CD: Five Score and Seven Years Ago
by Relient K
Guest Reviewer: Jonathan Lin

Produced 7 years after their debut album, Five Score and Seven years Ago is Relient K’s fifth. The title makes reference to Lincoln’s powerful Gettysburg Address and it is perhaps fitting, when one notes the mini-revolution taking place in Relient K’s music- Relient K, the band known for their wit, clever wordplay, and tongue in cheek playfulness is growing up.

While trademark uber-catchy pop-punk sensibilities are still present, songs on this album would be considered sensible, spiritually overt, and even somber when compared to those on previous ones. Not to say that the band has forsaken its glib tongue, but Reliant K instead chooses to sprinkle their quirky humour in controlled judicious amounts. (Check out the hilarious interlude Crayons Can Melt on Us for All I Care. My brother and I laughed ourselves silly.)

Five Score and Seven years Ago dispenses copious dollops of adult wisdom and maturity on issues of relationships, honesty, love and God’s redemptive restoration that it impresses with its indubitably worshipful overtones as Relient K’s best project to date. 

CD: Turnaround
by Jonny Lang
Guest Reviewer: Jonathan Lin

I remember Jonny Lang. Appearing on the cover of my uncle’s Rolling Stones magazine; he was then 15 and had topped the Billboard New Artist Chart. An amazing musician, Jonny Lang sang with the emotion and understanding of an old blues master, winning critical acclaim for his hit single Lie to Me. Sadly, fame took its toll on the precocious talent and he succumbed to the pressures of alcohol and drugs.

It was not till four years ago, when Jonny Lang, after a divine encounter, gave his life to God. Since the turnaround, Jonny has not looked back.

Artistically, Turnaround is a brilliant and soul-stirring blend of funk (One Person at a Time), jazz (My Love Remains), pop (Only Man), blues (Bump in the Road) and country (On That Great Day), combined with powerful lyrics that convey Jonny’s testimony. The Joy of his new found salvation is palpable, heartfelt and expressed with such infectious passion that one will not help but dance, bob, and join him in giving praise. Jonny’s throaty, growling voice and burning lead guitar style makes Turnaround, [a recent Grammy Award Winner for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album 2006] hard to pass.

CD: Jesus Is
by Hillsong London
Guest Reviewer: Jas Choe

Alternative Hillsong. The sound isn't as clean as in the regular Hillsong from Sydney. But the lyrics are fresh and speak volumes. I wouldn't say the album in its entirety is particularly ministering. The arrangements don't really project as much heart as the lyrics do.

However, listen intently for the words and catch the heart behind them. Lines like "Shades of grey turn to colour" from It's a New Day cast a fresh imagery of life in Christ. The songs themselves are also written with a refreshing tonality. Tracks Greatest Gift and Only One For Me have pretty unconventional chord structure. Yes, time to download chord sheets.

Bottomline: Catch the heart.

CD: Who You Are
by Desperation Band
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

An awesome praise & worship album which captures the move of God in New Life Church. The Desperation Band is about a representation of a united movement of all the local student ministries in New Life Church.

Tracks like 'Freedom Song' & 'Promises' are so catchy it will leave you singing even after you've turned off your music player! Driven mostly by phat electric guitar effects & the occasional scratching of the turntable, this album is definitely worth buying! Rating 7/10

CD: See The Morning
by Chris Tomlin
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

Definitely Chris Tomlin's best studio album to date. "There's something special about each morning and if you're tuned in properly, you get a sense of renewal." Is the heart of the album.

This album delivers fresh songs of modern worship which are so accessible! It opens with my favourites 'How Can I Keep from Singing' a simple yet passionate anthem of praise and 'Made To Worship'! Chris Tomlin even wrote a chorus for the well-known hymn 'Amazing Grace' for the sound track of a movie. Rating 7/10

CD: Mighty To Save
by Hillsong
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

Hillsong yet again continues to add to their accolade of worship albums with their most recent release 'Mighty To Save'.

