Adoration From The Bride of Christ| Posted June 19, 2017
This live concept album recently released by the prolific songwriting church from South Carolina is one for the ages. Freedom Worship weaves the powerful truth that we are the Bride of Christ throughout the album, focusing on different aspects of this truth.
One thing I appreciate about this album is the fact that Freedom Worship includes several instrumental interludes that set the mood for the following group of songs, but that also are titled to match the theme of a wedding (between Jesus and the Church, in this case). Act I focuses on Jesus, Act II describes the Church and Act III unites the two together. The Veil sounds very much like a typical 21st century worship service, but it also contains synthesizers intertwined with a folky sound (in the style of Avicii) as well as plenty of acoustic ballads. Throughout the whole album I could picture the band performing the songs at an evening wedding reception inside a barn filled with twinkly lights and candles.
"Forever Alive" begins the album after an instrumental introduction to Act I, filling listeners with the hope that accompanies true freedom in Christ. "Christ the Lord" emphasizes Jesus' worthiness of utmost praise and is frosted with a subtle synth pad that gives the song an ethereal quality. To slow things down, "Always With Me" is an acoustic-guitar driven ballad that erupts into driving beats and spacey electric guitar chords: "In the valley / In the shadows / I will fear no, I will fear no evil / When there's no way / When it's hopeless / You are more than, You are more than able." To conclude the first act, "Revival" unites the congregation as they cry out to Jesus to revive their hearts. The plucked synth adds a fresh finishing touch.
Act II begins with a planetarium-like ambient intro which crescendos into the contemplative and joyful "Finished at the Cross." Freedom Worship includes a surprising element after this: Pastor Shawn Wood gives a short message on what the death and resurrection of Jesus means for each human individually. This is followed by "The Veil," which puts Pastor Shawn Wood's message into song. The finale of Act II, "A Little Longer Here," is a sweet love song to Jesus. The vocalist sings, "A hundred years from now, I just want to be with You / No fears that haunt my mind will ever be true." The bridge is the refrain of the well-loved hymn, "When We All Get to Heaven."
At the start of Act III, the instrumental track almost sounds like it could be a wedding march into heaven, continuing seamlessly into "Wild and Free." This song re-emphasizes the new identity and freedom in Christ found when we surrender our life to Him. "Glory Rising" is a worship anthem that rises and falls in intensity, and "You Deserve" finishes the album with a high-energy celebration of God's faithfulness.
The Bottom Line: Freedom Worship has truly produced a masterpiece. They convey their message of Jesus' love for His Church beautifully and artfully. Every song on The Veil leads listeners into the presence of God, which makes the whole album a must-have.
Song to Download Now:
"A Little Longer Here" (You can download this song here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
