Christian Review Magazine Issue 4 - April 2015 | Page 55

MUSIC
REVIEW

Check out our exclusive interview
With Derek Johnson

D
Artist:

DEREK JOHNSON
Album:

REAL LOVE
Rating:

Genre:

Worship

erek Johnson is a singer /
songwriter / musician who has
been with Jesus Culture since
2009. 4 of his original songs were featured
on Jesus Culture’s compilation project
EMERGING VOICES [2012]. Real Love is
Johnson’s debut solo release.

“I’m passionate about people
encountering Jesus. This is a
collection of songs geared toward
that very goal.”
- Derek Johnson
(click here to read full exclusive interview)

For Fans Of:

Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Camp,
Hillsong UNITED
Label:

Capitol CMG/Jesus Culture
Music
Reviewed by:

Leah St John
Release Date:

April 7, 2015

Real Love is an earnest worship album, with
each track offering praises to God, and
reflecting on His love and the hope that can
be found in Him.
On Real Love, there are guitar and bass
heavy rock-worship anthems, some poprock tunes, as well as some quieter
moments of praise. A combination of
up-front guitars, pounding percussion,
bass, & the occasional presence of keys and
dance beats form a great backdrop for the

passionate vocals of Derek Johnson, who
sings praises to God with an audible
sincerity.
In addition to containing some great
musicianship, the lyrics on Real Love are
well written and openly worshipful. They all
point toward Jesus and relay that He is the
ultimate source of love, hope, and life. Real
Love is truly a wonderful collection of
inspiring worship songs.
As displayed all through Real Love, as he
lifts honest and heartfelt praises to God,
Derek Johnson has a heart for worship, and
a passion to share the love of God with
others. And this passion only serves to
emphasize the overarching theme of the
album, that real, unwavering, abounding
love can be found in Jesus.
Real Love is a well produced release that
the presents honest and worshipful lyrics,
passionate vocals, and great musicianship.
A hopeful and uplifting worship album,
Derek Johnson has crafted a great debut
solo release with Real Love.

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