People & Songs Vol. 1, Jennie Lee Riddle – CD Review

“Sing to God a brand new song, praise Him in the company of all who love Him.” (Psalm 149:1, The Message)

The words of the Psalmist bring us to the conclusion that worship is meant to be corporate. Some of the most powerful worship songs out there are being produced by collectives and co-writers alike, which leads us nicely to People & Songs Vol. 1, a collection of songs co-written by Jennie Riddle & a host of others. Chris Olson & Ed Rotheram have put together their thoughts on the album – let’s take a look.

Ed: Right from the introduction, the opening song “Waking up the Dawn” had me hooked. There is a really organic feel to this – the sort of sound you might expect from a group of passionate worshippers meeting up to have a jam and sing their hearts out. The underlying drum/clap rhythm binds this song together and gives it a strong undercurrent, and Michael Farren’s powerful yet sensitive vocal line sits in just right over the top of the mix. There is a strong feeling of expectancy in the opening sections, with a melody that really builds in the “with a yearning for our King to come” section that follows on. A very strong opener, this is my pick of the album.

Chris: For me, track four is the highlight of the album.  This song is entitled “When the Stars Burn Down”.  Featuring Jonathan Lee on vocals, this song has it all.  A great arrangement, wonderful lyrics of high praise, and a killer melody.  The bridge is a special thing – wonderful proclamation of God’s majesty.  This song will no doubt find its way into the congregations of many churches, and will be a blessing to all as we join in, singing “Blessing and honor, glory and power, forever to our God.”

Ed: My second pick is “When Love was Slain”. The introduction is sublime – a beautiful picked mandolin, backed up by solid, well placed piano chords set the song’s reflective feel right into context from the outset. The vocals (provided by New Nation Music (Jennie, Crystal Yates, and Will Yates)) are well arranged, with some superb harmonies – the 3 part in the chorus is particularly pleasing. Lyrically, I really like the section that starts “soon Lord, and very soon” – as with a lot of the rest of the album, the feel of expectancy of a move of the Lord is very apparent here. I can really see this song working well as a Communion song – the pictures that are painted by the lyrics make this a great song for reflection.

Chris: While the album as a whole has a pretty mellow vibe, with a heavy country accent, “O Come Divine Messiah” provides a nice, upbeat kick to the midpoint of the album.  This is another congregation-friendly worship song (with vocals from Jennie & Robbie Seay) that is pushed forward by a driving bassline that really adds to the overall dynamic of the song.  To find out more about this great song, check out our friend Joe Brookhouse’s review of this song, as the released single, HERE.

Ed: As with my previous pick, “Glory Fall” is a song featuring the amazing vocals of New Nation Music. The vocal lines that these guys bring give their songs an added dimension of texture that really lifts the songs. The simple nature of this chorus had me picturing the image of this song being led in our church in a worship time, and I could see the Lord’s Glory falling on the faces of His people, their hearts given over in worship to Him. To me, it was a great reminder of the privilege that we get as worshippers – we can enter in to the presence of the Creator of the World, and meet face to face with the Son who set us free, feeling the Glory of His Holy Spirit falling down like rain.

Chris: If you are reading this, then you likely have heard the song, “Revelation Song”.  Heck, you probably have heard numerous versions of this song!  As one of the most widely known worship songs being sung in churches today, this album brings us another version. Featuring guest backing vocals from Emily Riddle (Jennie’s daughter, backing Jennie on lead vocals), this version may not be what you expect to hear.  This song has a soft vibe to it, very reflective in nature. This song sounds about as intimate as a song can sound – a personal conversation between a child of God and her creator.

We had the opportunity to ask Jennie about the song. Here’s what she had to say about it: “I sang it the way I wrote it…It was a peaceful moment full of the rest of the Lord in the middle of an otherwise not awesome mom day. I sang it like a lullaby… and I got to sing it with my daughter…such an honor!”

Compared to the more “power ballad” style renditions of this song you have likely heard, you may, at first, find it a little hard to grasp onto.  But trust me, when you give it another listen or two, and really hone in on what is being sung, it’ll speak to you in another wonderful way.

