Awakening: Live From Chicago, Jesus Culture – CD Review & Giveaway!
With this review we decided to go about it a little different than our usual format. Since one of our reviewers, Julie Terwilliger, actually experienced this live recording firsthand, Chris Olson and Julie decided to review the album in an interview format. Below is the result:
Chris: Hi Julie! Before we get to talking about the new Awakening CD by Jesus Culture, I hear that you have a unique perspective on this. Tell me about it . . .
Julie: Me & my peeps were in the 3rd row, I actually didn’t know it was going to be a live recording at the time (darn it I should’ve screamed louder to be heard on it!), It was a 3 day experience, with worship & speakers. I loved that on the first night we didn’t start right out into praise, Kim Walker-Smith gave a beautiful word and we launched into slow worship, it was a wonderful beginning to the event.
Chris: Awesome! I think that definitely gives you a unique perspective on this album! Well, let’s get into it.
In past Jesus Culture projects, we primarily see Kim Walker-Smith and Chris Quilala. On this project we see a number of other vocalists joining in: Kristene Di Marco, Katie Torwalt, Bryan Torwalt and Jake Hamilton. Do you like these additions?
Julie: At first I was a bit bummed because all I wanted was to just hear Kim & Chris but when Kristene (who I had the privilege to literally bump into and say hello & props) launched into her song the crowd exploded into worship. Bryan & Katie are now some of my new faves, I have their album too. So, I am very excited about their new additions.
Chris: I noticed a bit of a heavier emphasis on electronic effects and synthesizers than on past projects. I thought it added a nice energy to the album. How did it translate in person?
Julie: Energy. In the song “Dance” it gave it a whole new makeover, I thought it was a new song at first. Surprisingly, nothing took away from the worship experience with the new effects added.
Chris: I think this rendition of “Nothing But the Blood” is one of the prettiest and most powerful I have heard. Not only is it a truly anointed song, but Kim’s harmonies combined with the driving drum beat really push this song. How was that live?
Julie: One word…Epic!
Chris: As we have seen in some past albums, there are a fair amount of what I would call “me centered” songs, such as “Fill Me Up” on this album. I personally don’t consider these to be true worship songs (as I view that as being more upward), but more prayerful songs. “The Anthem” is another example, this one being more of a rally cry to edify each other rather than a true worship song. How did songs like these go over in the live, congregational setting?
Julie: “The Anthem” caught on really quick, by the end of the song everyone was fist pumping. “Fill Me Up” was more of a soaking song, I honestly can’t remember, I may have not even opened my eyes during it!
Chris: I really like that they brought back “We Are Hungry” and I think they did a great job with it. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. What is your favorite track on this album?
Julie: I can NEVER have just one favorite, so mine are: “Glorious”, “Dance” and in my humble opinion the most powerful song live was “Break Every Chain”. Which is by the way an incredible song for the local church to sing, just get a good strong & anointed vocalist on it and God will rock it!
Chris: Ok, last question: If you had to describe this album in one or two sentences, what would it be?
Julie: Incredibly anointed! There is power in the name of Jesus and all over this album!
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Enter to win the CD! What is your all time favorite song written and/or recorded by Jesus Culture? Leave your answer below for your chance to win the CD. Deadline is Monday, December 5th @ 5pm CST. You must be a resident in U.S. or Canada; at least 18 years of age. We’ll pick a random winner. You will have 48 hours after we attempt to contact you to claim your prize.
(Review copy and giveaway courtesy of Kingsway.)
All About Worship Awards 2011 – Voting Open! Plus, Enter to Win the New Jesus Culture CD!
It’s time to cast your votes for the All About Worship Awards 2011!
For your chance to win the new Jesus Culture CD, Awakening (releasing 11/29/11), cast your votes by 5pm CST, Monday, November 28th. To increase your chances of winning, encourage your friends to vote by sharing this page on your Facebook wall and tagging AllAboutWorship.com (Hint: You must first “Like” the page and then tag by using the @ symbol and typing in AllAboutWorship.com.) We’ll pick two random winners. You must be a U.S. or Canada resident and at least 18 years old.
Special thanks to Kingsway for the CD giveaway and to WorshipPlanning.com for sponsoring the AAW Awards 2011 and making it possible for us to send trophies to the winners. Be sure give them a try for 30 days for FREE! It will make your life easier!
Categories for votes include:
-Male Artist of the Year
-Female Artist of the Year
-Band of the Year
-Song of the Year
-Album of the Year
-Blogger of the Year
You can vote for as many nominees as you’d like in each category. A big congrats to our nominees!
Voting will close on Friday, December 16th @ 7pm PST.
Hope’s Anthem, William Matthews – CD Review
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.”
-Review by Joe Cameneti, Jr.
(review copy provided by Kingsway)
Songs of Sons And Lovers, David Walker – CD Review
David Walker recently released his sophomore album, Songs of Sons and Lovers. David is the worship leader at CrossRoads Community Church in Greenville, SC with a stated goal to help people understand the revelation that “The Lord is Enthroned in our Praise.” He has a sound reminiscent of Jesus Culture or Daniel Bashta.
I was pleased with this project from the outset. It opens with the track “Sons and Lovers” which has a very Jesus Culture vibe to it with the steady guitar riffs, and an ethereal pad behind the song.
Track 3 has a heavier drive on the guitars and a straight rock beat on the drums. “Crash This Place” is a song preparing the Church to receive God and let His Glory crash this place. This is a solid song that really captured my attention as it both readies the Church and calls upon God to come. There is a nice piano interlude that leads into the bridge which really sets the tone for the second half of the song which builds out of the bridge into a full out sound complete with a choir. This is a great praise song for Sunday morning worship.
