It is a little difficult reviewing a worship album.
What makes it difficult is that worship albums don't tend to have a whole lot of original content. In fact, there are songs on this album that go as far back as the early 90's.
Nevertheless, I shall endeavor to do my best.
Listening to the album repeatedly over the last week, one thing struck me about it over and over, as a whole - it is out of order. Now, understand, this is pure personal opinion here. I have always thought that worship albums out to be sorted in a way that they could be played straight through as a worship experience by the individual. I've found that the order of the songs should start with nice medium/fast tunes, moving into the faster paced music, then back into medium, flowing into the contemplative slower paced music, and finishing up with a medium/fast tune as a celebration of the worship journey one has been on.
This album tends to jump around, though. For the most part, it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the album. The biggest problem I had, though, was the use of Hold You High as the very first song. The song is a solid pop worship song, but as it is the only song on the album I would label as such, it didn't really represent the rest of the album as an opening song maybe should.
As for the covers on the album, Throne of Grace is a particular favorite of mine, and this was a very well done version. Another good cover was Lord Let Your Glory Fall.
An almost prerequisite cover of God of Wonders was also on the album, and it was fine, but I've heard a lot of other groups that I've preferred when it comes to this song.
There is a cover of It Is Well on the album, and I tried - really tried - to give it a chance. It is an almost ethereal arrangement, but I guess I'm just too much of a fan of the traditional song that I was put off. Others may find it fantastic, but I'll stick with the traditional.
Of the original songs (beyond the title track), I only found Jesus Washed to be ill-fitting for the album. The song may be fine, but I don't think it meshed with the rest of the album.
My favorite song on the entire album is also an original - Miraculous. This is the gem on the album, a song which I enjoyed more and more with each playing. It has a wonderful, quirky sort of feel that I would compare to the sound of PFR (or, if you are unfamiliar with them, think the Beatles). Just a great song.
Overall, I enjoyed the album. The weaknesses to me seemed more in line with my personal preferences, for the most part, rather than any shortcomings from the album. On a scale from 1 to 10, I think I'd give the album a solid 7.
Now, for the next week, per the input I've recieved, I'm going to be focusing on the single Petra album that I never gave much time to - Double Take.
As always, if you have a suggestion of something you think I should be listening to, let me know.
I'll type at you later!
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