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Passion - Better Is One Day
Worship Leader: Charlie Hall
Star Song Records
http://www.worshiptogether.com
"Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere..." Ps 84:10
When my pastor played this album over the church speakers before our college service, all of us clamored to him, asking what it was. I knew I had to get it!
Have you ever wondered what kind of worship music the Christian American youth of today listen to? A new and fresh sound is sweeping through America's youth congregations. It is that of raw PASSION, echoed in more than 11,000 students who worshipped together at the Passion '99 Conference in Fort Worth earlier this year.
The atmosphere at the very beginning is live and electric, and both "Freedom Song" and "I've found Jesus" both show creative instrumentation. Next is followed by the immensely popular "You're worthy of my praise". Although the song is more than ten years old, the instrumental introduction is fresh and this introduction technique would be a useful addition to your bag of worship leading skills. The implementation of the strong steady 4-4 beat throughout this praise medley clearly brings out youthful confidence in this worship.
The tempo then slows down for the worship segment. Two solo songs with intimate lyrics are followed by Graham Kendrick's "Knowing You", with an amazing instrumental introduction which transforms the character of the song, giving it a contemporary feel yet retaining its sacred character.
The tempo speeds up with the danceable "Be Glorified" for the second praise segment, and "Glorify" with its strong, unique beginning. "Better is one day", with its awesome percussive accompaniment, leads into the final worship segment. This starts with "Agnus Dei" by Michael W. Smith, another sign of the trend of contemporary Christian singers leaning towards worship songs, as with Rich Mullins and Jars of Clay. Finally, the album closes with the deeply intimate "Heart of Worship".
This is really an album not to be missed, because it combines fervent worship, skilful and fresh instrumentation as well as lyrical depth and variety in the songs chosen. The way to listen to this album is LOUD, soaking in the atmosphere. I hope that as you listen, the same vibrant spirit and PASSION that's captured on this album will be even more strongly kindled in your heart.
List of Songs
© Copyright Wesley Cheong 1999