Every year modern worship takes another turn, whether it be for good or bad. Most of the time, songs can get repetitive and almost bland with each record that is released. Some of this is true for worship leader Drew Cline, a newcomer on the scene of modern worship music. With his debut, Way of Life, he explores God’s glory and the commission of going where He leads, with an interesting, yet all too familiar songwriting style.

Most of the songs on Cline’s debut suffer from a lack of stepping outside the modernized box of worship music, and that is what makes this album like all of the others that are released each year. Songs like “To The Ends of The Earth” and the decent remake of “You Are Holy” work for a season, but will ultimately be put on a shelf, and lost in the shuffle of worship CDs so many of us file through each year. Even on the album closer, “Broken Bread, Poured Out Wine,” Cline extends his vocals to a high point that really does not work with the background violin and piano, mixed with a bit of country-flavored guitar. But many of the songs get to a point where you just need to get on to the next track, and it makes for a dull listening experience.

Overall, Drew Cline will likely make, at the very least, a name for himself with his debut. Worship lovers will find plenty to love from this newcomer. People looking for more creativity in their modern worship music, however, can look forward to David Crowder*Band’s next installment this month.