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 By Kevin Pollard
Third Day will soon play to thousands of fans in
Abbotsford
• Third Day: Live Revelations, Essential
THE 35-city spring leg of Third Day’s
‘Revelation Tour’ will conclude May 9, as they become the first
act to appear at Abbotsford’s new Entertainment & Sports
Centre. Also onstage will be double-Grammy nominee Brandon Heath; and
Revive, a new Australian band.
Mac Powell and the guys will be offering some classics,
alongside new hits like ‘Call My Name’ – and the title
track from their critically acclaimed 10th CD,Revelation.
That album was this year’s Dove Award winner for
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year; this makes an even two dozen Doves for
this talented group. The band has also racked up 26 No. 1 radio singles,
three Grammy Awards and an American Music Award.
The newLive Revelations CD/DVD, rather than going with your typical live
concert footage and placing token backstage footage in the extras, offers
up a 75-minute documentary. It seamlessly blends the powerful Third Day
concert experience with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, truly giving
an ‘all access’ glimpse into the lives of the band.
Both the CD and DVD give only a ‘snapshot’
of their typical concert, showcasing only nine songs – recorded at
multiple cities on their Music Builds tour, in support of Habitat for
Humanity. A highlight – unfortunately only included on the CD –
is the cover of U2’s ‘When Love Comes to Town,’ which
features Jars of Clay and Switchfoot.
But it is the DVD that is a must-have for any fan
– with transparent moments offstage, balancing life on the road with
family commitments. Cameras were allowed not only backstage and on the tour
bus, but also in their homes – to show us how much their lives are
not like ‘rockstars.’ thirdday.com
• Chris Tomlin: Hello Love, SixStep / Sparrow
On Tomlin’s fifth studio recording, he once
again offers up modern songs of worship for the church – which will
be sung for years to come. Much of the CD seemed instantly recognizable
upon first listen – in some cases due to his ability to write the
perfect melody; but also because the driving ‘Sing, Sing Sing’
and the soaring ‘God of This City’ first appeared on the 2008 Passion CD which took its
title from the latter song.
Other highlights here include a reworking of
‘All the Way My Saviour Leads Me’ (with a little help from Matt
Redman); and ‘I Will Rise,’ a worshipful response to death,
offering the hope of resurrection through Jesus. But the standout track is
‘Love,’ featuring the African Children’s Choir.
christomlin.com
• Lincoln Brewster: Today is the Day, Integrity
Although certainly a respected worship leader,
songwriter and guitar player, Lincoln Brewster has yet to become a
household name like many of his contemporaries. But his first all-new
studio album in six years will certainly change that. Not only is his
songwriting showcased here, but his playing on the rocking ‘Let Your
Glory Shine’ is astonishing. Other highlights include the bluesy
gospel-rocker ‘Give Him Praise,’ that features some guest
vocals from Israel Houghton; and the shimmering guitar-pop ballad
‘God You Reign.’
lincolnbrewster.com
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• Kari Jobe: Kari Jobe, Integrity/Gateway
For 13 years, Kari Jobe has contributed to live albums
for Christ For the Nations.’ At her current post as associate worship
pastor at Gateway Church in Texas, she sang the stirring anthem
‘Revelation Song.’ Now this seasoned worship leader has
released her self-titled debut, which combines scripture-based lyrics with
singable melodies. Co-writers include Chris Tomlin and Paul Baloche.
The album was produced by Ed Cash, who takes a subdued
approach that is a far cry from the mega-church worship many associate with
Jobe – and the results are stunning.
Inspirational ballads here invite reflection rather
than outward corporate singing, on songs like ‘I’m
Singing,’ ‘Joyfully,’ ‘My Beloved’ and
‘You are for Me.’
karijobe.com
• CeCe Winans: Thy Kingdom Come, Puresprings/EMI
For her eighth solo album, Winans offers a powerful set
of familiar hymns and worship songs, draped with lush strings.
Recently she was awarded a Grammy in the ‘Best
Pop/Contemporary Album’ category.
Winans seamlessly combines the vocals, melodies and
musical elements – which have made her one of the most popular and
influential artists working in contemporary gospel – on songs
like ‘Bless His Holy Name’ and ‘Waging War.’ Her
smooth pop/R&B signature sounds weave their way throughout this epic
collection of 14 songs. You may not be singing them in church, but they are
certainly vertically focussed.
cecewinans.com
• Hillsong Kids: Follow You, Hillsong
The pioneer of great worship albums for kids is back
again. In 2004, Hillsong KidsJesus is My
Superhero brought together high energy
songs written with kids in mind alongside favourites from the Hillsong
songbook.
Once again, the songs are available on CD or DVD
– with the latter offering resources to help kids learn the words and
actions. Highlights include ‘Take it All,’ ‘Trust &
Obey’ and ‘All of the World.’
The only problem is that, with a new album releasing
every year for the past five, the creativity and excitement enjoyed with
the first few albums is starting to fade. But they’re still the best
kids worship CDs available out there.
hillsongkids.com
May 2009
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