Picture
Tracks

1) Song Of The Angels 4:02

2) Greater 5:07

3) Worship Rises 5:20

I won a copy of this EP through the Canadian Bible Society's Facebook page, but I'd actually been following Joshua Seller on Twitter before that. The former Canadian Idol contestant is part of Worship Rises, a Canadian worship project? movement? (http://worshiprises.ca/) and leads worship at Harvest Bible Chapel in Oakville, Ontario. He also co-wrote its theme song. I follow Worship Rises because I like worship music (okay, I'm a junkie! lol).

"Song Of The Angels" (CGMA's Scripture Song of the Year award winner for 2009) is derived from Rev. 4:8 and 4:11. It starts off quietly and gets more powerful by the chorus. Next, it's "Greater", my favorite song of the 3, which reminds us of several things; God is greater than anything we're going through, will always be there for us, and is so much stronger than we are. I get chills at this one. It's the perfect anthem for anyone who's facing giants, a cry of defiance if you will. The last song, the aforementioned "Worship Rises", dedicates the worshippers' lives to God in the process of singing. It's a beautiful slow tempo song that builds at the bridge.

If you like his music, he's working on a full-length album now. Stay tuned!

Listen to the 1st two songs here: http://www.myspace.com/joshuaseller

Watch a video of Joshua performing "Worship Rises" here: http://vimeo.com/7136657

 
Picture
This is the first album I’ve ever reviewed by request of the artist. Not the first request, but hopefully not the last. I’d like to thank Rhett Canipe for asking me to do this.

 

The album starts off with “My Bravery”. A stirring celebration of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, featuring a chorus of whoas or ohs or whatever they’re saying. Unless you’re of the crowd that wishes the audience would either learn the words or shut up, it shouldn’t phase you. Didn’t bother me.

 

“The Invitation” calls all people to come to Christ, and this is where he sounds a little like Mike from Tenth Avenue North during the chorus. In “Breathe”, Rhett expresses a need to get closer to God. Probably the song with the most potential to be covered.

 

“Vessel” starts off with a cowboy hot desert sun twang which seems to contrast with the sea metaphors running through the song. A little contrast can be a good thing, however, because it gets your attention.

 

The longest song on this EP, “Hold Me Now”, at 6:37, features the voice of Audrey Assad, who seems to be everywhere these days. A piano-driven track that lasts longer than its lyrics would lead you to believe, it’s a nice way to end an album. Pulled back and forth like sweet taffy (a good thing, I assure you).

 

With a mixture of the expected and the surprising, Rhett Canipe’s EP leaves me in a paradox. I want more, but yet it’s just enough. Enjoy!

    Laura Cynthia Chambers

     

    Archives

    May 2013
    May 2012
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010