NEW MUSIC
THE PORTER’S GATE
Neighbor Songs
uplifting and emotionally engaging.
The theme of being “neighborly” is played
The central theme of the album is clearly out both within the use of invitational lyrics
defined and announced in the first track, “Turn throughout and the eclectic nature of genres of
Your Eyes” which is a modern adaptation of music included on the album.
the beloved hymn. Newly Penned verses and a
hook-laden chorus are highlights while lyrically, “Nothing to Fear” is led by Audrey Assad as she
Sovereign Grace hits the target by focusing on borrows the lyrical promises of Romans 8:31.
the fact that when we focus ourselves on what Cascading piano melodies and tight harmonies
Jesus is doing through His people today, we weave a dance of hope and vibrant celebration
can see hope. of the faithfulness of God in all things
Leslie Jordan leads the beautiful folkish "Love
Will Never Fail (I Corinthians 13)” which reminds
My favorite cut is “Come O Sinner”, a stirring
ballad that finds us at the foot of the cross as 1.
Blessed Are the Merciful
we experience the sacrifice of Jesus that was 2. Nothing to Fear God’s word is more than enough to touch
meant for us. The haunting cellos and violins 3. The Earth Shall Know someone’s heart.
floating over the piano accompaniment are 4. Love Will Never Fail (1 Corinthians 13) Zach Bolen’s “He Is Among Us (The Least
magical and this would be perfect for any Good 5. Let Us Be Known- Spanish Song of These)” seems to be the heartbeat of this
Friday Tenebrae service. 6. The Greatest Commandment album and is based on Matthew 25 as he sings
7. passionately about God’s call for us to show
us that sometimes a simple melody proclaiming
Daughters of Zion
“The King In All His Beauty” is a creative 8. Hallelujah Sing modern hymn and “See How He Loves Us” 9. Jesus Bread of Life features intimate acoustic guitar and dancing 10. He Is Among Us (The Least of These) The only let-down of such an eclectic list
piano motifs as Meghan Baird’s strong vocal 11. Teach Us Your Ways of songs and styles is that it runs the risk of
describes the incredible ways that the love of 12. Daughters of Zion (Reprise) becoming disjointed, which is what struck
God will do anything to capture us. 13. En Comunidad- me toward the end of the album. Melodically,
The mix on a few songs was a bit on the The Porter's Gate was founded in 2017 by
weak side and after about five tracks, the
theme was getting a bit overdone because
the arrangements and language were very
similar throughout. Though this is true, the
songs contained here are definitely written and
arranged for the local church. Every song is rich
in theology and most will be easily learned and
sung by your Sunday morning worship crowd.
love to those within our sphere of influence.
Isaac and Megan Wardell with a mission to
be a "porter" for the Christian Church - one
who looks beyond church doors for guests to
welcome. Their sophomore release, Neighbor
there are some weak spots as well and not all
of these songs would be easy for the common
pew sitter to sing along with. That being said,
this is an important album, and one we should
all take notice of.
Songs was born out of a gathering in January
of 2019 when songwriters, theologians, and
worship leaders came together for a series of
meaningful conversations about what loving
your neighbors really encompassed.
January 2020
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.
www.oslc.com
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