NEW MUSIC
NOW HEAR THIS | Gerod Bass
PHIL WICKHAM Hymn of Heaven
Some of my favorites include the previously released , “ Battle Belongs ”. The infectious rhythmic energy of the opening track sets up the album perfectly with the reminder of the victory over sin that was won for us on the cross . It is the perfect song given our current circumstance and political climate where the church seems to be fighting off the wolves from every side .
ELEVATION WORSHIP / MAVERICK CITY WORSHIP Old Church Basement
1 . Battle Belongs 2 . Hymn of Heaven 3 . House of the lord 4 . It ’ s Always Been You 5 . When I ’ m Standing 6 . Reason I Sing 7 . His Name Is Jesus 8 . 1,000 Names 9 . Falling In Love 10 . Look To Jesus 11 . God Of Revival 12 . 316 Spontaneous 13 . Heart Full of Praise
Phil Wickham has somewhat quietly become a worship icon in the past few years with such Sunday morning favorites as “ This Is Amazing Grace ”, “ Living Hope ” and “ Your Love Awakens Me ”. His artistic approach to writing and unmistakable vocal style help Wickham standout in a sea of mediocrity that too often prevails in the modern worship market . His sixteenth full length release , Hymn of Heaven , may be Wickham ’ s best album to date .
The 13 songs contained in the collection are pure vertical worship and are delivered with reckless abandon as Wickham visits such thematic ideas as the hope we have in Jesus , God ’ s faithfulness and the redemption of the cross .
The title track abounds with hope and is a beautifully written look forward to the eternity that Jesus secured for us through His death and resurrection . Wickham ’ s vocals soar amongst the clouds as he artfully lays out what heaven will be like for us .
“ House of the Lord ” will serve as a spirited Sunday morning service opener as Wickham and his congregation joyfully shout praises to the Lord . This song is a battle cry to the church to lean into our salvation and boldly proclaim the story of the Gospel in our lives daily . The bridge brings home the reason for our joy ; “ We were the beggars , now we ’ re royalty . We were the prisoners , now we ’ re running free . We are forgiven , accepted , redeemed by His grace , let the house of the Lord sing praise !”
Bethel ’ s Brandon Lake makes a surprise appearance alongside Wickham on the bouncy “ Where I Am Standing ”. The combination of Lake ’ s rugged voice perfectly compliments Wickham ’ s velvety tenor and together they create a wonderful worship moment as they gloriously tell the story of redemption .
Honestly , there is hardly a song on “ Hymn of Heaven ” that is not well written , performed or arranged . Wickham has created a worship masterpiece with this album and the church should take notice .
1 . Old Church Basement 2 . Jireh 3 . Talking to Jesus 4 . Wait On You 5 . Wait On You ( Reprise ) 6 . Million Little Miracles 7 . Shall Not Want 8 . Come Again 9 . Used To This 10 . Names 11 . Mercy 12 . Before and After 13 . Build Your Church
Many of you reading this review grew up in the church . You remember those good old days of riding in the car with Mom and Dad on Sunday mornings and sitting in the same pew each and every week listening to the old organ or acoustic guitar while singing from a songbook or hymnal . You remember youth group overnighters , mission trips and the endless amount of stupid “ ice-breaker ” games your youth leaders would make you play at mid-week youth group on Wednesday nights . If you are like me , those childhood memories and how God used the people that helped make them were an instrumental part of shaping who you are today . It is this idea and theme that spurred Elevation and Maverick City to join