Review

Before we begin this review, it might be helpful to read this online overview of Morninstar Music! That might help give some context and background for those new to Morningstar Music. With that in mind, the following is a review of "Awake," the latest in the Harvest Worship Series released by MorningStar Music.

Much of the album is in a minor key, which tends to lend itself to a militant feel. That is fairly consistent with prophetic music. Minor keys carry more of a somber, serious tone, which is often the mood of the prophetic. Though much prophetic music is God declarative (God speaking to someone), Awake has several songs that are God-directed (sung to God).

Jesus has a particular section, though Rock 'n Roll in its instrumentation, which is very Arabic in its feel. I found it to be the most appealing part of the song for me. There was something about it that just drew me in. The vocals on this song are a little muffled. I found myself straining to understand them. However, the "Arabic" instrumental was worth the listen.

A Million Ways was, for me, the best song on the album. It had a message I could really identify with: "O for a million ways to praise You O for a million ways to love you." The chorus was especially driving, in a very appealing way. As with the instrumental on Jesus, it also drew me in. "Unbridled passion" is the best way I can describe this song. It also contained a very sweet violin section that soothed as well as inspired.

Rush has a synthesized/techno sound. I usually listen to the music first, then the words. If the music doesn't draw me in, I seldom stay around for the words. I thought it was the second strongest song on the album. I stayed around for the words. It turns out to be a prayer for a new Pentecost, fire included. Along with Jesus, it concluded with a prophetic ad lib section. The ad-lib sections give you more of a taste of what a MorningStar conference is like.

Awake O Sleeper has more of a traditional light rock sound. It is a call to the church based in Isaiah 60. It takes the more expected prophetic style of challenge and exhortation.

The memorable section of Whoever Calls is the unison vocal on the chorus. It put me in mind of the Beatles and made me want to sing along, something the rest of the song failed to do.

All of Creation begins with a spontaneous song regarding the ripening harvest of souls and then moves into All of Creation. Its best feature is the refrain. Though simple, the refrain is very worshipful. I found I could sing it a long while without becoming the least bit tired of it.

Though I doubt there are any songs on this album that I will be doing congregationally in my home church (with the possible exception of A Million Ways, though the congregational challenge would be the number of words), the CD is a personal keeper for me. There are enough songs that challenge and inspire me to keep it around. If you would like to initiate yourself into the world of prophetic music, this would be a good place to start.

Review by: Danny Mullins