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) 

Related posts:

1. “O Come Divine Messiah” Single, Jennie Riddle – Review
2. Songs of Sons And Lovers, David Walker – CD Review
3. “People of Troy”, Jared Anderson – CD Review

We are very excited to announce that we’ll be hosting our first ever songwriter’s retreat! We’ve decided to call it “Hymnish”, a term made popular by our good friend, Michael Farren, at All About Worship Retreat 2011. (No, it’s not a hymn-writing retreat!)

“Hymnish” will be hosted by Wisdom Moon (of All About Worship), Michael Farren (of Pocket Full of Rocks), and Jennie Riddle (writer of the popular song, “Revelation Song”).

This retreat will be different from any other Christian songwriter’s retreat or conference, in that you will get the chance to write with one of today’s best Christian songwriters; an opportunity you probably won’t have otherwise!

The retreat will be held May 10-12, 2012, in Franklin, TN (near Nashville). This will be a small retreat with just 25 spots available! We are now accepting applications for those 25 spots. You can read all the details at HYMNISH.COM. Here is some of the key information:

Speakers:

Michael Farren

Jennie Riddle

Mike Murray (Creative Director, Integrity Music Publishing)

Chad Green (Creative Director, Word Music Publishing)

During the retreat you will write with one of the following professional songwriters, in a group of 4:

Carl Cartee (Staff writer for Brentwood –Benson Music Publishing/Universal Music. Artist in Residence at Fellowship Bible Church.)

Chad Cates (Writer for Essential Music Publishing. Six #1 songs and five Dove Award Nominations. Songs recorded by Casting Crowns, Bebo Norman, Brandon Heath, Rebecca St James, Mandisa, and others.)

James Tealy (Staff writer for Centricity Music. Over 30 songs recorded by artists in a variety of genres including: Kari Jobe, Abandon, Matt Papa,  Alvin Slaughter, and others.)

Jennie Riddle (Writer of “Revelation Song”, top 100 CCLI songwriter, songs recorded by Jesus Culture, Newsboys, Kari Jobe, Rebecca St. James, Phillips, Craig & Dean, and others.)

Kyle Lee (Former member of Pocket Full of Rocks. Worked as a producer with artists like: tobyMac, Mandisa, and Nicole C. Mullen. Songs recorded by Michael W. Smith, Audrey Assad, Phillips Craig & Dean, Travis Cottrell, and others.)

Michael Boggs (Former member of FFH.  Writes for various artists; garnered multiple top 10 singles as well as a featured song in the major motion picture release - Facing the Giants.)

Michael Farren (Lead singer of Pocket Full of Rocks, staff writer for Word Publishing, writer of “Let it Rain”, “Alive”, and many others.)

Tony Wood (Multiple Dove Award Winner, 22 #1 Songs, staff writer for Sony ATV Music, songs recorded by Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Lincoln Brewster, Paul Baloche, and others.)

Cost: $300 per person

DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION: as a PDF file or DOC file
Click a link above to download the application. Deadline is March 15, 2012.

You may email your complete application (preferred) to: allaboutworship[at]gmail[dot]com
OR
mail to All About Worship, PO Box 3082, Olathe, KS 66063

Feel free to send us an email if you have any questions!

Sponsored by:

Word Music Publishing

Integrity Music Publishing

Related posts:

1. Episode 68: Live At The Retreat
2. An Open Letter to Worship Songwriters, Part 1 (Please Stop)
3. An Open Letter to Worship Songwriters, Part 2 (Start)

Given the meteoric rise of “Revelation Song”, the industry has been watching with some interest the development of her next project, PEOPLE & SONGS Opus 1: A Collective by Jennie Lee Riddle. In anticipation of Opus 1, Riddle has released the single, “O Come Divine Messiah (Everything Will Change)”, a song co-written with Robbie Seay. The single is a contemporary adaption of a 16th-century French carol “Venez, Divin Messie” by Abbot Simon-Joseph Pellegrin.

“Revelation Song” suggested Riddle can turn a lyrical phrase; “O Come Divine Messiah” confirms it. The lyrics point toward the season of Advent but also allude to a longing for Christ’s return. Though following a customary verse-chorus-bridge approach, the words reveal a gravity and depth generally associated with hymns.

