Pushing Musical Boundaries in Worship Posted March 09, 2023 By JasminPatterson_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know LEELAND comprises lead singer and songwriter Leeland Mooring and guitarist and co-writer Casey Moore. They have contributed several well-known worship anthems, such as "Lion and the Lamb," "Where You Are," "First Love Fire," and a cover of Sinach's "Waymaker," helping the already powerful worship song gain even more traction in the Church. Following 2019's live worship album Better Word, the GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning worship collective has released their latest album, City of God.
What It Sounds Like
Sonically, this album might not be what you expect when you think of a worship project. Unlike LEELAND's previous album, Better Word, which had a live church worship feel, City of God sounds like a fusion of alt-pop and worship. LEELAND's heart for worship and for artistry come together in this collection of songs. "Heart & Flesh" featuring TAYA and "Yahweh" are the more contemporary worship-sounding songs on the album that immediately stand out as ones that could translate into church contexts well. Songs like the opener, "Still Mighty," still have a prayerful, worshipful tone but lean more into the singer-songwriter approach.
In addition to TAYA, there are other collaborations with fellow worship leaders on this project as well: Vanessa Hill on "Ark," Charity Gayle (who penned "I Speak Jesus") on "You're Not Done," and veteran worship leader Rita Springer on "Jacob's Ladder."
Spiritual Highlights
Many of the songs on the album are of prayer and praise mixed together. Those lyrics are Leeland praying to God, reminding himself of truth or what he's heard God speaking to him about His prayers and struggles, and responding to God with worship. The title track, "City of God," is a joyful tune reminding us of the truth that we are the dwelling place of God's Spirit and all that implies.
There are also several songs whose titles and themes are clearly inspired by biblical passages and stories, such as "Fall of Dagon," referencing 1 Samuel 5, "Jacob's Ladder," referencing Genesis 28:10-21, and "Midnight," which pulls heavily on Psalm 139. Along those same lines, "Ark" draws imagery from the story of Noah: "Waves are rising all around/Flood as far as I can see/And all of a sudden, wrapped up in light/I hear the heavens cry/My son, build yourself an ark/Let Me heal your broken heart/So when the floodwaters rise, and the sun grows dark/You'll be safe in my arms"
Best Song
I'm partial to raw, extended, spontaneous worship moments, so I'm giving the best song to "Yahweh." It feels like a humble, pure cry of longing for God's presence and, in my opinion, showcases where Leeland Mooring particularly thrives as a worship leader and songwriter. The song's bridge is so powerful. Leeland sings about how atmospheres and lives are changed when God draws near with His presence. I could see churches latching onto this, and I think you'll be singing in your personal prayer time a lot, too. I know I will be.
Final Word
My favorite context for LEELAND as a worship band is live, congregational church worship, so I did miss the prominence of that sound a little bit on this album. But I also appreciate that they are not only worship leaders but true creatives who aren't afraid to explore new sounds and push musical boundaries while maintaining a heart of worship. You'll hear that intricate blend on City of God. If you love both pure worship and creativity and singing truth over God's people, City of God will be exciting listen for you.
