NOWHEARTHIS
struggles that helped shape this album is “Brave Arrested” is the brain child of Northpoint
Surrender”. This song stresses the importance drummer, Brandon Coker. This song took over
that when we loosen our grip on the things of two years to write and is a stunning portrayal of
the world and tighten our grip on Christ, true Jesus’ victory over the grave.
change happens and we begin to realize how
much He is truly with us in every situation.
“We Are Royals” is a well written exposé
that celebrates who we are in Christ. The
Most of what follows are synth-driven ballads arrangement echoes the celebratory nature
with themes focusing on God’s power and of the lyrics, and you can’t help but worship
redemptive love, with “Throne Room” being along. Seth Condrey’s “Every Beat” is one that
the best of the lot. This is a vertical prayer of will appeal to those who love the energy and
honor and praise that puts the worshiper at the enthusiasm of EDM/House type worship, and
feet of Jesus in the throne room of heaven. The “Love Come Down,” is a remix of their 2015
title track will bring hope to every listener who song of the same title, yet there is a decidedly
has encountered any form of trial or tribulation 80’s rock feel to this re-wrapped song.
as her compelling voice sings to the Lord with
cries of thanksgiving.
Brett Stanfill’s Cross-centered “Enough for
Me”, puts the breaks on the album’s fast pace
“Just One Touch” uses the story of the woman as he contemplatively sings about how the
who was healed just from touching his garment grace of Christ sustains us and fills every need.
in Luke 5 to remind us just how powerful and Seth Condrey wraps up the EP with another
wonderful the touch of the Master on our hearts high energy and electronic dance ditty, “Love
is when we surrender to him. Come Down,” which leaves us with the
Overall, I appreciated the vulnerability and
announcement of the saving love of Christ.
sense of personal struggle with which most I am a big fan of Northpoint, having listened
of these tracks were written. Although the to and added many of their songs to my
arrangements were a bit rote and predictable Sunday morning setlists, but other than “Death
with and Was Arrested”, this little album left me flat
arrangements being like the track before them, when it came to lyrical and thematic content.
Kim’s voice is what carries this album and gives Sometimes I wish worship teams would
it depth. I would have liked to have seen Kim put the same amount of study and time into
Walker-Smith take a few musical risks and their lyrics as they do the instrumentation.
deepen her theological thoughts as a few left Unfortunately, the lyrics for the most part were
me hanging, waiting for the answer. That being exactly the opposite of the title, ordinary. I do
said, there are some deeply intimate songs of however appreciate the intricacy of creating
worship here that could definitely be used in a and using all the electronic sounds and loops
corporate worship experience. for a joyful dance type worship which seems
most
of
the
instrumentation
to be becoming more and more mainstream
NORTH POINT INSIDE OUT
NOTHING ORDINARY
within the youth worship movement. I would
recommend this album to those of you who
Atlanta based North Point have the gifts to create such environments,
Church’s student worship but for the rest of us, you might want to look
team, elsewhere.
Inside
Out’s
third
their
BETHEL MUSIC
STARLIGHT
strong
sophomore album, Hear, which was released
in 2015.
Bethel Music is no stranger
Sure to be a favorite of worship teams and
to
churches around the world, “Death Was
Culture, and North Point, when Bethel puts out
an album, the church across the world takes
notice. Their latest release, Starlight, features
14 tracks of anthemic worship that gives the
church a fresh vocabulary with which we can
praise our Maker.
One thing that makes this live worship album
immediately different is the absence of the male
worship leader. Yep, this album is entirely driven
by the ladies, and don’t think for a second that
this fact makes the songs soft and without
power or feeling. Vocally, this is a strong album
with guest worship leader, Francesca Batistelli
leading the charge.
Like many of Bethel’s previous live worship
offerings, this album rests in the electro-pop
genre, with a majority of the songs being slow
to mid-tempo with the keyboards taking the
lead on most of the arrangements. The theme
of God’s faithfulness runs throughout the
album, but rises to the top on songs like “Catch
the Wind”, “Starlight” and “Take Courage”.
Some of the other standout tracks include
the well written and powerfully delivered,
“Extravagant”. This vertical worship song is
about how the love and plan of God to save
His people is beyond our comprehension. The
female duet of Steffany Gretzinger and Amanda
Cook is a wonderfully strong combination that
release, Nothing Ordinary,
follows
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.
live
worship
albums.
Alongside Hillsong, Jesus
makes the song sweet, yet intense and personal
at the same time. Another standout, “The War
Is Over” is probably the best written song on
the album. Worship leader, Kalley Heiligenthal’s
flawless vocal gives a powerful interpretation of
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May Jun 2017
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