The music is familiar without being formulaic. Instruments do not dominate but gently support and enhance the vocals. The gravel of Seay’s vocal work is balanced by the Riddle’s own delicate voice. It’s a great pairing that at once elicits yearning and warmth.

Riddle enlisted Michael Farren of Pocket Full of Rocks to produce. Though this project marks his debut in the role, it is evident that he has the chops to pull this off.  He imparts some nice Nashville touches with cello and pedal steel.

“O Come Divine Messiah” is a fresh work that reminds you that worship music can be accessible without resorting to cliché lyrics and derivative music. If this is any indication of the forthcoming Opus 1, something remarkable is on the horizon.

You can download the song, exclusively on iTunes, by using the widget below.

-Review by Joe Brookhouse
(review copy provided by artist)

Related posts:

1. Hope’s Anthem, William Matthews – CD Review
2. Free Single by Wisdom Moon & Sean Hill
3. “Not Myself Anymore”, Jessa Anderson – CD Review

Every entry will receive a brief, written critique of each song submitted.

CONTEST PRIZES
1st Place Prizes: over $4,150 value
-One song produced by Conrad Johnson (of Chris & Conrad) at Inertia Sound Studio in Lakeland, FL (travel/lodging/meals not included) ($2,500 value)
-One full day of songwriting and hanging out with Dave Fitzgerald in Lakeland, FL (travel/lodging/meals not included) ($1,000 value)
-$100 cash (USD)
-60 minute 1-on-1 skype (or phone) call with Sarah Reeves ($250 value)
-Complete demo, tracks and Superchart placement at LifeWayWorship.com, including a feature in their webmail and on LifeWayWorship.com/blog
-Song included (as Track #1) on The Songwriter’s Cafe Collective, Volume One – a free compilation album that will be available on our website & Noisetrade.com
-Song featured on the All About Worship Podcast & The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast ($200 value)
-5 Minute interview on The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast.  ($100 value)
-One month free membership on All About Worship Plus ($4.99 value)

2nd Place Prizes: over $925 value
-1 full day (8 hours of studio time) of recording at Inertia Sound Studio in Lakeland, FL (travel/lodging/meals not included) ($500 value)
-$75 cash (USD)
-60 minute 1-on-1 skype (or phone) call with Sarah Reeves ($250 value)
-Supercharts created and available at LifeWayWorship.com, plus a feature of your song at LifeWayWorship.com/blog
-Song included (as Track #2) on The Songwriter’s Cafe Collective, Volume One – a free compilation album that will be available on our website & Noisetrade.com 
-Song featured on The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast ($100 value)
-One month free membership on All About Worship Plus ($4.99 value)

3rd Place Prizes: over $650 value
-$50 cash (USD)
-60 minute 1-on-1 skype (or phone) call with Sarah Reeves ($250 value)
-30 minute 1-on-1 skype (or phone) call with producer/singer/songwriter, Conrad Johnson ($250 value)
-Supercharts created and available at LifeWayWorship.com, plus a feature on your song at LifeWayWorship.com/blog
-Song included (as Track #3) on The Songwriter’s Cafe Collective, Volume One – a free compilation album that will be available on our website & Noisetrade.com
-Song featured on The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast ($100 value)
-One month free membership on All About Worship Plus ($4.99 value)

4th – 12th Place Prizes
-Song included on The Songwriter’s Cafe Collective, Volume One – a free compilation album that will be available on our website & Noisetrade.com
-One month free membership on All About Worship Plus ($4.99 value)

JUDGES

Michael Farren
Chris McClarney
Sarah Reeves
Matthew Reed
Wisdom Moon
Erin Cameneti
Chris Olson
Mathew Reames

CRITERIA

Each entry will be judged on lyrics, music, creativity, and performance. There is no minimum number of instruments that must be included in the recording.

(Songs must have decent sound quality in order to be considered for The Songwriter’s Cafe Collective. Top 12 songs will be included on the Collective as is.)

