Follow These Patterns | Posted September 16, 2013
The brand-new album by rock/worship band Cloverton, titled Patterns, is based on Romans 12:2 (NIV): "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
The ambient instrumental opener "Anatole" flows into the song "Someday," which lead singer Lance Stafford sings with a soothing and worshipful alt-rock style. I really like "Someday" and find myself frequently singing the eternity minded bridge: "When the wandering ends someday / And we rest on Your wings someday / We will dance in the sky someday / Sing with angels on high someday." The song has a great melody and I could imagine singing it with fellow believers. I love the biblical truth of the song and Lance's sincere vocal style.
My favorite moments on this solid album are the glimpses into the band's trusting completely in the Lord's providence to make this great new album in the songs "Green Light" and "Mountains Will Move." I find myself really singing along in "Green Light" when he cries out: "It's a green light for you to find the arms of a love / They're lifting you up / It's a green light for you to find / This sea has a floor that's leading you up to the shore / Go."
"Father's Love" and "Glowing In the Dark" continue with an engaging Brit-rock tinged musical style. Don't miss either of these catchy rock tempo worship songs. The opening lyrics of "Glowing In the Dark" reflect the wake-up call to the Church as evidenced in Ephesians 5:14. "Wake up sleeper / Lift your head / we were made for more than this / Wipe the slumber from your eyes." My pastor shared that "a lamp doesn't talk, but it shines." That's our job as Christians. Sometimes it is better to keep our mouths closed and not get in the way of the Gospel. Instead, "Go on glowing in the dark." Amen to that!
"Patterns" is a sincere cry for Jesus to be the Lord of our lives: "Patterns are breaking us down / Patterns masquerading the crowds / Patterns separating us from You now." Amen. The words of Paul in Philippians 3:8-11, that "nothing compares to the greatness of knowing Jesus" come alive in "None Compare." Many of the songs are arranged in a very singable and catchy style.
"White Knuckles" is a great anthem for believers to submit to God in prayer with the humble lyrics, "Sweet surrender, sweet / When our two wills meet / And mine is on its knees."
The soothing musical feel of "God Help Me to Be" is just one of the many attractions to savor about this worship album. It's a prayer that every believer can pray along with Lance: "God, help me believe when everything around me points to uncertainty / Remind me of the hope of You that's living in me, oh God / And God, help me to shine like stars up in the universe that's Yours and not mine / And fill me with Your light so that the darkness will hide, oh God // Hallelujah, Amen."
The album ends like it starts, with an ambient closer "Psallo." This entire project has a nice Brit-rock tinged worshipful vibe. I'm really engaged by Lance's sincere and soothing vocals and the prayerful lyrics throughout the album.
Closing Thoughts:
I love this great album Patterns by Cloverton, which has quickly become one of my top worship albums of the year, fitting in nicely with other ambient worship projects like Zion by Hillsong UNITED, Citizens by Citizens, and Heart by The City Harmonic. If you like those bands and albums, then don't hesitate to check out Cloverton. For me the standout songs are "Someday," "Green Light," "Father's Love," "Glowing In the Dark," "Patterns," "White Knuckles" and "God Help Me to Be."
It's important as believers that others around us see the light of Jesus reflected in our lives—in our words, actions, behaviors, even our thoughts. That's what Romans 12:2 and this album is about, the patterns that we align ourselves with. Are we conforming to the patterns of the prince of this world? That's darkness. Our enemy seeks to destroy us with those patterns. Or, are we praying for the renewing and transforming of our minds so that we can reflect the light of Jesus in our lives?
I really enjoy the soothing musical vibe of this album and the melodies and lyrics are all catchy and biblical. Musically the album doesn't conform to the pattern of typical CCM worship music. The vibe is very ambient, with Brit rock sensibilities and reminds me of Imagine Dragons, Hillsong UNITED, and Coldplay mashed up together.
Song to Download Now:
"Glowing in the Dark"
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