All About Worship » worship

Homemade Worship By Handmade People, Rend Collective Experiment – CD Review

AllAboutWorship — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:56:54 +0000

Irish worship troubadours Rend Collective Experiment made a triumphant entry into the world of corporate worship with their September 2010 debut, Organic Family Hymnal. On January 10, 2012 they release their sophomore offering, Homemade Worship by Handmade People The songs are all very singable and would fit well in any congregation.

Track 2 “You Are My Vision” is a modern take on the classic Irish Hymn. The members of The Collective rewrote the lyrics into modern English and shifted the theme of the song from asking to declaring. The song is played very upbeat and enthusiastically. This hymn should easily see resurgence within the church as worship leaders begin to include this version into their team repertoires.

The very next song “The Cost” is my absolute favorite track on this album! It is a very upbeat song that builds the believer as we declare our devotion to the Lord. The lyrics are simple and singable while the song itself keeps a very fun feel to it. I love the simplicity of the chorus. Sometimes simple things really grab the heart.

“Build Your Kingdom Here” is another brilliant offering. As the title suggests, the song is a call for the Lord to come and build the Kingdom of Heaven here on the earth. This is a very upbeat and in your face song calling for God to establish The Kingdom. Once again I love the chorus, “Build your kingdom here, let the darkness flee, show your mighty hand, heal our streets and land. Set your church on fire, win this nation back, change the atmosphere, build your kingdom here…we pray.” I can easily see this song becoming a standard in the church, though its heavy use of the banjo might require a bit of rearranging for churches that do not have a banjo in their line up.

“Desert Soul” brings the tempo back down and begins with a very deep banjo being fingerpicked. The song ebbs and flows throughout. I love the desperation of the lyrics. It expressed the broken nature of humanity as dry bones, and the power of God to revive the dry bones. This is a song that needs to be sung more. The church needs to recognize their utter dependence upon the Lord. This song drips with the fear of the Lord, and as Proverbs reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Overall, I was very impressed with this album. Organic Family Hymnal was one of my top albums of 2010. Homemade Worship By Handmade People sets the bar high for worship in 2012. Even if you decide that there isn’t a single song you can use in your church, you want this album because you will enjoy this album. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars. It is a breath of fresh air in a worship culture that often finds itself pigeonholed into one sound.

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

An Open Letter to Worship Songwriters, Part 1 (Please Stop)

AllAboutWorship — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:10:36 +0000

This is an open letter to worship songwriters, from the ones that make a living writing worship songs to those that are just starting to write, and everyone in between.

PLEASE STOP regurgitating what’s already been said in a hundred other worship songs. We don’t need another song that says the same thing as “How Great is Our God”, “Mighty to Save”, and “You Never Let Go”. Write something fresh.

PLEASE STOP using the same chord progressions (i.e. A – E – F#m – D). Try something new and exciting. It’s okay to explore.

PLEASE STOP writing about things you haven’t experienced personally. Write out of your own experiences with the Lord and out of deep convictions of your faith. If you don’t like to dance during worship, you probably shouldn’t write choruses that say, “Dance, dance, dance before the Lord!”

PLEASE STOP writing songs with the goal of getting it on the top 25 list on CCLI. It’s an oxymoron to write “worship” songs with the motive of wanting the song to be popular and/or get radio play. If it’s truly a worship song, then it shouldn’t matter if anyone ever hears it. It’s your worship to the Lord.

PLEASE STOP writing feel-good love songs that have no way of distinguishing themselves from secular love songs on the radio. If you’re writing about your love relationship with God, the creator of the universe, it should sound different than someone writing a song to his girlfriend.

PLEASE STOP watering down the gospel in your songs. If your songs have deep theological truths and communicate the gospel clearly without compromise, expect them to be offensive to non-Christians (and even some Christians). Proclaim the Truth of God in a powerful, but creative way. That’s what we need more of, not touchy-feely/Jesus-is-my-boyfriend songs.

PLEASE STOP trying to be the next Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Paul Baloche, John Mark McMillan, David Crowder Band, Kari Jobe, Hillsong, etc. You will be accountable to God for who He called YOU to be, not who he called Tomlin or Redman to be.

Be yourself. Use the uniqueness God gave you. Use your own creativity. Write for God and God only, out of the place of intimacy with Jesus. Don’t let dollar signs or the spotlight blind you and fool you into thinking it’s okay to write worship songs to make your own name famous. God is NOT okay with that. Either do it all for Jesus or all for yourself.

In the words of a wise old Jedi…“Do or do not; there is no try.”

-Wisdom Moon

I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home) – The City Harmonic, CD Review & Giveaway

AllAboutWorship — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:24:03 +0000

Ever since Hamilton Ontario based band The City Harmonic released their EP Introducing The City Harmonic on November 23, 2010, they have quickly catapulted from a small independent Canadian band to a respected, well written and to-be-noticed force in Christian music. They have definitely been put to the test this past year with tour dates, interviews and live performances but only seem to have given them more of a drive to write.

