Review

WorshipTogether has become synonymous with cutting edge worship. Time and again the label brings together today’s influential songwriters and worship leaders, and as they gather for conferences across the globe, their songs and styles are captured so that we, too, may be inspired. I confess that I have felt that too often an album will be released that covers no new ground lyrically or musically. With Pour Over Me, though, the ground has not only been broken, but torn asunder from the norms that we hold near and dear.

David Ruis plays four tracks with Sonic Flood. For those who’ve followed David’s career, you’ve seen him morph from songs like “You Are Worthy of My Praise” and “We Will Dance” to “Release Me” to tribal American Indian rhythms. Here he is incredibly fired up, exhorting “everybody dance, everybody dance, everybody dance…” He is what Jim Morrison would have sounded like if he were a Christian. And teamed with the musicianship of Sonic Flood I hear the Doors cum Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Not to editorialize too much, but this kind of music begs the question “Is it OK to be influenced by musicians from arenas other than Contemporary Christian worship circles?” That’s a great discussion that needs to take place in the Church today.

The other worship leaders featured here are Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Stuart Townend and Tom Lane. Stuart Townend has three songs, including the title track “Pour Over Me” as well as “Beautiful Savior” and “How Long” Townend’s soft acoustic guitar and soothing vocals are the perfect counter to David Ruis’ driving rhythyms. Chris Tomlin covers two of Charlie Hall’s songs, “Salvation” which opens the CD and “Give Us Clean Hands”. Tom Lane is featured on his own “Into Your Presence We Come”. Not to be forgotten is, of course, Matt Redman. On this album Matt again offers his voice and anointing on “Let My Words Be Few” and “Holy Moment”. Matt is truly a leader of today’s worship music, but this album belongs to the others mentioned.

Mixed in with all of this is David Ruis’ haunting “Whom Have I But You?”, again with Sonic Flood’s unique sound. After his rocking at the beginning of the album, this cut towards the end shows the range and versatility of Ruis. All in all, this is a very good collection. It will take the worshiper through the gamut, from frenetic dancing to laid out at the throne of God.

Review by John Ausmus