So, these are our thoughts on just a handful of the tracks on this album.  This collaborative effort – 15 songs featuring 12 different vocalists (including Jennie herself) – delivers some of the most profound lyrics in modern worship music.

While only some may be fitting for a congregational application, every song can, should, and hopefully will, minister to the hearts of anyone who listens.  While there is a strong country/folk feel to the album, anyone who appreciates praising our King will find this album to be a must-have, and a must-listen. Jennie is most known for the widely popular song “Revelation Song” . . . after this album, I expect that more songs will be added to that list.

-Review by Chris Olson and Ed Rotheram
(review copy provided by artist) 

The Worship EP, Ben Woodward – Album Review

Ben Woodward’s newest offering, The Worship EP is a wonderful 6 song worship set. Ben was on staff at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City but recently took a position with Rock of Roseville Church in Roseville, CA. This is his third offering, and a solid follow up to his 2010 album Maranatha.

The opening track, ‘Running Into Your Name’ is a great song about taking refuge in The Lord. As with most of this album, this song relies on a stripped down feel that makes it perfect for most churches to add into their Sunday morning lineup. The chorus really tugs at the heart of this song: “I keep running into Your name, You are my hiding place. I keep running into Your name, You are my safe refuge. Let the mountains and the valleys all resound with one song; Jesus Saves.” One of the things that makes this EP special is that even though it was recorded in the studio, it was recorded as a worship set, and so the songs run into each other. This makes it easier to listen and get lost in the place of worship.

‘I Love You So’, is a great song that begins with soft piano and Ben’s soothing voice crying out to the Lord. The verse builds this atmosphere of love. It is truly an offering to the Lord more than it is a song for us to sing. The chorus is amazingly simple: “I Love You so, I want to sing till the whole world knows”. The song feels bigger as Ben introduces cello into the chorus, which makes it more majestic without making it busier.

Ben gives us something more akin to modern worship with ‘Great is Your Mercy’, with electronic drums and an electric guitar riff that relies on delay, reverb and tremolo. However this song has a slowed down tempo and a very passionate feel. This song about mercy really hits deep into your heart as you listen. It has one verse, a chorus, and a simple tag. It doesn’t try to be eloquent, or fancy, it just rejoices in the mercy God has extended on fallen men.

This is followed up with an instrumental track he calls ‘Selah’. I think this is a perfect name for it, because its comes at the end of the last song when there are no words left to say and simply uses the instruments to express the emotions that are overflowing from the heart. It’s a brilliant moment of genuine worship.

This is a solid EP that should be in the hands of every worship leader. With 6 songs it sits about the perfect length for an average church worship service. I could see this exact EP being someone’s Sunday morning worship. I applaud Ben for another great offering – 4 Stars, and that missing star is because this EP left me wanting more. I ended the EP thinking, I wish it wasn’t over. Which is a great feeling. Buy this EP on Ben’s BandCamp page.

-Review by Mathew Reames
(review copy provided by artist)

“For the Weary Souls”, This Hope Prevails – Album Review

This Hope Prevails just released their first EP, For the Weary Souls. This unique blend of ambient techno and indie seems almost reminiscent of Gungor with a bit more electronics involved. Though this is a local recording done in Alberta, Canada, the production quality is not lacking at all. This free 5 song EP is definitely something you will want to download.

The album begins with “Our Refuge” –  this song grabbed me right off the bat. The electronica balances nicely with the ambient guitar, to set a nice atmosphere of worship. I love the chorus of the song which goes, “Jesus You are, You are Hope, for the weary souls, Your eyes are fixed on those, on those who fear You, Lord. You’re our refuge.” It just grabbed me as a song that would really exhort and encourage both the churched and unchurched. It is definitely a song I would consider for a Sunday worship service.

“Always” is a much heavier praise song. The electronic influence shines through here. The lyrics are great but often get lost in the volume of the electronica and instrumentation which is a bit of a detriment, but if the vocals were mixed better it would be a fantastic song. I love the ending of the song where they strip away all the instrumentation down to only an acoustic guitar and voices and play the classic hymn “Take My Life and Let it Be”. It is a stark contrast from the rest of the song yet really helps add to the overall theme and feel of the song.

