Review

"Cover the Earth", the second live release from Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, hits the ground running. Cindy Cruse Ratcliff and Israel Houghton trade off leading songs (many co-written by the two) that have no trouble getting a body on their feet.

The title track leads off the set with the cry for God to glorify Himself throughout the earth. "Let me be an instrument to exalt and to extend Jesus' name globally. As the waters cover the sea". Right away the worshiper is given a taste of the exuberant nature of the band. Horns, guitars, keys, choirs; all coming together allowing Cruse Ratcliff to minister with her amazing voice.

Cindy Cruse Ratcliff is the Director of Music at Lakewood where she leads the weekend services at this 7,800-seat sanctuary. Recognized as one of the largest Evangelical churches in the country, this diverse congregation comes alive each week with an exciting brand of gospel music. Cindy was raised on gospel as a member of the Cruse Family ministry.

Israel Houghton comes to Lakewood from a decidedly R&B background. As the leader of New Breed, he has taken gospel worship into new territory. When you put these two talented individuals together something sparks . Add an 8-man horn section to the mix and you've got a real fire burning. Throw in a rhythm section that includes Don Harris on bass and Cledell King on drums and the gas is turned way up. For good measure, bring in the 300-person Lakewood Church choir and somebody better call the fire department. Now, stir it all up with the vision and production (not to mention keyboards) of Aaron Lindsey and, well, Houston, we've got NO problem praising God!

I like the pace of this project. It's well over an hour of music, and it ebbs and flows. The second track, "Sweeter" comes right on the heels of the first, and it's got an infectious groove to it that makes it not only a good candidate for Sunday morning praise, but will no doubt get a lot of radio play, as well.

Israel Houghton wonderfully leads "Friend of God", as he brings in Scripture and another fantastic groove. The set, which is 77 minutes long, settles down a bit on the 6th song, swaying to "Holy You Are" and stays in that mood through the next song (Hallelujah) as well. Then, as if to say don't get too comfortable in your seats; Israel rouses the congregation with the truth that we are free indeed in Jesus. One thing that really struck me about this album is the truths that are proclaimed throughout. Each song makes a statement about a relationship with God. The themes aren't new (timeless is more like it), but the songs are musically fresh and make no bones about complete adoration of Jesus. The next five songs amount to a second set of worship, again showcasing all of the magnificent talent on the stage. "Glorify Your Name", by Kevin Singleton, is sung first in Spanish by Cindy and then again in English by the choir.

I haven't listened to too much urban gospel, but I feel privileged to have heard the kind done by Lakewood church. Their arrangements go WAY beyond the standard guitar based chords that are so prevalent in churches today. Anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of chord structure would do well to get this album and songbook.

Review by John Ausmus