NEW MUSIC
MAC POWELL SONG SPOTLIGHT “ River of Life ” features thirteen new tracks whose thematic focus is on the majesty and wonder of God .
Sinach ’ s powerhouse vocals kick the album off on the title track as we quickly get a sense that she is no average worship leader . The vertically focused lyrics , African choir and orchestral foundation set this song up as one of the standout tracks on the album .
" We Prevail " features former Potter ’ s Hand worship leader , Maranda Curtis and borrows its lyrical motif from Psalm 27 . This powerful two female duet reminds us that no matter what happens in this life , that our God won the victory on the cross and our future is secure .
Another standout track is the reflective and personal " King of Glory " which features Hillsong legend Darlene Zschech . Serving as an almost spontaneous worship moment , the two ladies combine vocal forces proclaiming of the supernatural power of Christ and the work He is still doing .
Greatest Lord wonderfully rests on Sinach ’ s incredible vocal skills harkening us back to the good old days of R & B legends like Aretha Franklin or Patti LaBelle . Although distinctly painted with a Southern Gospel brush , the album doesn ’ t get locked into one style which allows these songs to be translated among a wide worship spectrum . These are well written worship offerings that could fit nicely in your church ’ s Sunday setlist .
There are some voices that are just unmistakable when you hear them . Former frontman for Third Day , Mac Powell is one of them . For close to two decades Powell ’ s grass roots song writing and gravelly tenor blessed the church and really paved the way for current southern rock artists like Zach Williams and Brandon Lake . It has been a hot minute since we have heard new music from Powell after the disbandment of Third Day in 2018 but now a record as a solo artist is on the horizon . The first single from that offering dropped on June 4th of this year entitled “ River of Life ”.
With a hearty B3 organ and hand claps , the song begins with the energetic chorus which is an invitation to come on down to the river to be washed and changed by the water of baptism that Jesus brings to ever believer . Powell calls us to hold nothing back from this cleansing flood as all is ready to be forgiven and made new . I couldn ’ t help but smile as I listened to Powell ’ s familiar voice and his delivery is spot on as he in a sense … re-introduces himself .
Verse 1 brings the instrumental energy back a bit and the acoustic fingerpicking takes over as Powell reminds the listener that we do not carry our burdens alone . The chorus follows and then an interesting little “ ohh ” section that sets
up the bouncy bridge as Powell sings ; “ Come as you are , no time to waste , open your heart , don ’ t be afraid , jump on in , the water is fine , there is healing in the river of life !” The Gospel is in full abundance here and this is a powerful message of restoration and healing that we all need to hear .
A final chorus follows and includes an alternate last line that describes how the blood of Jesus changes us before the outro and then just as suddenly as the song starts , it is over in just 2 minutes and 49 seconds which for me was the most disappointing part . I was just starting to get into the groove but then Mac pulled the rug out from under me . Ah well , I guess it was more of a teaser song because now I am ready to hear more from our old friend , Mr . Powell .
There is no doubt this little toe-tapper would be a great service opener and I am looking forward to the full release from Mac Powell sometime this fall . Welcome back sir , we missed you .
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