Review

Every now and again an album comes out of nowhere. It's by someone you've never heard of, so you have no expectations. Such is Steve Mitchinson's release of "War of Love" I've begun this review a hundred times in my mind and I'm going to go with "this album is, unequivocally, the best album I have heard in many years". Musically, lyrically, and theologically, this album is hits the mark on so many levels.

Steve Mitchinson currently lives in Canada, but is from the UK bunch of Vineyard worship leaders that got international exposure in the late 90's: Brenton Brown, Kathryn Scott, etc... Mitchinson co-wrote (with Brian Doerksen) the song "Holy Fire" on the "Come, Now is the Time" project. He continues to write with Brian, including six songs on this new CD. For those who don't know, Brian Doerksen is legendary in his pursuit of great lyric writing, and his influence shows on "War of Love". The unique title points to the radical middle ground between these two, seemingly mutually exclusive, concepts.

Each song is, by itself, a classic. There is no fluff here, no throw-away filler. Having said that, I do have my favorites. I cannot stop playing "Come, Son of David". This is the kind of song that can begin a worship set. It's got a chunking guitar strum to start and it builds into the perfect chorus, with a vocal tag at the end. The song talks about a storm on the horizon, the winds of God stirring the seas of time. The second verse is so graphic: "This calm we see is not reality. How darkness blinds the hearts of man. Temptation draws us into vanity, when will the King of Glory come?"

I also cannot get enough of "Arise". This is simply scripture put to music, using Song of Solomon. Brian Doerksen sings the lead, with Sharon Heap singing a response. This is another song that just seems to make all the right musical choices, with a layer of keyboards, wah-wah electric guitars, and even horns. This is the kind of song that can be sung to the congregation, and I can personally attest to its power to minister.

The first track on the album is "Answer the Call" and it is, again, excellent in all respects. Mitchinson really brings a lot of theology regarding God's Kingdom; His authority to rule and power to do so. Jesus set the table, ministering in the power of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God was near and then healing the sick and freeing the captives. This song speaks to our charge to carry that on, no matter the cost. "Though we may fall, we must answer the call". This will be a church anthem and rally cry.

"Fortress 144" is from the psalm of the same number. Here is a song that will test the posture of many a church that is trying to operate in some kind of cultural correctness. "All praise to You my rock, who trains my hands for war". For those who reject this inspiration for being too militaristic, fear not, as you balance this with Ephesians 6:12. Acknowledging our sworn enemy is the only clear path to peace through victory, and this song sings to our stronghold and fortress.

Another song that's classic Vineyard is "It's Time for the Reign of God". God's reign has come and is coming and it's time. "We proclaim the mighty word of God, the power in Your name".

I could go on and on. Folks, I am not kidding you, this album is that good. Frankly, I have grown a little weary over the past few years of the same type of songs coming out on every album. Everyone has started to sound the same. This album is such a breath of fresh air. It's not the youth band that is reaching out to the younger crowd. It's not huge choirs and big ensembles. This is just some very competent musicians getting together to record a great collection of songs. I wish I could just give you all a copy of this... but I can't, so you'll have to buy it. But, you won't be sorry.

I would be remiss if I didn't add that Mitchinson sings with a host of others on the album: Brenton Brown, Kathryn Scott, Jeff Deyo, Theresa Trask, Sharon Heap and Stephanie Lang. Philip Janz is the producer.

Review by John Ausmus