LEGACY
By Amy Grant
Word Records
ISBN 40362 1124115
AMAZING
By Parachute Band
Fierce! Distribution
ISBN 9421010840027
Two reviews for the price of one. This is the short version: two editions of contemporary worship music, both good.
Amy Grant's latest is a collection of old and new songs and hymns. Classics like 'Fairest Lord Jesus' and 'Come Thou fount of every blessing' receive the country-cum-folksy-cum-gospel treatment comparable with the output of popular artists like Eva Cassidy and the soundtrack to the recent film O Brother, where art thou? The result has a similar appeal. But enough comparisons.
The thing which makes this worthy of a listen is the way in which it has captured the heaven-bound optimism of so many of these hymns. What could be more encouraging than a joyful reminder of the life to come? Musically, the album is accomplished and pleasing; spiritually the perspective is fantastically edifying. Have I enthused enough?
The Parachute Band typifies a more contemporary trend in worship music. The perspective of the ten original songs is relational rather than doctrinal. A number of themes pervade, from marvelling at the greatness of God to more devotional, personal expressions. The strongest tracks are the more upbeat numbers, such as 'All the earth' and 'All my life', which avoid the tendency towards bland middle-of-the-road inertia found on some of the slower tracks. The lyrics are both challenging and encouraging, although perhaps not as sing-out-loud affirming as those on the Amy Grant. Still, it can't be faulted for being enjoyable and uplifting. Savage Gardens fans listen and enjoy!
