NEW MUSIC
SELECTIVE HEARING | Robert Berman
LAUREN DAIGLE SCOTT MULVAHILL RIVERS AND ROBOTS
Look Up Child Himalayas Discovery
The #3 Billboard album success of this release Occasionally an artist finds a unique niche to On the heels of his four “Seasons” releases
reaffirmed two facts. First, Christians still buy occupy all by his lonesome. Such is the case last year, Jonathan Ogden’s one-man group
albums instead of just streaming or stealing with player/singer/songwriter has blossomed into a full-fledged trio with the
them. Second, the occasional Adele album has Scott Mulvahill. His soulful vocals and well- addition of Nathan Stirling (bass) and Caleb
not sated the public appetite for powerful soul crafted compositions would be enough all by Choo (drums). All three share writing duties
music not drowning in Autotune. Daigle’s lat- themselves, but when he can carry track after on this latest R&R effort, updating a clear, airy
est release builds on the success of her 2015 track with no instrumentation but himself and Alan Parsons Project/Durutti Column sound
debut with another collection of piano-based his bass, you know you’re onto something for the late ‘10s with plenty of melodies (rivers)
power ballads, recalling her previous smash special. Four tracks from last year’s EP join and strong rhythms (robots). You’ll hear chords
“How Can It Be.” Big choruses with a big string eight new tracks in the same vein to comprise long forgotten by simple modern pop, burbling
section and a big choir provide reliable thrills three-quarters of an hour of compelling Fender Rhodes, and vocals mixed up front to
and chills, but, as the baker’s dozen of tracks listening. “The Lord Is Coming” is a chilling keep the message clear. Every song is a prayer:
roll on and on, one begins to long for a hint apocalyptic selection. “Indefensible” narrates “Alpha and Omega, your eyes burn with fire.” “I
of stylistic variety- a dive into EDM or blues or a temptation narrowly rejected. “There must was made to worship you, my savior, Jesus.”
country or hip-hop or hard rock, anything to have been part of me that welcomed the dark The majestic, tri-partite “Overflow” medleys a
spice up a well-crafted but predictable collec- approaching,” he recalls ruefully. “20/20 Vision” meditation on resting in Christ’s sufficiency, a
tion of tracks describing interactions with the is the bluesiest Gene Autry cover you’re likely preparation for praise, and a cascade of God’s
mostly unnamed “You.” Giving the people what to hear. A cover of “Homeless,” a Zulu wedding attributes. The acoustic closer “Forevermore”
they want can also be an opportunity to expand song introduced to the world on Paul Simon’s is a well-structured tour through the whole
their horizons. famed “Graceland” album, appears as well, Bible, with verses about creation, the cross,
with guest vocals from Alanna Boudreau. Other the resurrection, Christ’s current high priestly
participants include Charlie Peacock, Jerry mediation, and the blessed eternal state. Guest
Douglas, and Ricky Skaggs. artists David Brymer (known for “Refugee”) and
string
bass
Lucy Grimble (known for “Great Redeemer”).
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November 2018
WorshipMusician.com