 Various Artists
Your Name (Integrity Music)
Released October 2008
reviewed by Andree Farias
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Sounds like … a dynamic and worshipful assemblage of artists from the worlds of pop, rock, R&B, yet with a decidedly alternative edge, featuring Ian Eskelin, Paul Baloche, Leeland Mooring, Jared Anderson, Aaron Shust, Ayiesha Woods, and more.
At a glance … focused lyricism, terrific artist pairings, and an alternative vibe second to none render Your Name one of the best multi-bill worship projects in recent memory.
Since the advent of multi-artist events like City on a Hill, modern worship compilations have been a dime a dozen, with only a few leaving a true, lasting impression. On the surface, Your Name appears to be yet another flash in the pan, but further appreciation reveals one of the most dynamic, memorable concept discs in recent memory.
A lot of the credit goes to songwriters Ian Eskelin, Brian White, and Tony Wood, who, along with worship leader Glenn Packiam (Desperation Band), set out to create songs about the different names commonly attributed to God. After much thought, they crafted ten impressive songs, and then asked a number of CCM artists both new and established to participate—from worship leaders Paul Baloche, Lincoln Brewster, and Jared Anderson to the likes of Aaron Shust, Ayiesha Woods, and Leeland Mooring (Leeland).
Granted, none of the participants are exactly superstars, but each turns in an inspired performance, which is truly remarkable considering that most of the vocals were cut in a makeshift recording studio during the hustle and bustle of 2008's GMA Music Week. By the second or third song, there's no denying the power of the song lies not in the performer, but the lyric, melody, and arrangement—all handled with a keen sense of ear candy befitting the style and personality of each contributor.
That's certainly the case for Mooring and Joel Augé , for example, who in a duel of falsettos co-lead "Life," a terrific alternative rocker in the vein of Snow Patrol. Shust and Baloche team up on the driving, easy-going "Healer," while "Almighty" offers a gospelized piano shuffle reminiscent of Billy Joel, handled to perfection by Josh Reedy (DecembeRadio) and the always soulful Woods.
As produced as they are, the songs may even be a little too alternative to be adapted in a corporate worship setting. But then they're so delectably handled and sung, they are at the very least excellent potential radio hits, and given some of the fluff that passes for worship music on the radio these days, that's not so bad a prospect.
© Andree Farias, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.
Various Artists
Your Name (Integrity Music)
Released October 2008
reviewed by Andree Farias
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