Review

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. “Around Your Throne”, by Ross Parsley and the worship band at New Life Community Church in Colorado Springs, flatters a number of worship leaders… sincerely.

The now classic “I Will Not Forget You” begins the worship service. It follows with two original songs from New Life Community. Both “I Will Follow You” and “You Are the Lamb” are full of life and energy, as well as straightforward exhortation. During “You Are the Lamb”, Parsley brings the instruments down a little bit as he recites from Revelation. This will become a theme throughout the album. If you like your worship tinged with prayer and supplication, this is the one for you. Darrell Evans’ “We Will Embrace Your Move” is next, with a beautiful prayer tying it together with “Knockin’ On the Door of Heaven” and the chorus to “Open the Eyes of My Heart”. This entire segment is about 18 minutes of worship and crying out. It not only is thrilling to join with them, but they model a style of worship that will inspire and instruct.

Much of the album is reminiscent of the Passion:OneDay series. Certainly this is so on “You Are My King”. The passionate, throaty vocals of Ross Parsley are never more evident than here. He is a long-time worship leader who is charged with leading thousands of people every week into the presence of the King. New Life Community church, led by pastor Ted Haggard, is one of the largest churches in the United States. “Humble King” follows, a song from the Vineyard UK, helping the worshiper to get both arms around the profound mystery of this seeming paradox.

By the time that song is through, the pulsing drive of Darrell Evans’ “All We Want Is You” gently, but firmly, lift us off our knees and onto our feet with outstretched arms as we join in the cry. “Breathe” is next, and then another original, “Around The Throne”. Rounding out the worship set is “Lord Most High”, a song that exhorts us to be used by God to reach the ends of the earth. You may want to remember this album during Christmas time.

It’s a great gift for someone because it has many familiar songs and it’s a great exposure to a wave of worship that is sweeping the world. The musicianship is excellent, the prayers thoughtful and the songs full of life.

Review by John Ausmus