Singing Promises Through Pain
Posted March 01, 2017
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
There are few Christian music fans who aren't familiar with Darlene Zschech's music and longtime ministry. First as part of Hillsong and now with her solo work, the renowned worship leader has been making music for the church for over two decades. Most known for her hit chorus "Shout To The Lord," Darlene has undeniably had a successful career so far, but she isn't showing signs of slowing down anytime soon.
When Darlene was handed a shocking breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, her life was changed but her belief in God stayed steady. Recorded live with her team at Hope Unlimited Church in Australia, Here I Am Send Me is the first new album since that diagnosis, chronicling her journey with cancer (which is now in remission). Many of the songs were written during the most challenging season of her life. Darlene recalls that when she was at her sickest, Martin Smith (of Delirious?) flew over to visit and encourage her and her husband. When he asked what she wanted to say while writing songs about this season, her answer was simple and quick: she only wanted to say "He is great." Through pain and disease and some of the hardest days of her life, this album took shape as Darlene set out to tell the world of that unchanging greatness.
Serving as the powerful declaration of that message, the album opens with "You Are Great" (co-written with Smith), a moment where you can hear the emotion in Darlene's voice as she sings about His unfailing goodness even through her suffering. Worship-focused track "You Will Be Praised" continues the theme of singing His promises into the darkness: "Though I walk through darkest valleys, there's no fear for You are with me."
Darlene's elegant vocals shine on standout track "Daylight," much like on "Kingdom Come," a spin-off of a vital line in The Lord's Prayer. Fans of music from the likes of Hillsong Young & Free will appreciate "First Love," a lively time of praise that is sure to have you up and dancing along.
Co-written by Darlene's teenage daughter, acoustic "Love And Wonder" is a short track (clocking in at only 1:33), but nonetheless is a powerful moment with its beautiful harmony and lyrical praise. Singing more proclamation of who He is, "Emmanuel" worships Christ for His faithful companionship: "There's no one like Jesus / meets me in my sadness, walks with me through fire / there's no one like Jesus, calming every storm." Modern hymn "Beloved (When I Survey)" plays off the classic hymn as members of Darlene's church join her in leading the song. Pushing the message of the Great Commission with songs of surrender, the title track "Here I Am" and upbeat "Go" close out the album.
The Bottom Line: This may be Darlene's first album since 2013, but the quality of music is better than ever. From the first track to the last, Here I Am Send Me is overflowing with passionate songs of praise, singing His promises through her own pain, all carried by the soft yet bold voice that has led millions into the presence of God. Intimate moments of worship meet with energetic declarations of His glory and greatness on this album, more than accomplishing the mission Darlene set for this project in the beginning: to tell the world that He is great.
Song To Download Now:
"Here I Am" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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