Vicky Beeching [Eternity Invades]
Posted April 06, 2010
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
Vicky Beeching has always desired to be a worship leader first and recording artist second. Integrity Music could see this was her true DNA, so now, after a two year recording absence, Beeching releases her Integrity debut, Eternity Invades, on April 6. The album re-introduces Beeching as one of today's most gifted female worship leaders, and her new music is a testament to her credentials as both a thoughtful theologian and accomplished musician and songwriter. The 30-year-old Beeching was raised in the UK by parents in church ministry and grandparents who served as missionaries in Africa and Israel. She began writing songs when she was just 11, and later, was inspired to prepare for her calling into music by pursuing a theology degree at Oxford University, one of Britain's most prestigious schools. “It turned out that my theology degree at Oxford would be my training ground as songwriter – shaping my mind and taking me deep into God’s word. It’s often said that songwriters are the theologians of our day as people remember songs far more than sermons. Songs literally are the soundtrack of our lives – so getting good theology into songs is vital,” says Vicky.
I’ve been a big fan of Vicky’s songs since her major label debut Yesterday, Today and Forever and I really enjoy her songs “Above All Else,” “Great Is Your Glory” and “The Wonder Of The Cross.” If you like those songs, then you’ll love Eternity Invades as this is a fresh new worship album with 13 songs of vertical worship that were all written or co-written by Vicky. Opening song and first single “Salvation Day” really sets the tone musically for the album, which has a Brit-pop feel similar to Matt Redman and Delirious. Most of the lyrics come straight from the Bible as the verses of “Salvation Day” are straight out of John 3:16. “Blessing And Honor” keeps the up-tempo feel going and was drawn from Revelation and reflects the concept that worship on Earth is a foretaste of how it will be in heaven. My favorite song on the album is next, “Deliverer,” which is a worship ballad and is very moving. Especially as we celebrate the resurrection, this song really grabs me with the worshipful chorus “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is healing.”
Some other album highlights include Vicky’s take on the hit song “Glory To God Forever,” which she co-wrote with Steve Fee. Her version starts with the chorus and is a more stripped down acoustic style and would be a great addition to any church worship set. “One Day” was co-written with Robin Mark and “Break Our Hearts” is a great call to action reflecting the truth found in Isaiah 58: “feed the hungry, help the oppressed.” The chorus cries out “break our hearts with the things that break Yours, wake us up to see through Your eyes.” My all-time favorite worship song “Hosanna” by Hillsong United reflects that same powerful message in the bridge written by Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood. “Undivided Heart” is a gorgeous and vulnerable song. It has a pretty piano-based melody which really stands out on a guitar-based album. It is a confessional prayer song and I find myself very much praying along with Vicky “give me an undivided heart, I want to love You with every part…I want to be Yours alone.” The album closes with a new recording of “The Wonder Of The Cross,” which is also a highlight.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you like Hillsong United, Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Brenton Brown and Fee, then you must pick up this album by Vicky Beeching. For me, the highlights are “Salvation Day,” “Blessing And Honor,” “Deliverer,” “Glory To God Forever,” and “Undivided Heart.” Eternity Invades is a very solid worship album filled with personal and extremely biblical and prayerful messages. Vicky’s songs are truly a “blessing and honor” for me, and I can’t get enough of her sincere songwriting and emotional vocals.
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today! View All Music And Book Reviews By christianmusicreview | View christianmusicreview's Profile
|
