It looks like I’m doing something right, because Phil emailed me again, asking me to participate in rating the newest Song DISCovery submissions. (The criteria can be found here.) He said my position in the church as Worship Leader and my thorough feedback and attention to detail are the attractive pieces that move me near the top of the list for this kind of thing. All I know is that I crave feedback, and think everyone wins when people are looking out for their best interests, whether insane encouragement for a song well written and produced, or a sharp criticism of something that may be disastrous. Golden rule stuff.
See my personal notes (that don’t get submitted along with the ratings below… I’ll follow-up with the inclusions on this disc. We’ll see how closely the other participants’ ratings matched mine.
Open Hands – Matt Papa – 4*
Incredible message. Very timely for me, personally, and our church, corporately. Melodically difficult to grasp. Good rhythmic stuff, good recording. Also, range-y – too high for congregational singing in original key.
There is None like You – Robin Mark and Johnny Parks – 3*
It is singable and has a good message. I’d consider developing more aspects of God besides friend. The attributes you detail lend themselves to much more than friend. In this song, to limit God’s relationship to us to simple friend doesn’t go nearly far enough.
Glory Come – Mia Fields – 2*
This song belongs on an artist’s album as it is really good, lyrically and melodically. Unfortunately, congregational songs are what Song DISCovery is about and this song doesn’t lend itself to congregational singing. The words are too storyteller and belong with one voice.
“Savior, you are here” sounds like an overdub on this recording.
Jesus Saves – Tim Hughes and Nick Herbert – 1*
Nothing about this song screams memorable to me. It seems a little put-on. Like the authors wanted to use the words “Jesus Saves” so they could use a picture of a church sign, or a cardboard sign on a telephone pole on their powerpoint. Great recording, of course. I really expect more sincerity from Tim Hughes. Sadly, this song didn’t deliver.
Everlasting – David Thomas Lachance – 1*
Verse 1 is awkward, uses archaic language. No one speaks that way anymore. Phrases like that have been relegated to the hymnals and for good reason. I think we’d do well to endure them to get to the best songs of our history but step into the current world, where people relate to something different and write that way.
If you “behold beauty but can’t contain it,” follow through by describing the emotional explosion. Otherwise, I feel a little betrayed by your words… like you’re reaching for an emotional response.
“The Door “ – Leeland – 5*
Very singable, but range-y – to be expected of Leeland. Great lyrics. Congregationally accessible. Memorable.
Ascend to Heaven – Fike & Dana – 1*
I feel like the chorus was thrown together, the language is archaic. I’m not quite sure about Lamb of God whom foretold, grammatically. The song is pretty enough, but there’s no real hook that grabs me.
Great Are You Lord – PCD – 3*
The prose is the same old. I’m a sucker for PCD, but their performance only boosts their rating a little. It’s easily singable. “Is it any wonder?” I don’t know where they’re going with that. The thought should be expanded to a conclusion of some sort, but it isn’t.
A Mighty Fortress – Christy Nockels – 1*
Simple, tired prose. Nice music, but going nowhere. Filler.
New Day – Andy Park – 3*
Regular. Filler. No spark. No hook. Sounds like a bunch of words thrown together.
His Own – Chris Crow/Victory Church Student Ministries Band – 4*
The lyrics follow their themes all the way through, telling a beautiful story. The chords are not crazy difficult, but interesting. Vocal range is great for congregational singing. I’d substitute “when all I have of mine” or “when all that I call mine (is).” The bridge just lets loose the thanksgiving from understanding the verses. Well done.
God is Moving – Jon Abel – 3*
The music is great, and could be translated into a congregational setting in a variety of ways. The lyrical flow of the verses is awkward. Phrasing on “always will” is awful.
O Lamb of God – Tony Guerrero – 5*
Volume seems so much lower than all the other tracks. Wonderful phrasing! What a great new hymn. It drives well enough and has such deep words that communicate the story so well. This would resonate with multiple generations at once. Great song.
To the King – Travis Cotrell – 3*
Not for congregational singing, necessarily, but perhaps to begin a musical or something. Certainly well produced. There are just a couple awkward spots.
I Stand Amazed – Scott Primeau – 4*
Great storytelling. Very personal. Good rhythmic structure.
Holy – Aaron Sternke – 2*
Some great potential, but too awkward vocally. The rhythm is foreign and some of the words seem forced, like the first “God, holy.”
Without You – Glenn Packiam – 4*
Nice song in 6/8. Good storytelling, thoughts complete. Well put Chorus. Great bridge, lyrically. I like the repeat also.
Nothing Can Separate Us – Dave Hunt – 4*
Guitar too piercing at beginning. Some of the words move too fast, but there is so much other good stuff in the song, it is hard to be overly critical of the minor stuff. I’d put more emphasis on the “in Jesus” @ the first line of the Chorus – giving each word more time.
I Believe – Gary Keane – 5*
Cool ideas. I can see the appeal for many churches. Again, great storytelling. Complete thoughts… always a plus.
Tags: Listening Board, Song DISCovery
