White Flag, Passion – Album Review

It’s called White Flag, but Passion isn’t anywhere near calling it quits. Since it’s inception in 1995, this movement of college students across America has expanded to occupy much of the world, and the music has marked each moment.

I was able to attend Passion ’06 in Nashville, and I’ve been absolutely hooked ever since! Each January, I experience Christmas all over again as I view the conference live-streaming from home. There’s just something about starting the year off with thousands of believers converging in one spot to glorify God and preparing to tell the world about Him.

And they always deliver. Whether it’s Road to One Day, Sacred Revolution, Hymns, Awakening, or any of the other mainstays released over the years, you can be confident that a new sound will be rising in local churches across the earth. Something fresh, something meaningful and something revolutionary.

In addition to the usual elements (great writing, killer vocals from the Passion Team and a solid message) Passion: White Flag is laced with another story line. This is the last album featuring songs from the David Crowder Band.

In a bitter-sweet send off, the band played it’s final set together as thousands roared in appreciation for the moments they had shared. We are sure to see more of David Crowder, but it was certainly a fitting end to this chapter.

As far as the music goes, I can’t stop listening. Honestly, I love it all, and while I have my favorites, there’s not one moment that isn’t worth listening to. Here are some notables:

“Not Ashamed” – Kristian Stanfill comes out with guns blazing in this heart-pounding “from the roof-tops” track 1. Rooted in Romans 1:16… you can’t get more outward focused than this song!

“White Flag” – It’s a peculiar title, but it’s a really creative and unique take on surrender. Chris Tomlin finds a different way to communicate the old adage “I Surrender All”.

“How I Love You Jesus” – I wish this 2:51 could be stretched to 10! It’s just piano, strings and the stadium serving as a choir. “How I love you Jesus”, over and over again. Beautiful.

“Yahweh” – Anthemic. So fun to sing, and so full of the vastness of God. If I had to pick, probably my favorite moment on the album.

“Let Me Feel You Shine” – This is Crowder at his best. Upbeat, uplifting and fun to belt out at the top of your lungs. We’ll miss you Crowder Band!

From start to finish, they do it right. Quality at the highest level, and a passion for the only thing that matters – knowing God and sharing Him with a generation.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

-Review by Joe Cameneti, Jr.
(review copy provided by EMI)

Church Music by David Crowder Band

David Crowder Band’s newest project, Church Music, was just released yesterday. Great stuff!

It’s available on iTunes. Check it out!

Manly Worship – Live Roundtable Discussion

Most of us know that there is a higher percentage of women in church today than men. There are many theories behind this, but could the music have something to do with it? Are the worship songs we sing today too feminine and not manly enough?

Guys, do you sometimes feel awkward singing touchy, feely worship songs?

Do you feel there aren’t enough worship songs that men can relate to?

Join us as we discuss the topic of “Manly Worship” in a roundtable discussion. The folks around the table will be: Ben Abu Saada, Wisdom Moon, Fred McKinnon, Mandy Thompson, and Troy Kennedy. We invite you to join us live next Tuesday, September 29 @ 9pm Central on Talkshoe and take part in this discussion…a special edition of the podcast.

As you think about this topic check out this video interview of Matt Redman: “Worship Songs Aren’t For The Blokes”.

Also, you should check out this blog post – “How He Loves, David Crowder, and Sloppy Wet Kisses” – by John Mark McMillan, the writer of the song “How He Loves”. He talks about the line that David Crowder Band changed in their version – “sloppy wet kiss” to “unforseen kiss”.

Share your thoughts here on the site. Let’s get the discussion started!