-You must submit each song as a mp3 file, bit rate of 192 kbps. You must include the lyrics and credits, without the chords. (Submissions that do not meet this requirement will be automatically disqualified.)

-Songs of any style are welcome.

ENTRY FEES
$35 for one song; $60 for two songs; $80 for three songs (3 songs max)

CLICK HERE to enter!

Related posts:

1. Songwriting Contest Winners Announced!
2. Announcing the All About Worship Collective, Volume One

Worship with Michael Farren (Pocket Full of Rocks), Roy Fields (Run with Fire Ministries), Jaye Thomas (International House of Prayer), Dustin Smith and Steve and Kathy Gray of World Revival Church of Kansas City – seen live on Daystar TV!

RESPOND is a worship conference designed to empower worshipers in their response to God. Three days of intense teaching and training will challenge and equip you to ignite a response in your life, your church, your city and the nations.

Do not miss this conference! RESPOND! CLICK HERE for more details and to register.

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Wisdom and Ben open up a Q&A time with the retreat artists: Michael Farren (of Pocket Full of Rocks), Brenton Brown, Dave Fitzgerald, and Sarah Reeves. We opened up the mic for attendees to ask them whatever questions they’d like. As you can tell from the recording, we had a blast!

QUICK LINKS

• Hosts: Wisdom Moon & Ben Abu Saada — check out their blogs

• Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes

• Subscribe to the podcast via RSS Feed

• WorshipDevotional.com

• The Songwriter’s Cafe

• All About Worship Retreat

• All About Worship Plus Membership

• Factor7 Agency

Connect with Us!

Facebook.com/allaboutworship

Twitter.com/allaboutworship

Comment Line: 913.735.4229

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CONTEST PRIZES
1st Place Prizes: $2,650 Value
-One full day of recording session at BMG Studios (Warren, OH). Includes access to studio instruments, musicians (as needed), an engineer/producer, tracking, production, and mastering. (Travel & lodging not included.) ($2,000 value)
-$150 cash (USD)
-A 60 minute one-on-one song review session (of any of your songs) with Dave Fitzgerald via Skype. ($200 value)
-Song featured on the All About Worship Podcast and The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast. ($300 value)
-5 Minute interview on The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast.  ($50 value)

2nd Place Prizes: $637 Value
-$80 cash (USD)
-A 60 minute one-on-one song review session (of any of your songs) with Dave Fitzgerald via Skype. ($200 value)
-Song featured on the All About Worship Podcast and The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast. ($300 value)
-God Songs by Paul Baloche (book - $20 value)
-Diamond On The 1 by Jonathan Riggs (handbook – $7 value)
-Free Song Submission to Worthwhile Worship ($30 value)

3rd Place Prizes: $407 Value
-$50 cash (USD)
-Song featured on the All About Worship Podcast and The Songwriter’s Cafe Podcast. ($300 value)
-God Songs by Paul Baloche (book – $20 value)
-Diamond On The 1 by Jonathan Riggs (handbook - $7 value)
-Free Song Submission to Worthwhile Worship ($30 value)

THE JUDGES
Michael Farren (of Pocket Full of Rocks)
Darrell Evans
Chris Kuti (of Chris & Conrad)
Dave Fitzgerald
Tom Brock (Worthwhile Worship)
Cindy Wilt Colville
Joe Cameneti (All About Worship)
Dustin Smith
Wisdom Moon (All About Worship)
Joe Brookhouse (All About Worship)
Barry Westman (All About Worship)

We guarantee that the top 5 entries will be personally reviewed and judged by: Michael Farren, Darrell Evans, Chris Kuti, Cindy Wilt Colville, and Dave Fitzgerald.

THE CRITERIA
Each entry will be judged based on the quality of the song and lyrics, not production. You are welcome to enter home quality songs just with vocals and one instrument OR a studio-quality recording with a full band. You must submit your song as a mp3 file (with lyrics). Songs of any style are welcome.

THE DEADLINE
Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Midnight

THE ENTRY FEE
$30 for one song; $60 for two songs; $80 for 3 songs (3 songs max)

For all the details or to enter, go to our official Songwriting Contest page.

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