There’s a new breed of artists moving to the forefront of the “worship scene.” Bold, raw, even prophetic, and always full of Jesus. How is this different from every other worship artist out there? Maybe it’s not, but artists like Jesus Culture, Kim Walker, Bethel Live and Jeremy Riddle have flooded the “Top Albums” and “Top Songs” categories on iTunes in 2011, and it’s difficult to find a setlist where one of their songs isn’t being used to lead student group and congregations across America in worship.
Artists from Bethel Music, based out of Bethel Church in Redding, California, have emerged as the voice of a new movement, and William Matthews’ Hope’s Anthem is the latest installment in a line of albums birthed out of this movement.
Laced with a bit of everything – rock, pop and even some R&B and soul – Hope’s Anthem is fun, encouraging, fresh and innovative. From “Deep Cries Out”, the first song on the record borrowed from Bethel Live’s Be Lifted High, to the title track and everything in between, the former IHOP worship leader brings something creative and new to every captivating moment.
Some noteworthy tracks include:
“This One Thing” – One I keep coming back to… Words that have been said a thousand times, but this time is different. The melody works perfect with the lyric, and the presence of God floods the room every time it comes on.
“We Believe” – ”that our nation will be saved, that our cities will be freed, every promise that you give, God we believe.” How could you not get into those lyrics? Should be the heart-cry of every church on the planet.
“My Great Reward” – Great song… great bridge… “I’ve never seen a lover who is quite like You, There’s no other, and every single moment that I’m with You is like no other.” This will get so stuck in your head… totally in a good way!
“I Just Want You More” – The last track on the album, and so fitting… Epic, worshipful and addictive.
“Hope’s Anthem” – Will no doubt become a “house” song in churches across the world (if it hasn’t already)… a beautiful anthem of hope and freedom in Christ.
When asked about his debut album, William says it best. “I really feel this album is going to release hope to you wherever you’re at. We’re going to release hope in God, hope in people and hope in cities and nations.”
On February 15th, Bethel Live releases its all new, full-length recording Be Lifted High on Kingsway as a CD/DVD combo. I had the chance to listen to this live worship recording recently, and I can honestly say it is one of the best worship albums I’ve had the chance to listen to in a long time! Especially on the first six songs, there is such a sense of continued uplifting worship, I just broke out in worship, sitting right there in the coffee shop wearing my headphones. I’m so excited to share these songs with our congregation, and use them in our own worship experiences. There are so many great, usable songs for corporate worship!
Recorded live at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, this album features worship leaders Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, William Matthews, Amanda Falk and Steffany Frizzell. Be Lifted High includes 13 songs recorded live over a series of Bethel Church worship services and features the passionate, genuine and spontaneous worship of the church. The DVD also includes personal stories from the artists of how worship has changed their lives, including Brian Johnson sharing in detail for the first time the story of how the power of praise freed him from years of spiritual torment. Bethel Music, formed as an organic extension of Bethel Church, represents the worship of the church.
Here are just some of the songs that stood out to me:
“You Are Good” (Brian Johnson and Jeremy Riddle)
This is an upbeat song of praise that really caught my attention. I can easily see using this song as an opening to a worship service!
“One Thing Remains” (Brian Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, Christa Black Gifford)
To me, one sign of a great song for congregational worship is that when you hear it for the first time, you feel like you already know it, and that’s the case with this song. The marriage between the words, the rhythm and melody is so seamless that I could sing along the first time I heard it, and the music wasn’t a barrier to my worship. Great song!
“Furious” (Jeremy Riddle)
The lyrics to this Jeremy Riddle song speak of the intensity of God’s love for us “His love is fierce, His love is strong, it is furious”. The intensity of the rhythms in this song match the intensity of the lyrics, moving this song along at a “furious” pace.
“Be Lifted High” (Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Tim Hughes, Jeremy Riddle)
The title track of this album is another very singable chorus for the church. “Lord, release the sound of heaven | Let it rise in every nation | We will join the anthem singing | Be lifted high | Be lifted high | Higher and higher, Lord”
“God I Look To You” (Jenn Johnson and Ian McIntosh)
I have to say, though, that my favorite track on the album is this song – “God I Look To You”. It’s such a simple song, as are several on this album, but it’s such a powerful song! The verse is a prayer for vision and wisdom, the chorus is a declaration of love to the Lord, and then the bridge is a soaring anthem for the church to sing – “Hallelujah, our God reigns!” Those words linked with that melody should find its way into churches everywhere to be sung by the Church! My favorite part of the whole project!
This project is definitely worth checking out! It has been on repeat in my office all week! For more information about this album, go to www.bethelmusic.com, where you can also download the chord charts for all the songs on this album.
Wanna win a copy of the new Bethel Live CD/DVD – Be Lifted High? The album will hit streets on February 15th and is distributed by Kingsway Music. It features worship leaders: Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, William Matthews, Amanda Falk, and Steffany Frizzell. To enter to win, all you have to do is answer the following question in the comment section:
Most of you that visit our site are either worship leaders, worship pastors, or somehow involved in worship and/or creative arts at your local church in one way or another. Think about your role and finish the following statement…
“I am a worship leader because…” (If you’re a volunteer musician, it might be “I am a volunteer in worship ministry because…” OR “I wanna be a worship leader because…”)
The contest ends Monday, February 14th @ 12pm CST. You must be 18 or older to enter. International entries are permitted.
Facebook the following and tag AllAboutWorship.com: I just entered 2 win the new Bethel Live CD by finishing this statement: “I am a worship leader because…” http://bit.ly/gHIL6H
Here’s our interview with Kim Walker put together as a video. Kim Walker is a worship leader at Bethel Church in Redding, CA. She is also a part of Jesus Culture.
This episode of the All About Worship Podcast features a special interview with worship leader, Kim Walker. Kim is a worship leader based out of Redding, CA and is a part of Jesus Culture. She talks about worship leading, the importance of a love encounter with God, and answers questions from our Mogulus participants.
Featured Worship Leader Tool: Vertical Music (free mp3s and chord charts)
Email us one of your 2009 goals to podcast(at)allaboutworship(dot)com for your chance to win the new MercyMe CD.
What: live chat with worship leaders, Darrell Evans (”Trading My Sorrows”, “Fields of Grace”) and Kim Walker (”We Cry Out”, “He Loves Us”, Jesus Culture, worship leader at Bethel Church in Redding, CA)
Join us as we talk with Darrell Evans (9pm) and Kim Walker (9:45pm) about worship ministry, worship leading, songwriting, and more. We will have a question and answer time where you can ask questions using the chat feature on the site.
When: this coming Monday, November 24th, 9pm – 10:15pm Central
CD/DVD combo. I had the chance to listen to this live worship recording recently, and I can honestly say it is one of the best worship albums I’ve had the chance to listen to in a long time! Especially on the first six songs, there is such a sense of continued uplifting worship, I just broke out in worship, sitting right there in the coffee shop wearing my headphones. I’m so excited to share these songs with our congregation, and use them in our own worship experiences. There are so many great, usable songs for corporate worship!