Being quoted as “nostalgic Brit-pop meets campfire sing-along” with some musical comparisons to Coldplay and Arcade Fire, they have definitely been a band that some would expect to find pumping out top 40 hits, radio releases and the allure of quick success. I don’t see that however. They have had great momentum on the heels of their acclaimed single “Manifesto” which has been viewed over 1,000,000 times on YouTube and has also become an anthem for major organizations and sports figures. Although the band is fairly young, there is a maturity and discernment in their lyrics.

Listening to this album, I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home), I’m thoroughly convinced – whether through mutual resolve or great mentoring, the band has delivered a true manifesto – their public declaration to the world that they have something to say, know why they need to say it and also deliver the answer (though not from themselves) but rather the One who delivered it. This album is a journey using clever musicality, piano driven melodic patterns, anthem-like choruses drawing you into singing along, all while delivering a deliberate message. A key lyric that stood out to me in the song “Fell Apart” is “…something real in a world of fake”. It’s obvious in their writing that they are not afraid to tackle the “fake” that the world has to offer and suggest a better way.

The message is clear from the band that the music, lyrics and writing they wish to share will not be locked into a “hit” formula. The opening track “Yours” contains no quick rhythm, it exceeds 4 minutes in length, no rush to the vocals or even a steady toe tapping beat – the hook simply doesn’t come until the chorus itself. I love the fact that this very first track declares “Yours, all of it”. I suspect this could act as an offering from the band to God regarding the album itself. I respect that greatly. Musicians will also appreciate the subtle time signature change in the bridge leading to the ending chorus.

Another great song is “Be Still, O My Soul”. I appreciate how it builds out of a mono sounding “piano in the room feel”, it grows into stereo with use of harmonica and acoustic guitars, lights up quickly with a sound reminiscent of U2’s All I Want is You style but then as quickly as it builds it dies. It actually makes you want more. The track “Wake Me Up” continues with creativity starting with the hammered dulcimer and builds into another piano driven anthem. The title track “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” in my opinion starts very similar to “That Song” by another Canadian band Big Wreck (later Thornley) but in all fairness, departs quickly after the opening into another well arranged piano driven rock ballad.

The album is a sonic journey, an audio canvas of a story unfolding much like a painting being created where history, pain, reality, hopes, dreams and the promise of the afterlife intertwine with one destination. Although you are keenly aware of your broken and sinful condition as you reflect on the lyrics of this album, the destination of each song and ultimately the album is a sense that our dream, the home we have in God is real, available and waiting.

I would recommend this album highly to anyone searching the truth of God or those who have walked with Him for years. You will be moved as I was.

-Review by Dan Thomson

To enter to win the CD, just leave a comment on this review. We’ll pick 3 random winners. Deadline is Wednesday, October 26th, 2011. You must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada and at least 18 years old.

Pursuit of God, Tommy Walker – CD Review

AllAboutWorship — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:14:51 +0000

The new album Pursuit of God by Tommy Walker is a unique project in two ways: First, the sound is different than we have previously heard from Tommy. Secondly, this project has a specific goal in mind, a specific purpose. While this is true for most albums, the focus on this album is new in concept. This album was created specifically for and was inspired by AW Tozer’s classic “The Pursuit of God.”

As a part of that focus, the overall flow and format of this album is different than some may expect. Each song corresponds to the chapters in the book, and after each song track there is a narrative track, with the narrators (Kathy Christopher, a pastor at Tommy’s church; and Kevin White, an actor best known as the voice in the movie Rudy) reading portions from the book itself, as well as offering prayers that help lead into the next track.

The hope is that this will be an album that is truly listened to, reflecting on the lyrics of the music and the words from the narration. I found myself most impacted by the prayers, which were set up nicely by the narrative reading, and allowed me to prayerfully enter into worship with the following track.

The biggest difference, musically, between this album and past Tommy projects is the very prominent orchestration. The Azusa Pacific Orchestra, largely led by concertmaster Ingrid Chun, contributes the rich and lush sounds that only a 60 piece orchestra can provide. We also hear a primary focus on acoustic guitar, with only a couple tracks showcasing the classic Tommy electric guitar tones we’ve all grown accustomed to.

The album opens with ‘Who Are You’, a softer track that introduces the listener to a soft touch from strings and simple acoustic picking. Some may consider this a somewhat “slow” opener, especially compared to some of the “kick in the pants” openers we’ve all heard on other albums. However, this particular approach seems particularly appropriate considering the reflective and prayerful tone of the project as a whole.

‘Earnestly (We Want to Know)’ follows and is one of my favorite tracks on the album. This is another simple arrangement, with the acoustic guitar at the forefront and orchestra adding texture. The bridge of the song is by far the most dynamic portion of the song, with the vocals singing in an anthemic and rhythmic way “we want to know,” “we want to see” and “we want to find.”

The third track, ‘Just You’, introduces us to Tommy playing the harmonica, which he only recently picked up as a tribute to his father.

The fifth track, ‘Taste and See’, is by far my favorite. We get a more interesting dynamic from the get go with this tune. The bridge has some great syncopation which lifts the dynamic of the song, and we see the electric guitar take on a more prominent role as the song progresses – this contribution adds a great layer of color to the overall sound.

