Review

“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being”- Revelations 4:9-11.

In this incredible age of technology we live in, there’s almost nothing that can’t be done using digital effects, computers and electronic equipment when it comes to creating music.

There is one thing, however, that can never be manufactured on tape, and that’s genuine worship. Either it’s real worship, or it’s just a series of notes and samples and drum effects.

Of course, it’s possible to “capture” worship on tape. If those who are in the act of worship are recorded on tape, then what you hear is the real thing, and nothing you do with those electronic effects will take that away or add to it.

Communion is worship. Beyond that, nearly everything else I say about this recording will focus on the production and the execution, but at its core, this new Cd from Maranatha is pure worship.

John Andrew Schreiner is nearly a legend when it comes to producing in the Christian Music industry, and this time he’s certainly lived up to his credentials. This incredible, seventeen track offering is gently dappled with intimate moments of reflection, lush instrumentation, tasteful percussive arrangements and heart-breaking vocals. Now and again these songs are introduced by a Gregorian chant-like meditations that remind us of the rich heritage of our faith

. From beginning to end, these seventeen songs are a seamless testimony of an assembly of believers who simply desire to worship. There are no radio singles, no talent showcases, no self-indulgent solos and no considerations made for a target market. Pure and simple, Communion is a worship album. A very well made, well-crafted and artistically elegant worship album.

For those listeners who want to be entertained or those music fans who want their ears tickled, this is not the worship album for you. But, if you’re prepared to turn off the television, unplug the telephone and switch off your pager and focus your heart and mind of the Lord Jesus Christ for a few moments, then I couldn’t recommend a better musical selection to accompany you as you lift your voice to Him.

Review by Keith Giles