Dustin Smith is an Integrity Music Artist, Song Writer and Worship leader, who has a desire to see the nations ignited with a passion for worship. With an unyielding love for God and His people, Dustin has been able to cross denominational lines with his music. His worship music transcends age, race, colour and creed and clearly glorifies the Creator.
Recorded live at his home church: World Revival Church in Kansas City, MO, Coming Alive is co-produced by Michael Farren & Kyle Lee (Michael W. Smith) and features co-writes with Jack Mooring (Leeland) and Michael Farren.
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Living Worship| Posted September 22, 2014
One of the joys in reviewing music is the fact that well established artists can be brand new to you. This is the case with my knowledge of Dustin Smith. The Kansas City based worship leader has been around for a few years but this is my first exposure to him and his unique offering in worship. I say "unique offering" because each and every worship leader brings something to their craft that is different than any other leader. The anointing of the Holy Spirit does not look the same in every person's life, and as such, each worship leader brings a new revelation of the love of God through their music and lyrics.
Coming Alive is a live worship recording, which automatically garners respect in this reviewer's eyes. The specific move of the Spirit that was felt that night cannot be bottled and sold or replayed as an exact replica, but through hearing the sounds of praise on that night, we as listeners can sense a reasonable facsimile of what happened. The album opens with two upbeat songs: "Coming Alive" and "Now & Forevermore." There is a distinct sound to the songs reminiscent of some of the OneThing Live recordings. I am beginning to think that just as there are different sound in west coast, east coast and southern hip hop, there are also regional influences in worship music.
"Who Is Like Our God?" bring a slower pace yet no less passion. It is also a redundant question that does not require a specific answer, yet still puts one in a place of reflection that leads you to think on it and realize that there is no one like our God. The mid paced tempo continues with "He's Alive." I am always happy to hear songs about the victory we have through the resurrection of Jesus. It is a story that never grows old.
"Extravagant Love" slows the tempo, but the passion makes up for it. After singing about the resurrection, I am now singing about God's extravagant love for me, and I am left in a place of awe and wonder. These opening worship songs are followed by what can only be sung as a series of prayers.
The heartfelt cry for God's presence begins with "Breathe On Me," followed by "Come Rushing In," "We Want To Know You" and "Surround Us Now." This section of the album can easily finds its way into your daily devotion and prayer times.
These cries for the heartbeat of Heaven lead the worshipper to a new place: "Home" in God's presence. A complete unnerving place to be, yet a place that you never want to leave. This is the goal of worship, to be at home in God's presence, worshipping unashamedly, forgetting what is around you and focusing on an intimate relationship with the lover of your soul.
And as we approach the throne of God, we can see "Eyes of Fire." This song thematically seems to fit prior to "Home," however, it also fits in perfectly here. The album closes with "(Be Exalted) In The Dust," a beautiful worship song about praising God in the lowest moments of life, as well as understanding that we were created from dust and from those lowest places we are built by God's strength and majesty.
Closing Thoughts:
I had no expectations going into the review and after listening, I am excited to hear what's next from Dustin Smith. The album moved from worship, to prayer and closed in encouragement. It is an album filled with wonderful moments and delivered in simplicity.
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