Before the new year, Bethel Music's Amanda Lindsey Cook reemerged to fans on social media after a long hiatus, posting a handwritten note which explained the singer's absence, hinting at new music in the works. Today Cook reveals the letter's allusive meaning with the announce of her upcoming House On A Hill, set to release Mar. 29.
"I think it's really essential to create rhythms of rest. There are some things that only actually ever happen when we slow down long enough to be still and let everything catch up to us. It's the wound in us that wants to be healed that's trying to catch up," said Cook. "This record, in particular, came at a really crucial moment. One of my producers basically said to me, 'I think you need to write your way through it. I think you need to sing your way through it.'"
"In that space, when things were really tender and fragile, I thought it was important to keep friends close and just create a space that felt really vulnerable and intimate," shared Cook. "I can't really wrap words around it. It was just the healing that comes from being with people; being with friends; being known and seen and loved."
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Rhythms of Rest| Posted March 28, 2019 What You Need to Know:
From the beginning, Bethel Music's Amanda Lindsey Cook has had a desire to make music that matters, that stretches beyond entertainment, and also stretches the parameters of popular worship music. She strives to be a listener first, and then to create music that reflects the Gospel and communicates honest experiences in a fresh and artful way.
What it Sounds Like:
I first heard Amanda sing on Bethel Music’s Be Lifted High with her song “I Will Exalt,” and then was captivated by her song “You Make Me Brave” on Bethel Music’s You Make Me Brave. She slays me with her confessional and prayerful vocal style - give the album a few deep listens and you'll love it. I hang on every single word, and the stirring vocals, prayerful lyrics and musical arrangements are breath-taking. This is a great new collection of very heartfelt and introspective songs - it is reflective and worshipful, and a great addition to your worship collection in the vein of The Undoing by Steffany Gretzinger, Where His Light Was by Kristene DiMarco and Brave New World by Amanda Cook.
Spiritual Highlights:
Opening track “Awakening” is an unashamed declaration of faith about Amanda's awakening to God’s mercies that are new every morning. She tenderly sings “You’re redeeming everything,” about her source of hope, Jesus. Each song is a worshipful response to her Savior reflecting the blessed hope of someone who understands the Good News of grace. Her song “Not Going Anywhere” is a great reminder of God’s unconditional love for us. This worship anthem captivates me with it's honesty and stirring lyrics, and has quickly become a prayerful anthem in my daily devotional time.
Best Song on the Record: “Awakening” is a gorgeous faith statement. The song compels me to worship Jesus and profess my own appreciation for His pure love. It is a gorgeous profession of Amanda’s sincere desire to serve Jesus, and I get completely overwhelmed in the emotion of this song. Right from the opening notes, you’ll be captivated by the melody and message. Amanda pours her heart out in every single song, which allows listeners to eavesdrop on her expressing her deep feelings, insecurities, and desire for holiness directly to God. I really enjoy how this album tells the story of redemption, as each song gives a glimpse of Amanda’s personal walk with Jesus, and I’m stopped in my tracks by “House on a Hill.” Amanda passionately sings the song and I hear in her voice a prayer of gratitude and commitment as she gives her gifts back to Him.
Final Word:
This is an excellent set of songs that focus on the central themes of asking God to inhabit our inner being and truly allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us along with relying solely on the love of Jesus to truly mold our hearts and make us more like Him. I really love how expressive these songs are. Amanda loves a lot, and that is evident throughout this stellar “gourmet” offering. These are all stand-out tracks filled with overwhelming biblical truth, and are companions in my personal prayer and worship time. Amanda sings songs with an amazing passion and with unashamed praise and gratitude to our Savior - it is very inspiring and emotionally moving. All of these songs are poignant and powerful with earnest, worshipful lyrics. House on a Hill is one of the top worship albums of the year and is a moving and prayerful worship experience.
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