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JASON UPTON
lesson that the Lord knows and fills every need.
A Table Full Of Strangers Vol. 2
opener, “Higher,” which stylistically represents
the west coast sound of groups like Bethel
The subject matter of Upton’s writing goes far but with more sensibility, and “Fight Anymore,”
beyond the clichés and overused metaphors which features Hamilton’s powerful and gripping
that saturate the modern worship genre and vocals as she reminds us that the battle is over
show not only his writing prowess, but also and Christ has secured our eternity in heaven.
his deep understanding of scripture and the
Jason Upton has somehow managed to remain
out of the famous worship artist spotlight, even
though he has been writing and leading people
in worship and carving out his own unique
niche for more than 20 years. His soulful brand
heart of God. The writing here is elegant and 80’s keyboard riffs and a driving electronic drum
thought provoking, and to be honest, I had to kit are the foundation for the theme song, which
listen to a few of these tracks multiple times to paints Christ as the rescuer of our lives in every
comprehend the depth of his message, which circumstance. The album ends with “Common
by itself is amazing, but some might find these Love,” which combines a dub-step feel with a
melodies a bit tougher to learn and sing. This laid-back guitar riff as Hamilton’s shimmering
album dives deep and tackles issues of the vocals cry out in worship.
heart that we all struggle with. Amazing job
Mr. Upton!
Some of the arrangements were leaning
towards sounding outdated, but nowhere near
FOR ALL SEASONS anything that would keep me from buying this
Clarity album. The theology is solid, and Hamilton’s
of vertical worship is on full display on his latest
release, A Table Full of Strangers Vol. 2. vocals clearly carry this project. Seven songs
Thematically, the album centers around the but either way there is a lot to expect from the
seems like either a long EP or a short album,
trio going forward.
importance of keeping our eyes focused on
Christ during the storms of life, while using
PASSION
a variety of fresh melodies, metaphors, and
Whole Heart
visual imagery.
“The Farmer and the Field” kicks off the album
meditatively as Upton’s soulful, husky vocal
explores the idea that God’s love existed before
our modern idea of certainty, and before the California trio, For All Seasons, may be new to
things of man became most important in our the CCM recording industry, having recently
lives. “Every Table Is An Altar” is a gorgeous been signed by Centricty Records, but the
offering that reminds that God often uses the retro pop worship group are old friends who
seemingly mundane things in our lives to show met at Biola University and have been writing,
His power and will, and that we need to always performing, and leading worship together for
allow our hearts and eyes to be open to what more than ten years.
Passion’s 2017 worship release made it
He is doing.
Fronted by Emily Hamilton, whose vocal style is obvious that Kristian Stanfill is now the lead
“Mountain To Valley” uses the majestic theme reminding many of a young Twila Paris, their first worshipper and successor to Chris Tomlin,
of God’s all-encompassing presence and official EP, Clarity, is a sort of retro throwback to with Chris’ recognizable tenor only gracing one
protection with a soaring, rhythmic vocal, while the worship genre of the 80’s and early 90’s, track. Their 2018 release, Whole Heart confirms
“Redwoods And Daisies” weaves a tale that with a modern twist. this change in leadership, as there is no sign of
Tomlin anywhere on the album. Although the
touches on Jesus’ use of “the flowers of the
field” and “the birds of the air” for a powerful
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The highlight tracks of the album include the
March 2018
old guard have been replaced by the likes of
WorshipMusician.com