“You Have My Affection” is the final of the five songs and is probably the heaviest song of the EP. I love the cry of the chorus – “Oh Lord, You are faithful Creator, You take hold of my life in Your hands and before You. I stand with my affection, You have my affection; You have my hearts cry.” It is a strong song and a great end to this EP.

I would say the overarching theme of this album is the salvation power of Christ, which is always a welcome theme. I enjoyed this album and think it is a good start for This Hope Prevails. I think they will have a good platform to build off of for future albums. It’s a solid 3 star album if you like electronica.

Grab it for free at: thishopeprevails.com

Review by Mathew Reames

Into The Glorious, Christy Nockels – Album Review

Christy Nockels will be a name and a voice already familiar to many of you – she has been an ever present on the Passion series of albums for a number of years. Returning to the studio to release her second solo album Into the Glorious, Christy has had the opportunity to show a somewhat more personal side to her worship. Let’s take a closer look.

Opening with the album’s clear standout track is the first single release “Ever Lifting”. With a catchy picked banjo riff in the intro (which actually forms the melody for the chorus), pulsating drums, and an overall feeling of energy, this track certainly lives up to the title. This is a song where the production genius that is Christy’s husband Nathan comes to the fore – the song is made by the sublime overlaying of several textures and layers, all fitting seamlessly together to produce a great opener to the album.

The title track (“Into the Glorious”) resonates with me as being more Christy’s “natural style” – a beautiful piano part sits perfectly under Christy’s melodic vocal line, and there is much more of a “live”, uplifting feel. The transfer from minor to major keys from the verse to the chorus gives it a particular lift, and really captures the idea of coming out of darkness and into light. Listen to this while reading 2 Corinthians 3:18 – where Paul speaks of us being transformed from one degree of glory to the next – it puts it in a whole new light.

Christy includes new versions of a couple of the songs from Passion albums on this offering, and the first one we come across is “Waiting Here For You”. In a way, comparing a version of a song from a live rendition (very much in a live worship context) to a studio version could be seen as unfair. One thing I do feel that is valid in this case however is the “progressive” nature of the song, and how that comes out in both the live and studio versions. By the very nature of the song, we are waiting expectantly for the Lord’s presence – to be transformed by the wonder of Him, and to be changed by encountering Him in worship. This is an aspect of the concept of the song that, I feel, has not been played out to the extent it could have been in the studio version – the lift just isn’t there for me.

“Sing Along” is a great example of how to bring the feel of a great live worship song back into the studio. Those of you who have already picked up Passion’s latest release White Flag will already be familiar with this song – a song that displays the unity we have in Him and His love for us and the world in which we live. The idea of joining with His and Heaven’s song, and having His song fill the earth with His heart and hope is really moving. This is a great example of how production doesn’t need to be overly heavy for a song to have energy, passion and drive – for most of the song the backing is very stripped back – it is only really for the last chorus that overdriven guitars and full kit come in. A particularly nice touch is the children’s choir at the end – it finishes the song wonderfully.

As a whole, this album definitely has something to offer the worshipper – the songs mentioned, along with the likes of “Healing is in Your Hands” and “How I Love You” will find their way into many a worship leader’s Sunday repertoire. I’m happy to give this 4 stars – on the strength of the production and the songwriting, however I feel it definitely had something more to offer.

-Review by Ed Rotheram
(album provided by EMI)

All Sons & Daughters, Season One – Album Review

In All About Worship’s first collaboration to span 2 continents, Barry Westman (Janesville, WI) and Ed Rotheram (London, England) have each chosen their standout tracks from All Sons & Daughters’ existing EPs, and each taken a look at one of the new songs. We hope you enjoy it!

