First off, a slight disclaimer: this worship album is actually one my church just released this summer. That being said, I didn’t write any of the songs on the album and I only played on one of them. When the album was actually released I approached it with some trepidation because I had been involved in another worship album project in a church in the past and the result was…well…let’s just say less than professional. Boy was I ever surprised! The team that did all the work on this did an excellent job. The mixes are tight and everything sounds just plain professional.

If you’d like to take a listen to the album, hit up northwake.bandcamp.com. You can stream and listen (for free!) to the entire album there, and you can even purchase it through that site as well as on iTunes and Amazon. And the sheet music is available on the North Wake website.

Now, with all that linkage out of the way, about the album itself. Why do I like it? First and foremost it has a theological depth which many albums today (including many Christian albums) lack. There is centrality of the gospel which permeates the entire album. Connected to that theme is another which is definitely lacking in this day and age: that of the depravity of man and how man could do nothing to save himself – salvation is only accomplished by the grace of God manifested through Christ and his work on the cross (as well as life, resurrection and ascension).

Highlights on the album? My top three songs (after much deliberation) are “Christ Our Savior”, “Yes in Christ”, and “Children of the Free.” The latter of which is an incredible song which grows to this awesome chorus at the end – just listen to it, you won’t regret it. “Christ Our Savior” is a hymn which was redone and is, quite frankly, incredible. There is rarely a dry eye in the place by the time we finish singing it at church. And “Yes in Christ” is a song about the promises of God and how they were fulfilled in Christ – not a subject matter undertaken by songwriters very often.

Other songs of note are “O Christ What Burdens Bowed Thy Head?” which has a very haunting feel to the verses; “Rescue“, a song about how Christ came to rescue us; and “The Depths of Your Love“, which is about how the love of Christ is greater than anything else.

It’s hard not to talk about every song on the album, but since you can listen for free off Bandcamp, I’d highly suggest you just head that way and check out the album. I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.

The Catalyst Music Project is an awesome little album, at least in my mind. The songs are very solid. I think after listening to it I could think of very valid scenarios in which the songs would be relevant and useful, at least as offertory/specials, if not as a song to teach the entire congregation for corporate worship.

In reading the info on their website (and I would suggest that!) they reference this as the “2009 Catalyst Music Project,” which, in my mind, indicates that they will most likely release more albums along the same line. I certainly hope so, because this was a very solid worship album. If their next few albums are as strong as this one the Catalyst Music Projects will begin to line up with Hillsong and Passion CDs on worship leaders shelves all over the the world (okay, my personal opinion…)

Overall the theology seems very solid and the lyrics are very biblical. You need to be sensitive to the specific congregation you serve in to make sure any particular song is relevant to that body and will benefit/bless/challenge them. That said, I’m going to just quickly note a few of the songs and why I liked them (links are to grooveshark.come where you can listen to the individual songs):

Love is the Answer – This is a great opener for an album, and in hearing it I thought about how great it would be to open a service with it. And if it hits it off with your congregation, lyrically, it is also a very solid congregational song. It’s definitely a rockier song (read: electric guitar!) so be mindful of how well your body will respond to a song so wide open (Youth Groups? Absolutely! Contemporary services? Probably… Traditional Service? Not very likely…).

One Who Overcomes – I just love Phil Wickham, and he did an awesome job on this song. It definitely is going on my short list of potential openers and specials. And it would also be great for congregational singing as well. I personally would love to introduce it as part of a series to emphasize a theme of Christ’s overcoming power. Good, good song.

Hallelujah (All I Need) - This is just a great song. I love the lyrics, the line “Christ has come to win” is just awesome. I’m actually going to use this as the opener for a service I’ll be leading next month. And I could see this being used in congregational worship as well.

God of All - This song is another one I really love the lyrics to as well. But, as much as I like the song, I think there are a few things, dynamically, I would change. I’m thinking of using this song as well that service I’ll be leading next month and if I do, then I’m going to do two primary things: first, I’m going to do the first chorus with just acoustic (or maybe electric guitar, I haven’t decided yet…gonna have to test it out with the band), and second, I want to repeat the bridge, building on the quarter notes the second time through. Those lyrics are so awesome I hate to sing them just once…

Won’t You Be My Love – This song was the little jewel hidden in the album. I’m keeping my finger on this song for any service with a missional (or even serving) emphasis. It would not be appropriate for congregational worship (at least in my mind due to the fact that it is sung from the perspective of Christ to the church up until the end). But, wow, what an awesome way to set the tone for a service on serving one’s neighbors or the need to carry the Gospel to the unsaved.

Chris Tomlin has built quite a reputation in the worship arena. Songs of his such as “How Great is Our God”, “Enough”, “Not to us” and many others are sung in numerous churches every week. I do no envy the pressure he is under when he goes back into the studio.

That said, “Hello Love” is a very solid album. Most every song  is worship oriented. “Jesus Messiah” is one which is played on the radio rather frequently, and it is quite a worshipful anthem. Overall, though, none really “stuck out” at first. But as I continue to listen to it, I find myself singing different songs over and over throughout the day. That, in my mind, is the greatest tell of good songwriting – it sticks with you. And these songs are ones which you won’t mind keeping on your mind.

As a worship leader I would be neglecting a major resource for myself and my church if I didn’t get my hands on a copy of this album – and I would challenge all you to get one if you haven’t already. It’s good stuff!

As far as artistic concerns, this album is along the same lines as his previous ones – more like another step in the progression of his development as an artist. You can definitely tell this one was really worked on in a studio, but even in that Tomlin keeps the songs playable for most church bands. Tomlin is an excellent artist, and his continued maturation brings subtle nuances to each new ablum.

I’ve actually had this album for several months, but I have been listening to it some lately and thought I would post my thoughts on it. Matthew West’s album Something to Say is a very well-rounded album. Although very well-written, it really is not a “worship album”, though there are a few with more worshipful themes.

But, on the other hand, I think any worship leader who overlooked this album would be remiss in doing so. The album is full of songs addressing specific themes. The title track is a challenge to every believer to share what God has revealed and/or taught them. “Stop the World” has become a favorite of mine, addressing the need to get away from everything and spend time alone with God.

Why do I think this an essential album for every worship leader’s collection? West has recorded a variety of songs, many of which touch on many different styles of music. And in this album is a treasure trove of songs which can highlight or emphasize specific points or concepts which will complement specific types of messages. It is a great resource to have on hand – you never know when it might come in handy!

West has a clever way with words, and his songs, while humorous and light in places, also convey a passions and conviction which is missing in much of the modern Christian music.