Another level! That is how I describe the
latest project from the increasingly popular catalog of projects from PDI
Music. "Everlasting" releases a new level of musicality,
production, and diversity for the listeners of PDI music. From the series,
Come & Worship, this latest CD takes on the "big" labels with
excellent musical presentation and very strong song selection. The CD and
sound clips
are located at : http://www.worshipmusic.com/cw06d.html
The project opens with "I'm Calling Out", a dynamic song of God's
faithfulness and our need to call out! Well written, the lyrics simple, but
not simplistic.
Songwriter Mark Altrogge gifts us with this song of paradox, by comparing
(in the manner of Proverbs) our attempts at reaching God to the provisions
He has already made to enfold us. Excellent biblical-based content while
being singable and worshipful! Just take a look at the first half of the
chorus of this song, a sample of excellent lyric writing :
So I'm calling out
To You who called me
I'm holding on
To You who holds me
I'm seeking You
Who came and sought me in my sin
Moving on, "Great Is Your Faithfulness" is another nicely singable
and scriptural based song, again by Altrogge. Next, we run into the title
track, "Everlasting". For a minute you may think your CD changer
moved over to your Jars of Clay CD, as the intro and musical interludes of
this song mix a nicely rhythmic and acoustic sound with a string quartet
from heaven. This is one song in which the listener can hear the strong
increase in production and musical presentation put into this sixth edition
of the Come & Worship series from PDI. Nicely complimentary percussion,
and violin parts make some beautiful listening
and worshipful sounds.
I am not sure why, but my favorite song on this entire CD is next with
"This Fathomless Love". Maybe it is the hintings of Celtic sound,
the 6/8 feel, the ringing vocals, or the gut-wrenching lyrics.. who knows,
but it works for me! Even writing this review now, I am listening to this
song for about the 30 or 40th time, and it still causes me to say "yes,
Lord" as I pray and sing along.
But you don't have to agree with me on the favorite song to LOVE this CD.
"Your Love Is Higher", "For Your Glory Alone" and
"I Love The Cross" add to the sizeable list of singable and
useable songs on this project! "I Love The Cross" is a simple, but
heartfelt, cry of thanks for God's sacrifice.
At times this CD stretches quite far vocally and stylistically, making it
tougher in some songs to consider them for strong congregation use.
Particularly, "More than Life Itself", "I Must Have You"
and "For Me" make for excellent solo presentations, with some
reaching notes and rushing lyrics in a more CCM style. Having twelve
excellent songs, though, it is nice to have the diversity of this CD.
The climax of this project is the song "I Bow Down". Ethereal and
flowing, visions of the Titanic movie love theme will no doubt come to you
as you listen. Super clean vocals with pristine acoustic guitar work, this
song could be the track to any movie! Surprise---it is! This tremendous trek
of devotion is appearing on the new "Searching for True Love"
videos by best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye).
Though not a progressive stylistic project, this CD is excellent and solid
with content and very good production.
The CD, songbook, sound clips, and review are all available on the
WorshipMusic.com web site at: http://www.worshipmusic.com/cw06d.html
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