“In Your Presence” is a simple song centered on soft acoustic picking and ethereal pads. The overall tone of this worship song is wonderful. It does a great job of ushering in the presence of the Lord. As the song progresses David brings in soft piano and a wonderful female harmony that blends with David perfectly. The chorus of this song is simple with David just repeating the line, “In your Presence is where I want to be.” After the second chorus, the full band comes in with the bridge and builds into an almost anthemic sound that continues through to the end of the song.
The final song on the album is easily the best. “You Stayed” is driven from the piano with a strings section behind it. The song is about The Cross, God’s Love, and Abundant Life. This song reminds us that we are alive because even though he could have chosen not to go, Jesus Stayed and took our shame.
All of the songs on this album are made to fit perfectly into the congregational setting of a Sunday morning service. Though you have most likely never heard of David Walker, I would urge you to get to know him, because his songwriting abilities are wonderful and I am sure he will be someone you will draw new songs from often.
-Reviewed by Barry Westman
(review copy provided by artist)
“Freedom Calling” – Jake Hamilton (of Jesus Culture) CD Review & Giveaway
When I first started listening to Jesus Culture Artist, Jake Hamilton‘s new Album Freedom Calling it took me a while to get past the first track. Not because it is a long track which clocks in at a full 10:00, but because it is a powerful anthem for the sold out Christian. “War Drums” is driven by its titular drum rhythms as well Jake’s raw vocals which at time sound like he is on the verge of losing his voice. Let me be honest and say, Jake is not a polished, heavily produced worship leader like many out there today. Jake is passionate, raw, and unapologetic.
Following this is another Lengthy track, “New Song” which comes in at 13:05. However much of this is
actually a sample from Peter Grieg of 24-7 Prayer International sharing what he calls The Vision. This sample share about A Generation of Christians who are unashamed of the Gospel and live lives that are anything but normal because thye care more about God’s Kingdom purposes than their own lives. The song itself is about worshipers who are singing their song in the spirit of Elijah to as the chorus says, “Prepare the way of the Lord, the King is coming to reign.” Though it is long it is powerful.
Another track that I think is wonderful is “Looking for One”. This song is primarily acoustic guitar which is a
solid change of pace. It is not the only track to feature the acoustic, but this song relies on the acoustic for its signature sound. The song speaks to the unique dynamic between God and man – who we are, and who he is calling us to become.
Jake is a personal favorite of my church, and so I have been looking forward to this album. I am happy to say it did not disappoint. It is a solid follow up to Jake’s first album - Marked By Heaven. The Album came out today and is available from Kingsway Worship and can be purchase d in many stores or in iTunes. It is a great mix of tracks including a unique rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, which may be one of the most covered songs in the world. This is an album that is different enough without being over the edge.
-Review by Mathew Reames
(Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win a free copy of this CD. Deadline is 5pm CST, June 14th. TWO winners will be chosen randomly. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. US residents only.)
Jesus Culture “Come Away” – CD Review
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.
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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.
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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!
Jesus Culture’s “Come Away” CD Giveaway
Jesus Culture’s new album, Come Away, releases next Tuesday (November 23rd). It’s a special CD/DVD combo recorded live at the Jesus Culture Encounter Conference in Redding, CA. Featuring the songs and vocal talents of Jesus Culture worship leaders Kim Walker-Smith, Chris Quilala and the full Jesus Culture band, the Come Away CD and DVD both contain 10 tracks.
We want to give YOU a chance to win this CD/DVD! We are giving away two copies. Here are the two simple ways to enter for your chance to win:
1. “Like” us on Facebook and leave a message on our wall indicating that you would like to win the Jesus Culture CD/DVD. (If you already “Like” us, just leave a message on the wall.)
2. Subscribe to our free newsletter. (Only new email addresses will be entered to win.)
You can enter both ways to double your chances of winning! Deadline is Wednesday, November 24th @ 4pm CST. We will send a private message to the two winners via email or Facebook message.
By the way, we’ll be posting a review of this album soon.
CD Review: “Hope of Heaven” by Dave Fitzgerald
I had not heard of Dave Fitzgerald, so I was excited to listen to this new artist! Hope of Heaven, Dave’s debut album from Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution was recorded live at Bethel Church in Redding, California, home of the now familiar Jesus Culture.
There are some pretty special musical guests on this album including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Chris McClarney, Chris Quilala, Christa Black, Kristene Mueller and Rita Springer. I’ve really enjoyed listening to this album over the past few days. This is a solid worship album, with hopeful lyrics, and very singable melodies. It would be perfect for personal worship, but it also has several tracks that would be great for corporate worship.
Dave’s heart for worship really comes through in these songs. Dave says, “It is my heart’s desire and calling to expose God’s presence through my music, whether writing with friends, leading corporate worship or just singing around the piano in our home. The foundational purpose is to let our spirit, soul and body give Him our praise.”
There are several standout songs on this album, including “Burn”, “Hope”, “My Praise Goes On”, and “Sweeter”. The album’s lead song “Burn” is one that I can see being used in corporate worship. The driving beat on the verse really draws you in, leading to the explosion of the lyrics on the chorus – “Make it burn/ make it burn for You/take my heart/make it burn for You.”
I also really liked “Good”, which declares “You are good, You are good, Your love endures forever”! I’ll be adding this duet with Chris McClarney to my list of songs to introduce to our church!
Even though you may not have heard of Dave Fitzgerald, my guess is that you will hear more and more from this rising singer/songwriter. I would definitely recommend buying this well-produced live worship album. Check out the album on iTunes or watch this video for a sneak peek:
Barry Westman
How He Loves – Four Music Videos
Here are four different music videos of “How He Loves” by four different worship leaders. Which one is your favorite?
John Mark McMillan (the writer of the song):
Interview with Kim Walker
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.
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