This past week sees the release of Franklin-based worship duo All Sons & Daughters’ debut full-length album, Season One. Comprised of their 2 EPs Brokenness Aside & Reason To Sing, with a couple of brand new tracks, this album brings together the last 18 months of worship leaders David Leonard & Leslie Jordan’s design for a great addition to the current crop of acoustic worship duos. The combination of natural acoustic feel, tight vocal harmonies and a constructive yet poetic approach to songwriting creates an amazing synergy. Let’s take a closer look:

“All The Poor & Powerless”
Ed: My first pick comes from the Brokenness Aside EP – “All the Poor and Powerless” begins with a beautiful piano introduction (the amazing technique shown in the recording of the piano is a great feature of this record as a whole). The song takes on a great feel when the drum loop comes in – I really like the stripped back, progressive feel to the song. The lyrical reference to the Great Commission in the bridge adds a great dimension to this song:
“Shout it, go on and scream it from the mountains, go on and tell it to the masses that He is God”
The final stages of this song see a wonderful overlaying of the chorus on the bridge, creating an amazing texture, filling any room with sound and praise.

“Brokenness Aside”
Barry: This is the title track from their first EP, and since it came out, it has spoken to many people about God’s amazing restorative power from brokenness to beautiful.  The song starts with an honest, simple verse just asking the question “Will Your grace run out if I let You down”, almost hesitantly, as if afraid to ask.  Then the chorus comes in with the addition of piano and vocal harmonies to reassure us – “But You are a Savior and You take brokenness aside and make it beautiful”.  This song highlights the vulnerability in the vocal sounds of this duo, while also showing their range as it builds to the powerful climax. Simply amazing!

“Reason To Sing”
Ed: My second pick is the title track of their second EP – “Reason To Sing”. Praising God when times get hard is one of the struggles that many Christians face – and one that David and Leslie found was going on in their own church. The awareness of a desperation for God in this season gave them a vision for writing songs for the seasons that their church was going through, and through it, God revealed to them that He is the reason to sing at any time, because He has the world in His hands. What really spoke to me was the line:
“Your peace is the melody, will You sing it over in me now?” – reminiscent of Zephaniah 3:17 in which Zephaniah speaks of the Lord rejoicing over us in song.

“Spirit Speaks”
Barry: Also from their Reason To Sing EP, this song highlights the theme of waking up and walking in wholeness Leslie referred to about this second EP.  The verses talk about how the Spirit lives and moves in us, and once we’re awakened to His love and grace, our response is to listen to what He is saying, go where He leads, and love the least of these. It’s a powerful song, and a challenge to the church to not only look inward and upward, but also to look outward and share his love with those around us.  Musically, this song is a bit more straightforward than some of their other more unique stylistic songs, which lends itself to being a very usable song for the congregation to sing.

“Your Love is All Around”
Ed: My last pick is the new song “Your Love is All Around”. A song that speaks in the first verse of the vast qualities of God’s love – His mercy, grace, compassion, life-giving qualities and freedom we find in Him. This is a song that, for me, shows that, although All Sons & Daughters’ undeniable strength is primarily in writing choruses and bridges, that their writing of verses is spot on too. This song has raised a question for me though – in the closing sections of this song they introduce the “this is all my hope and peace” part of “Nothing But the Blood”. This hymn has been widely used recently, and while I am all for the fusing of the old and the new in worship songs, I wonder if they had sat down to write the last section with an original choice of words, whether their lyrics would have come out broadly the same, or with a touch more individuality? I’ll leave you to decide on that one.

“Dusk To Dawn”
Barry: This is the other new song that is included on Season One, and it actually was written as a collaboration with Stu G, both in the songwriting and recording.  Stu G said in a recent tweet that this song was inspired by Lent, and it seems like the phrases “Tomorrow’s freedom is today’s surrender”, “We look to You as our hearts remember” and “Lord as we give you more Your spirit swells within” may have been inspired by that focus.  This lilting, peaceful song has a unique sound, mainly because of the 3-part harmony in the vocals instead of just the two; a very nice addition!

Season One is an amazing compilation of the All Sons & Daughters repertoire to date, including these two new songs. In addition, the extended version of the album includes song story videos and music videos for three of the songs on the album, chord charts, instrumental version, and an album play visualizer that displays the lyrics along with each song.  For fans of All Sons & Daughters, this is the ultimate collection, and one that you surely will not want to miss!

