There is so much music out there. Some we play in the second service and some we don't. I thought I'd give you a rundown of five (notice, I didn't say, "THE five") worship records that are worth buying and playing until you wear out the mp3. I will list these in order according to my preference for the month of September.
5. Hillsong United - a_cross // the_earth: tear down the walls
From Hillsong Church in Australia, this youth band is seriously awesome. They are pumping out some of the most authentic, heartfelt and edgy worship in the church. They write for congregational worship and their mission to share Christ with the world comes out loud and clear. This is their latest release and not necessarily their best, but as a whole piece it's great for private worship as you tool down the road or wash up those dishes. Check out this full song preview from LaLa. "You Hold Me Now" is a sonic exploration of what it will be like when we are the population of Revelation 21.
I met Steve Fee about seven years ago at a youth conference in Colorado. His band worked pretty hard back then. Since then, Fee has led thousands in worship through Louis Giglio's 722 ministry at Northpoint in Atlanta, as well as Passion ministries around the world. We Shine isn't your normal worship record. In some ways, Fee rewrote the rules in terms of what a worship record should sound like. Each cut is better than the last. It's only number four because the top four are a tie! Check out the track: All Because Of Jesus.
This is Matt's latest release. In my opinion, it's his best since Facedown (which I attended during its live recording -- yes that was me clapping). Truly, every track ushers you into the presence of God in a different way. Redman has a gift for wrapping theology in music. As you sing along, it's modern hymnody -- what we believe put to music. While you may disagree with something he writes, you have to admit...the melody is catchy! It's hard to narrow this down to just one preview song, but try on the title track: We Shall Not Be Shaken.
Brewster's last release is nearly my favorite. He's a guitar virtuoso somewhere between John Mayer and Eddie Van Halen. Actually, Today Is The Day is almost a John Mayer release...except it's all Lincoln. The mood changes from song to song, but one thing is clear, this is a worship record. I've seen this guy live and can confidently say that he captures his live energy in the studio. Actually, his last release, All To You Live is absolutely incredible - check that out, too. Listen here to "Let Your Glory Shine." It's closer to the Van Halen side of Brewster, but that's how I like it!
There's not alot to say about this nearly perfect worship set. Crowder nails it in the title," Remedy." While all is flooding and failing, breaking and shaking, Jesus is the remedy, forever and ever. It's more of what we have come to expect from the Crowder band, not necessarily breaking new sonic ground, but consistent and inspired. You cannot go wrong with this one (or any of these). This is one of those records that you can turn off the lights, turn up loud and listen. If you haven't worshipped the way you used to listen to Led Zepplin records, then I highly suggest you wait no more. Plug in.
Though you'll find "Everything Glorious" on this record, check this track out:
5. Hillsong United - a_cross // the_earth: tear down the walls
3. Matt Redman - We Shall Not Be Shaken
1. David Crowder Band - Remedy