If you don’t find yourself involuntarily moving your head to the pulse of the bass on ‘You Are Here’, then you may want to see a doctor. I should also note that the harmonies from the backing vocals on this track almost sound too perfect. If you have a thing for nice harmonies, you will dig this.

The rest of the album continues with the theme of orchestration and acoustic guitar, with some nice touches here and there. For example, the Latin-style guitar flares during ‘Take Your Place’. In fact, the guitar solo during ‘Take Your Place’ is by far my favorite. The strings coming out of the first chorus and at the end, providing a flurry to end this song with a punch, are also by far the most effective and dynamic applications of the orchestra on the entire album.

The only criticisms that some may find with this project are twofold: First, some will find this album to sound a bit old fashioned, particularly due to the emphasis on the orchestration. Secondly, the instrumental during the ‘Create in Me Prelude’ doesn’t seem to naturally flow into the following track, ‘Create in Me’, potentially leaving the listener a little confused as to its purpose.

Aside from those two items, any listener who either appreciates A.W. Tozer’s “Pursuit of God” or enjoys listening to reflective, prayerful and meditative music with an open heart should enjoy this project.

I encourage you: Set time aside for this album when you first listen to it. Sure, this will be great to listen to in the car on your way to work or anywhere else. But the real joy in this album will come when you, the listener, are able to drown everything else out and really zone in on the lyrics in the songs, and words and prayers during the narration. Start there, and I promise that the music will come alive – from the stunningly beautiful instrumentation during the narrations, to the orchestral touches and acoustic guitar textures that carry you through the album.

All in all, I hope you are propelled to engage on your own personal pursuit of God. (Quick note, Lead Sheet Plus charts are available for all songs at www.lifewayworship.com)

-Review by Chris Olson

Upcoming Training Webinars!

AllAboutWorship — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:59:23 +0000

We are working hard, here at All About Worship, to share resources and encouragement with worship leaders and songwriters worldwide. One of those resources that we are really excited about these days are training webinars! These are 1hr training workshops that you can attend from the comfort of your own home, just using the Internet and a webcam.

Consider joining us for one or both of these coming up:

Worship Songwriting – Webinar w/ Dave Fitzgerald
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (CT)

Webinar w/ Matthew Reed: Effective Worship Team Auditions & Rehearsals
Thursday, August 04, 2011 from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM (CT)

Both of these are donation-based. Registration for webinars like these are typically around $30-$50, but we’ve intentionally made our webinars donation-based, so that the cost will not be a hinderance to anyone.

Hope to see you there!

-Wisdom Moon

What is Worship?

AllAboutWorship — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:31:23 +0000

When I started All About Worship, I knew that worship isn’t just the songs we sing about God or to God. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, we Christians have labeled church music as “worship”. Not sure who started using that term to describe church music, but I’d love to sit with him/her and pick their brain.

It’s very interesting to me how we Christians label everything with the word “worship”. Here are some examples: Worship Leader Magazine, Worship Pastor, Worship Leading, Worship Conference, Worship Album, Worship Artist, etc.

I would also love to find out…how do YOU define worship? If an unchurched person came to your church this weekend and asked you after “worship” what “worship” is, how would you explain it to them?

Please leave a comment!

-Wisdom Moon

The Addiction of Worship Leading

“Beauty is What Remains”, Andrew Ehrenzeller – CD Review & Free Song

AllAboutWorship — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:22:39 +0000

(See the end of the review for a chance to win a copy of the CD.)

Mix the music of Dave Matthews Band and Peter Gabriel and fill it with the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit and you have the sound of Andrew Ehrenzeller. His latest, Beauty is What Remains, is a journey through all that modern Christian music can be. From stellar musicianship, pristine production, to passionate and compelling lyrics, there is not a weak spot on this beautifully crafted album.

It is a profound experience each time I listen.

Take the track “Light.” First off, with a time signature of 5/4 and a virtuosic vibraphone line, you’re in for a musical adventure that stays accessible all the while. The opening lyric describes the experience of hearing the album for me: “On the wings of the dawn Your glory comes/Straight to my heart like the shot from a gun.”

Or how about the jazz infused piano gluing together the groove of “Advocate”? Coupled with theologically resonant lyrics like: “We have an Advocate who pleads our case/Before the judge of the entire human race/He stands with confidence while taking our place/Every night and day/Every night and day,” my only hope is for more songs soon.

This album is fertile ground for not only those in the Church, but also all those that love great music. Often, there seems to be a “Christian Music sound” that has a tendency to turn some off, but this collection stands on its own as great art, great writing, great music.

Music of this caliber follows in the spirit of Deuteronomy 28:13: “The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”

I’m excited about the great music that continues to flow from Andrew Eherenzeller. May he continue to teach us how to blaze a trail of passion in pursuit of the heart of God.

Click below to listen and/or download the song “Light” from the album.

-Review by Ben Ward
(review copy provided by artist)

(Leave a comment on this post for your chance to win a free copy of this CD. Deadline is 5pm CST, June 3rd. Winner will be chosen randomly. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. US residents only.)