NEW MUSIC
“ I will tell of Your wonders , sing of Your grace The God of creation , knows me by name The Lord is faithful , yesterday now and always . Always .”
The idea that God Himself not only is faithful but that the King of the universe knows my name really brings the whole song together and makes it personal .
Verse 3 reminds us that He is not only with us at this very moment but also gives a glimpse to the future as we hear about the promise of Jesus returning in the clouds to take us home .
Chorus two follow and then we get the classic Tomlin build up to the powerful bridge as He triumphantly declares what the angels are singing around the throne in Revelation 1:8 ; “ You were , You are , You always will be God ”. This bold declaration reminds us that our faith and hope was born out the heart of a God who never leaves and who is always with us , no matter what .
We then get a follow up chorus , another bridge and the song ends with a quieter chorus .
This is one of the better recent songs from Tomlin and at first listen I wasn ’ t sure if I would like it , but it captured me the second time and I know our church will be belting this out soon enough .
LIFE . CHURCH WORSHIP Grace Upon Grace
1 . Grace Upon Grace 2 . Free ( This Joy ) 3 . All Around Us 4 . Finished Work of Christ 5 . Like Your Love 6 . New Future 7 . Inheritance
Life . Church is well known around the globe for setting the standard of how to do online worship . The multi-site church based in Oklahoma relies heavily on technology and social media as effective ways to announce the Gospel but their worship collective has also been getting noticed the past few years by putting out some solid musical collections .
Their third EP , Grace Upon Grace contains seven new tracks focusing on the joy we receive through true freedom in Christ . Stylistically , the album is a nice mixture of modern pop , R & B and soft rock with most tracks being Sunday morning friendly and vertically focused .
The title track is a mid-tempo peppy opener that takes a deep dive into the saving work of God ’ s grace . The mixture of 80 ’ s-esque keyboards and worship leader Stephen Cole ’ s smooth tenor makes this song standout .
“ Free ( This Joy )” ramps up the energy with some driving drums and power chords while reminding us that the death and resurrection of Jesus brings true joy and freedom .
The best song on the album is the hymn-like “ Finished Work of Christ ” which was co-written with Matt Redman . The song is a hope-filled call to hold fast to the cross and to praise the God who saves at all times .
The other standout co-write ends the EP as Matt Maher makes a guest appearance in the catchy southern rocker , “ Inheritance ” which explores the future we have in heaven even though we don ’ t deserve it . The mixture of Maher ’ s gravelly voice and the southern Gospel choir are a perfect combination here .
I really enjoyed this EP from Life . Church . There is nothing out of the ordinary here musically as this offering pretty much fits alongside most recent worship releases , but the writing is solid , the mix is perfect and there are some good songs here .
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