Sound Bites

Behold The Lamb Of God—Andrew Peterson (Fervent Records) This is not your typical gospel album. Peterson started working on this album five years ago and the wait has been richly rewarding. Already known for his incredible musical storytelling talent, Peterson tells the gospel story in its entirety. In fact, the entire album is a chronological journey through the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection. Beginning with “Gather ‘Round Ye Children, Come,” the album speaks of Jesus as the God who came to make Himself nothing for us. The Biblical journey begins with the captivity and release of the Israelites (“Passover Us”) before moving on through the various leaders and prophets, climaxing in the prophecy of the Savior from Bethlehem (“So Long, Moses”). Derek Webb contributed his vocals on “Deliver Us,” a cry of the need for a Savior. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “The Holly And The Ivy” are both mesmerizing instrumental pieces showcasing string talents. “Matthew’s Begats” is exactly what the title implies. Peterson delivers a humorous but accurate rendition of the genealogy of Jesus from Matthew 1 in a country/ folk style. The title track is the crux of the message of Christ as the one who came to take away sin. Peterson has created a project that is unique in its biblical storytelling ability using his vast writing skills, musical creativity, and employing sharp vocal harmonies. One might imagine this album spawning a musical drama.

Healing Rain—Michael W. Smith (Reunion Records) In a time of a world filled with all kinds of hurting, Michael W. Smith’s latest studio release since the 1999 This Is Your Time comes in a timely fashion. Smith has been a voice for the Gospel from the Republican National Convention to spending time with “The Passion of the Christ” actor Jim Caviezel to standing with U2’s Bono to launch the “ONE” campaign to save Africa from the AIDS epidemic. These opportunities leave Smith bewildered at why he has been chosen to be a witness in such circles. Building on these experiences, he brings a new message of healing. “This is a record about healing. God, to this day, is in the business of restoring people’s lives,” Smith explains. The 11 songs move worship beyond the walls of the church to paint a picture of what the world could be with God’s healing. With an ‘80s-style very reminiscent of Smith’s early material, “Hang On” is a song of encouragement to those who are broken. “Fly To The Moon” is a song of letting go, written about Smith’s daughter, Whitney, on the breach of striking out on her own. “Human Spark” was written following the tragedy of 9/11, asking the question that haunts us all: “Why?” Smith covers the classic Simon & Garfunkel favorite, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” “Here I Am” is a song of Smith’s devotion to the call upon his life. The obvious themes on Smith’s latest offering center upon God’s healing and His use of human instruments in the process. While most songs are primarily guitar-driven, there does seem to be many sounds echoing back to Smith’s earlier projects.

Absolute Modern Worship—Various Artists (Fervent Records) The fourth release in the Absolute series, Absolute Modern Worship boasts 25 of today’s modern worship hits from top artists. The two-disc set includes 15 Dove Award nominated artists. Some of the songs featured include Todd Agnew’s “Kindness,” Ten Shekel Shirt’s “Meet With Me,” and Chris Rice’s “And Your Praise Goes On.” Plumb offers “All My Tears” while Skillet contributes “How Deep Is The Father’s Love For Us.” Sonic Flood provides their version of “Here I Am To Worship” while By The Tree covers “God Of Wonders.” Also included on the album is the radio single, “You’re Worthy Of My Praise,” by Big Daddy Weave featuring BarlowGirl.

Starfield—Starfield (Sparrow Records) Brothers Tim and Jon Neufield front this group from Winnipeg, Canada, who bring a refreshing pop/ rock sound compared to MercyMe and early Sonic Flood. The group takes its name from the 1976 Bruce Cockburn song, “Lord of the Starfields,” and seeks to introduce the listener to the magnificent Creator. A majority of the album could be considered in the genre of praise and worship such as “Filled With Your Glory” and “Love Break Me.” Rather than a repetitive worship style, Starfield delves deeper lyrically, grasping at feelings the heart attempts to hide. “Alive In This Moment” is a song about meeting with God in worship after a time of neglect. “Tumbling After” is about the rising and falling that make up the spiritual walk and the letting go and letting God lead. “Can I Stay Here Forever?” is an acoustic song of a prodigal returning home and is highlighted with cello, keeping the instrumentation beautiful but simple to focus upon the lyrics. This group’s debut album is impressive with clever vocal harmonies, clean instrumentation, and candid lyrics.