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.)

Darrell Evans Live Acoustic – CD Review

Singer/songwriter Darrell Evans recently released a new album called Darrell Evans Live Acoustic, and it features a great collection of his songs recorded live with just Darrell and his guitar. Darrell is the writer of such classic worship songs as “Trading My Sorrows”, “Freedom”, “Let The River Flow” and “Your Love is Extravagant”, of which the last two are featured in this collection.

The simple mix of just the single voice and guitar is such a refreshing sound, and it allows you to really hear both Darrell’s amazing voice and beautiful guitar skills. It’s a very intimate sound, which lends itself very well for your times of personal, private worship. There are many very good songs for corporate worship as well, with simple, easy to learn melodies and lyrics.

Darrell is a good friend of All About Worship, with several podcast interviews. I was privileged to hear a few of these songs from Darrell last year at the All About Worship Retreat in Kansas City, and also when we had Darrell come to our church in Wisconsin for a concert. I so enjoyed both of those times of worship with Darrell, and now this CD allows me to revisit those times and worship again and again through these powerful songs.

Some of the tracks that stand out to me on this recording are:

“You Could Never Be Praised Enough” - This song is definitely my favorite track! It has such a simple chorus, so easy to learn, but then he expounds on who God is and what He has done. It’s a powerful song of worship!

“Your Love is Extravagant” - This may be one of Darrell’s best known songs, both from Darrell’s previous releases, and also because it was covered by the group Casting Crowns. This acoustic version gets back to the basic, quiet intimate setting, which seems to fit this song best.

“Worthy Is The Lamb” - This powerful, yet simple worship song would be perfect for communion or any other time when you’re speaking about how He is the perfect Lamb of God who takes our sins away. It also shows off Darrell’s incredible vocal range.

This is definitely an album you’ll want to pick up either for your own personal times of worship, or for corporate gatherings. To get a taste of what this album is like, watch this video below of “You Could Never Be Praised Enough”.

Review by Barry Westman

Live Q&A w/ Darrell Evans AND Podcast Recording

This coming Monday (6/1) at 9pm Central, we will be recording the two episodes for the month of June.

The first episode will be hosted by Darrell Evans. He will be sharing some thoughts on worship as well as taking questions from the live audience. The second episode will be hosted by Wisdom and Ben.

Join us live online or on the phone. This is YOUR podcast and we LOVE when YOU participate!

On Monday, June 1st at 9pm Central:

Call: (724) 444-7444 and enter the call ID: 41106

Or logon: TalkShoe OR Livestream (a.k.a. Mogulus)

This live recording is presented by All About Worship and Darrell Evans Ministries.

Hope to see you there!

Join Us Live Tonight

Tonight at 9pm Central we will be recording our podcast. Join us live online or on the phone as we record two upcoming episodes. We’ll have a special guest in the studio as well.

For details, visit our TalkShoe Page.