NEW MUSIC
This collection was pretty much a greatest hits album when we didn ’ t even know these songs would have the impact they have for the past 15 years . Such classics as “ Hosanna ( Praise is Rising ”, “ Your Name ” and “ Because of Your Love ” became instant Sunday morning favorites right out of the box and are still as fresh and relevant to sing as they were the day they were released . There is no other single album that I personally have pulled more songs off to teach my congregation than A Greater Song .
15 years later , Paul Baloche has re-released this classic gem with some new arrangements ( or “ reimagined ”) versions of these beloved tunes and the church will be thanking him for it .
Right away we get some re-wrapped classics as the first three tracks are vastly different from their original counterparts . The new live version of “ Hosanna ” boasts a new intro and more upto-date arranging and instrumentation which is complimentary and works well as the piano takes more of a lead role .
“ Because of Your Love ” gets a completely new musical makeover as gone are the rockin ’ guitars and stadium drums and instead we get a softer , more intimate side of this song .
Songs like “ I Will Boast ”, “ Creation ’ s King ”, “ Here and Now ”, “ Thank You Lord ” and “ Just As I am ” are tracks copied from the original recording but still sound as good as they did back in the day . The rest of the songs seem to get a softer , more delicate musical makeover which for the most part works . The better-known reimagined songs are a nice change but honestly my only quibble is I think the lack of guitar driven music on the new versions steals a bit of their energy and musical power . But again , I ’ m a guitar player so that might skew my opinion a bit . Overall though , this is my all-time favorite Baloche album full of great songs . If you missed it the first time , don ’ t miss it this go around .
FUTURES Hills & Horizons
1 . Just So Good 2 . Can ’ t Steal This Love 3 . Hills & Horizons 4 . Simple 5 . Good Things 6 . Alibi 7 . Famous 8 . Dandelion 9 . Remedy 10 . Dare To Believe 11 . Good News
Pop-centric worship artist Futures is the music collective born out of Influencers Church who has campus ’ both in in Australia and the US . Their novel approach to modern worship can be described as upbeat , encouraging , and bursting with a fresh ray of energy . Their second full-length album , Hills & Horizons was a full two years in the making and features 11 tracks full of electronic musical energy , relevant writing and youthful vocals .
A few standouts include the title track " Hills and Horizons " which offers surprising Godly wisdom based on the group ' s youthful age . The song begins with lead worshipper Danae Leslie ’ s angelic but gravelly alto as she tells of how life can be full of ups and downs and how it can be frustrating to not see the big picture of what
God is doing . The chorus brings out the heart of the song , as well as the thematic draw of the album , by pointing out that just because we don ’ t see the big picture and the culmination of every story , that God is not in control . Here we are reminded that He is always working as our God and that He is for us , the ones He loves .
" Dandelion " harkens us back to Jesus using children to talk about childlike faith and gives us a vivid picture of what simple trusting faith looks like . Overflowing with techie melodic loops , " Good Things " turns our attention back to the many blessings that God gives us each and every day that we so often take for granted .
“ Good News ” rounds out the album on a gospel high note as we are grounded in the fact that no matter how far we think we are from God , He is always near and never stops seeking our hearts . The middle of the song has a reflective speaking part that will reach the heart of every listener who has wondered if they were good enough for God ’ s mercy . The crunchy urban bass notes mixed with Danae ’ s floating vocals create a wonderful musical opposites effect that plays perfectly into the theme of the song .
I would not categorize every song on this collection as ‘ congregationally friendly ’ however . There is a lot of syncopation in their melody writing and the arrangements would be difficult for the average worship team to copy . I also would have liked a little break from the onslaught of technical beeps , loops and pads . Maybe a simple piano ballad or a more guitar led offering may have helped break the album up a bit , but there are some really great songs here . Check it out .
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