Question:
I am the lead worshipper of the small youth group at the church I attend, and because of school, I've been so busy and I haven't been listening to any new worship music. I've been disenchanted with the fact that a lot of worship music sounds the same. I've also noticed that a lot of songs that sound tame and bland on record sometimes come alive when I sing them alone with an acoustic guitar. I feel so lost in the large number of worship albums out there today. Right now, our church is singing a wide range of songs, ranging from Hillsong/Hillsong United (older and newer), Vineyard (mostly older), Chris Tomlin (older and newer), Matt Redman (older and newer), Tim Hughes, Stuart Townend. Hillsong United songs are very popular with the younger ones, and while they're fun to play on electric guitar, some of the songs are just not there lyrically (Now That You're Near). But I know not all of the songs are like that. I've listened to David Crowder Band, and I really like the musical innovation on his recent albums, especially A Collision, but not all the songs have deep lyrics (same line repeated multiple times, ie, No One Like You, Our Love Is Loud). I ought to give his albums another spin to find the ones that have good lyrics. I really like Stuart Townend's songwriting. I want to get one of his CDs soon.
Suggestions for musical innovation + solid lyrics? Any CDs you have listened to recently that inspire you with their soaring or solemn melodies and faith-building lyrics? I don't want to sing songs that simply rouse a crowd of people.
Answer:
CD- "Arriving" -Chris Tomlin
Songs- "How Great is Our God"
"Holy is the Lord"
"Mighty is the Power of the Cross"
CD- "Not to Us" -Christ Tomlin
Songs- "Enough"
"Famous One"
"Not to Us"
"Unchanging"
CD- "Facedown" -Matt Redman
Songs- "Praise Awaits You"
"Worthy, You are Worthy"
"Dancing Generation"
These are the only ones that are on my mind right now. God Bless. -nick
Answer:
You should get some Jeremy Camp(Carried Me), Chris Tomlin(Arriving), Matt Redman, Shane & Shane(Clean), and anything Passion has put out.
Answer:
I agree with the above posts and I think you should check out Delirious' new one, Something Like Silas, Starfield, and the first Telecast.
Answer:
Originally Posted by psalm63adam I agree with the above posts and I think you should check out Delirious' new one, Something Like Silas, Starfield, and the first Telecast. I second Something Like Silas...especially if you're looking for stuff on layering and innovation. SLS is the U2 meets Radiohead meets Sigur Ros or worship music.
Answer:
I recommend any of Tommy Walker's music.
His lyrics are typically a little deeper theologically speaking than much of the mainstream CCM/worship and the stuff is definitely musically advanced but much of it can be simplified for even solo acoustic-led worship.
Since you're in southern Cali, you should check out his church, Christian Assembly Foursquare in Eagle Rock, maybe on a Saturday night if you're free.
And then there's Israel Houghton/New Breed/Lakewood. There's another band that's on a totally different level than much of the popular strummy-strummy P&W for sale today.
Much of the lyrics are straight from Scripture and music that is da bomb. Not for the tame-of-instrument.
If your looking for modern reaarangements of classic hymns, check out Ashley Cleveland's "Men and angels say".
We've done a few of her 'updated' versions of hymns and they've been received well.
Answer:
Get Matt Redman's Facedown DVD and watch the songs and especially the extras. The extras really make the songs' meanings come clear.
Answer:
Thanks for all the quick replies.
I did like the Something Like Silas I have heard so far (except maybe Spirit Waltz), so I will pick that CD up soon. I will check out Delirious's Mission Bell too...I heard that one on WorshipMusic.com. I have three of Chris Tomlin's CDs, so I can go ahead and listen again to the other songs on there that we haven't sung yet at church. I enjoy playing and worshipping to Matt Redman’s songs on Facedown. I was just looking for other albums out there, so thanks for those, and if there are any more, please feel free to add. I’ve heard a bit about Israel Houghton, and I will give him a listen too. Passion, I have mixed feelings. I have Our Love Is Loud and Sacred Revolution, but I don’t think Sacred Revolution is as good as the other ones. The newest Passion CD doesn't look like it has any songs I haven't heard already. Some of Charlie Hall’s work doesn’t strike a chord with me.
Answer:
The best modern worship CD to come out in years was Caedmon's Call's "In The Company Of Angels."
Answer:
Originally Posted by Nate The best modern worship CD to come out in years was Caedmon's Call's "In The Company Of Angels."
And the second one comes out next week.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Col. Ghillie Get Matt Redman's Facedown DVD and watch the songs and especially the extras. The extras really make the songs' meanings come clear. Yes! get that one!
Answer:
Originally Posted by psalm63adam And the second one comes out next week.
Freaking sweet. Why had I not heard of this until now?
Answer:
I just heard about it today. I was trying to find a tab for a Crowder song, and then I read a news article on their website that said that they were voted #1 worship CD by cmcentral.com - so I went to that website, and saw that they had a review of the new worship CD by Caedmon's Call.
Here is the review:
http://www.cmcentral.com/reviews/4259.html
Answer:
Originally Posted by psalm63adam I just heard about it today. I was trying to find a tab for a Crowder song, and then I read a news article on their website that said that they were voted #1 worship CD by cmcentral.com - so I went to that website, and saw that they had a review of the new worship CD by Caedmon's Call.
Here is the review:
http://www.cmcentral.com/reviews/4259.html
*psst* I went to CC's site earlier today, and they had a big link saying music ministers and pastors could get a free copy of the new album, so I filled out the info and supposedly my copy is on the way. You should do the same, Adam... and everyone else, but only if you're a music minister or pastor.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Nate *psst* I went to CC's site earlier today, and they had a big link saying music ministers and pastors could get a free copy of the new album, so I filled out the info and supposedly my copy is on the way. You should do the same, Adam... and everyone else, but only if you're a music minister or pastor.
Going...there...now!