Generically advertised as "12 Worship Songs of Hope," Maranatha's
The most notable exception to this is the title track, a popular modern worship song by David Ruis written 12 years ago, here performed by Tammy Trent. While there is no shortage of well-
known worship songs performed by popular Christian artists these
days, Tammy's dance pop rendition is interesting and inspiring
without dramatically altering a beloved favorite beyond
recognition. Another oldie, though far less known, is Chris
Tomlin's own "You Are My Treasure," which was written before his
two solo albums and collaborations on the
Of the new tracks, "Nothing Changes You" is particularly noteworthy as a song written and performed by the increasingly reclusive Cindy Morgan. As expected from this talented songstress, Cindy has a poetic way with words of praise, enough to make me thirst for an entire album of pop worship songs from her: "So prone to wander, foolish heart/Sometimes we walk away too far/And find we're lost on some distant shore/Turn around and there You are/With Your arms open wide." Vocalist Natalie Grant does not sing on this album, but she did co-write "Arms of Praise," a pretty ballad of surrender and obedience featuring Lauren Evans on lead vocal, backed by The Saddleback Church Singers (including worship leader Rich Muchow).
Other highlights include Shirley Bunnell's "To Please You," a simply beautiful piano-based invocation to prepare people for worship. Scott Faircloff's plaintive ballad, "Move Me Again," is as good as any you'll hear out of Vineyard, and Adam Watts's own "I Will Follow" has the same kind of pop/rock drive as "Come Now Is the Time to Worship." Not to be confused with the similarly titled classic hymn, "Stand Up for Jesus" is performed by Sarah Kelly with the same rootsy pop/rock bravado as Jennifer Knapp or Jami Smith. "Come Near Me Lord" is an enjoyable guitar-driven acoustic pop/rock song sung by Phil Wickham, who sounds here a bit like Jason Wade (Lifehouse) and Jesse Valenzuela (Gin Blossoms).