NOWHEARTHIS
CROWDER AMERICAN PRODIGAL
There are few artists in the Christian recording business who have had the crossgenerational impact as legendary worship leader and song writer , David Crowder . Crowder ’ s fledgling solo era under the “ Crowder ” name has so far been a rousing success . American Prodigal , Crowder ’ s second solo effort , is a bit more centered musically within the genre as Crowder takes fewer risks , but this album still successfully steers clear of any form of mediocrity . The theme of the promise of an eternity above for a sinful human race is woven dynamically throughout the enormous 16 track deluxe version of the release . Crowder ’ s use of his Texas , southern-fried rock influence is all over this album . Songs like , “ Keep Me ,” “ All You Burdens ,” and “ Shouting Grounds ,” are all along this vein , with the best of these being “ Run Devil Run ,” which is peppy swamprock southern ditty that features some great guitar work over driving snappy drum beats . “ Forgiven ” is a big worship anthem that was clearly made for radio play , yet features a few guest rappers , which seems to be the new thing to do . Interestingly , even Crowder himself adopts a bit of their brand of rap style in “ Keep Me ,” as he semi-raps a couple of times . “ All My Hope ” mixes that well known rasp of Crowder ’ s tenor with a gospel piano that takes the listener straight to a Sunday morning southern gospel worship experience .
“ All We Sinners ” has a hymn quality that could be a wonderful song surrounding a time of confession and absolution that points worshipers to the empty grave . The saving power of the Gospel is in full effect as Crowder shouts .... “ Saved , we are saved , the gates of heaven wide open . Saved , we are saved , the keys to the grave have been stolen ”. Personally , I loved this album , mostly because not only have I been a Crowder fan for years , but also because I loved how many tracks were steeped in the southern rock / Gospel music style that really connects with me for some reason . I could have done without all the guest rap parts , but I know he does that in his live shows and is trying to connect to a different group of people , and that ’ s a good thing . Overall , this album isn ’ t as quirky and different as Neon Porch , and that will disappoint some , but I appreciate that David Crowder wants to write music that first honors God , and second , connects people to their God across a wide array of ages and ethnicities . Most of the songs on this album are learnable by an average worship team and could be used in your Sunday morning set list . This album is entertaining , inspiring , and vertical . You will love it .
PRESTONWOOD WORSHIP SONGS OF THE PEOPLE
Prestonwood
Worship is the music ministry of the 42,000-member Prestonwood
Baptist
Church , located in Dallas , Texas . Their latest live worship album , Songs Of the People , features all new songs from Prestonwood ’ s worship team , led by Michael Neale , along with their renowned 500-voice mass choir and special guests Paul Baloche and Michael W . Smith . The songs contained in this project were definitely written for Sunday morning worship and are delivered with passion and authenticity . The album opener , “ Songs Of The People ,” which was co-written by Michael Neale and Paul Baloche , sets up the album well with its hook-laden chorus that celebrates how God ’ s people have been using the gift of music to worship their Creator throughout history . A string laden intro that runs through the beloved melody of the famous hymn , “ I Surrender All ” sets the tone for “ You Can Have It All ,” with Neale singing about how God wants every part of us . “ Your Love is Our Favorite Song ” features an inviting melody that will draw in even the most tune-deaf pew member , and “ You Cover Me ” features a gorgeous cello and piano foundation and is based on Psalm 91 .
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 .
“ Let the Redeemed ” sees the Prestonwood Mass Choir trading vocals seamlessly with Baloche , and the Rick Briscoe-led “ Grace So Marvelous ,” is a cleverly written modern hymn that could easily rival the best works from Isaac Watts or Charles Wesley . However , Michael W . Smith shows up only at the closing track of the record , “ We Are Alive ,” which is a tad on the non-descript side . While the overall creativity of this collection from Prestonwood is nothing out of the ordinary , I really loved how they involved the entire choir , worship team , and congregation in this recording . So often on worship albums we only hear one or two voices from the platform with the congregation somewhere off in the distance . Prestonwood did a fabulous job of using their entire team , and the harmonies from the choir throughout this project made it special . There are a lot of great songs here , and those of you who are worship leaders should add this album to your collection .
ERIC KNEIFEL NO SHADOWS
Portland , Oregon based worship leader , Eric Kneifel , has been leading God ’ s people in song and corporate worship for more than 20 years . His debut worship album , No Shadows , was funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign and contains twelve
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