You've probably seen the commercial, joyful congregations singing their praises while the announcer talks about Time Life Music's Songs 4 Worship. If you're a Christian who likes contemporary Christian music, you were probably interested and entertained. If you're like me, you might have said to yourself, or even out loud, "I ought to get that!"

I had said "I ought to get that" out loud about a dozen times over the last few months, most recently when my kids were out of school for spring break and I had taken a couple days off from work. Son One, who likes to get right down to business, wrote down the toll-free number and handed it to me, with the telephone. Before I could say anything he had gone into my room and retrieved my purse, giving it to me saying, "Your Visa is in here, right?"

Are you surprised that I bought it?!

Songs 4 Worship - SHOUT TO THE LORD

It turns out that Songs 4 Worship is a series of music collections from Time Life Music. Songs 4 Worship - SHOUT TO THE LORD is the first in the series, a two CD collection of contemporary Christian praise and worship music from a variety of artists. I would classify them into three distinct styles, traditional, get-down gospel, and contemporary Christian rock. Listed below you'll find the three categories with a list of the songs and artists in each, and my overall feelings about each. Note that "traditional" does not mean hymn-like in all cases.

Traditional

Praise The Name Of Jesus (Performed by Kent Henry, music and lyrics by Roy Hicks, Jr.) is very contemporary but feels much like a traditional protestant hymn. It's one I will skip when I record this CD for use in my car.

Give Thanks (Performed by Don Moen, music and lyrics by Henry Smith) is slow and traditional, another song that sticks itself in my brain and stays there if I'm not careful. This is one of those rare songs that makes me think, at least for a moment, that I was meant to sing. (It is supposed to be a joyful noise, right?) I love the chorus:

And now let the weak say
I am strong
Let the poor say
I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us

He Is Exalted (Performed, music and lyrics by Twila Paris) is pure praise, soft and strong. It's a favorite.

I Exalt Thee (Performed, music and lyrics by Pete Sanchez, Jr.) could easily be a modern arrangement of a traditional hymn, a simple song of praise. It's lovely and I can't help singing along.

There Is A Redeemer (Performed, music and lyrics by Keith Green) is one I don't care for much. It has a whiney sound.

Majesty (Performed by Ron Kenoly, music and lyrics by Jack Hayford) is another one I could do without - more formal sounding than rock or pop sounding.

All Hail King Jesus (Performed by Kent Henry, music and lyrics by David Moody) completes the list of traditional songs. I don't like this one - it has a performance feeling to it - not something a congregation would sing in praise, rather something a small praise ensemble would perform.

Get-Down Gospel

Celebrate Jesus (Performed by Charlie LeBlanc, music and lyrics by Gary Oliver) is a spirited call to worship, one of my favorites. It's the perfect song to start this collection.

This Is The Day (Performed by Ed Gungor, music and lyrics by Rick Shelton and Les Garrett) is fast and catchy; I often find myself humming this one long after listening to it!

What A Mighty God We Serve (Performed by Don Moen, author unknown) is a down home, old-fashioned gospel song, the type kids learn in vacation bible school each summer.

Shine, Jesus, Shine (Performed, music and lyrics by Graham Kendrick) is one of the best in this collection. It starts with a traditional, choral sound then progresses to a rousing, spiritual song of joyous praise.

Mighty Is Our God (Performed by J. Daniel Smith, music and lyrics by Eugene Greco, Gerrit Gustafson and Don Moen) is another toe-tapping, finger snapping gospel song.

Contemporary Christian (Pop/Rock)

I Will Celebrate (Performed by Paul and Rita Baloche, music and lyrics by Rita Baloche) is another favorite with a tradtional feel but contemporary music.

Blessed Be The Lord God Almighty (Performed by David Butterbaugh, music and lyrics by Bob Fitts) is classic contemporary Christian worship music, sung in almost every contemporary church I've attended.

Lord, I Lift Your Name On High (Performed by The Maranatha Singers, music and lyrics by Rick Founds) is my favorite in this collection, with a soft, harmonic sound that is both gentle and powerful.

Shout To The Lord (Performed, music and lyrics by Darlene Zschech) is the title song for this collection and it's a great one. It is a powerfull praise song full of spirit and awe.

I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever (Performed by Delirious?, music and lyrics by Martin Smith) is a nice, pop/rock song that sounds strong but ends with a repititious chorus.

Thy Word (Performed by Amy Grant, music and lyrics by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith) is one of my least favorites. It has an operatic quality, not in the music but in the lyrics and phrasing.

Awesome God (Performed, music and lyrics by Rich Mullins) is a pure praise song, harmonic and powerful.

My Life Is In You, Lord (Performed by Joseph Garlington, music and lyrics by Daniel Gardner) could also be classified as "get-down gospel" - it's powerful with a fast tempo, fast but simple lyrics.

He Has Made Me Glad (performed by The Maranatha Singers, music and lyrics by Leona Von Brethorst) is a pleasant song with simple lyrics and a repeating chorus. The Maranatha Singers have a wonderful sound and this song highlights it well.

I Will Call Upon The Lord (Performed by Kent Henry, music and lyrics by Michael O'Shields) is one of those compelling worship songs you might have heard on the commercial. It's also one almost every contemporary church I've attended has used.

Recommendation of Kate & Family

If you like contemporary Christian music, this is a good collection. If you're like me and aren't familiar with popular artists, this collection can be a great starting point. That's what it is for us - I know I want to investigate a few of these artists more closely, perhaps adding more Christian music to my music collection.

If you're not Christian, this is most likely not the music for you. If you don't like contemporary music, this is most likely not the music for you.

My family and I enjoyed it enough that we'll probably get the next CD in the series, although I doubt we will buy any beyond that.



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving