Reviewed by Susanne Molina The live worship albums emanating from the Abundant Life church in Bradford, often featuring the stirring vocals of worship leader Lara Martin, have been major sellers in the UK. Now, with Martin no longer active in the worship team and the aggregation, now fronted by worship leaders Matt Hooper, Mark Stevens and Jock James, adopting a more rock-orientated approach than previously now was a good time to re-launch with a new name, particularly as this is the first Abundant Life album to get a big push Stateside. In fact, the album was produced by America's Bernie Herms (Casting Crowns, Phillips, Craig & Dean). The theme of this album is the need of this torn world to find strength and true hope in God who is the "Name Above All Names", as the CD title states. If you're looking for impacting, "naturally supernatural" and high-quality pop rock worship, this will be one album you should definitely dive into. Nearer to the sound of Abundant Life's youth worship team RPM than the earlier Abundant Life albums, I still feel this talented team have clearly defined their own kind of sound that flows out of the very soul of this cutting-edge worship ministry. From powerful and encouraging titles like "God Is For Us" to "Take My Life" which communicates a deep devotion and surrender to God you'll discover a great variety of songs that invite to not just listen but get your own heart involved. "My God Reigns" is like an uplifting declaration over our own lives, to have security in any circumstance and situation through God who is still in control over all things.
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Name Above All Names is a fresh sound of modern worship rising up from the heart of Abundant Life Church in Bradford. These songs are born out this thriving, multicultural congregation whose mission is to reach the UK for Christ by being God-centred, purpose-driven and people-empowering. The album contains ten powerful songs which are perfect for personal or congregational worship. We pray these songs will inspire you to grow in grace and fall more deeply in love with Jesus - who has the ‘Name Above All Names!’ |