Review

The newest offering from Darlene Zschech is a CD entitled, "Change Your World". As you would expect the production value on this CD is absolutely stunning. Darlene’s smooth vocals, backed by a wonderful band, choir, and string section, add strength and beauty to the twelve songs that you will find on this disc. For the most part I would characterize "Change Your World" as "Adult Contemporary, Easy Listening" as far as the format feel. All of the songs are arranged very nicely and this album is exactly what I would expect from this veteran worship leader.

The opening track, "You Are Here" is a truly nice ballad that captures the thought of God’s faithfulness to be with us no matter what. "You are here, You are here with me, Everywhere I go, You are loving me, I am Yours, And You are mine, Forever more." This song definitely sets the tone for the remainder of the CD. In a small departure from the norm, is the second track, "Miracle", in that Wayne Huirua from New Zealand’s "Parachute Band" has been enlisted to produce this track. This song speaks of being ready to see God move in power to change our world It speaks of having an expectant heart and being ready for God’s miracle. One of the elements that catches your attention from the start of the song is that musically it has a definite middle-eastern vibe going on in the intro and throughout the verses. I would say that this song definitely has the most energy of the entire project and is a very cool song.

"You Know My Name" is the next song that caught my attention. It is filled with an emotional, heart felt sentiment that even though God is the author of our universe, He still knows us each by name. This song has a cool very soulful bridge set in a minor key that adds some depth to the song. Something that I find interesting as I listen to new worship music is how lyrical ideas and phrases tend to float around from artist to artist and song to song. The instance that caught my attention in this song is the use of the phrase, "God of Wonders". When I hear this my mind just kind of goes to the thought of the song by that title. I guess that it is true what Solomon says, that there is nothing new under the sun. That said, I think that Darlene has shown an amazing staying power in realm of Worship music and I appreciate that she is continually striving to bring forth new songs and new offerings to the Lord that we all can enjoy as well.

"This resiliency and tenacity is something that definitely comes through in the song , "Never Give Up" This is a song of encouragement that seems to come from the heart of someone who has had to live this out in her own life. The lyrics are very honest. Here is a sample from the song. "There’s a brighter day on the other side, but it’s up to you to put back on your stride, so get up, step out, live it, honey don’t you give up." The lyrics are set musically to a tune and arrangement that make you want to get to your feet as well and get moving. It is a fun song and one that would be fun to do as special music on a weekend when the teaching pastor is speaking about hanging in there.

The songs on this project are really songs of hope and of our dire need for God in our lives to direct us, to love us, to draw near to us and to change us. One of the greatest strengths that Darlene brings to her music is the honesty with which she approaches each and every song. As you listen, you get the sense that she was able to escape the surrounding of the studio in which she was recording and get to the place where the songs were born to a place where it is just her singing to the Lord, one heart to another.

Review by Bryan Bloom