NEW MUSIC
NOW HEAR THIS | Gerod Bass
STEPHEN MCWHIRTER & JASON CLAY Highest Praise
KIM WALKER-SMITH Revival Nights their song , “ Praise Belongs to You .”
The combination of McWhirter ’ s gravelly tenor and Clayborn ’ s smooth Gospel vocal runs mesh incredibly well creating a unique sound that breaks down the walls of over-produced , cookie-cutter worship albums that some are getting tired of listening to .
1 . |
Highest Praise ( We Lift You ) |
2 . |
Wanna See You |
3 . |
God Be Yourself |
4 . |
Pressed |
5 . |
Let There Be Love |
6 . |
Make It Work |
7 . |
The Yes Song |
8 . |
Triumphant |
9 . |
Never Gets Old |
Acclaimed |
singer / songwriter |
and |
worship |
leader Stephen McWhirter and GRAMMY ®
|
nominated recording artist Jason Clayborn |
have joined forces for their first co-release |
entitled Highest Praise . The nine-track album is |
a rousing celebration of soul-drenched worship |
firmly rooted in Motown and Southern Gospel |
sophistication . |
McWhirter is the worship leader from acclaimed |
Iron Bell Music who burst onto the CCM scene |
a few years ago and have had great success |
with their southern fried rock / Gospel approach |
to worship . Jason Clayborn is the Worship |
Director at Louisville ’ s Saint Stephen Church |
and his group the “ Atmosphere Changers ” |
were nominated for a Stellar Award in 2020 for |
The standout tracks include the title track which is a Stevie Wonder-esque joyful celebration as McWhirter and Clayborn triumphantly declare the praise of Jesus . “ God Be Yourself ” is an R & B jam with its soulful piano , B-3 organ and funky bass line as the gentlemen remind us that God ’ s character and promises never change .
“ Let There Be Love ” changes up the genre a bit as McWhirter take a more middle of the road musical approach with piano arpeggios and driving drums . Lyrically this song centers the listener on the fact that in all things the love of Jesus should be at the forefront of our minds .
“ Triumphant ” is completely different musically than anything else on the album with congas , African drums , sitars and middle-eastern flavor as the men boldly proclaim that Jesus is one who we have been waiting for .
Highest Praise is a very creative , honest , outof-the-box worship album with lots of great musical moments that will appeal to the crowd that is looking for something different . I would say the writing throughout is fairly safe and I wish there would have been as much creativity in their lyrics as there was in their musicality , but this is still a surprisingly great offering .
1 . I Say Yes 2 . I Have Found 3 . Nothing Else 4 . Rest On Us 5 . Your Spirit 6 . Still Believe / All I Need Is You 7 . My King Forever 8 . Protector
Kim Walker-Smith is a legend in modern worship and her latest EP , Revival Nights is a collection of her previously released songs , a few covers of other well-known worship artists as well as a new song . All were recording during her 2021 mini-tour . These songs were grouped together , and the album is meant to remind the believers that no matter what we have been through , that God is still present and is reigning on the throne of Heaven .
A few of the standout covers include Maverick City Music & UPPERROOM ' s " Rest On Us " in which Walker-Smith sings alongside Molly Williams as the two ladies call upon the Holy Spirit to find a permanent place in our hearts . Continuing with the Holy Spirit theme , Tasha Cohen ’ s “ Your Spirit ” draws upon Zechariah