Building Bridges Between Genres | Posted February 26, 2013
Bridgecity strives to blend several different genres into the modern worship genre. Their debut, self-titled effort is big, bold, and throws a lot into the mix in what feels like an attempt to engage a younger audience into worship.
There are definitely a lot of intriguing elements to this approach. Opening track "It's All Because" opens with a catchy electro riff with a slower, yet emotional chorus. There's a rock feel to it that just works. It's an album highlight and starts the album off with promise.
There are a few other electronic elements sprinkled throughout in tracks such as "Can You Feel." However, most tracks rely on pleasant piano-driven intros to hook the listener in, and it mostly works.
"Forgiven" is a slower song that grows into its harder edge in the second half of the track. It would make an excellent single and feels like one of the more developed offerings on the album. "Power" is a surprisingly raw rock track that feels a bit out-of-place among the softer worship. Nonetheless, it's a refreshing change, and so it's welcome. It actually feels like something that Petra would've done.
The entire album is pleasant and offers a creative and upbeat spin on the genre. Some of the tracks feel a tad too long at times and the album could use a little bit of trimming to create a bit more focus on the album's true highlights.
Lyrically, the album is safe and straightforward. It no doubt brings glory to God. Yet, from an artistic point-of-view, there's little here that you haven't heard before. "I'm forgiven / my past erased / it's all because of your great love and mercy / my sins forgotten / you took my place" is an example of one of the stronger choruses on the album.
"Our God reigns / forever God be glorified" and similar common phrases in CCM sound very good set to these uplifting and energizing music. Listeners content with that will find Bridgecity a refreshing and enjoyable act. Those looking for more lyrical meat will probably be disappointed.
Closing Thoughts:
Bridgecity has done a good job with their first effort. There's a lot to like musically and a few of the tracks are definite standouts that it would be wise to promote. They're well on their way towards distinguishing themselves with a unique worship sound.
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