NOWHEARTHIS
New Releases
PASSION
Salvation’s Tide is Rising
For
the
past
19
years
Passion has been one of
the
frontrunners
of
the
modern worship movement
around the world. These
conferences have helped launch the careers of
such world renowned worship leaders as Chris
Tomlin, David Crowder, Christy Nockles, and
Kristian Stanfill, just to name a few.
Their latest release, Salvation’s Tide Is Rising,
cuts the fat of previous albums by trimming the
number of songs to just 10, compared to the 18
or so songs from the past few releases. For the
most part the album stays pretty true to previous
form. However, this release is much different
Christ won on Easter with some incredible
as Willie Nelson sings about the future we have
lyrical imagery that helps us connect hope with
in heaven in “Uncloudy Days.” Johnny Cash’s
the inevitable things going on in life, all thanks
throaty vocal mixed with the Carter Family’s
to the empty grave. Passion newcomer, Jimi
choral stylings make “Were You There” one of
Cravity, adds a synthetic lyrical approach and
the more memorable tracks on the album.
throws listeners a nice sonic curveball on the
Vince Gill and Amy Grant give a powerful
intimate yet powerful, “Surrender.”
performance on “Rock of Ages” with the
While the album lacks the enthusiasm and
Hammond
authentic worship of a live recording, there are
undertones, while Hanks Williams’ classic, “I
still a lot of great songs and it will not disappoint.
Saw The Light,” sounds just as fresh as it did
Every song does exactly what it was intended
when it was first released in 1948.
to do: point us to the love of God and all that
Randy Travis’ voice is unmistakable as he
He has done, is doing, and is going to do for
wraps up the album in fine style with the
us. I applaud the Passion folks for changing it
acoustic version of “Blessed Assurance.” The
up a bit, albeit not really musically or stylistically.
fiddles, penny whistle, and 12-string guitar
This is another album with ready-to-use songs
give this song sparkle and a true country feel.
of praise, so go get it.
I could see Randy and his band sitting out on
from its predecessors not only by lowering the
energy and feel of a live worship experience for a
faceted
allows each performer and song to stand tall.
synth riffs, this vertical worship song is a
call for God to break down the walls of our
sinful rebellion and do His work of revival.
Matt Redman’s “I Turn to Christ” bears all the
signature imprints of a Redman ballad with
its cinematic build-ups and the song’s Christcentered lyrics. Christy Nockels’ “Your Grace
Amazes Me” is this record’s power worship
number that is flavored with a ceremonial noir
calling to mind Nockels’ previous hit, “My Anchor.”
Brett Younker reminds us of the victory that
that
soul of Country Music. It
“Salvation’s Tide is Rising.” With thumping
was launched by awardwinning
author/columnist
Deborah
steel
Evans
Price to provide country artists with a platform
to share their faith. Their Hymns album is a
compilation of some of the world’s best loved
hymns performed by some of the greatest
country music legends of all time, including
Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams,
and Randy Travis. Every song contained here
is a classic.
The bluesy guitar work and honkey tonk piano
these old hymns done in a classic country way
that hearkens one back to the foundations of
our church in this country. Christian country
music began as a combination of cowboy
music, early mountain music, and music from
the southern plantations from those who sang
about God’s grace and love amidst persecution
and slavery. There is beauty, history, and true
heartfelt worship in these songs that should
never be forgotten.
If your church does a country-western service,
these will fit nicely into your worship. But even
if you don’t, I challenge you to throw in one of
these classics with similar instrumentation. You
might be surprised what happens.
on the opening track is down-home amazing
continued on 32
Featured Tracks
PASSION
“SALVATION’S TIDE IS RISING”
30
LIFE WORSHIP UK
“WIDE OPEN SPACE”
Jul Aug 2016
guitar
There is something special about listening to
celebrates the heart and
The album opens with the anthemic title cut,
blasts of electric guitar floating over symphonic
brand
and
summer evening.
Country Faith is a multi-
more polished studio album. The cleaner sound
organ
the porch at sunset praising God with this on a
COUNTRY FAITH
Hymns
number of songs, but also by exchanging the
B-3
TRAVIS RYAN
“UNTIL MY VOICE IS GONE”
WorshipMusician.com
SCARLET FADE
“FAITHFUL”