Music Reviews

MUSICREVIEWS

by heather van allen LH STAFF REVIEWER

BUILDING 429

Live the Journey

Building 429, the band known for hits “Where I Belong” and “We Won’t Be Shaken” has released Live the Journey (September 7, 2018), a new album through Provident Label Group.

A project that took the band three years to put together, Live the Journey is the result of allowing God to show them the messages He wanted each song to communicate. Each of the 10 tracks, among them the title song, the familiar radio single “You Can” and the bold “I Still Believe,” has an accompanying devotional.

“We’re learning every day how to slow down and live in the moment, how to be still,” says lead singer Jason Roy. “We hope this record inspires others to rethink what it means to live the journey.”

The band, known for its strong, slightly gritty lead vocals and a varying range of guitar rock style, delivers some deeply worshipful songs mixed into the track list, including “Assurance,” “Always Only You” and “Closer.” Regardless of style from one track to the next, each lyric is fully committed to the faith-filled message of trust in God.

CATCH THE FIRE

Catch the Fire Music has released Presence (Live From Toronto), its debut worship collection, recorded live at Catch the Fire Toronto and featuring worship leaders from all over the globe.

The best elements of Presence are the tracks labeled “Spontaneous.” Any worship album, especially a live recording, can effectively bring the church experience to the individual, putting the listener into an attitude of worship anywhere, anytime. The spontaneous outpourings on this Catch the Fire project add a certain authenticity, truly supporting the concept the album title suggests — that unfettered worship invokes God’s presence.

“Encountering God is at the heart of what we do,” says one of the worship leaders, Chris Shealy. “Every time we gather to worship, we want to see hearts set on fire with love for Jesus, sons and daughters discovering true freedom and God moving among us just as He wants to.”

We can “Catch the Fire” anywhere, and live recordings like Presence can be just the spark we need.

LAUREN BÉA

Wildflower

Singer/songwriter Lauren Béa has released her debut album, Wildflower (October 26, 2018), an 11-track record that, amongst other faith-filled themes, celebrates the individual beauty that God has placed in each person.

As a bi-racial woman who was bullied growing up, Lauren’s hope is for Wildflower to encourage women, reminding them of their worth in God’s eyes.

“The most beautiful thing we can do is embrace the fact that we are chosen and loved unconditionally by the creator of the universe,” Lauren says. “Wildflower is an anthem of truth, and I hope it will bring support and comfort to women everywhere.”

Lauren’s soaring voice is joyful and mature, fitting well with her pop musical style. Backing her vocals are some daring, original and sometimes unexpected instrumental sounds that will likely keep you listening intently as she delivers her heart in song. Lauren ends the album on a familiar note, with her rendition of worship song, “What a Beautiful Name.”