Spirit-led and Emotionally Captivating
Posted March 07, 2019
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know:
Since I first heard "New Song We Sing" by Meredith Andrews from The Invitation, I was hooked by the emotional and biblical messages of her songs. Following a three year wait after her album Deeper, it’s exciting to hear new music from Meredith. Faith and Wonder showcases not only Meredith's gifts as a songwriter, but her shimmering, emotion-laden voice. Meredith has consistently impressed me with her mature faith, and a sincere desire for the presence of God and to see His Kingdom on earth is found in every song. Each track is about proclaiming her dependence on God, which stirs my heart, mind and soul to bow before Jesus in “faith and wonder.”
What it Sounds Like:
Faith and Wonder is best described as an intimate personal worship experience with an ethereal tone. If you enjoy Blackout by Steffany Gretzinger, Where His Light Was by Kristene DiMarco and Brave New World by Amanda Cook, this album is an excellent addition to your praise and worship collection. “A Million Saints” is an engaging song with Meredith’s passionate vocals setting the tone for this exceptional album. Several of Meredith’s songs over the years are accessible worship songs that are deep in meaning and content, and this album is no exception. Many people can relate to the messages of these songs. I'm moved by the prayerful song "Faith and Wonder," which features UPPERROOM’s Abbie Simmons, and the song proclaims my heart's cry to worship Jesus. All of these songs and their dependence on God have perfectly poetic biblical descriptions of God and our identity in Him, and Meredith’s vocals are strong and pure.
Spiritual Highlights:
Meredith has consistently impressed me with her mature faith and sincere desire to serve Jesus. You'll be blessed by these powerful songs, which are all stand-out anthems with convicting declarations. The message of “A Million Saints” is based on several biblical truths, including Philippians 2:10-11: “So when His name is called, every knee will bow, in heaven, on earth, and below. And every tongue will confess "Jesus, the Anointed One, is Lord," to the glory of God our Father!"
Whatever struggle or depression you are facing, you can know that God is with you, always. The comfort and rest offered by Jesus is beautifully captured in “Faith and Wonder.” Along with Abbie Simmons and Cody Ray Lee, Meredith beautifully depicts the message of our identity in Christ by proclaiming the only Name that we all need: “The only word my life will live to tell…Full of faith and wonder/I will say no other Name but Yours, Jesus, Jesus.”
I can't get enough of "Open Over Us," which expresses the tone for Meredith’s entire worship experience with a beautiful declaration of dependence on God's provision in our lives: “Heaven’s open over us, right here, right now, we say Yes to You, whatever You want to do. You can have my whole heart, Jesus, have it all." I get swept up in the vertical praise and worship to our Savior that's present in this song. “Who Could” bookends this worshipful offering by singing the song of a million saints now and for eternity, “Worthy is the Lamb.”
Best Song on the Record:
“Open Over Us” includes the sincere and emotive lyrics of submission in the bridge: "We give You access to our hearts, You give us access to all You are.” The song has a striking message that stays with you throughout the day. This song is an excellent companion to sing over your life: “Heaven’s open over us, no fear, no doubt Your love is all around!” The exciting musical bed of “A Million Saints” takes me on an emotional journey that causes me to excitedly worship along with the stirring lyrics every time I hear the song.
For Fans Of:
Steffany Gretzinger, Lauren Daigle, Bethel Music, Amanda Cook, Kristene DiMarco, Kim Walker-Smith
Final Word:
I absolutely love Meredith's intentionality and complete focus on God's provision in her life. She is a uniquely gifted singer/songwriter with a big voice that is memorable and dynamic, yet intimate. Faith and Wonder is about proclaiming the majesty of God and crying out in awe and wonder for His Presence. All of the songs are memorable, personal and worshipful, and these moving and reverent recordings are poignant songs of adoration. Every song is completely anointed, Spirit-led and emotionally captivating. Meredith's powerful and gorgeous vocals keep me hanging on every word she sings. The standout songs each feature an engaging and emotive musical style while phrasing her prayer-filled songs in a creative and personal way, making it one of my top worship albums of the year. I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the prayerful lyrics found in these sacred songs. Meredith’s vocals will soothe your soul, and the vertical lyrics will direct your attention and focus on Jesus. If you like female singers that make you think while you enjoy their catchy and empowering songs, Faith and Wonder is for you.
Buy Faith And Wonder on Apple Music or stream it on Spotify. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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