Category: Favorites

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Guest Blogger Stephen Simpson!

This week, for the review, I asked Stephen Simpson if I could reprint the following review.  He is benwardmusic.com’s first guest blogger!

poythress

“WASH AWAY” (Integrity Music, 2009)
Don Poythress
5 Stars out of 5

The long-awaited major label debut from singer/songwriter Don Poythress arrives in the form of a fresh – and refreshing – praise and worship expression entitled “Wash Away”. Don is known and loved among many of our One-to-One readers as the leader of the annual Gatlinburg Conference worship team; but he is also highly respected among some of the most prominent music artists in America.

Over the past decade, Don has quietly built an exceptional collection of songs – classics that have been recorded by artists such as Clint Black, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr., Travis Tritt, Jaci Velasquez, Sir Cliff Richard,and The Martins (the Dove Award-winning song “The Promise”).

With “Wash Away,” Don presents an exceptional blend of his original songs, along with two much-loved hymns. As a lyricist, Don Poythress has few peers … he has an uncanny knack for presenting timeless truth with an unvarnished biblical perspective that is devoid of clichés or pat answers; these songs are deeply personal, yet can touch something unique in the heart of every listener. Strong and memorable melodies are offered in a Modern Country style, played by some of the best musicians in Nashville.

The worship experience begins with the chiming “Expectation,” which is the perfect invitation to go up together into the presence of God. Don’s leadership and the song selection throughout is a study in how to flow in the Spirit, soaring into “I Will Call Upon Your Name” and then, a thrilling vocal collaboration with Paul Baloche on “Brand New Day” – definitely two of the many songs here that your congregation will want to sing. The poetic, gently flowing “Fill Me Up” makes room for the searingly honest and moving heartcry, “Wash Away.”

The modern hymn “Before the Throne of God Above” is the natural response to the deep repentance and cleansing of “Wash Away,” followed by the peace-imparting “I Will Bless the Lord.” On “The Faithful Love of Jesus,” Don is joined by the incomparable bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs on vocals and mandolin… “I pray you’ll know the love of God, the love that never leaves us, the height the depth, the width the breadth, the faithful love of Jesus.” Just hearing this song is an answer to that prayer.

Don again displays his poetic gift with “Lord of All” which leads into a powerful promise-filled proclamation: “A Thousand Generations”. The simple eloquence of the “Doxology” closes out the time of congregational worship. But Don isn’t finished yet: he offers one of those signature Poythress real-life stories – as only Don can tell them – about “Joseph,” the human father of Jesus. It’s a masterful and moving portrait of the man God chose and tested and used to care for His own Son.

TO SUM UP …

A fresh – and deeply refreshing – collection of songs that flows perfectly in the presence of God. Those who love and seek truth will find this authentic expression a welcome respite from market-driven artiface. Those who enjoy Modern Country music will enjoy the excellence of the singing and musicianship offered. Brilliantly produced, but thankfully not over-produced, by Paul Mills, this is one of the warmest and best-sounding music releases of the year.

Don is the worship leader at Abundant Life Church in Mt. Juliet, TN (Pastor Larry Grainger), along with Jim LaVerde (of Barren Cross) and a stellar team of musicians, singers, and tech support.

“Wash Away” is available in music stores and iTunes June 23, and through:
http://integritymusic.com
http://amazon.com

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A Few Favorite Tunes

This week, instead of reviewing an album, I thought I would give you a few of my favorite tracks currently “in rotation.”

  1. “Where I Belong” Matt Gilman & Cory Asbury, Holy – From the IHOP-KC free album download.  When it first came on, I had to listen to it several times before I could listen to anything else.  Musically, it’s got a great soaring chorus and some nice drum programming.  Lyrically, it’s got such a spirit of joy about “finding the place I belong – Your presence.”
  2. “In Your Atmosphere” John Mayer, Where the Light is – This is from the acoustic portion of his live album.  Moody and profound, it articulates a feeling you know you’ve had: love, friendship, family, somewhere.
  3. “Closer” Matt Gillman, IHOP LE Volume 18 – From a series of best-of compilations from the Prayer Room, this is a highlight in 9(!) that sounds natural and builds from very intimate to grand and sweeping.
  4. “Between the Lines” Sara Bareilles, Little Voice – Ah, the bass line and melody together!  This is just such a beautiful song.  Poetic title and wonderful piano.
  5. “Every Tear” Jon Thurlow, Songs About Jesus – I wrote a review of this album a few months ago and have recently been listening to it a lot again.  This track is just beautiful (that seems to be a theme here) and the truth of Jesus wiping every tear from our eyes is comforting and powerful.
  6. “The Hardest Part” Coldplay, LeftRightLeftRightLeft and X&Y – I had heard this on X&Y and didn’t think much about it, but when I heard it on the new live (& free!) album I flipped.  For the past three weeks I have literally woken up with it running through my head.  The stripped down version with just piano and the singing crowd is awesome.  Coldplay’s melodies and general vibe are so unique and captivating.
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Phil Wickham – Singalong

I wasn’t familiar with Phil Wickham before I downloaded his free release Singalong.  I came upon him because I heard a worship leader using one of his songs and wanted to check out the writer.  When I went to his site, the album was free so I bit.

When I get a new album I try to give it some attention and listen, at least once, all the way through in order.  The way an artist usually intends.  I listened to this as I was about to go to sleep one night with headphones and was moved deeply.

