Review

Confession Time! I'm not a "hymns guy". I grew up in the church singing hymns and know their power but my preference musically is rock, jazz and blues. This album contains a couple hymns and I had to put aside my bias and really listen. I'm glad I did. God's power is evident, and He really spoke to me. This album has a nice blend of mostly new worship songs, a sprinkling of timeless hymns, and one well-known chorus, all done in a contemporary style. It is well suited for those who run mixed services, bridging the gap between old and new. It will also find a home with those who do not, as the album is full of very good new material.

In "Hear Us From Heaven", the first track, the team cries out to God to "hear us" and "unlock the Heavens". This song has passion and energy. It sets the tone for the album. The next cut, "Beautiful", builds on this with a cry of fervent praise to the Lord. . . . "You are beautiful in your holiness, ever merciful, great and glorious, indescribable in your majesty".

"I Am Free" really picks up the pace. This song is filled with joy and celebration, and has a great driving beat and a solid groove. It could easily become a congregation favourite. You can keep it light or really rock-out, as appropriate for your setting. The lyrics are straightforward and ample use is made of interactive call / response style singing.

One of my favourite cuts is the church standard, "I Stand in Awe". I love the way the team has done the backing track, which is "moody" and very moving. The free flowing improvisation in the middle builds on this, creating an atmosphere which calls forth deep expressions from the heart.

This album is full of songs that will work well in a corporate setting. In fact it's clear that corporate worship is its primary target. The arrangements are written for, and played by, a full worship team but you will find a number of songs easy to simplify. Many of the songs focus on praise, and the styling is characteristic Hosanna/Integrity with a feel that will be familiar to many. This is a good album with high production standards. I recommend that you check it out.

Review by Terry Ritz