album review | All About Worship

“Beauty is What Remains”, Andrew Ehrenzeller – CD Review & Free Song

Posted by AllAboutWorship on May 26th, 2011 in free music, free stuff, Giveaway, Reviews | 8 comments

(See the end of the review for a chance to win a copy of the CD.)

Mix the music of Dave Matthews Band and Peter Gabriel and fill it with the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit and you have the sound of Andrew Ehrenzeller. His latest, Beauty is What Remains, is a journey through all that modern Christian music can be. From stellar musicianship, pristine production, to passionate and compelling lyrics, there is not a weak spot on this beautifully crafted album.

It is a profound experience each time I listen.

Take the track “Light.” First off, with a time signature of 5/4 and a virtuosic vibraphone line, you’re in for a musical adventure that stays accessible all the while. The opening lyric describes the experience of hearing the album for me: “On the wings of the dawn Your glory comes/Straight to my heart like the shot from a gun.”

Or how about the jazz infused piano gluing together the groove of “Advocate”? Coupled with theologically resonant lyrics like: “We have an Advocate who pleads our case/Before the judge of the entire human race/He stands with confidence while taking our place/Every night and day/Every night and day,” my only hope is for more songs soon.

This album is fertile ground for not only those in the Church, but also all those that love great music. Often, there seems to be a “Christian Music sound” that has a tendency to turn some off, but this collection stands on its own as great art, great writing, great music.

Music of this caliber follows in the spirit of Deuteronomy 28:13: “The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”

I’m excited about the great music that continues to flow from Andrew Eherenzeller. May he continue to teach us how to blaze a trail of passion in pursuit of the heart of God.

Click below to listen and/or download the song “Light” from the album.

-Review by Ben Ward
(review copy provided by artist)

(Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win a free copy of this CD. Deadline is 5pm CST, June 3rd. Winner will be chosen randomly. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. US residents only.)

Jesus Culture “Come Away” – CD Review

Posted by AllAboutWorship on Nov 22nd, 2010 in Reviews | 3 comments

Mandy Thompson and Wisdom Moon both wrote a review of Come Away by Jesus Culture. The album released today and is available on iTunes.

REVIEW BY MANDY THOMPSON

I recently heard that if Jesus Culture picks up a song soon the whole world will know it. With a handful of songwriters in the credits of their songs, I anticipate that the same is true for many featured on their latest album. Come Away is a beautiful blend of dramatic ballads and rocking pop songs, all lifting your soul to the presence of God.

A few songs that caught my attention:

-Misty Edwards’ “My Soul Longs For You.” I’m so glad they put this on the album. It uses the dramatic metaphor of God coming like the rain. And the song cries “Let It Rain! Let It Rain!” with passion and fervency. It’s a powerful song to use in worship.

-“Freedom Reigns,” by Michael Larson, follows “My Soul Longs For You” and there’s something about it that pulled me in on first listen. We love to sing songs based on 2 Cor 3:17, but this one encourages listeners with something new: “If you’re tired & thirsty, there is freedom.”

-“One Thing Remains” caught my ear before the first word was sung. I could tell this song was going somewhere dynamic and inspiring. It didn’t let me down. The song contrasts God’s love with difficulties in life. I anticipate this song will be sung by many.

===

REVIEW BY WISDOM MOON

It is always exciting for me when I hear that there is a new Jesus Culture project underway. So much of today’s worship projects sound alike, so I’m always on the lookout for an album (like many of Jesus Culture’s) that not only has songs that are corporate worship friendly, but have a unique sound.

Jesus Culture’s new album, Come Away, is that perfect combination. The passion and desperation for more of God clearly comes through in this live recording. The album contains songs that are not just great for corporate worship, but for personal worship times.

Featuring the songs and vocal talents of Jesus Culture worship leaders Chris Quilala, Kim Walker-Smith and the full Jesus Culture band, this album was recorded live at the Jesus Culture Encounter Conference in Redding, CA earlier this year with a full house of passionate youth and young adults.

Some of the songs that stood out to me are:

Track 5: “My Soul Longs For You” – I’m very familiar with the live version done by Misty Edwards, the writer of this song, but I have to say I am liking this version better.

Track 7: “Let It Rain” – This is one of my favorite songs of all time, and written by a friend of mine – Michael Farren of Pocket Full of Rocks. A very simple, yet powerful song. Every time I listen to it, a hunger is stirred inside of me.

Track 9: “Show Me Your Glory” – Another song that stirs my soul. That’s what I love about Jesus Culture’s albums; they pick songs that stir up a hunger for Jesus. They don’t settle for radio-friendly songs.

Come Away is not just another worship album; it is an experience that beckons you to engage. It’s a continuous flow of powerful worship that draws you to a fresh new encounter with God.

===

Track List:

01. Come Away

02. Rooftops

03. You Are My Passion

04. I Want To Know You

05. My Soul Longs For You

06. Freedom Reigns

07. Let It Rain

08. Mighty Breath of God

09. Show Me Your Glory

10. One Thing Remains

We’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section. And, if you missed it last week, we are giving away two copies of this CD/DVD combo HERE. Deadline is approaching, so hurry!

Glory :: Klaus (10 Second CD Review!)

Posted by AllAboutWorship on Apr 2nd, 2009 in music, Reviews, worship | 0 comments

This is called a 10 Second CD Review, because it will only take you about 10 seconds to read the review. The ratings below are out of 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being outstanding.

klaus-glory

PRODUCTION: 4.5
(quality of production)

LYRICS: 4.5
(theological accuracy, fresh lyrics)

MUSIC: 4.5
(composition)

VOCALS: 4.3

UNIQUE/ORIGINAL: 4

USABILITY: 4
(usability of songs in congregational worship)

OVERALL: 4.4

SONGS THAT STAND OUT: I Give You Glory, Running (featuring Kari Jobe), When I Speak Your Name (featuring Kari Jobe)

Don’t just take my word for it. Listen for yourself on iTunes or Zune (my music software of choice) and leave a comment here.

Review by Wisdom Moon

Kari Jobe :: Kari Jobe (10 Second CD Review)

Posted by AllAboutWorship on Mar 6th, 2009 in Reviews, worship | 2 comments

This is called a 10 Second CD Review, because it will only take you about 10 seconds to read the review. The ratings below are out of 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being outstanding.

kari-jobe-album-cover