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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