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review by Ed Rotheram and Barry Westman
(review copy provided by Integrity Music)

The Same Love, Paul Baloche – Album Review

Listening to a new Paul Baloche CD for the first time is like opening a huge stack of Christmas presents – so much excitement, anticipation of what’s to come, looking forward to discovering what new jewels will be inside.

With Paul’s latest release, The Same Love, that anticipation is greatly rewarded with a batch of fresh, powerful, creative new songs for the church. Even with this new project, Baloche’s 12th recording with Integrity Music, Paul continues to stay relevant and in tune with what’s happening today musically and in the church at large.

Collaborating with some of today’s top artists in the church, like Kari Jobe, All Sons & Daughters, Lincoln Brewster, Kathryn Scott and more, Paul delivers an album with themes of God’s faithfulness and mercy through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that showcases his unbreakable connection to and passion for the Church.

From the opening few bars of piano on the first track, the title song, you can tell this album is going to be an adventure into new territory for Baloche. Co-written with Michael Rossback, “The Same Love” invites us with a fresh, new sound to remember that God is calling us all by name with “The same love that set the captives free/The same love that opened eyes to see”.

Paul says of the creative process behind this album, “You’re trying to go places you’ve never been, deeper into ancient truths, stirring up your modern soul, if you will.” The result of this exploration is a progressive, yet familiar sound for Baloche, mixing all of these different elements of harmony, chords, lyrics, melody and vibe.

The album continues with “We Are Saved”, a song not only co-written with Ben Fielding, but Ben also lends his voice on this driving, Hillsong-esque anthem. Many familiar voices are heard along with Paul’s on this project, including popular duo All Sons & Daughters on “King of Heaven” and “Oh Our Lord” – two standout tracks!

Kathryn Scott lends her voice on “My Hope”, a powerful song of hope for the church. Baloche says, “Life is hard, people are looking for hope, and there’s not much to be found outside of the hope we have in Christ. My intent is for these songs to be honest prayers for the Church to sing…”

Other familiar voices you’ll hear are Kari Jobe on “Look Upon the Lord”, One Sonic Society’s Jason Ingram on “Reign In Me”, and Brothers McClurg on “Just Say”, which was previously recorded on their Alive EP with a whole different vibe. Other songs you may recognize are “Loved By You” and “Shout for Joy” which are co-writes with Lincoln Brewster and appear on his Real Life project.

Once again, Paul Baloche gives the Church a great gift with The Same Love. Paul’s voice sounds just as strong as ever, and the album is filled with songs that will work well in a corporate worship setting. From the simple yet striking “Your Blood Ran Down” to the full sound of “All Because of The Cross”, you will be sure to find a use for every song on this amazing album.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

-Review by Barry Westman
(review copy provided by Integrity Music)

“Current”, Sarah Macintosh – CD Review

From the moment the looped drumbeat and strings riff come in to the opening track from Sarah MacIntosh’s Current album, it begins to live up to it’s name. Current does exactly what it suggests, pulling the listener in with descriptive, conceptual lyrics and a catchy, melodic chorus. Wonderfully textured vocals, backed up by well structured arrangements give this album a unique edge from the outset.

From the title track, we move to the first single release from the album – ‘We Should Run’. This punchy track opens with a whimsical vocal line backed by a beautiful picked arpeggio from a harp – themes that continue as an undercurrent to the song. This track underpins Sarah’s overall vision for the album, as she explains:

“I hope that the listener will grab onto them [the songs] and say ‘Yes! This is for me!’ These are the songs of my heartbeat.”

The idea of running toward a Savior who is for us, wants to have fun with us, who is there for us and who wants to inhabit our praises to Him certainly comes under my vision, and it is one which I find shared in the songs of this album..

My personal favorite song on the album comes in the form of ‘Take it All’. The sparse arrangement of piano with heavy reverb, a pulsating drumbeat and Sarah’s strong, melodic vocal sets the tone perfectly for a song describing a worshipper in full abandoned praise. This is the track that, in my opinion, would get closest to being used in a congregational setting – the chorus, and also the refrain of “I will be found in You” are particularly conducive to congregational worship.

