Curious to know more about each song – here’s a taster of what you can expect from the album.
1. TO OUR GOD (vocals: Brian Johnson)
Cracking opener. Slow, steady beat with soft and atmospheric sounds. The song doesn’t rush, but slowly builds into a glorious crescendo of praise. The whole band sings: ‘It is great, Glorious, Glorious / Shout His name, Glorious, Glorious.’
2. OUR FATHER (vocals: Jenn Johnson, based on the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13)
Before anyone jumps to conclusions, don’t think Cliff Richards cheesy version of the Lord’s Prayer he called ‘Millennium Prayer’ back in 2000. Think the soothing tones of Katie Mellor which becomes a powerful chant proclaiming God’s Kingdom here on earth: ‘Yours is the Kingdom / Yours is the Power / Yours is the Glory / Forever Amen.’
“It’s unusual to hear songs that stick so closely to these famous words of Jesus. The recording stands out for all the right reasons.” – Sam Hailes, review for Christian.co.uk
3. EVERYTHING TO YOU (spontaneous song, vocals: Jenn Johnson)
This track is laced with gorgeous strings (violin and cello), luscious acoustic riffs and powerful spontaneous lyrics by Jenn Johnson. The beautiful combination makes the hairs on your forearm stand on end, definitely my favourite track from the album.
4. THIS IS AMAZING GRACE (vocals: Jeremy Riddle)
As the title suggest, this song talks about grace – but in the usual way. It speaks of what grace has done for us, here are some of the lyrics from the chorus: ‘This is amazing grace / This is unfailing love / That you would take my place / That you would bare my cross.’ If there is something worth singing about, it’s God’s grace!
5. YOU HAVE WON ME (vocals: Brian Johnson)
A strong beat drives this song towards a powerful and bright guitar riff, if you have an electric guitarist in your church give him this track to learn. The riff lifts the worship to a higher place. This track was taken from The Loft Sessions, a previous Bethel Church album.
6. I REALLY LOVE YOU (spontaneous song, vocals: Brian & Jenn Johnson)
This song remains you that this is a live recording. This spontaneous song only happened once! Listening to this track feels like a wave of God’s spirit washes over you, it sends you into the centre of a worshipful state.
7. WHO YOU ARE (Jenn Johnson)
Hymn-like structure and sound, this song is both meaningful and majestic.
8. FORGIVEN (vocals: Brian Johnson)
Probably the most worshipful song on the album, and the one most likely to seep into church worship. Simple, slow chorus with a steady beat make ‘Forgiven’ easy to play and easy to learn, while the lyrics : ‘I am Forgiven, at the foot of the cross/ I am Accepted, by the power of your love / Every mistake is washed away, I am Forgiven.’
9. IN YOUR LIGHT (vocals: Jeremy Riddle)
An excellent track which had the crowd clapping on the CD. Upbeat and cheery, ‘In Your Light’ is soaked in joy and energy that is very infectious: ‘You’ve turned my tears and sadness / Into such joy and gladness / My heart can’t keep it in I’m shouting, shouting.’
10. FREDOM (vocals: William Matthews)
A musical break in the middle of ‘Freedom’ kicks in the songs catchy chorus. It takes the album 7 tracks to get to the dancey numbers, but then you get 3 crackers!
11. CLOSER (vocals: Steffany Frizzell-Gretzinger)
Descriptive and poetic, this atmospheric song sooths and feeds the soul. It’s the kind of song that invites you to close the curtains, light a scented candle, slip in your slippers and sink into the sofa. Steffeny’s vocals really add a fresh dynamic to the album.
12. THIS IS WHAT YOU DO (vocals: William Matthews)
Another favourite of mine, this song makes your head nod and your foot tap. With some great harmonies and driving drums the song seems to take off with into the heavens and sore to new heights with some catchy lyrics that speak what our hearts say about living our faith: This is what you do, this is what you do / You make me come alive.’
13. FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD (vocals: Brian Johnson)
The title track is a slow-burning, atmospheric, 7 minute track which builds and builds into an explosion of worship. You rarely see an album with its most powerful, catchy tune at the very end, but it works wonders for the live worship experience. The final track is last song of the evening, and Bethel Church decided to save their very best till last: ‘For the sake of the world, burn like a fire in me / Light a flame in my soul, for every eye to see.’