This album is one of which has a majority of nice songs. Tracks like 'For Who You Are', 'Mighty To Save' and 'From the Inside Out' are powerful songs which easily connects the listener's heart to God. The song 'More to See' sung only by a group of strong women vocalists really encapsulates that there is more to see in life when we lift up our eyes to the Lord. Rating 8/10

CD: Don't Get Comfortable
by Brandon Heath
Guest Reviewer: Juliana Peh

Brandon Heath is a songwriter's songwriter. His debut album, Don't Get Comfortable, hosts an arsenal of pop-rock tunes that are as smart as they are catchy.

‘Just what the world needs: one more guitar-playing singer/songwriter.’ His simple approach to acoustic contemporary makes his music attractive. “Steady Now,” Heath’s mid-tempo confessional, is the first track to catch your attention. There he sings, “We don’t have to wait until the end of the night / Just to say that something’s wrong and maybe nobody’s right.” The uplifting “Our God Reigns” is a nice foray into praise and worship. One of my favourite track” Don’t Get Comfortable” is a song about the life God calls us to. A life lived with Christ is not an easy one, but one that promises transformation into the very character of Jesus. Change doesn’t come from complacency; it comes from dying to yourself and serving others.

All in all, it is definitely a feel good album.

CD: The Everglow
by MAE
Guest Reviewer: Jonathan Lin

Every now and then, one stumbles upon a hidden gem; hearing The Everglow for the first time I knew I had found one in Mae’s matured songwriting and depth.

To label their latest project a collection of songs is an unfair misnomer. The Everglow tells a fairy tale; charting every believer’s voyage of faith - from our arrogant rise, fall, desperate search for meaning, and finally to our blithe arrival at redemption. The genre straddles emo to melodic rock. Mae’s musicianship is never in doubt as instruments are seamlessly blended into dreamy glistening soundscapes reminiscent of Dream Theater in their early years.

I liked the accompanying CD booklet too. With eidetic watercolour paintings that emanate childhood innocence, it reminded me of how of how helpless and feeble we are without Christ- our everglowing savior.

CD: Cross
by City Harvest
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

This locally produced and recorded album offers it’s listeners with songs from different genres ranging from slow ballads to rock tunes. It has a good mix of fast and slow tracks which are accessible, singable and anointed. “Crossing Over” is a powerful anthem which represents the cry of this new generation, to cross over and touch the nations for Christ! If you are looking to invest in a good worship album then look no further!
 

 

CD: Welcome Home
by Brian Littrell
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

Brian Littrell, one-fifth of the popular boyband Backstreet Boys declares to the world in his first solo project, his faith in Christ. He co-wrote 6 songs on his album and boldly professes in the track “My Answer Is You” that God is the reason and answer for what he does. This artist has communicated his songs in such a powerful and gripping way throughout this album. His 3 year old son Baylee even debuts on the last track titled, “Jesus Loves Me.”
 

 

CD: Unfailing
by Carl Cartee
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

Worship leader Carl Cartee delivers a solid album with a distinct sound & mature lyrics. This album is definitely a refreshing one and can be found at Trumpet Praise. If you are a fan of guitar legend Lincoln Brewster and enjoy acoustic and electric driven sounds then this album would definitely satisfy your ear buds!
 

 

BOOK: Captivating
by John & Stasi Eldredge
Guest Reviewer: Lorraine Chee

"Unveiling the mystery of a woman's soul". This phrase caught my attention, because as a young and emerging woman, I've been finding myself a little bit too mysterious too, so why not start with such a book? Ever wondered if other women felt the same way as you? Ever wondered why you had various longings in your heart of hearts? This book truly unveils various mysteries and shows what it means to truly be a woman, flaws and all.

A must read for every girl, no matter how old, and be prepared to discover this journey of unveiling that beauty within. Guys can read it too, especially if they're wanting to understand what goes on in every woman's mind. This book is kinda like the "sister" book to Wild at heart, by the same author, John Eldredge, so if you've read Wild at Heart, then perhaps you should pick this book up too.

Highly recommended.

