NEW MUSIC gets a quieter re-wrapping as he humbly joins with the angels welcoming the newborn king to Earth .
“ Hark The Herald Angels Sing ” keeps the original melody but is accompanied by a harsh urban electronic feel with metallic drums , keyboard loops and organ before completely shifting to an almost 40 ’ s radio feel in verse 2 . The arrangement here is creatively crafted as each verse seems to remind the listener of how this Christmas favorite continues to stand the test of time from generation to generation while also painting a picture of a lost world needing a Savior .
The Amy Grant Classic “ Breath Of Heaven ” is just as good as the original with its lyrical journey through the thoughts of Mary as she prepares to be the mother of Christ . The song ends with a newly penned final bridge which is a bit of a surprise but seems to fit thematically .
“ O Little Town of Bethlehem ” and “ Infant Lowly , Infant Holy ” ( which features the Elevation Choir ) are well done and more on the traditional side for those who enjoy the more classical Christmas favorites .
“ Joy ” is an interesting take on “ Joy To The World ” that begins with an odd electronic intro before morphing into a more traditional verse 1 before completely flipping to an R & B style which seems a bit out of place until it gets going .
Overall , I ’ ve got to give props to Elevation for weaving in some very creative and risky musical choices on this Christmas collection . Christmas albums are tricky because you really don ’ t want to mess too much with tradition but there are some nice moments here that could shake up your Christmas services this holiday season .
CAIN Jesus Music
1 . Wings 2 . Any More 3 . Jesus Music 4 . Made For Heaven 5 . Windows Down 6 . Now That I Need You 7 . WWJD 8 . Trouble 9 . 10 and 2 10 . Through Jesus 11 . Lifeline
Southern rock sibling trio , Cain burst onto the CCM Worship scene in 2021 with their debut album , Rise Up which unveiled their southern pop rock vibe mixed with youthful energy and hope filled lyrics . Cain ’ s sophomore full length album Jesus Music continues in this same musical vein featuring 11 new tracks .
Opening track , “ Wings ” sounds like it jumped right out of a Jonas Brothers album with rockin guitars , thumping drums and catchy melodies . Thematically , we are drawn to Isaiah 40 as the trio proclaim the truth of how our God lifts us on eagles wings no matter the circumstance .
The lead single , “ Any More ” was co-written with Matthew West is a jubilant rocker reminding us that God loves us all the same no matter who we are or what we have done . The title track isn ’ t necessarily ready for a congregational sing-along per se but rather a creative homage on how Christian music has shaped so many lives through generations and has kept us close to the heart of God through music .
“ Made For Heaven ” is a cleverly written proclamation reminding us that our true home is Heaven and that we are only here as outsiders for a short while until we get where we ’ re going . “ Now That I Know You ”, is a hidden gem of a song recalling how a lost soul found new life through Jesus and now has a sense of belonging and purpose .
Jesus Music has some really great musical moments and this collection has avoided the dreaded “ sophomore slump ” that so many other bands have experiences with their releases . Even though I wouldn ’ t categorize many of these songs as typical Sunday morning worship fare , I think a few could definitely be used in that way . Cain has done a bang-up job here of solid writing , creative musical expression and keeping the focus the focus throughout .
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
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