Music Reviews

THE PORTER’S GATE - Neighbor Songs (Integrity Music)

/ THE SURPRISING AND moving musical experiment that is The Porter's Gate returns for their second project, 'Neighbor Songs'.

While many musicians diligently mine inspiration from their tumultuous dating lives, the 13-song album was created out of a unique gathering in January 2019 that paired theologians and songwriters who together went deep into the Scriptures for lyrics. The result is a meditation on the call to love our neighbours as ourselves.

"We had a lot of beautiful, surprising moments of really coming up with things that could not have been written any other way except having that group of people in the room," Isaac Wardell, orchestrator of The Porter’s Gate shared on their website.

What strikes me is the reverance and seriousness the writers approached the Sacred Texts, something that can be lost or obscured in an age of Bible apps and Instagram scripture posts. And the theme pairs well with their folk/ singer/songwriter sound; sublime, easy listening with piano, guitar and choirs that sound raw and warm, like you're in a small country church. “Love Will Never Fail” is moving and catchy, almost reminiscent of a 60’s Beatle’s song as smoky lead vocal Leslie Jordan is supported by a joyful choir.

Elsewhere, 'Daughters of Zion' is a heartbreakingly beautiful lament for women who have been silenced or overlooked in the church.

If you're looking for something meaty for your soul, 'Neighbor Songs' is a year of theological studies packed into 41 minutes, 56 seconds.

AWAKE - Hillsong Worship (Capitol CMG)

/ THE EVOCATIVE AND wildly popular music of Hillsong Worship has thrust praise and worship onto the Top 40 charts and swept through churches across North America.

The reason is simple, the music is big and beautiful with soaring anthems and top-notch production values.

Throughout HIllsong's latest offering, worship takes the spotlight and its vital function in the Christian life to overcome trials and receive fresh anointing. As they sing on ‘Awake My Soul’, “And when we pray/where stood a wall now stands a way.” However, praise for our Creator is presented as a faucet we either choose to fling open or clamp shut, either unleash or stifle. On ‘Come Alive,’ “Are you waiting on Heaven/or is it waiting on you?”

With such a large roster of musicians that make up Hillsong Worship there’s always a rich variety of voices here, each lead bringing a different style and flavor which keeps the 12 track album fresh and exciting. And while the album starts off with the high octane hits, softer slow-burning tracks fill out the middle and latter half.

Hillsong has become one of the most well-known songwriters and worship leaders in the world, and it’s no wonder, the talent and giftings on display here are awe inspiring. Need to open a window into Heaven in your home or on your commute? Fire up Awake.

JESUS IS KING - Kayne West (UMG Recordings)

/ I HAVE TO admit, I had let Kanye West drop off my radar years ago. While I could appreciate his artistry and passion, to me his ego was a turnoff.

However, when I saw his enthralling interview on Netflix with Dave Letterman I was taken with his deep musings and sincere desire to grapple with the issues of our current culture.

Then when it was announced he was working on a Gospel album, even though I wasn’t a big fan of rap, I knew I had to check it out.

What I was immediately struck with was how explicit West’s declaration of faith is. It’s almost embarrassing how urgent West’s witness is, when compared to my own. a stand of faith in the secular world it’s hard not to admire the risk he’s taking and the pressure he must be under.

Musically, the album is surprisingly uplifting and emotional. Stand out track, ‘Closed On Sunday’ West sings about the painful reception from Christians, “To sing of change, you think I’m joking/To praise His name, you ask what I’m smoking/Yes, I understand your reluctancy… But I have a request… Don’t throw me up, lay your hands on me/Please, pray for me.” Even if rap isn’t your music of choice, give ‘Selah,’ ‘Closed On Sunday,’ and ‘Use This Gospel’ a listen; powerful and beautiful tracks by a talented musician seeking God with all he’s got. And isn’t that all any of us can do?

/ STEVEN SUKKAU works in radio on the prairies of Southern Manitoba.