Worship Musician Magazine June 2023 | Page 20

NEW MUSIC

NOW HEAR THIS | Gerod Bass

CHRISTY NOCKELS This Is The Hour

The album begins quietly with a gorgeous piano and strings overture that sets the mood for a more quiet , introspective time of worship . Nockels then brings the energy up a bit with the folkish “ As for Me ( Psalm 2 ).” The acoustic guitar work on this track is exceptional as her warm soprano sings of a self-resolve to serve the King of Kings .

CANYON HILLS WORSHIP All to Jesus 1 . This is the Hour Overture 2 . As For Me ( Psalm 2 ) 3 . Come Magnify 4 . Where Would I Be ? 5 . The Strength That Prevails 6 . Valor 7 . Home 8 . In Your Eyes 9 . Christ In Me 10 . Evermore 11 . This is the Hour ( Reprise ) 12 . Keep On 13 . All For the Praise 14 . Benediction ( Breath of God )

In January of this year , fans of songwriter and worship leader , Christy Nockels were treated to a little 4 song EP that helped us answer the oft asked question , “ Whatever happened to Christy Nockels ?”. It is has been 5 years since we last heard a full-length album that wasn ’ t Christmas focused in nature but the wait is over with her latest release , This is the Hour . The 14-song behemoth of an album features 12 new tracks along with 2 instrumentals . Thematically the album is a deep encouragement for believers to hold steadfast to the hope they have in Jesus while calling God ’ s people to live boldy for Him on earth .

“ Where Would I Be ?” is a gorgeous vertically aimed piano ballad perfectly written for a Good Friday service or as a celebratory song after communion . Here , Nockels takes a deep dive into what the sacrifice of Jesus means for all of humanity .

“ Valor ” is more of a performance type of song ( although the simple chorus could easily be adapted to the Sunday morning crowd for corporate worship ) with a more country music feel with its acoustic guitars and flowing violins . Lyrically , we are drawn by Christy ’ s powerful soprano calling God ’ s people to remember and rely on the promises of God that never fail .

“ Home ” is a reminder of the future that Jesus won for us on the cross and a call for all believers to hold true to the promises of eternity with the Savior . The simple piano motif blended with Christy ’ s feathery vocals give this song a warm and comforting quality like a warm blanket that brings hope and reassurance of the Savior ’ s love .

Overall , this was a nice return for Christy . There are some great songs in this collection albeit most are more on the laid-back side of things and after a while , the songs began to run together because of the similar instrumentation throughout . I really wanted to hear some of the vocal power and prowess of previous Nockels songs like “ Waiting Here For You ” or “ Let It Be Jesus ” but there are still some nice moments here .

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