Echoing Through The Land

     After much anticipation from fellow worshipers and fans, Jesus Culture released their latest live worship album on January 15,2016.  For those who may not be familiar with this group of gifted and talented musicians, they are comprised of at least 12 singer/songwriters and multiple anointed musicians who are well respected in the Christian music community.  

Banning Liebscher

     The movement of Jesus Culture was birthed out of a youth group in 1999 at Bethel church in Redding, California. Pastor Banning Liebscher said,"Yes, Lord" and stepped out in faith to call the generations rising up together for one purpose. Since that day the revolution for true worship in Christ has spread and continues to echo across the Nations. A fervent passion breaking all age barriers, awakening those who desire to worship and serve the one and only King of Kings. 

     Since their first recording in 2005, Jesus Culture has sold over one million albums and released almost 30 projects.  Whether they are performing as a group or sharing their gifts on solo creations, each member shares the same desire.  A compelling call that burns through their spirits for everyone to have an encounter with the love of God, through equipping them with teaching and worship.

     In 2015 after ministering out of Bethel church for eighteen years, Jesus Culture answered a call to open another campus in Sacramento, California.  Their latest live recording, Let It Echo was the first created among the new congregation.  For those who plan to attend their annual conference January 23-24  you will get to experience these newly recorded songs live. 

     Mirroring the essence behind Let It Echo, they will join many other gifted musicians and artists on The Outcry Tour.  Set to take place this year starting in April, it will usher in the Reset movement of 2016.

     Kim Walker Smith delivers an upbeat explanation of what the Reset movement is all about on the first track, Never Gonna Stop Singing.  How can we hold this praise inside after He crossed the divide to make us alive in Him?  "Every Tribe, every tongue, every heart will sing.  Every knee will bow to the risen King. Lift Him up, never gonna stop singing." 

Chris Quilala

     One of my favorite songs is a reminder of how God chases us down and calls us out wherever we are. Chris Quilala delivers Fierce with an unwavering fervency. "Like a tidal wave, crashing over me; rushing in to meet me here, your love is fierce.  Like a hurricane, that I can't escape, tearing through the atmosphere, your love is fierce."  This song illuminates the desperate measures God uses to pursue us to draw nearer to Him still.  

     No matter what is going on around us scripture calls us to rejoice over every circumstance knowing He has overcome all obstacles including death, and that we are alive in Him. Kim leads in Alive In You, which reminds us of that encouragement only found in trusting His hand upon our lives. "You're God, You're the Great I Am, breath of life I breathe you in.  Even in the fire I'm alive in you.  You are strong in my brokenness, sovereign over every step."

     In The River, (video below) is an upbeat addition also led by Kim.  A joyful celebration of how we find new life in the river of the freedom we can only find in relationship with Christ. 

     The Title track, Let It Echo is full of the cry of their hearts from the beginning of their ministry to this day. Asking God to pour out His spirit across the land as we shout His praises, and to have His way in our lives throughout the Earth.  "Let the windows of the Heavens open wide let it rain." 

     Bryan Torwalt passionately conveys how mighty and faithful God is with captivating vocals on God With Us. "You are healer of the sick and broken, you are comfort for every heart that mourns.  Our King and our Savior forever, for eternity we will sing of all you've done."
      
     There is a moment on this album when an anthem of perseverance is born through Miracles. Chris Quilala shares of the unexpected loss of their newborn son, Jethro Dylan in 2014. He and his wife had a fire to continue to make a proclamation of faith even through tragedy. This song was written through that journey of their healing, that no matter what you are going through, He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore.  "I believe in you, you're the God of miracles. The God who was and is to come, the power of the risen one."

Bryan and Katie Torwalt

     Set Me Ablaze, led by Katie Torwalt delivers an honest, beautiful cry to the Lord to keep our heart on fire for Him. "Come and breathe on the coals of my heart, let your fire start. Your fire, burn brighter, deep inside my heart. Consume me, reach through me, I want all that you are."

     In Your Presence, led by Kim is a declaration of the omnipresent Glory of God. His encompassing majesty in every aspect of life and what we see around us. This song resonates again the call this team has on their lives. "Your Son glorified, Our arms open wide, singing worthy, you are worthy"

     In order to give my readers an idea of my personal taste, I try to narrow down a favorite song each time I write a review. Sometimes that is a difficult task on many albums I receive because they are so full of truly wonderful creations. Though that is the case with Let It Echo, hands down without a doubt Chris McClarney brought me to tears with Everything And Nothing Less, (video below). It's no secret lyrics are delivered passionately across the board by Jesus Culture, but this song had a significance to it that requires special attention. Simply magnificent in every aspect. 

