For the sake of honesty, I’m reviewing these two CDs because I am friends with their creators. I admit that – to a degree – I may be biased by the fact that I personally love the hearts behind these songs. That said, I truly believe that – whether or not I knew either one – I would still consider these two of my favorite worship CDs of 2011. [Read more…]
REVIEW: Brian Wurzell – GRACE OCEAN
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Artist: Brian Wurzell
Release: Grace Ocean
Highlights: “Grace Ocean”, “Great Redeemer” – other notables included “Sing”, & “Floodgates”
Brian Wurzell, the Worship Arts Director at Hillside Community Church inRancho Cucamonga, CA (formerly at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler, AZ), has delivered to us a refreshingly unique, modern rock worship album. GRACE OCEAN subtly tips its hat to indie-rock bands like Pedro the Lion and Starfler 59, while never becoming inaccessible.
Obvious corporate highlights (take note, fellow worship leaders) are the hook-laden title track, which is pure ear candy (Can a “worship song” also be “ear candy”? I guess so. See exhibit A: “Grace Ocean”), and the mid-tempo ballad “Great Redeemer” – a prayer that God would “take our weakness and show Yourself strong”. [Read more…]
REVIEW: Over the Rhine – THE LONG SURRENDER
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Artist: Over the Rhine
Release: The Long Surrender
Highlights: “Rave On”, “Only God can save us Now”, “Oh Yeah by the Way”, & “The King Knows How”
I still remember the night I first heard Over the Rhine. I was mostly into indie-rock and metal, and only went to hear them because some friends had invited me. It was ’92 when I walked into a dingy bar in Columbus, Ohio, and the stage was covered in candles, with little paths amongst the candle-light to a stool for each musician. When the band took the stage, it was like an angelic visitation – I don’t think I could even bring myself to clap during the performance. I sat still, jaw gaping wide, just taking in the subtle beauty – the understated excellence – of what poured from the stage. Needless to say, I’ve followed the band faithfully since.
That said, the Long Surrender, Over the Rhine’s 11th studio album, and – counting live CDs and compilations – 19th overall, took some well-spent listening to really come to terms with, even though it is truly one of the masterpieces of their catalogue. [Read more…]
Not Guilty Anymore
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We have met and connected with some marvelous people the past few years. Some such folks would be Aaron Keyes and his family.
Aaron has penned some beautiful worship songs, but on of my favorites is “Not Guilty Anymore.” This tune truly resounds with my soul, echoing the heart of God our Father to us, his children.
I could describe it.
I could write the lyrics.
I could tell you the story behind the song.
I could further describe how the song has impacted me.
However, I think I will stop and persuade you to watch this. [Read more…]
BELIEVER, Husband, Father, Son, Pastor, Songwriter, Musician, Producer, Worshiper, Thinker, Creative
