These articles originally appeared in the e-zine Hitch Co., a performing arts magazine of which I am the CCM correspondent.
Beth Croft - Avalanche
This song, originally by Hillsong United and covered by Beth Croft for the 2011 Soul Survivor/Momentum live album, is wonderful. It shows in exquisite simplicity the intimate relationship between us and God. It provides a beautiful image of opening yourself up to God and hearing a response. Off of the Momentum disc of album We Are The Free, it is aimed at university students, but the soft music provides an incredible emotion that can affect anyone, and Beth Croft's unique voice brings a humble and warm quality to the song, working in perfect harmony with the music.
The 2012 Soul Survivor/Momentum live album, Kingdom Come, is out now.
The Rend Collective Experiment - Praise Like Fireworks
Somewhat inappropriately for the time of year, this is a summer-y song that wouldn't sound out of place being sung around a campfire (and indeed it has been included on Rend's forthcoming album, Campfire, which was recorded around a campfire). This song is perfect for those who enjoy more lively worship, a song that you can dance to as well as sing along to. The charm of this song is in its uncomplicatedness; there are no big words or themes, it's not trying to tell a Bible story or even evangelise like some worship songs do. It just says that God is good, so we will praise Him. The lyrics are easy to pick up and the tune is catchy - a perfect song for group worship, much like a lot of Rend's tracks.
The Rend Collective Experiment's latest album, Homemade Worship By Handmade People is out now, and their forthcoming album Campfire is out on the 28th January.
Great reviews Ellen! I didn't know you were the CCM correspondent. It would be awesome to see something about songs in the magazine.
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