     

     Chris Quilala awakens our spiritual senses to the greatness of His Holiness once again in I Stand In Awe. "I stand in awe of you, in awe of you. Amazed beyond what I can say. I stand in awe of You, in awe of you. My heart, abandoned once again. I stand in awe of you. So let your will resound in every heart that's bowed with every breath in every phrase. It's in the angels' sound the universe is loud full of your glory and your grace."  

Derek Johnson

     Power Of The Cross, brought to this buffet of worship by Derek Johnson, closes out this powerful collection of congregation ready anthems of faith.  It's like the closing paragraph to a beautifully written article of the Glory and the power found in Christ.  The great commission, let the redeemed proclaim.  "You rose in victory, to let the whole world see.  Love has made a way.  Hope is never lost, there's power in the cross."

     One thing is for certain, their hearts are echoing through the land as the body of Christ is beckoned from all corners of the Earth to rise up and proclaim His name for all to hear. This album will allow you to enter into His presence in private and contribute to corporate praise with a passion and intimacy with Christ.  I will not give this a star rating, because the heart of Christ resonates through every song.  Instead I will give this a spiritual rating of, "True Worship".    

     “This last year was a tough season for us as a community, and the songs we wrote for this album reflect the breakthrough, the victory, and the growth we have experienced through that. I believe there is a new maturity in our writing that comes from a place of deep intimacy with Jesus. My hope is that as people listen to the album they will encounter Jesus and be filled with hope, life, joy, and fresh passion for His presence. I pray that the message of life and Jesus that fills these songs would echo within the hearts of the listeners and across the nations.” 
- Kim Walker Smith (President of Jesus Culture Music and Jesus Culture Publishing)

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Ben Cantelon's "Everything in Colour" Cd Review

Everything In Colour By Ben Cantelon

One of the most amazing things about Christian music today is how you can hear the dominion of particular genres on albums that are produced. Ben Cantelon’s latest is an example of pure delight for those who prefer corporate worshipful melodies. Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman are only a few of the names we have come to know and love as they take us on a journey empowering us with worship and creating moments for those who need spiritual breakthroughs.

     In May, 2012 Ben released his second full-length album titled "Everything in Colour". Before I knew much about the background of Ben or the production of the album I instantly penned the comparison to the three brilliant music makers above. It was not until after some discovery that I found that Ben does use Hillsong seasoning on the album. Guitar contributions that aim to please from Michael Guy Chislet and Mia Fields song writing talents which have most likely blessed you before as well.

     Released on Kingsway, Ben’s producer Jason Ingram is an extraordinary songwriter who has many well-known artists on his roster including none other than Chris Tomlin. Ben himself is no stranger to the world of popular Christian music. Many of us have worshiped with songs he has written without even knowing he played a part in the creation. A gifted songwriter, musician and worship leader he has taken part in many festivals and has graced the collection of several worship albums. Accepting Christ at a very young age he began to run with God. He branched out with his musical gifting playing keyboards in his first band "Surreal" at fourteen. They recorded one live album "Live and In the Spirit" and one studio album titled "Everything".

     Ben was content working with worship bands and creating songs of adoration and praise until one day God spoke to his spirit that He wanted him to lead worship. What Ben did not realize until that moment was while he was working with Tim Hughes in the UK as music director God was designing in him a heart of masterfully created worship to lead people to an encounter with Him.

"Everything in Colour" is a demonstration of the heart of worship that this recently married twenty-six year old multi-gifted psalmist delivers to the hearts of listeners and to the foot of the cross. There is a sweet spirit behind this album that will awaken your heart and has the potential to turn many moments of corporate worship into altar appointments.

     The title track, "Everything in Color" awakens your spiritual senses by painting a tapestry of grace and the love of God. The way we see things through the eyes of Christ creates a different spectrum than what we used to see. We become new creatures in Christ and walk in a different light when we have been guided to His gold created by the rainbow of many colors in our personalities and His creation. Lyrically pinpointed, "My life is colored by your love, full of patience, full of kindness and love. The sorrows of my yesterday are forgotten with the joyful sounds of praise."

     "New Day" is one of the more contemporary moments on the album that is sure to have you singing along, "It’s a new day, it’s a new life, it’s a new start for every heart that has found you." 

     A triumphant joyful noise made unto the Lord for the joy of being found and restored through Christ. A journey that begins with a heart that has been released from the weights and burdens that once held them down. For those who are fans of Ross Parsley, Ben will become your new treat.

     Another contemporary flavor shows up resembling Anthem Lights in "My Guardian". Having God walk with us and before us is a comfort knowing that He always is ready to disperse angels if need be for our protection. It’s up to us to trust Him and follow His instructions so that we can remain in His covering. There is a hint of a Celtic melody you might pick up on if you listen close enough. Validating the truth of His word and the promises, this piece builds musically and retreats momentarily to focus on the pinpoint of the song. "You are God our great defender. Strong in love our great defender we are yours and we will trust in you" .