‘Hope’ is a song that conveys the greatness of His love and His plan over us and our situations, proclaiming the hope that can be found in Him and His glory. The evocative closing tag line of “We will run, will laugh, we will dance, we will shout, when You’re back for us” brings the message of hope and joy perfectly. If I could make one criticism of this track, it would be that it could perhaps have been a little more adventurous melodically. Sarah has an undeniably strong vocal gifting, and yet in ‘Hope’ I feel that the melody lines are a little too safe.

Other highlights on the album include ‘Hiding Place’ – something of a detraction from the feel of the rest of the album – a stripped back reflective song speaking of the intimate nature of Sarah’s relationship with the Lord, and ‘Calling, Calling’. The latter is something of a triumph of diversity in arrangement – the slow 6/8 rhythm gives it something different to begin with, and the building of several converging layers throughout the song gives it a compelling, progressive feel.

On the whole I really enjoyed this album. Sarah certainly has her own sound, and this has been thoughtfully and passionately captured, developed and displayed throughout this release. I would happily give this a 4 out of 5 rating, there are some real gems in here.

-Ed Rotheram
(review copy provided by Integrity Music)

UNITED’s Live In Miami – Album Review

I’ve lived my life to the soundtrack of Hillsong United. I applied acne medication and sported my Old Navy tech vest to the likes of “King of Majesty”, “More Than Life” and “To The Ends of The Earth”. I gained my freshman 15 (more like freshman 20) with the accompaniment of tracks like “The Stand”, “From the Inside Out” and “Salvation Is Here”.

I calmed my wedding jitters with “Found”, waited for our son’s arrival to The I Heart Revolution, and prayed for God to save my city with “Tear Down the Walls”. It is this kind of history, emotion and meaning attached to every song that ultimately make room in my heart, and millions more, for Aftermath: Live from Miami.

Just one look at the track listing, and it’s evident that this album is going to deliver every ounce of the passion, excitement and raw hunger for God synonymous with Hillsong UNITED.

To over-simplify, I’d break this album into a few categories:

1) All-time classics that feel a bit like “bonus tracks” on the project: “Mighty to Save”, “Hosanna”, “The Stand”, “All I Need is You”, “Take it All” and “From the Inside Out” – How can you not love these!

2) High-Octane praise, louder and more energetic than ever before: “Go”, “Nova”, “Freedom is Here/Shout Unto God” and “Yours Forever”. Again proving that UNITED is unrivaled in their ability to glorify Jesus while jumping up and down.

3) Intimate moments, showcasing the softer side of the team: “Bones”, “Oh You Bring”, and “Like an Avalanche”. So creative and compelling… songs that belong in a prayer playlist for sure.

4) Epic, “stadium” moments with all eyes on Jesus… The title track, fittingly performed by its creator Joel Houston, was even more powerful than the studio version. “Take Heart” was close behind. But, surprisingly enough, I can’t stop listening to the song that’s been on about 8 Hillsong albums over the past 5 years. Nothing like joining with thousands upon thousands, “With Everything” before God!

In summary, if you loved the studio version of Aftermath, and you’re one of the multitudes of Hillsong UNITED fans across the globe, then you’ll have this on repeat from now until their next highly anticipated release. It’s long, in all the right places, live in all the right ways and loud in the fullest, most vivid sense of the word.

-Joe Cameneti, Jr.
(review copy provided by the label)

“Rise Up!”, The Rizers – Album Review

“We want to instill in kids a love for Jesus Christ and his Word through Scripture memory, praise and worship,”  this is the mission of The Rizers (short for Memorizers) a band represented as cartoons and sing Scripture verses in the form of upbeat, kid-friendly music.  There is Gracie (lead vocals), Matty C (guitar and vocals), Mei Mei (keytar), A-Yo (drums), and Johnny Danger (bass). They meet in Matty C’s garage to make their joyful noise in their town of Rizing Springs.  Their newest album Rise Up certainly accomplishes their mission and more!

