From my first listen, I was totally captivated by this studio album Response by Woodside Worship, a ministry of Woodside Bible Church in the Detroit, Michigan area. The opening track "Can’t Be Broken" by Jonathan Seller has a worshipful alt-rock vibe, and captures the enthusiastic and worshipful tone of this solid debut worship album, all centered on songs in response to and adoration of God.

“Alive” by Cathryn Mankiewicz has an upbeat worshipful flow comparable to Hillsong Young & Free’s song by the same name, and it is such a fresh song. I'm really engaged by Cathryn’s emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album.

This is a great upbeat electronic dance tempo prayer song with Cathryn belting out, "God You looked at me and You saw my need, awaken me, awaken me," are her cries of submission, phrasing biblical truth in a creative and personal way. You can sincerely pray these words along with Cathryn, and along with the up tempo song proclaim: "You breathed in life, now I’m alive in You, You called my name and You took my shame, You made me new, now I’m alive in You."

“Overcome,” “Love Has Won” and “Only in You” by Jonathan Seller along with “With Me” by Marque Cryderman each feature an engaging Brit-rock musical style. The exciting musical feel is just one of the many attractions to savor about this fresh and moving worship album, one of the best of the year.

“Psalm 130 (My Soul Waits)” by Cathryn Mankiewicz is a gorgeous offering to God, confessing, "Out of the depths I cry to You, Lord, hear my voice, Lord, turn Your ear toward me, I'm full of sin, but You are mercy."

Reminding me of songs like “Strong God” and “Not for a Moment (After All)” by Meredith Andrews, you'll be worshipping our King Jesus right along with Cathryn. You can sincerely pray these biblical and prayerful words along with Cathryn, and cling to the truth: “In Your Word I have hope, My soul waits. My soul waits on You, More than a watchman waits for the morning, I will wait on the Lord, My soul waits, My soul waits on You."

The Word of the Lord doesn’t return void, and this song puts God’s Word in the mouths of believers reminding them of the truth of God’s promises, “Unfailing Love, full of redemption, He will redeem us.” Amen to that!

I find many of the songs, like “Hallelujah (Our God Saves)” by Eric Fritts have me pondering eternity, with lyrics such as: "Christ is risen from the grave, Heaven and earth will rise to sing, death’s been defeated, sing Hallelujah,” and the biblical truth, “Praise God the empty tomb means our God saves."

“Mercy (On a Hill)” by Franky Krasinski is an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. Reminding me of Bethel Music’s songs for the Church like "One Thing Remains" and "Forever” you'll want to join fellow believers in singing these words.

I can't get enough of the stand-out song “Presence” by Jen Krasinski. Jen’s tender, emotive and powerful vocals take listeners on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song, filled with truth. God is always present even when we don’t realize it. The lyrics are very stirring: "Make us aware of You, Beautiful, Your glory Lord, Holy, Holy, Holy, Who can behold Your glory, glory, Lord, You are Holy, Holy Lord." It is a gorgeous offering of praise to Jesus, rising to a crescendo with the bridge, “No song we sing, no offering, can ever compare to Your glory, Your majesty has captured me, You are worthy, worthy worthy.” Amen.

Closing Thoughts:
These excellent studio recordings are all prayers and personal confessions of submission to God. These are great songs to pray along with these anointed worship leaders and express your own yearnings for holiness and God's presence. These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. A sincere desire for the presence of God and to see His Kingdom on earth is found in every song. There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend “Can’t Be Broken,” “Alive,” “Hallelujah (Our God Saves),” “Mercy (On a Hill),” “Presence” and one of my top worship songs of the year, “Psalm 130 (My Soul Waits).” All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Response is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. These are truly fresh and catchy songs of adoration for the Church.

Song to download now:
“Psalm 130 (My Soul Waits)”