     "Savior of the World" will definitely remind you of Sidewalk Prophets and was already a hit by the band Newsboys who Ben originally wrote the song for. "He’s the savoir of the world, so we lift up a shout for His fame and renown." With powerful lyrics demonstrating the soon return of the Messiah to claim his people. "Christ alone overcame the darkness, he’s alive death has been defeated and He reigns ruler of the Heavens."

     One of my favorite moments on the album is "My Deliverer". A very encouraging and faith filled song to remind us of His promises and how He will never fail us. With astounding background vocals echoing the glorious ballad it is sure to lift your spirits even if you are not currently facing any trials. It is one that will remind you of the times He has carried you through the storms of life and the comfort of knowing we can always count on Him to be near. A brilliantly woven masterpiece in my opinion, that would make a tearful corporate worship addition.

     

     In "Be Exalted", there is a very tender personal moment you will find if you lend an ear and allow yourself to disappear. Prayerfully sung in adoration and abandonment of oneself so that God may be exalted in our lives. "Be exalted, be exalted in my life above all else, be lifted up. You alone and no one else be lifted up. There is only one true God, who is Holy, You are Holy." If you are not one to buy complete CD’s, take it upon yourself to at least buy this track. Spend some time in prayer with this on repeat and see what God will do in your life, with an abandoned heart.

     "Lord Strong and Mighty" threw me for a little bit of a surprise. It started off with the signature sound of a Kutless ballad. It did not veer too far off track from that point which was a pleasant addition. It will flood your ears with the powerful presence of the name of God alone. One that is set apart from the others simply because of the fact it is more radio friendly verses corporate worship friendly. However he does skillfully incorporate a sing a long at the end,

"Forever more you will be enthroned in glory. Our praise will rise and magnify the risen King, Oh…oh…..oh….oh"

     One you may recognize is "Love Came Down". Musical components on this song are addictive and there are certain breaks from the melody that focus only on the instruments, which make for remarkable corporate worship songs. That may explain why it already has been used in that realm. Each musician who is chosen to lead worship plays a huge part in the free move of the spirit of worship. This song embraces that theory and is proven to edify. Building to an ensemble with slightly less focus on the music, 

"Love came down and rescued me, I thank you. Yes I thank you. I once was blind but now I see. I see you, by grace I ‘m free. You rescued me, all I am is yours."

     "Through the Cross" is a simple demonstration of worship in recognition to what the cross offers us. An easy to sing-along song that would be an addition appreciated by congregation and praise team alike to any church. An altar calling heart felt rendition to the freedom in surrender.

"By your blood we stand forgiven you have overcome now we are living in the light of all you’ve done. To everything you are we surrender Only through the cross, we are saved"

     A rock anthem declaring Jesus is all that matters. "Worth it All", is a corporately emotive expression of His worth, no matter what the costs. Guaranteed to be heard during worship services across the world eventually. It builds and reduces at just the right moments and has guitar rifts throughout that tantalize your ears with delightfulness. Can you tell this is my favorite song on the album? For me this song sums up the whole of a relationship with Christ in a fabulous nature. 

"I let go of all I have just to have all of you and no matter what the cost I will follow you. Jesus, everything I’ve lost I have found in you. When I finally reach the end I will say, You were worth it all."

"Love Divine" is a beautiful love song that encircles why we take part in communion. It builds to a beautiful moment singing hallelujah and amen. I am sure many churches will have their praise team learn this song for times of communion before it is received. Or at the least play it while the saints reflect on their lives.

"You have set us free, oh the mystery of all you’ve done for us. For all you’ve done, all you’ve done, for us. We break this bread, we drink this wine remembering the cross."

     Things of this earth will never measure up to the promises that we have in Christ. The desire of our heart is to serve Him until we are with Him. This album resonates that message and I feel is at the heart of why Ben chooses to do what he does; 

"There is a desire in young people I have seen during festivals that is a desperation and longing to meet with God. It’s not about the hype or being excited, God is truly doing real heart stuff."

     Some people have reflected on this album and questioned the originality of it. Personally I seen a lot of originality along with a comparison to bands and artist’s that have infiltrated the radio, our churches, our homes and our hearts. Ben said it best in one of his interviews;

"I think what people are looking for today is something real, honest and true. There is so much stuff out there that can be manufactured. You find nothing really changes and it repeats in a cycle. I think we need to have songs that are real, raw and authentic. Within worship music we've found a style that works within the Church and reaches God's people."

     In other words, why break what is fixing the broken? There may be similarities in style in message but it’s the message that is working and it’s one that I quite enjoy. You will thoroughly be blessed and ministered to by this album in its entirety, if you enjoy any of the artists or bands that I used in comparison. One things is for certain, "Everything in Colour" paints a beautiful picture of a trusting heart abandoned to the work of the ministry and I believe Ben has lived what he sings which makes it even more beautiful.

Purchase Everything In Colour Here