Chris Tomlin - And If Our God Is For Us
Artist:
Title:
And If Our God Is For Us
Type:
Album
Released:
16 Nov 2010 (US), 15 Nov 2010 (UK)
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Review
Chris Tomlin is one of the most popular worship leaders of recent times, with some of the biggest worship songs to his name. His previous studio album 'Hello Love' was a massive success so the follow up was always going to be eagerly awaited. And now the wait is over as Chris's seventh studio 'And If Our God Is For Us' arrives in time for Christmas. Many church band members and worship leaders will no doubt be ripping open the wrapping paper in a few weeks time to reveal this album. So will it deliver the inspiration they'll hope to...
Read More Chris Tomlin is one of the most popular worship leaders of recent times, with some of the biggest worship songs to his name. His previous studio album 'Hello Love' was a massive success so the follow up was always going to be eagerly awaited. And now the wait is over as Chris's seventh studio 'And If Our God Is For Us' arrives in time for Christmas. Many church band members and worship leaders will no doubt be ripping open the wrapping paper in a few weeks time to reveal this album. So will it deliver the inspiration they'll hope to take into their own worship times?
The album opens with 'Our God', a new recording of this already huge worship anthem. Straight away the newly added strings are evident, and what an outstanding addition they are, bringing the song out of its original church setting and into a more contemporary arena. Superb guitars join the jaunty strings in a soaring backdrop to the worship focused lyrics "Our God is greater, Our God is stronger. God, You are higher than any other. Our God is Healer, Awesome in power, Our God".
Already a hit single, second track 'I Will Follow' continues the album's strong opening. Written with proven songwriters Jason Ingram and Reuben Morgan, the song also features some brilliant melodies in the backing vocals. Simple lyrics but one huge song.
Accompanied solely by a solemn piano, 'I Lift My Hands' is steeped in reverence and awe. The song matures into a full band performance as Chris continues to repeat the chorus "I lift my hands to believe again. You are my refuge, You are my strength." Next up, 'Majesty Of Heaven' is an earnest sounding hymn of praise, most likely destined for congregational worship. The influence of co-writer Matt Redman sees the song explore the theme of God's majesty in this easy to sing and simply performed song.
Changing style slightly 'No Chains On Me' is a Bryan Adams sounding rock track, display a new strength in Chris's vocals, as his voice strains with passion. Probably the most secular sounding track on the album, with some great drum beats and effect laden backing vocals. Quietening thing down again is the worship ballad 'Lovely', another song that will appeal to churches. The stunning chorus "Lovely, there is none more lovely. In all the universe, there is no one lovelier" just cries out to be sung, and puts this high on my list of album highlights.
'The Name Of Jesus' also opens quietly, before the guitars and then drums provide additional volume as the song heads into its chorus, accompanied by some subtle keyboards. The great rhythm to the song is pitched fast enough to get your head nodding but without leaving the lyrics rushed. Mid way through the guitars are really unleashed before the music fades to leave Chris singing the words "There is power in Your name" over and over, leading back into the full band sound again.
The hushed 'All To Us' features further use of a gentle piano and again Chris' excellent vocals shine as this modern hymn gradually introduces additional instruments as the guitars and drums are subtly slipped into the mix. Before you know it, what started as a quiet song is belting out as a fully fledged anthem of praise, strengthened with some powerful backing vocals from a choir.
'Faithful' sees Chris joined by guest vocalist Christy Nockels, who co-wrote the song with her husband Nathan. A slow tempo and steady beat leaves the song centered on the words, with little need for instruments. As Christy duets brilliantly with Chris in the second half, the volume rises and the song's pinnacle is a spine tingling moment as the two vocalists sing "You are there, in the valley of the shadows. You are faithful, God".
The guitar riffs on 'Jesus My Redeemer' are hugely infectious and warming, again almost crossing into rock territory at times. Final track 'Awakening' is another musical gem, dramatic and moving, with haunting riffs echoing out as Chris pulls out all the stops to finish the album with a sonically rich quality flowing through to the final seconds.
With so much expectation on Chris Tomlin to churn out an album that will virtually write the new church song book, it is pleasing to find that he has resisted the urge to solely target congregational worship with this new album. Whilst the church is still the primary audience for this music, the added hints of rock and exemplary musicianship have produced an album that delivers everything expected of it but still finds time to venture into unexpected, but very welcome, musical diversity.
With too many stand out songs to mention, 'And If Our God Is For Us' is an album that will impress, please, entertain and then draw you to your knees in worship.
Review by Dave Wood
LTTM Rating 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Standout Tracks
Our God
Lovely
No Chains On Me Articles
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