NOW HEAR THIS
by Gerod Bass
beautiful guitar tones amidst flowing keyboards Altar”, which begins as an intimate piano ballad
that create a gorgeous celestial background. with memorable hooks and a chorus that explores
I really enjoyed this album. The songs were the daily sacrifice we must make to keep our eyes
structured well, the lyrics were personal and focused on Christ. The song soon builds to an
heart-felt, and you could tell that many of these incredible chorus and bridge crying out to God to
songs were written out of personal experience have His way with us and to refine us with His all-
The Royal Royal is comprised of Gabriel and and genuine hunger to be closer to Christ. The consuming fire.
Nathan Finocchio. The brothers began writing arrangements were unique and musically creative, To me, the aforementioned song is the saving
music in their father’s church in Ontario, Canada and although I would have enjoyed hearing a grace of this whole collection. The writing and
and have since released 2 EP’s and 2 studio few more female vocals, Gabriel’s vocal prowess arrangement seemed much more mature and
albums since 2011. Their songwriting skills and shines through on every track. Well done. well thought out than many of the other tracks
THE ROYAL ROYAL
Rococo
here. It was as if it almost belonged on a different
artistic genius inspire a unique and powerful
worship experience. Their fall release, Rococo,
PLANETSHAKERS album altogether because, for the most part, I
Legacy wasn’t hearing much personal struggle or story
features 11 new songs of vertical worship
that are well written, theologically sound, and throughout, but rather a bunch of dance songs
creatively crafted for the modern church. with overused Christian Cliché’s. Now mind you,
Musically, this album features a very interesting I appreciated the overall mixing, musicianship,
mix of modern pop rock with an 80’s type feel, and excitement that must have been in the room,
complete with electronic drums and synths that 20 years ago, a small group of little-known but at its core, this is another album of too many
actually works well together amidst the warm and worship leaders wanted to do a Christian songs about what we are going to do for God
glowing tenor of Gabriel’s vocal. Some of the major conference for young people in Australia with instead of concentrating on what He did for us,
themes include the majesty of God, the power of the the purpose of “empowering generations to which should be the foundation of worship. That
Gospel, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. win generations”. That conference has since being said, if you love EDM worship that is geared
A few standout cuts include the opener, “I-90,” blossomed to thousands each year around for a younger generation, you will enjoy this album.
which is an interesting instrumental mix of African the world while birthing new, international rhythms and modern synth while serving as the congregations, all with the goal of making Jesus intro for the second track, which is “Water”. This known to all. That group was Planetshakers. energetic song of praise could serve as a great Their 34th album, Legacy, is a compilation of two- Sunday morning worship opener, as Gabriel previously released EP’s from earlier this year. The passionately calls for the Spirit to fill and cleanse thirteen songs contained in this collection follow us. The powerful drums, ethereal pads, and lofty in the same vein as fellow countryfolk Hillsong, melody lines create beautiful musical layering. or groups such as Bethel or Jesus Culture. Two-time GRAMMY® winner Matt Redman
“Afterlife” is an electronic Pop rocker about The album kicks off with the classic energetic has been gifting the church with honest, simple
the life in heaven we have waiting for us only enthusiasm known songs of worship for many years. His newest
because of the Faithfulness of God, and for with the anthemic, “Alive Again”, which album, Glory Song, is a collection of musically
“Champion” reminds us that God is in control celebrates the ways God lifts his people. diverse tracks whose songs are well written
of all things even when life seems chaotic. The drums and bass lines are catchy and and performed with the local church in mind.
The album really shines on the quieter offerings the overall musicianship is way above par. Recorded at the iconic Capitol Records in Los
where we get a glimpse into the heart for Jesus The album is split fairly evenly between the EDM Angeles, Redman united with 120 local worship
that the two brothers have. “Everything” is an dance worship songs of praise and more intimate leaders and songwriters on group vocals and
honest and beautiful song of thanks to God tracks like “We Speak Life”, which speaks of special collaborations to make this album have
reminding us just how important His sacrifice was the healing power and miracles of Christ while more of an eclectic feel musically and thematically.
for us, while “I Found Love” is a flowing song of reminding us how, in His name, we can bring For the most part the songs here are pretty
love about how God never stops running after us healing to the world. “Here’s My Life” finds its laid-back,
and only in Him can we find the joy of true love. foundation in Psalm 51, and “You Are Here” themes ranging from hope in a desperate
The final track, “Love 3” speaks of the never- tells of how the Holy Spirit rests on us daily. world to the theology of the cross and the
ending love of God and features hauntingly The best song on the album by far is “All On the future we have to look forward to in heaven.
56
October 2017
that
Planetshakers
is
MATT REDMAN
Glory Song
WorshipMusician.com
simple
songs
of
praise
with