Although designed for ages 4-10, Children ages 7 – 13 describe this group as “being better than any other Christian Kids artist I’ve ever heard!”  With their opening song ”Make a Joyful Noise” a song which boasts an upbeat rap/funk flare, will have children and adults alike unknowingly memorizing this scripture verse from Psalm 100:1-2.  ”I Can Do Everything” another track from The Rizers current album embraces a Calypso/reggae style while inviting children to learn Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

Track 3 ”Glory, Glory, Glory” gives way to a catchy techno/dance beat all while teaching 2 Peter 3:18. The vocals are very pleasant to listen to with catchy rhythms sure to engage the youngest child as well as adults.  Track 4, as one child puts it is, “a very settled down techno style”.  This song is brought down with more of a melodic ballad feeling, again, while teaching 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God breathed…”

Rise Up fittingly ends with the bands familiar techno sound while focusing on John 14:27, ”Let the Children Come to Me”.  The Rizers are not only a band, but help to define Children’s Ministry today, not only within the wall of the church but also within the home.  Their catchy lyrics and modern rhythms will certainly have children enjoying the music but also soaking in God’s very word into their minds and hearts.

-Review by Kerri Thomson
(review copy provided by the band)

Where I Find You, Kari Jobe – Album Review

Chris Olson and Julie Terwilliger had the opportunity to co-review Kari Jobe‘s new album, Where I Find You, releasing on Tuesday, January 24th. Here’s their conversational-style review…

Julie: Hey Chris! Once again we team up for a review of an epic album release! First things first, what was your first impression of this highly anticipated release?

Chris: After my first time giving it a full spin, I was immediately in love with the album. Admittedly there were a few songs that I wasn’t as bought into from the get go, but they came to grow on me upon future listens.

Julie: Same here, it grew on me & now I can’t stop listening to it!

Chris: I kinda expected this to sound like Kari’s last album, but it doesn’t. Hard to explain, but I believe this album more. Both albums have some nice layering and arrangements, and both have some good textures. But this one seems deeper, both sonically and lyrically.

Julie: I definitely noticed how polished it sounded at first. Although pretty much all of the songs are congregational friendly they are also masterfully produced for a radio hit. A few creative new sounds incorporated, but not to the point that the art is more noticeable than the heart of worship expressed.

Chris: The feeling I get listening to this album is far more tangible than I got with the last one. It’s still Kari’s soft, sweet voice, still a lot of “pretty” going on in the music. Directionally, the focus of this album is a little different. Kari herself says that this is about experiencing God’s presence, even in the midst of hardships. All of these songs definitely feed that theme, in the best way.

Julie: So what is your favorite song on this album? I would have to say mine is “Find You On My Knees” & “Stars In The Sky” – wonderful lyrics & lovely soaring vocals.

Chris: This isn’t a fair question! When I asked you the same thing in our last review together, you couldn’t pick just one, and I can’t either! My favorite songs on the album are “Stars in the Sky”, “Love Came Down”, and “Here”. “Stars in the Sky” just has an amazing groove with one of the best chorus melodies I have heard in a while. “Love Came Down” is by far the best rendition of this song I have heard, and the arrangement truly brings this song to life for me. “Here” is simply amazing. Listen to this song through some good headphones with your eyes closed. Do it.

Julie: Comments on the collaboration of some of the contributors to this recording? Did that question have a lot of C’s in it, or is that just me? : )

Chris: Ed Cash produced this album (Best. Name. EVER.) with Matt Bronleewe. Matt’s addition to this on the producing side (although he did also cowrite a few tunes on the album) likely is part of why this album has a different feel and vibe compared to the last album.

Julie: I concur we could converse about this album quite a bit longer, but will conclude with any of your closing comments & considerations of these carefully crafted choruses. (Did I just do that ‘C’ thing again…?)

Chris: Ten C’s in that one! Nicely done! This album is something special. Lyrically profound and sonically inspiring. I have listened to this album several times, quite often through headphones while working. I have genuinely been moved almost to the point of tears while listening to this album. Almost. I don’t have tears . . . I am a man . . . So, if you crave a creative choral consideration of God’s consistent covenantal commitment to His children, consider cranking this album in a cab or your casa, or anywhere else you care to. You will be blessed! (Julie . . . that’s 13. Check. Mate.)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

(review copy provided by EMI)

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