Album Review

Christy Gwinn has repeatedly enthused to me about different songs on Aaron Shusht’s new album. She graciously agreed to do a review of the album for all of us. Christy – thanks for being willing to take the time to share your thoughts.

I have recently been very encouraged by Aaron Shust’s new album, This Is What We Believe. While this album was being produced, Aaron and his wife were going through a really difficult time. Their 2-year old son was diagnosed with a severe case of a rare and very painful condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE). Through this time, their faith in God strengthened them. The doctors were puzzled to find that the very severe case of EE was completely gone from their son’s body, but the Shust’s knew without a doubt that it was God that had performed the miracle. Each of the songs on this album focuses on the truths of scripture and on our mighty, loving God. The lyrics of “This Is What We Believe” and “Your Majesty” list the many names of God and remind us of all our Redeemer is to us. You will recognize the lyrics of both “Risen Today” and “Sing of My Redeemer.” The hymns “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” and “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” have been put to new melodies, yet the truth found in the words still shines through. My fellow Kari Jobe fans will be pleased to know that she joins Aaron on “Wondrous Love.” You’ll find yourself singing praises to God and worshipping God for who He is long after the album is over as the songs continue to play over in your mind and heart.

Filed under: Album Review, Team Thoughts

Album Review

Be Lifted High is the most recent live album from the worship team at Bethel Church in Redding, California and the second album they have released in the past year. Bethel Live features notable Christian artists such as Jeremy Riddle, Amanda Falk and Brian and Jenn Johnson to name a few. With regard to production quality, live worship albums can sometimes leave much to be desired for the listener. This is not the case with Be Lifted High which is excellently produced featuring stunning harmonies, screaming guitars and a very fluid quality start to finish despite several different vocalists taking the lead throughout the album. Another great production quality to this album is that the crowd vocals are mixed just right, without the overkill we’ve come to expect with many of the live Hillsong albums of late. The songs are extremely Christ centered, the standout being “Furious” featuring Jeremy Riddle; a song that uses some unfamiliar terminology to describe the depths of Christ’s love for us.  If you can’t get enough of live worship albums, Be Lifted High is a must have and will leave you singing many of its catchy tracks for weeks to come.

Download this: “Furious” featuring Jeremy Riddle

Be Lifted High is available on iTunes

Filed under: Album Review, Dave's Thoughts