Review

Reviewing a CD from Don Moen is a little daunting. I mean, he's been in music ministry for over 30 years, recorded at least 18 albums, written over one hundred worship songs, produced countless other projects, led worship all over the world, awarded many times, and, oh, by the way, is the Executive Vice President of all things Creative at Integrity Inc. He's like the Babe Ruth of the modern worship scene. Sorry, Don, but it's true!

So here we go with another release by Mr. Moen. One of the things I find interesting is how much Don collaborates with others, either writing in tandem with someone, or singing someone's song.

What comes to my mind within a couple of songs is how much you can count on him. The way he leads worship, his voice, his surrounding musicians are as comforting and familiar as your favorite book. When I think of Don's music, I don't think "cutting edge", in the common sense of the word. I think planted and rooted. And for every one that wants to live out on the outside of the worship envelope, I'm willing to bet there are ten whose heart of worship beats strongest inside the envelope. And Don Moen is their champion.

Don is also the champion of songwriters and worship leaders from all over. For those who are interested in this kind of stuff, three songs were co-written with Paul Baloche; 'Arise', 'Thank You Lord' and 'Jesus You're My Healer'. Ok, so Paul's a pretty heavy hitter in his own right. The rest of the songs on the album are from songwriters who cut a wide swath across the worship music landscape. Don turns to both "classical contemporary" writers (like Lynn DeShazo, Claire Cloninger, Jim Cowan and David Hamilton) and also very current, very, dare I say it, "cutting edge" songwriters (like Glenn Packiam and Jared Anderson of Desperation, Kathryn Scott of 'Hungry" fame, Russell Fragar from Hillsongs and Mary MacLean from Vineyard Canada). Throw in a couple of hymns and voila, you've got the new album. Oh yeah, Don wrote one, too.

That seems to be the method and mission of Don Moen these days. His own style is down-home, come over for Sunday dinner comfortable. And he mixes that with the creativity given to many others, producing a synergy of worship experience that would never happen otherwise.

So, what about the songs? Will they play on Sunday? Yes, they will. The album was recorded live, which always gives you a good indication as to the how well the congregation embraces the songs. This album was recorded at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The crowd is very receptive to these songs.

Among my favorites are "Arise" and Rescue". "Rescue" begins softly and says, "You are the source of life, I can't be left behind, no one else will do, I will take hold of you". It goes on into a refrain of "I will follow you". The song builds into a crescendo and then fades back into the refrain, with a counter point that sings "this world has nothing for me". As I said before, Jared Anderson, who is part of the Desperation bunch that I am so enamored of, wrote this song.

"Arise" is a joyful cry to God to take His place enthroned on our praises. The hook is wonderful and I can hear this song with either a big band or just guitar.

"Thank You Lord" is just a wonderful Don Moen song. This is the kind of song that has one him awards and fans for all these years.

So those, and 12 others are what fills out an hour and 13 minutes of worship. Those of you that know Don's work will want this, and those who don't know will need to check it out. Moen has now bridged two generations and his worship leading will say something to each one.

Review by John Ausmus