NEW MUSIC
Jesus won for His creation. Along the same musical vein is the title track that begins with a rhythmic upright piano as Williams declares the out-of-the-box type of love that our God has for those who are shunned as outcasts and deemed as unlovable by society. Given recent events of the past year, this song is a powerful call for God’ s people to live out the Gospel to those who are different than us.
“ Killed A Man” seems like a bit of an odd choice for a song title on a Christian album, but at first listen to this delta-blues type song, it becomes obvious that Williams is talking about how being baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit meant that the old self was put to death and he has been made new in Jesus.
Other standout tracks include the floor-stomping anthem“ The Potter( Nothing Is Wasted” in which we are reminded that everything that happens in our life has a purpose and that in all things God is molding and shaping us every day and He is always for us.
“ Church Kids” wraps up a heavy themed album with some sing-along fun as Williams and the members of Cain team up for a light-hearted look back at what it was like growing up in the church. This is a cute song that many of us can relate while at the same time pointing out that those early years spent at church set a solid foundation for an ongoing relationship with Jesus that still exists today.
One of my favorite sayings is,“ If it ain’ t broke, don’ t fix it” and this is true with the music of Zach Williams. He has a working formula, and this is another great album from Zach Williams. The songs are well written and delivered with authority and authenticity. I could see a number of these songs making their way into a Sunday morning corporate worship setting given the right circumstance and arrangement.
LIBERTY WORSHIP COLLECTIVE“ Solid Rock”- Song Spotlight
Liberty Worship Collective is the college worship ministry from Liberty University located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The collective is made up of students and faculty from Liberty whose sole purpose is to celebrate Jesus across the globe through their diverse musical styles and a variety of different worship opportunities.
Musically, Liberty appeals to a young, diverse audience with their multi-genre arrangements and youthful sound. Many of their recent releases have been dropped in other languages which showcases their heart for international music ministry. Their latest EP,“ Into The Wilderness” features one of my favorite songs of year,“ Solid Rock”.
The song is rooted in the beloved hymn,“ My Hope Is Built” and features the velvety vocals of Liberty student and worship leader, Jess Mitchell. Beginning with a soft piano and pad, Mitchell draws the worshiper into verse one with a gorgeous melody line as she pleads for the Lord to remove all things that distract us from aligning our hearts daily to the heart of Jesus.
The chorus interestingly begins with the same four chord as verse one ended on which I thought was kind of cool since most verses tend to take the listener to a four chord getting us ready for the root as we drop down into the chorus, but not here. Melodically, Mitchell stays in the upper register for the 1st chorus as she sings honestly what could be one of my favorite worship lines of all time;“ Break every surface
I’ m standing on. If it’ s not built on you, then it’ s not what I want. Bring me to my knees and remove all things.‘ Til you are the cornerstone.”
This chorus is deeply rooted in scriptures like I
Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 6 where we are reminded that new life in Christ happens only when we allow ourselves to die sin and to let the old self has pass away, replaced by the new self and the redemption we find in Jesus.
Verse 2 points out that our“ broken ways still call out from the grave” reminding the listener that we are still daily sinful and in need of His presence while sharing the hope that we have because we are covered by the blood of Jesus.
The 2nd chorus sees an increase in musical energy and also features a new 2nd half of the chorus as Mitchell passionately sings;“ Place my feet on the solid rock. Reset my heart and focus my love. Tear down my idols and remove all pride till You are the only one.” All the credit here belongs to Jesus and the writing is spot on.
The bridge section sees the instrumentation stripped way back as Mitchell sings an updated melody to the famous chorus;“ On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand” which works fine here although I would have appreciated them using the original melody but it probably wouldn’ t have worked given the overall vibe of the song.
I really love this song from the students at Liberty. Melodically it is a bit challenging in spots especially rhythmically but after a few listens, most people will pick it up. Overall a really well-written, theologically and biblically solid offering. Your church should sing this.
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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