me Lord: The tonal makeup of this song is unique. The instruments used to create the accompaniment feel reflective and pensive. There’s a waiting for God to come – to help us to trust Him.

Where Are You Now: This song offers a beautiful melody in the midst of pain, offering worshipers a moment to ask questions that we don’t often ask in worship songs. I’ve wanted a song like this in church – and I know others will be relieved that we finally have one.

Not What My Hands: Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful. I’m not sure what it is that draws me into the melody of this song, but I love it. And the message of the song is that we can’t fix ourselves. “Not what my hands have done can save my guilty soul.”

You Never Cease to Amaze Me: We don’t sing songs like this – that sound like this – mysterious and rocking, all at the same time. I love how this song has been pulled together – the verse and chorus work together in a fantastic pop-rock way, but it’s still singable and catchy. Congregations will love this, and bands will have a blast playing it.

CLICK HERE to check out Aaron’s music on iTunes. The album release date is Aug. 24.

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Here’s the giveaway…Re:Verb (Conversations on Biblical Worship) Vol. 1 DVD and Saint Lewis’ “Songs From The Hope Farm” CD. Leave a comment (of at least two sentences) on this post to be entered.

Deadline: 9pm CST, August 24th. You must be at least 18 years old to qualify. Winner will need to donate $4 to help cover shipping & handling.