Worship Leader - September, 2007

in review
REVIEWS OF THE NEWEST MUSIC FOR CHRISTIANS
worship radar

S AVIOUR KING
H illsong Live
H illsong/Integrity

Anointed andexcellent,Lisa Gungor”’s music isa compilation of p op,gospel and pianoballadry;it”’slikeJewelwithalittleextrasoulandnoneofthewhinytones. Herskilliscertainlyinpenningbeautifulmelodies,buthergiftistheabilityto sing them with an earnest conviction and passion that gives listeners someone tofollowthroughthehighsandlowsofhermusicaljourney. No album is an island; everyone gets a little help. It just so happens that on her debut, Canvas, team Gungor was comprised of the likes of Michael Gungor (hubby), Israel Houghton, Danny Duncan and Mark Townsend, to name a few. For an indie release, that’s a pretty impressive cast of characters. However, don’t kid yourself. They are not the success of the record. Gungor has a passionate alternative-soul and R&B pop sound that simply soars when her pipes, with their unique gentle-and-powerful combination, give them wings to fly. Most of Canvas will come off as more of an artist release than a congregational one, but there are some leaders who will be able to pull a couple of the songs and find them permanent slots on their set list. “Wrap Me in Your Arms” is one such song. You may have heard Michael Gungor’s version of the same tune, but her interpretation takes it to new levels (you can hear it on Song DISCovery 64). Beyond that, special solos, personal worship, and just solid good music is what you will find with Lisa Gungor. Not a bad start for a new artist. Jeremy Armstrong

Lisa Gungor

The lines that divide the main H illsong group and Hillsong United are b lurring with every release. In fact the s ounds are so connected that some of t he main differences can only be found i n production choices. The massive g uitars and incendiary riffs of United-t ype songs are completely available on S aviour King, but they’ve been subdued j ust a bit in the mix. And then with D arlene Zschech on the mic for a g ood portion of the running time, the t one just feels more inviting and accessible for the non-youth in your congregation.

So, enough about the stellar Hillsong musicality; you know you are going to get quality on that front. It’s the songs that heighten the typical Hillsong release. As far as songwriting goes, the crew that comprises the Hillsong creative team are innovators of worship music which is absolutely centered on lifting up the name of Christ. Indeed that is the benchmark of Saviour King; song after song, worship leaders are given music that digs its roots deep into the soil of God’s Word.

The album was recorded live in Sydney, Australia’s largest indoor stadium, and when you hear tunes like the standout “To Know Your Name” with its driving tone, emotive beat and the massive congregation taking the vocal lead, you can almost feel the electricity of the event. And you are invited to join.