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REVIEW - I Belong |
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Written by Editor
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“Northern Ireland's Kathryn Scott is well-known for her stellar writing and passionate vocals on the album Hungry (200,000 units sold). Now in her first studio release, Kathryn builds on these successes with a fresh offering of songs that flow from the deep river of worship in her heart. Powered by her rich voice and honest presentation, I Belong offers eleven original worship songs that cut through life's complexities, expressing the wonderful truths of her faith and love for God. With musical styles reminiscent of Sara Groves and Norah Jones, the spirit of the music is all Kathryn Scott, pointing worshipers to the one, true, living God.” – WorshipMusic.com
This is an AMAZING CD. I had the extreme pleasure of hearing many of these songs prior to this release when Kathryn and her family were visiting with us at Vineyard Anaheim. I remember her playing I Belong and just melting into the Lord’s arms. Everything Changes has become a staple at our church, as I’m sure many more of these WORSHIP songs will be in the not to distant future.
Having been a listener to, worshipper with and occasionally playing for . . . I can confidently and honestly say that Kathryn is the finest worship leader around today. Her love for Jesus translates through her songs as she truly leads us into the presence of the Lord.
BUY THIS CD!!!!
Available at WorshipMusic.com
Kathryn Scott is the voice and writer of the modern classic song
"Hungry". After a 2003 debut album ("Satisfy"), Kathryn has now come
out with her first studio entitled "I Belong". With this new release
comes a deep message of God's love and our identity in Him delivered in
a crystal clear audio experience of music and lyrics. Even after
listening to this CD about 20 times, I am more captivated each time
through this beautiful project. The album runs along two paradoxical
axis- music and lyric content.
Musically, the album starts at the top of the perfectly layered
radio playable sound prevalent in many modern worship recordings.
Bristling acoustic guitar strokes, wistfully layered electric guitars
with melody and low end power chords, simple drum rhythms and bass
lines. As the album progresses, the arrangements gently slope into a
simpler, pensive sound that ends with everything stripped away- leaving
some songs that rest perfectly in just piano and voice. Along the way
we encounter interlaced strings, upright bass, mandolin and solo cello
contributions. Each part is well placed, and the whole album has that
synchronicity of perfect sound and space that musos would say "it just
breathes".
Thematically, the album is a beautiful representation that flows
from declaration of God's works and power ("Everything Changes", "Thank
you For the Cross", and "You Gave Your Live Away") to His identity
("Only True God" & "What a Friend") and our identity in Him and His
love ("I Belong", "Grace Has Called My Name", and "Love Rescued Me").
Songs of praise ("How Could I Ever Say Thank You") and prayer ("Will
Justice Rain") are perfectly integrated. The themes on this recording
will bring you in ebbs and flows into a clear revelation of God's love
and our enviable position of favor in His eyes. Frankly speaking, I
also appreciate, on this album, the avoidance of so many overly-clever
lyric attempts that seem to be cropping up on other worship albums-void
attempts to grab a tired audience of worshipers. This mature
songwriting keeps Kathryn in the echelon of writers who maintain a
strong connection with scriptural renderings of ancient truths.
As theme and arrangements intersect, I find this recording a
perfect oasis in the desert of so many over-produced, over-thought, and
over-hyped albums hoping to provide a drink of the songs of heaven to
parched-weary worshipers. If you are just thirsty for drinking in great
truth about God, while raising your heart in thanks and contrite
declaration of His grace, you will really love this album. With music
accessible for literally every age group, but beautiful enough to have
several cuts on radio ("Everything Changes", "No Turning Back", and
"Thank You For The Cross"), this project deserves time spinning in your
car or stereo.
More than anything be sure to make it to the last three songs on
this recording. Here you will find a thundering soul in pensive
perfection (with a Ginny Owens-esque lilt) singing my favorite song on
the album "Grace Has Called My Name". This is followed by a clarion
call of gut wrenching prayer put to song- "Will Justice Reign" paints
the honest picture of our choice we have to reach out to a broken world
with Christlikeness lived through us. Wrapping up the album is a
partial re-write of that 19th century hymn "What A Friend" (We have in
Jesus). Keeping the original verses, Kathryn adds a singable hook for a
sparkling new chorus.
What else can I say? I absolutely loved this album, and I think you will too! Enough said.
Blessings
Kim Gentes
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Tips & Hints |
Managing your Worship Team
One of the most time consuming aspects of being a worship leader is managing your team. Specifically I'm talking about the administrative tasks such as scheduling, communication, introducing new songs, making sure everyone has lead sheets, etc.
Well, we have found a nice online service that we greatly help reduce the time you spend on managing your team, while increasing your effectiveness.
Check out www.WorshipTeam.com.
This is not a paid endorsement, in fact, it's not an official endorsement either. We just wanted to make you aware of something that may assist you in your ministry.
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