Review

When I'm looking for a worship CD to add to my collection, there are several things I am looking for. I am looking for songs that I can sing truthfully from my heart...songs that express what I want to say to the Father. When those songs are sung passionately by the worshippers on the CD, and the musical quality is equally superb, then I know I've found a CD that I want to take home and use in my own personal times of worship. "You and You Alone" is one of these rare finds!

"You and You Alone" is the perfect title for this CD. The songs focus on living our lives in sole dependence on God, with Him as the focus of everything we say and believe. It is a commitment that is contrary to the world around us. Every song on this CD is a direct prayer, expressing themes of thankfulness, trust in God's faithfulness and goodness, and a determination to praise Him no matter what is going on in our lives.

"You and You Alone" captures some of the best worship songs coming out of Canada. It features Canadian worship leaders Dan Wilt, Melissa Boraski, Sarah Compton, Curtis Kent, Christa Leis, and Ellen Tremblay, as well as Kathryn Scott from Belfast, Ireland (you probably remember her from the song "Hungry.") The singers voices are excellent and well-matched for each of the songs. They sing with passion and undivided focus on God, allowing us a glimpse into their worshipful hearts, and inviting us to join them in God's presence. Not only are these songs satisfying and enriching for personal worship the majority of them are quite singable and musically suited for congregational worship.

Musically (as well as lyrically) the songs range from rock anthems declaring a determined, almost defiant commitment to worship God ("We Will"), to sweet gentle songs of love and communion (the updated Andy Park classic "Only You"), to joyful songs of celebration ("How I Love You Lord"). All of the arrangements have an edgy contemporary rock sound that should appeal to younger worshippers as well as baby-boomers longing for some of the sounds and rhythms of the rock favorites of their youth.

The CD-ROM element of this project includes many useful resources, both for the worship leader and for the person who wants to participate more fully in worshipping along with this CD. Included are chord charts, overhead masters, interviews with each of the worship leaders and the brief story of the writing, motivation, and meaning of each of the songs.

"You and You Alone" has quickly become one of my favorite worship CDs. Why don't you give a listen to the sample audio clips above (we have a clip for each song!) and see if you agree!

Reviewed by Lori Lindsey