Review

Upside Down is the latest live worship project to come out of Christ for the Nations, a missions training school founded in 1971 in Dallas, Texas. The students and faculty of CFNI have been recording and making available original worship music to the Church for the past 30 plus years. Over 28,000 students have been trained at CFNI over the past three decades. As you might imagine, there is a very special atmosphere in a Bible/Missions School. It is a hotbed of passion and deep spiritual commitment to Christ and His Cause. The music that has come out of this atmosphere has consistently reflected the energy and dedication of youth and young adults who are pursuing God's heart and purpose with all their strength. Upside Down carries on that tradition of passionate worship.

CFNI projects have always had a "big" sound. Since worship is a participatory activity, they have lots of participation: full band, background choir, and a fired up congregation. The first four tunes certainly meet that standard (Because of You, Sold Out, Living For You, I Will Exalt the One). Things slow down nicely for You Are My Life. Emily Hatcher, a current student, does a really nice job with this song.

To Be Like You is probably my favorite song on the album. It has a really nice chorus: which means it has great words and is very singable. Then tack on a simple but powerful bridge and you've got a song you'll keep coming back to.

Being a missions training school, you should expect some ethnically diverse music. This album won't disappoint you there. You Are Holy, Lord fits the bill for the gospel choir tune. Chrystal Taylor could sing with most any gospel choir around. She really gets the job done on this song. From the Rising of the Sun and Mourning into Dancing are upbeat Latin melodies. Unto the Lamb has an almost Middle Eastern/Arabic feel to it.

Upside Down also includes a DVD. It is really nice to be able to put faces to the songs on the CD. Not only that, but to visually see the energy of the choir and congregation is exciting and inspiring. It's awesome to see people worship God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength! Who knows, this album may turn your life Upside Down!

Review by Danny Mullins