Reviewed by Stella Redburn

Dream Worship record label is creating a platform so that the music of upcoming church worship teams can be heard, and Hope Chapel out of Southern California, who have been producing independent worship albums for many years, is the latest to get a national spotlight. This project started in songs coming out of their congregation of young adults. Justin Kalama, their worship leader, says, "I know God inspired these songs; they glorify him and they call people to him." He's right; each track is an excellent vehicle for congregational praise. All the lyrics are unashamedly Bible-based and I like the clear focus there is on these inspirational words. Their blurb says they have a "rich and muscular sound" which I wouldn't argue with, given that the general musical concept is fairly formulaic for a modern worship band. I particularly liked "Whatever May Come" (a strong song of dedication, apparently written in one day by Joshua Keever), "Won Me Over", "The Miracle" (gives us the gospel), the sheer toe-tapping praise of "Beautiful Thing" and the softer song of adoration "This Is Jesus".

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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