NEW MUSIC
Often unheard on Christmas collections, RIVER VALLEY WORSHIP
"Gabriel's Message" is a classic Christmas hymn Million Lifetimes Deconstructed
The best song on the album is the stripped
down version of their well-loved
offering,
that is a mysterious and magical beginning to "Hope Has a Name" which features a well
the album as we hear the annunciation to Mary. written chorus and hook-laden melody line.
Musically, it is a creative blend of hymnody and This particular arrangement of the song is
contemporary instrumentation with Maher's slower than the original as worship leader Molly
flowing vocals shadowed by a children's choir. Galvaz's gorgeous soprano floats seamlessly
"Glory (Let There Be Peace)" features a hook- above the acoustic undertones.
laden chorus that is sure to get stuck in your
head from the first day of Advent till sometime A few of the other standout tracks include
next spring as Maher reminds us that we are the pop-infused song of praise, "All This
called to announce and demonstrate the Time" which speaks about the never ending
peace and message of Christmas with all. faithfulness of God and "Calvary's Shadow"
"Hope For Everyone" gets to the heart of the which explores how death was defeated in the
Gospel in the Christmas story and reminds us
that when all the fanfare, lights, gifts and food
are stripped away, it is the gift of a Savior and
1.
shadow of the cross.
Cross and Crown
2. Calvary's Shadow
3. All This Time The EP ends on a festive tone with a new
the eternity He won for us that is the true gift. 4. Hope Has a Name Christmas
The yuletide classics included in this collection 5. Chain Reaction arpeggios abound in this warm and inviting
are done with respect and creativity with 6. Adore You song that brings us back to the reason our
Maher's jazzy version of "Jingle Bells" being
a highlight. River Valley Worship is the worship collective
This album captures the inspiring hope of spread across multiple campuses in the greater
Christ's birth, rests in the peace He brought,
reflects on the love He showed, and joyfully
of River Valley Church whose home base is
Minneapolis, MN area as well as an international
campus in Swaziland, Africa. Their second
revels in what Jesus accomplished. release, Million Lifetimes Deconstructed, is
Maher's rich scriptural writing and deep off of their debut release as well as two new
understanding of the Gospel comes through on
every track as he continually hits the theological
an EP that contains a few re-worked songs
tracks that are sure to find their way into your
Sunday rotation.
release,
"Adore
You".
Piano
Savior was born in a manger.
Normally, I am not a huge fan of re-releasing
albums especially since it's only been a few
months since the original release of Million
Lifetimes but these songs were just different
enough to pique my interest and most are well
written and singable. River Valley Worship is
doing great things and I am excited to hear new
music from them soon.
bulls-eye on the true purpose of Christmas.
With a little something for everyone, The Advent
of Christmas will do more than just get you in a
festive mood, it will fill you with the hope of the
birth of Christ.
Gerod Bass
Worship leader in Tacoma, WA. Mentor with Worship
Catalyst. Singer, songwriter, guitarist with a passion
for impacting lives for the sake of the Gospel.
oslc.com
December 2018
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