Up-Close And Personal Worship
Posted January 22, 2012
By soundguywumc,
There was less than a year between the 2011 Bethel Live project and The Loft Sessions, Bethel Music’s latest 10-track compilation of stripped-down worship tunes by a plethora of worship leaders. In this latest release you will hear how amazing God is in using his people both individually to write songs and collectively to bring those songs to your ears which will move your heart in an act of worship.
This collection of songs is not your typical worship album because it wasn't recorded in your everyday recording studio, nor was it recorded in a large arena like other Bethel projects. It was recorded live in a loft--thus the project’s name. Something else that makes it unique was the writing process. It was not a typical undertaking, according to songwriter/worship leader Jeremy Riddle. He shares his thoughts in a promo video found on the Bethel Music website. He said that the album really fell into place at production. If I hadn't heard the album prior to writing this review, Riddle’s comments would have sparked my interest to know what this project is all about.
Light cymbals and piano welcomes the album with "One Thing Remains.” The refreshing ooh's gives the album a comfortable opener, allowing the listener to sing along. The song talks about God's greatness and how he remains and never changes. My favorite line emerges in the chorus: "Your love never fails / never gives up / it never runs out on me." With this opener it's easy to imagine being in that loft praising God's never-changing love toward us. The song was written by Brian Johnson, Christa Black and Jeremy Riddle and can also be found on a handful of worship albums that released last year.
"My Dear" was written and lead by Hunter Thompson and has the most youthful sound on this release. It's a song driven by the joy we have because of Jesus and what he has done for us.
I'm not the biggest banjo fan out there. However, in "You Have Won Me" the instrument adds warmth; it works well within the loft setting. My favorite part is the bridge where the song builds: "Shout it out and lift up one voice in worship / Sing it out until all the earth can hear it / Jesus is alive and He saves He rescues and saves."
Jenn Johnson (Brian's wife) leads "Come to Me." In the promo video she talks about how God is speaking in this time of natural disasters in our world. God is calling us to come to Him because He is all we need. The song also reminds us to seek God and rely on his strength.
Jeremy Riddle's "Walk in the Promise" is a new mix with the Bethel team and I actually enjoy it more than the studio version. The title actually is a good description of what the song is about.
“You Know Me" declares the awe of God knowing us because he created us. "Angels" is a unique track because it's an invitation to the angels watching over us to sing along with us praise to the Father. My favorite track on the entire album is Jeremy Riddle's "Fall Afresh," where the words are as intimate as a prayer.
Closing Thoughts:
A great, up-close and personal venue brings this album to life and has God at the heart of the songwriting. I was very impressed with the mix. It's going to be difficult pulling a song to put in a shuffle playlist because it's so good as a whole. I'm already wanting to share these songs with the contemporary worship leader at the church I attend. It's early in the year but I can see this project being one of the top in the worship category. View All Music And Book Reviews By soundguywumc | View soundguywumc's Profile
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