Worship Musician MayJun16 | Page 30

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New Releases

PHIL WICKHAM Children of God

There are great musicians and performers in the world of CCM Worship music, and then there are those who are artists. Phil Wickham definitely fits into the latter category. Wickham’ s songwriting style and poetic flavor are well known around the world and his breathy yet intense vocal style makes him stand out from the crowd. His sixth studio release, Children Of God, features 12 new songs of inspiring worship with an electronic artistic flavor that is sure to appeal to a younger generation of worshippers.

The theme of the album centers on our need for God’ s love and His heart for us as His adopted sons and daughters. Most of the arrangements of this new album sit within the dance / electronica / pop genre that is becoming more and more popular with younger Christians.

Phil’ s version of the“ Doxology” is uplifting and energetic and features some new lyrics while keeping the melodic integrity of the original.“ The Secret Place” is a mid-tempo ballad showcasing the buttery, sweet voice of Madison Cunningham. This song is grounded in Psalm 84 and is a beautiful reminder we can be safe and secure when we run to the loving arms of Jesus and cast our cares on Him.

“ Starmaker” is a moving song speaking of the awe and wonder of God as the One who birthed creation. Wickham’ s syrupy vocals float above the warm pads and atmospheric instrumentation as he sings with passion and

adoration to our amazing Creator.

Featured Tracks

The title track strangely doesn’ t show itself until the 8th cut, and is an electronic

powerhouse with driving bass and drum lines speaking of who we are as children of the King. Whickam’ s vocal chops are on full display here as at one point in the song his vocals soar into the stratosphere where no normal man should be able to go.

“ As It Is In Heaven” is a humble cry out to God to take His place on the throne of our hearts as we lay down our pride and invite Him in as a response to what He has done for us. I really appreciated how Whickam used the

Lord’ s Prayer throughout this song, but the arrangement seemed a bit out of place for me. Overall, this was a nice collection of songs, most of which could be used for your Sunday morning worship experience. The writing was, overall, pretty good and Wickham managed to stay clear of too many Christian worship clichés while keeping most songs memorable. The arrangements were a bit overdone I thought, and would be very difficult to emulate.

BETHEL MUSIC Have It All

After four years of taking musical detours by creating diverse worship music for different genre’ s, Redding, California’ s own Bethel Music once again returns to its roots with their 2016 release, Have It All. This huge, 16 track album contains new songs for the modern church with the theme of total surrender being the pulse that drives this entire collection. The album features new cuts from

such worship writers and leaders as Leeland, Jeremy Riddle, and Cory Asbury, just to name a few.

The song that gives exposition to the main theme of the album most prominently is the title cut,“ Have It All,” led by Brian Johnson. Starting off with an intimate acappella introduction, this slow pensive ballad finds a vulnerable Brian Johnson emptying his soul before God in utter surrender.

Leeland adds his unique vocal style and writing to the album’ s most catchy burner,“ Lion and the Lamb.” The musical imagery and lyrical painting used in this track are nothing short of poetic genius. Another excellent example of the sheer artistic quality of Bethel Music is Jeremy Riddle’ s“ Be Enthroned.” This big song has a gorgeous cinematic introduction that draws us into this dramatic presentation of worship as we hear about why God alone is worthy of our worship.

Many of the songs on this collection were written out of real-life experiences, such as Jenn Johnson’ s Grandmother’ s death. The experience left her broken and inspired her to write the synth-driven atmospheric ballad“ Heaven Come,” which speaks of how God is the great healer of broken hearts. The hymnlike“ Greatness Of Your Glory” will appeal to those who appreciate a more structured approach to worship with its multiple verses and subtle chorus, while those who prefer more of a free-worship approach will fall in love with the intimate and expressive,“ Sweet Praise.”

Some of the songs, especially at the end of the album, tended to run together, and the

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