A Family Celebration| Posted August 21, 2015
Fresh off the success of Campfire and The Art of Celebration, which featured the hit songs, "Build Your Kingdom Here," and "My Lighthouse," Rend Collective's newest album As Family We Go is available everywhere August 21. Listening to the opening tracks "Celebrate," "Free as a Bird" and lead single "You Will Never Run," it's clear that the themes of our journey of life and people coming together to do good regardless of our differences runs throughout this excellent album. This is easily the best overall album by one of my favorite bands in any genre.
As Family We Go will have you hooked right from the opening notes of "Celebrate," which really sets the tone for this album. The song appropriately kicks off the celebration of what God has done as expressed in Philippians 2:2 (The Voice): "here is one thing that would complete my joy--come together as one in mind and spirit and purpose, sharing in the same love." That's exactly what this collective of believers is about.
"Free as a Bird" captures the same energy and sentiment as hit song "Build Your Kingdom Here." The exciting music only further increases my joy in Christ. You'll find yourself instantly worshipping along with the band during this album. Lyrics "let our praises run wild and free" appropriately capture the joyful essence of this band's incredible music ministry.
In "You Will Never Run," Christians can all relate to our unending second chances offered by God, captured in Chris's vulnerable and sincere crying out throughout the celebratory song: "You will never run away, You're forever mine, You will never run away, You're by my side...You are the joy and fight in me!"
"Every Giant Will Fall" is a surefire hit song. I get choked up when I pray along with the lyrics "Nothing is impossible with You!" The bridge ("No greater name, no higher name, no stronger name than Jesus, You overcame, broke every chain, forever reign King Jesus") enhances the song's sincere vertical message.
Chris's vocals in "One and Only" are emotive, prayerful and honest, which makes the words he's singing all the more powerful and moving. Similar to "Simplicity" and "Immeasurably More," Chris cries out, "Jesus One and only, great and Holy, we are Yours, how our hearts race at Your glory, we are Yours and Yours alone."
"The Joy of the Lord" is an uplifting, catchy and encouraging song. A great outcome of memorizing the words of this song is that you are ultimately singing God's Word. Regardless of our circumstances, we need to truly be free in Christ and be happy and filled with joy. I can't get enough of the Biblical truth of the song, and I love when artists take God's Word from the Bible and turn it into a great and catchy song filled with truth.
"Never Walk Alone" is achingly beautiful both musically and perhaps even more so lyrically. The song poignantly sings "You are my hope and future, I will never walk alone." The beautiful melody and lyrics are sincere and moving: "Surely Your goodness and mercy will light up the way set before me, surely Your grace will pursue me, all my days."
Closing Thoughts: As Family We Go is one of the most meaningful albums I've ever heard. Every song is absolutely amazing. I can't get the catchy melodies of many of these songs out of my head. The album is perfectly produced, and the song order brilliantly invites listeners to join in with the band on their journey. This album includes a solid mix of folk-style indie worship tinged music with inspirational and worshipful lyrics. Don't miss the standout songs "Celebrate," "Free as a Bird," "Every Giant Will Fall," "One and Only," "Never Walk Alone," "Your Royal Blood" and "The Artist." Get the Deluxe Edition, and you'll love the standout anthem "Ireland's Call."
The very relatable and transparent words of these songs perfectly depict our daily walks as believers, wrapped around catchy songs. All of the tracks really display the musical and lyrical excellence and intentionality of Rend Collective. The musical and lyrical excitement of the band's engaging live performance is perfectly captured in these recordings. This album is by far the most energetic and emotionally engaging worship album I've heard this year.
Song to Download Now:
"You Will Never Run" (Get it on iTunes here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