 

CD: Letting Go
by Anthony Evans
Guest Reviewer: Juliana Peh

Now, get ready for the thunder because Evans has brought his commanding voice and his joyful expression of passionate faith to the table and in doing so has created something that just might move mountains.

The title track Letting Go (track 4) is thoughtfully packed with love’s reassurance and every song represents transformations of experiences that we face as Christians.
Anthony teaches us what it is to let go of vain attempts of self-sufficiency and instead embrace the fact that God, in good times and through difficult times, will never ever abandon us.

Only 10 tracks and it’s so frustrating because the album is so good. After getting a copy, you’ll quickly find yourself trying to share the wealth with other worshipers. This realease is a wild proclamation of the glory of God and is a definite must have for your worship collection.

 

BOOK: Wild at Heart
by John Eldredge
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

A book for the mature reader who wants to learn what it means to discover his own heart, pursue a woman’s heart and most of all the heart of God. One of my favourite chapters is “A Beauty To Rescue” where the author writes about what it means to pursue the heart of a woman in a Godly manner. A must read for every guy who wants to learn what it means to be a true gentleman.
 

 

CD: Live from Another Level
by Israel & New Breed
Guest Reviewer: Kevin Tay

Looking for another solid worship album to add to your CD collection? Israel offers power packed worship music where the anointing of God is clearly evident from song to song. Catchy and sing-able, this album features well-known tracks like ‘Here I am to Worship’ and ‘Awesome In This Place.’ Disc 2 slows down the tempo and presents tracks which can easily set the atmosphere for your TAWG.
 

 

CD: Worship Volume One: I Stand For You
by Tree63
Guest Reviewer: Michael Teo

By far one of my most favourite worship albums. The recording is packed with so much energy that it makes you feel like you're at a Tree63 concert (possibly because the crowd is mic-ed up really loud).

A few songs from their studio albums were repeated but nonetheless recapture the spirit of the songs with the synergy of both the band and the ecstatic crowd's passion to worship our King. The songs declare a strong message, that Jesus is our treasure (track2), Our King( track 9), that there is No other (track1) and that we'll always stand for You (track 5).

For those who like the Delirious guys, this will be just as drawing. It's an interesting fusion of solid rock and worshipful lyrics that never fail to keep you praising and worshipping!

 

CD: United We Stand
by Hillsong United
Guest Reviewer: Jasmine Choe

Yet another high-energy installment to the UNITED collection! Technically, the band has achieved great precision and has gotten tighter since the last release. Those of you who love the sound of the electric guitar will love this. In a fusion of old-fashioned retro and 21st century rock, the album captures the electrifying atmosphere that the presence of God creates.

Content-wise, instead of taking on a more personal perspective and focusing God's love for you, the listener, many songs in UNITED WE STAND redirect our focus to precisely what our very own IGNYTE ministry stands for- HIS purpose in OUR Generation. (Note track 2: The Time Has Come, and track 11: Revolution.) And for the songs that do relate to our personal lives, they aren’t quite ministering, but they are a declaration of praise for all He’s done in our lives (Note track 3: From the Inside Out)

Also, there are some instrumental segments titled “selah” which give you space to worship along.

Excited yet? Yes this is one of United’s albums in a league of its own.

Be blessed as I have been blessed:)

 

CD: Lifesong
by Casting Crowns
Guest Reviewer: Jonathan Lin

Casting Crowns, helmed by youth pastor Mark Hall, returns after its highly successful self-titled debut album. Unlike other church bands, Casting Crowns, like most would probably already know, chooses not to focus solely on worship music but more on the contemporary side of Christian music.

Musically, Lifesong is average; its pop/rock sound offering nothing new and at times even bordering the formulaic and clichéd.

On the other hand the album shines brilliantly in the lyrical department. Ideas are delivered honestly, and are without doubt poignant. Even though the songs do not fit a central theme, much less the title, it is important to understand that Casting Crown’s work is a ministry and has to deal with a wide range of issues. This, Casting Crowns manages to tackle with much finesse, making Lifesong a worthy sophomore effort.