First, I’m a sucker for live albums.  Second, this is just Phil, his guitar, and an audience that seems to know his songs – another plus for me.  Third, the intensity of the worship is profound.  He gets at one of things I strive for when I’m leading…you can just see him standing before the Throne of Grace as the leader of a group of worshipers and just imploring them to give more of themselves to the Object of their worship.  He’s the host as everyone has gathered for an amazing journey.

This is all on a foundation of great songs.  “Beautiful,” “Desire,” and “Divine Romance” are exceptional and have already proven themselves.  What struck me on this album was the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing“:

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

sung by flaming tongues above.

And then…

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

prone to leave the God I love;

here’s my heart, O take and seal it,

seal it for thy courts above.

These lyrics reverberated through me as I listened to Phil and the congregation sing them.  That’s good writing.  That’s great songwriting.

So, go download your copy of Singalong today…it’s free!!

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Jesus Culture – Your Love Never Fails

Your Love Never Fails (CD/DVD and/or MP3 download) 

I was a big fan of the previous Jesus Culture release We Cry Out.  I thought many of the versions of the worship songs were better than the originals.  Bethel has a special atmosphere of worship and their recordings convey it.

What prompted me to buy the download of this album was a conference I went to in April where Kim Walker from Jesus Culture was leading worship.  At first I was skeptical because everyone thinks she is so great (There’s something in me – and I don’t think it’s a good thing – that makes it so hard to jump on the bandwagon…I’m working on it!).  But after a couple of sessions, I was in a new place of worship.  She doesn’t face the congregation when she’s leading in her pursuit of giving all the focus to God.  Chris Quilala was also there playing drums and leading.

Your Love Never Fails, like We Cry Out, features Kim, Chris, and Melissa How alternating the role of worship leader.  The Spirit is strong as they lead us into the presence of the Lord.  The standout is a John Mark and Sarah McMillan song, “Sing My Love.”  Such an intimate yet celebratory expression:

You would not believe
The way He touches me
He burns right through me
I could not forget
Every word He said
He always knew me

 

I highly recommend this album…learn the songs and sing them!

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John Mark McMillan – The Medicine

I first read about John Mark McMillan after I googled the writer of “How He Loves.”  I heard it on the Jesus Culture (Kim Walker) album We Cry Out. It is such a powerful song and even though I’ve never been quite able to get cozy with the “sloppy wet kiss” line, the song still moves me.  There’s no doubt the Spirit is all over it.  I also read his blog and enjoy his views on all sorts of things from songwriting to sleeping in on Easter (not to mention his appreciation of Springsteen, which I’ve been known to share :).

So I was excited to download his newest album, The Medicine, a couple months ago.  If I was going to make a comparison voice/soundwise it would be to Shawn Mullins.  The writing is original and intricate; full of striking imagery and evocative sounds.  The production is intricate and you truly get an album born in the studio with a soundscape of layers that reveal themselves in new ways with each listen.

“Carbon Ribs” exemplifies this with its plucked strings and layers of electric guitars.  There is a definite moodiness to the track as it explores the wonder of being dead but yet alive.

My favorite track, “Dress Us Up,” contains a lyric that took my breath away (literally) when I first heard it.  It begins, “Dress us up in your righteousness/Bring us in with a ring and a kiss/When you walk into the room you know we can’t resist/Every bottle of perfume always ends up on the floor in a mess.”  I don’t think I’ve heard a more original description of what happens when Jesus comes in a room: we have to worship.  If there’s perfume (as with Mary in John 12) the bottles come out and we pour it on His feet.  We give Him the very best of what we have — it’s automatic.  He elicits this kind of response when we see Him for who He really is.

There are many other standouts like “Skeleton Bones” and “Philadelphia,” but I recommend digesting it as a whole album.  Turn off the shuffle and enjoy a well thought-out and imagined work of art.

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Gifts and Kindness

So I’m almost done with the second of Malcolm Gladwell’s books, Blink. I have thoroughly enjoyed this one as well as the first: The Tipping Point. This morning on the train I found myself getting emotional in some passages that aren’t really meant to be emotional. I was trying to figure out what in the world it was that was affecting me and I have a hunch. The passages in question are quoting experts in their field. A military expert, a police expert, a psychological expert, and so on (Blink is about rapid cognition — the two second decisions we make with our unconscious mind). My theory is that people using their gifts to their full potential moves me.

I know that’s kind of odd (I’ve been accused of that before :). But it does. Most people like to see an athlete be the best in the world. We even celebrate the exceptional high school football player that will most assuredly play college ball. But I have this soft spot for all kinds of disciplines: science, medicine, government, and, of course, music. There’s something about seeing a talent, an ability, a gift come to fruition in someone’s life. Proverbs 18:16 says, “A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great.” That’s what I feel happening when I read (or watch, or hear) about people who are using their gifts. Their gift is making a way for them.

Romans talks about the kindness of God and how it leads us to Him. The gifts God gives people are evidence of His kindness and it draws me to Him. How kind is He that he gave me the gift of playing music, of writing songs, of leading His people in worshiping Him? How kind is He?

This is for unbelievers as well. Romans 11:29 declares, “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” Even if someone is far away from Him, he gave them abilities and He does not take them away. This is why I disagree with Christians who say we shouldn’t listen to “secular” music, movies, or other entertainment. God gave the gift and I’m celebrating Him by enjoying it in another person – believer or not!

What is even more amazing is that God set us up to seek out our gifts, to discover our calling. We all want to know what we were created for. You see surveys all the time that illustrate the sky-high percentages of people who are dissatisfied with their job and want to do something else. If only they could make a living from their passion. I believe God put that desire deep down in us so we would seek out our gifts and how to use them. In that process we would discover Him – the Giver of gifts, creator of kindness.

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