NEW MUSIC
NOW HEAR THIS | Gerod Bass
HOUSEFIRES How To Start A Housefire
CHRISTY NOCKELS Valor
1 . Praise Him 2 . Lean On The Lord 3 . Only Jesus 4 . I Have Decided ( Banner ) 5 . To You 6 . I ’ m Not Going Anywhere 7 . Don ’ t Get Me Started 8 . Sold Out 9 . If I Could Have Anything 10 . Keep My Eyes Up 11 . You ’ re the Only One I ’ m Looking For 12 . Grateful
The latest release from the Atlanta based worship collective , Housefires is a sincere and simple collection of twelve new songs of uplifting and honest acoustic worship .
The album begins unexpectantly as the first track , “ Praise Him ” is entirely spoken word poetry describing all the ways God calls us to worship Him . This opening “ spoken song ” really works well as a gathering piece and is delivered with power and authority .
“ To You ” is an intimate prayer offered by worship leader , Davy Flowers whose main theme calls the believer to return much like the prodigal to the waiting arms of the Savior . The soft piano background mixed with Flowers ’ glorious tenor make this song warm and inviting .
“ Only Jesus ”, features Chandler Moore of Maverick City Music , and is a powerfully written and beautifully performed track pointing the worshiper to the fact that only Jesus can satisfy our most inner needs . Taking themes and lyrics from the popular hymn “ I Have Decided to Follow Jesus ”, Housefires created a wonderful modern rendition . While the lyrics are simple , they focus on the greatest message of all – the love of Jesus Christ .
“ Grateful ” ends the album on a note of thankfulness as the collective passionately sing about all the ways God blesses His people even though we don ’ t deserve His perfect love .
My only gripe about this album was the sheer amount of repetition of phrases in most of the songs contained in this collection . I totally get dwelling in the moment of a powerful phrase or idea , but it seemed a bit overdone here in a few places . I also missed the leadership and vocals of Pat Barrett here who really put this collective on the map . That being said , there are still some great songs here . Housefire albums always have a way of putting the listener in the middle of the room as the worship happens around them . Their songs are not over produced or over mixed and that gives the worshiper a sense of belonging with the ability to listen and share in the moments of worship that are being recorded . This is definitely a “ less is more ” type of worship experience .
1 . Valor 2 . Christ In Me 3 . Come Magnify 4 . Home
Former Watermark member and three-time GMA Dove Award winning worship artist and writer , Christy Nockels has been relatively quiet for the past few years , prompting some ( including this reviewer ) to ask , “ Whatever happened to Christy Nockels ?” Well with her latest EP release , Valor , Nockels ’ fans are overjoyed to welcome back one of the best female vocalists in modern Christian music . The four song EP explores the theme of drawing deeper into the heart of God during difficult times and serves as the precursor to a full-length studio album , This Is The Hour which is due out sometime later this year .
With regard to the Valor EP , and the forthcoming This is the Hour album , Christy talks about the importance of reliance on God during this difficult season for the church , “ We ’ re living in an hour where you and I are having to pioneer through some of the most challenging cultural and spiritual landscape we ’ ve ever encountered .” Valor ’ s setlist of songs certainly bring healing and hope to such a world .
The title track is more of a performance type of