A Fresh Take on Worship
Posted February 21, 2017
By KaitlynBarbour_NRT,
Hailing from Montana, the worship team at acclaimed Christian pastor and author Levi Lusko's church has done it again. Fresh Life Worship has crafted an incredible worship album filled with musical and lyrical innovation. The fourteen original songs in this LP delight the soul and draw the listener into a worship experience like no other.
There are so many wonderful musical themes that do nothing but add to the overall worshipful quality of More / Enough. The opener, "Worth," contains a sparkling groove that blends well with the synths used throughout. It sets the tone for the entire album. "Stand Alone" is a hypnotic dance-worship track filled with '80s synths and shimmery textures. "This Rock" proclaims the powerful truth that Jesus is always faithful to us. Glistening atmospheric pads and driving electronic beats complete this catchy song. The whimsical "Can't Contain the Wonder" portrays the experience of an enthralled worshiper through a whirlwind of staccato synths. The fun groove of "You Are In Love" hooks the listener right away with its funky beats.
Even though Fresh Life's innovative musical approach to worship is what initially grabs the listener's attention, this album is packed with profound reflections on Jesus. "Valor" is an epic, angelic and energetic song that reminded me of "Revelation Song." In the chorus, the vocalists passionately sing, "You draw me out of the shadows / my life is filled with Your color / You light my path with Your valor / I want to know You, I want to know You." "Never Stop" contains this lyrical gem: "Jesus, be here and now / be close enough for me to know / You will never stop loving, never stop loving me."
As far as congregational worship is concerned, "More Than Enough" and "Still" are both excellent choices. The former contains a wonderfully syncopated beat with soaring melody lines: "You are more than enough for me / More than enough." The latter is a musically spacious and lyrically heartfelt prayer about God's unconditional love with a soaring climax.
"Heaven Come" sounds a little like Hillsong Young & Free with the way the pulsating synths drive the worship experience: "You are alive inside us now / we believe it, we can feel it." The Stropko remix of this track brings an element of funk into the original with grooving bass lines and syncopated piano chords. Also of note are the Psalm 139 contemplation "Know My Heart," the soaring "Never-Ending," the piano-driven "Be" and the minimalist "The Waiting (Linger)."
The Bottom Line: It is my hope that current worship artists will take both musical and lyrical cues from Fresh Life Worship, because More / Enough raises the standard for worship music tenfold. The direction this band (and church) is going in is incredibly exciting to witness and will surely be one of the defining worship albums of this generation.
Song to Download Now:
"More Than Enough" (You can download it here.)
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