Glory Revealed: The Word of God In Worship CD

From the creative, collaborative spirits of Third Day lead vocalist Mac Powell and evangelist David Nasser comes 2007's most unique album, Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship. This diverse project features songs crafted directly from Scripture, lending a tangible, familiar base for the overall worship experience, set to a musical canvas drawn from every corner of the modern acoustic mold, touching on folk, rock, country, bluegrass and more. This ten song release includes performances from David Crowder, Shane & Shane, Michael W. Smith, Mark Hall, Steven Curtis Chapman, and others.

Multi-artist worship projects are certainly not new to this scene, but in Glory Revealed: The Word of God in Worship, producer and contributor Mac Powell (Third Day) accomplishes something both unique and classic in Christian music. It is unique in that it walks away from the pop production elements and aesthetics most modern worship projects rely on and in that the lyrics are lifted straight from the Scriptures-word for word. It is classic in that, stylistically, it is remarkably reminiscent of the earliest contemporary "Jesus music" from the late '60s and early '70s in terms of style and delivery.

Layered vocals, almost exclusively acoustic instruments and sweet, folk-pop melodies recall the best moments of classic bands such as Love Song, The Imperials, Maranatha! and even elements of '70s-era Bill Gaither Trio. With vocals up front and only modest musical interludes, Glory Revealed is a step back in time, but not quite as far back as bluegrass or country territory as passersby might think.

Though billed as "Americana" by the label, in the case of Glory Revealed, we hear pop-folk song arrangements dressed down with acoustic guitars, mandolin, banjo and dobro, but not authentic country or roots music, really. The title track, for instance, utilizes "Americana" instruments (including some transcendent fiddle), but vocalist Candi Pearson-Shelton (Passion Worship Band, Overflow) delivers a straight-ahead pop vocal that would sound fine with a MercyMe or Casting Crowns arrangement. The same is true of Michael W. Smith's "Come Worship the King" and the fist single "By His Wounds," which features former Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell, Casting Crowns' Mark Hall, Steven Curtis Chapman and Powell. That's not to say the songs are not good; they are excellent in fact. It's just that authentic country music goes beyond instrumentation and into arrangements. There's just not enough twang on here to call it country. For some fans that will be good news. Others will wish Powell had taken it a bit farther south.

The sola Scriptura approach is a fabulously effective choice for a project like this. The understated production (Powell knows a good bit about great tone.) allows room for and seems to even encourage the listener to join in once he or she knows the part. All told, this is certainly an excellent collection of new worship songs with classic roots both musically and lyrically.

CCMMagazine.com

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Reviewed by sharon (north carolina), August 25, 2009

Love it! Love it! Love it! I just pray and hope they continue to come out with more of these. Powerful when the Word and music are combined. This isn't just singing about the Word, this IS THE WORD.

Reviewed by Donna Layne (Larkspur, CO), February 02, 2009

This CD is a rare gem with Scripture-based lyrics in easy-to-sing melodies, set in a contemporary root style with bluegrass instrumentation. After hearing "By His Wounds" many times on the radio, it still sounds great, and the rest of the songs are equally inspiring. It's a wonderful collection of songs to help you refocus on Jesus, and to reflect on God's character, especially His faithfulness. Definitely edifying and uplifting!

Reviewed by Dennis Ogden (Hammond, IN), December 15, 2008

This is an excellent CD! I drive a big truck, and many times during my trips I find myself listening to it over and over again - it doesn't go stale! With the lyrics lifted right out of scripture, and the catchy intrumentals, I am often drawn to tears, praising my God. I just ordered 8 copies of it to give to my children. My only complaint is that there aren't more selections on the album!

Reviewed by Jennifer Acuff (Alpharetta, GA), October 22, 2008

Love this CD -- I am learning scripture without the notecards. The only drawback is I have to look at the CD case for the Reference...but it is a small one.

Reviewed by Kathy El Hejjali (Pasadena, TX), May 12, 2008

This album is absolutely awesome and filled with God's peace!!! I bought it for my mom for Mother's Day, and she loves it, too!!

Reviewed by Roslyn Mcallan (Echuca, Victoria, Australia), March 07, 2008

This CD has achieved it's purpose in putting Scripture into songs in a very clear manner. We thoroughly enjoy listening to and singing along with these songs. God's Glory is revealed in His Word and having His Word in song is a great way to imprint that Word on our memories. I often find myself recalling the words and singing them to myself as I go through my day. Very easy listening style of music - I'm sure most people would find this a worthwhile purchase.

Reviewed by Kurt Thurston (Richmond, IN), February 21, 2008

Very good CD. I enjoy listening and singing along. A very good variety of artist and songs. A blessing and encouragement for the Christian believer.

Reviewed by Alicia Mathias (Vonore, TN), February 08, 2008

I love the Word of God put to music. This is a great cd! The combination of artist is perfect. A great cd to listen to in the car to set your mind on things above.

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