Jeremy Camp - We Cry Out

Artist- Jeremy Camp


Album- We Cry Out: The Worship Project

Label- BEC Recordings

Street date- August 24, 2010

Album length- 11 tracks: 50 minutes, 10 seconds

Genre- Rock

IPod pick- Jesus Saves



Jeremy Camp’s second worship project sounds indeed like something already heard. My opinion, Strictly mine. But don’t blame me. I’m a big fan of Camp. I have followed him since his debut ‘stay’. The thing about his music is that he’s got a signature sound. He‘s rock is so distinguished and flavoured. You would know it if it’s being played on radio without his name being mentioned. This uniqueness has amassed so much fans for Jeremy camp and even Christian contemporary music over the years.

The first thing that made me roll my eyes on ‘We Cry Out’ was seeing ‘Mighty to Save’ on the track list. Please this same song has been recorded by more than 20 artistes (after 2006 when Hillsong first recorded the song). And guess what, Jeremy sings it as plain and normally arranged as it comes. Popular worship songs (which you would be familiar with if you frequent the worship music shelf) like ‘Never Let Go’ and ‘Everlasting God’ also surface on the album. There are a couple of outstanding tracks on the album though. ‘Not Ashamed’ (which I think is the strongest track on the album lyrically and musically) and ‘Jesus Saves’ are radio ready tracks with easy to learn lyrics that you would soon want to learn.

The album closes with ‘Unrestrained’ and ‘King Jesus’, beautiful songs that talks about surrender to our Lord and Saviour. Long time fans of Jeremy Camp and Worship Music wouldn’t mind picking the new Jeremy Camp’s Worship Project to add to their archives. It would help if new fans taste the Jeremy Camp’s flavor on albums like ‘Restored’ or ‘Beyond Measure’ before visiting this one.

ADIE - JUST YOU AND ME

Artist- Adie

Album- Just You and Me

Label- BEC Recordings

Street date- March 9, 2010

Album length- 10 Tracks: 43 minutes, 3 seconds

Genre- Pop/ Praise and Worship

IPod pick- Oh You Bring

Adie is Mrs. Camp. Yes, wife of popular CCM artiste Jeremy Camp. She’s African, specifically South African (I think I like that...). She’s also former front lead singer of popular Christian rock band ‘The Benjamin Gate’. Note, this isn’t twenty- eight years old Adie’s first Solo effort. This is her second release. After a tragic miscarriage, Adie brings to the table 10 songs of deep reflection on whom our God is. The result is what some could turn off easily without a steady and careful listen.

The strength of this album is in its consistency. Yes, it’s consistent musical style. The soft worship tunes seems to blend into one another. The song pace aren’t that much different and it works well for this album. The lyrics reflect a sense of deep communion (‘Beautiful Lord’, ‘Oh You Bring’, and ‘Only You’). Amazing guitar riffs on ‘Beautiful Lord’ would make you wonder out loud who played the guitar on that track. Adie’s cover of ‘Soon’ is breathtaking. ‘Love come down’ sounds very ‘anthemic’. It would make a beautiful church worship song. Adie also covers ‘Oh You Bring’ (formerly covered on the Hillsong United’s ‘Tear Down the Walls’ project), ‘Only You’ (formerly covered by the David Crowder band on their ‘illuminate’ album) and ‘All I Need Is You’ (formerly also covered by Hillsong United on their ‘Look to You’ Project).

Though Adie’s sophomore’s project deviates a bit from her pop driven debut (‘Don’t wait’). It’s still bold and strong and worth the listen. Fans of artiste like Darlene Zschech (especially her ‘Change Your World’ project), Sheila Walsh and Mariam Webster would love to have this album. ‘Just You and Me’ would be a worship experience, just you and the Lord and that’s Fo’sho.

JASON ALLEN RICH - A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

Artist- Jason Allen Rich
Album- A Beautiful Life
Label- SVR
Street date- April 07, 2009.
Album length- 6 tracks. 22.7 minutes.
Genre- Pop rock /Worship
IPod Pick- Taste and see


Season 7 American idols' contestant, Jason rich, doesn’t just have a knack to produce strong and firm vocals of the likes of David Cook and Jeremy camp but also knows how to lead us into the courts of God in worshipful moments.
This 6 tracked EP is a must listen. With songs declaring gratitude and praise to our God ( ‘a million angels’ and ‘ lamb of glory’ ) and songs reaffirming the faithfulness of our God(‘taste and see’) reminding us he will never leave or forsake us and that he has gone to prepare a place for us beyond(‘Take us away’). For soft rock lovers and worship moments that would take you away Jason allen rich’s debut is the beautiful option.