Review

An album of fresh, new, exciting songs. How sweet it is. I remember during the 90’s how Vineyard Music Group would release a quarterly “Touching the Father’s Heart” album. It would compile a dozen new songs from gifted writers throughout the movement. One of the key elements was that they were “church tested”. They were songs already being sung in worship services. Such is the case with “More Than Life”, the most recent release from Hosanna Integrity’s “House of Worship” series. This release spotlights New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. This mega-church of 9,000, home to the World Prayer Center, is blessed with six worship leaders! Worship Pastor Ross Parsley has taken part in raising up the five men featured on this album. A check of the core values at the church reveals a desire for humility and brokenness, intimacy and power, integrity in relationships, local church with global perspectives outlook, as well as clean hearts and skill. These values have been the force behind these 11 powerful songs.

These songs grew on me. I shouldn’t have been surprised that they would move me. Like I said, they are tested. These are songs you can do on Sunday morning, with a full band. But they can also be done in a living room, during a home fellowship group. “Holy Praise” proclaims “The only true and living God… Lord of glory, Lord of love… to You we sing, our hearts we bring… With hands held high… Let holy praise arise” Simple lyrics, the kind that people can catch on to. The chorus goes on to sing “We crown You with adoration… enthrone You upon our praises… for You are the King and You have captured our hearts again”. I especially liked the title track, “More Than Life”. “You said to seek and I will find, I’m coming after You… You said to knock and the door will be opened, I want to be with You… More than life, more than breath, You are more than I could ever hope or imagine”. Honest words, compelling sentiment, musically well crafted… I especially like the ending. A piano riffs over a couple of chords while Jared Anderson sings the Lord is good, blessed be the name of the Lord.

So, you might be saying, there’s nothing new under the sun. And I say that timeless themes are just that… we sing, over and over again, about the Lord’s goodness, His love, His power, His mercy, etc… What is important is the expression of the themes. And on “More than Life”, there’s a sense of being real. For those out there that write songs, listening to this album will inspire you to express your own joy and pain. In the “wish I’d written that” category is “You Are Worthy”. “Fascinated by Your beauty, captivated by Your love, intoxicated by Your glory, forever will not be enough”. I just love that line! The whimsical hyperbole that we could be disappointed with eternity with Jesus!

Of note, (but with so many contributors on this album, by no means the only one) is Glenn Packiam. His “You Are” and “We Lift You Up” are both straightforward, honest (there’s that word again) declarations. For those who would say they are “sensitive” to the inquiring nature of the “seeker”, play these songs as a way of saying “Well, I don’t know what you’ve looked at before, but this is what we’re passionate about”! They’re cut from the same cloth as Delirious’ “I’m Not Ashamed”.

The musicianship is excellent, production by Don Harris, of Alleluia Worship Band fame, is top-notch. But get this one for the songs… I guarantee you will be playing more than a few of them at your church soon.

The CD is an enhanced one, with lyrics, chords, etc… making it an even greater value!

You can listen to audio clips and see more info above. I hope you do!

Review by John Ausmus