NEW MUSIC almost like this version is the grown-up version where the original release sounded like a camp song , which isn ’ t bad especially since the duo really focuses their ministry on intergenerational worship making sure that every worshipper has a voice and a place to bring their sacrifices of praise to the Lord . But this version is much better in my opinion .
“ The Rock ” is a call for God ’ s people to stand strong when life gets hard and to remember Matthew 7 which calls us to build our lives upon the rock of Christ . The simple melody and stripped back instrumentation almost remind me of early Taize worship with its repetitive phrasing and tight harmonies . The combination of Liv Glenny and Megan Lambert ’ s gorgeously airy soprano vocals make it easy to lose yourself in these light moments of worship .
Other standout tracks include “ Masterplan ” which points the worshiper to the love of the one who created us and the title track which calls believers to stop , breathe and remember who holds us in every situation .
In a time where stress , depression and anxiety are at all-time highs , this collection of songs serves as more than just an album , these songs are a ministry tool that will provide balm for anxious souls needing guidance to find the rest and peace of Christ .
A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH A New Heaven And A New Earth
1 . It ’ s All Yours 2 . You Mean The World 3 . Together 4 . Arms Around The World 5 . So Will I 6 . Into The Unseen 7 . Awestruck ( On My Way Home ) 8 . Our Common Home
Featuring such artists as Jason Gray , Micah Taylor , Phil Joel , Waterdeep and Aaron Cole , A New Heaven And A New Earth is a unique project of songs written meant to give praise to our creator for His creation while creating conversation about our responsibility to care for it . We too often take our world for granted and these 8 songs are creatively written to inspire listeners to give God thanks and praise while calling us to be good stewards of what we have been given . The collaboration of top-shelf writers and contributors have given the church a wonderful gift of eclectic sounds and a variety of genres from pop to rock , hip-hop to folk and americana resulting in a truly diverse listening experience .
Songs like the laid-back acoustic version of Waterdeep ’ s “ Into The Unseen ” remind the listener of humanity ’ s first responsibility to care for God ’ s creation in the Garden of Eden . On the other end of the musical spectrum is Jason Roy ’ s “ It ’ s All Yours ” which is a celebratory pop-infused foray into God ’ s creative heart , how he loves what He creates but at the same time nudging the listener to remember who everything ultimately belongs to .
Jason Gray ’ s “ Awestruck ” tells the story of a hike he took in Colorado that awakened his heart to the glory of God that surrounds us each and
every day while at the same time reminding us of the eternity that waits with the Creator .
My favorite track is Micah Taylor ’ s “ So Will I ” which is a tender piano ballad with strings that not only praises God for His creation , it also calls the listener to love the world and those in it the way God does . Taylor ’ s warm tenor shines as he sings about all the ways creation praises God and how we should do the same in every situation simply because He made us .
“ Together ” features house beats and a hiphop vibe as Aaron Cole works his lyrical magic proclaiming that when humanity works together , we can accomplish anything in Jesus ’ name . “ Our Common Home ” features Phil Joel , Jason Gray and Don Chaffer as they cry out to God to give us hearts to care for those who are homeless , hurting and desperate .
This album almost reminds me of the old “ We Are The World ” project from the 80 ’ s that inspired so many . I think many of these songs could work well for a church doing a sermon series on caring for God ’ s creation or a focused series on God as amazing creator . The different genres of music and eclectic nature of the album really brought home the idea that the Gospel is a world-wide Gospel and as the body of Christ we are called to live out that Gospel wherever we are , and part of that responsibility lies in how we care for what God has given us .
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
20 October 2024 Subscribe for Free ...