Most people probably still remember Charles Billingsley as a one-time lead singer with Newsong, though he's generated six solo albums after that artistic stay. In the three years since the release of 2000's
When it came time to prepare a new album, the inspirational vocalist contacted his longtime friend and producer Don Koch (4Him, Newsong). Accompanied by co-writer Brian White, the three
wrote half of the new album at a three-day youth event in
Oklaholma. The album birthed from that writing process,
Which is not to say there aren't some stirring songs to be found on this disc. "The Altar" is a pretty and smartly conceived ballad that is based on the point that God doesn't need worship, but we do need to worship him. Another highlight is the sweet ballad, "The Beginning of You," which offers a glimpse of God's bottomless well of blessings and love. "More of You" is a familiar sounding, soulful ballad that is powerful and effective, with some stunning moments between Charles and the gospel choir. My favorite, however, is the sweeping piano and strings ballad, "In the Room," a perfect epilogue to a worship album that summarizes the humble and grateful feelings of a worship leader after an effective concert/service: "So many stories and no one knows but You/The silent prayers answered tonight in these pews/And I don't understand how You do what You do/I'm just glad I was in the room."
Aside from those tracks, though,
Some of the worship songs use the standard worship clichés that focus more on our response to worship rather than God's greatness. The energetic pop of "Your Love for Me" is one such example: "Lord, I'm in awe of Your majesty/Lord, I get lost in Your love for me." Another is the R&B flavored "Psalm 71," similar in sound to Russ Lee or Newsong with gospel vocals arranged by Nee-C Walls (Anointed): "Jesus, I love You/Jesus, I praise You/My savior, my king/Jesus, I worship You/Jesus, forever my heart will proclaim/Rock of all ages, Your love never changes/Honor and glory we bring/We lift the name, we lift the name of Jesus."
Then there's the disc's one cover song, a dance pop rendition of Andy Park's "In the Secret (I Want to Know You)." The press materials suggest that this is "sure to be a live worship
favorite"—indeed, it has been since 1995, appearing on numerous
other worship recordings. Charles claims that the song was first
performed by Freddie Colloca. While I can't refute that with
certainty, it almost certainly first appeared on a Vineyard
Albums really don't get much more predictable than this. You've heard virtually the same thing from artists such as Steve Green, Clay Crosse, Greg Long, 4Him, Newsong, Allen Asbury, Larnelle
Harris, Russ Lee, and Jonathan Pierce to name just a few—
essentially, anything that Don Koch has ever produced. There's
nothing remotely unique or creative about this music other than
the qualities to Charles Billingsley's voice. This is beside the
point. We're talking about what is in essence Southern gospel set to
pop music. It's not so much art as it is ministry that uses music
as a tool. The truth is, there are some people who are looking for unoriginality—the same words of inspiration set to familiar pop sounds. If you consistently enjoy the music of the aforementioned artists, chances are excellent that you'll like