Album length: 16 tracks: 51 Minutes, 23 Seconds Street Date: October 11, 2005
The past few years have shown the immense popularity of worship music. As new projects and singles
hit the shelves, there has to be some kind of worship project separate from the pack. The Message: Psalms,
a collaboration of over fifteen different Christian artists, just may be the answer. And as expected by
the album's title, all sixteen tracks either directly quote the Psalms or make blatant reference to the
Scripture verses.
Four of The Message: Psalms' tracks, including the opener, are completely spoken word,
simply reading the Psalms. For the rest of the record, a wide range of vocalists and bands take center
stage with their original work for this project. Sarah Macintosh and Phil Wickham introduce Psalms' first
musical endeavors with the Celtic-inspired "Eyes for You (Psalm 141)." Many ballads and light pop tunes
ensue such as Building 429's "Come Close (Psalm 69)" and Over the Rhine's "Flown Free (Psalm 129 & 124)."
Chris Rice, Matt Wertz, and Dave Barnes all come together for "Can't Get Enough (Psalm 63)." On that
particular song, it sounds as if too many male voices were blended, then spans a bit too long. Newcomer
John David Webster also brings his pop/worship feel to the project ("Run To You (Psalm 31)"). Elsewhere,
Shaun McDonald delivers an acoustic-driven style on "My Salvation (Psalm 71)," save for his signature
spoken word vocals. Others such as Ginny Owens, Venus Hum, Jeremy Casella, Sandra McCracken, and Andrew
Osenga all make guest appearances at some point through The Message....
Both Phillip and Natalie LaRue, formerly of the popular brother/sister duo LaRue,
make solo come back appearances. As well as being credited with producing Psalms, Phillip
returns with "How Faithful You Are (Psalm 89)." Natalie's "Nothing Can Compare With God (Psalm 113)" is
nicely done with her mature voice singing over a soft piano, complete with a "Hallelujah, hallelujah"
finish as an appropriate ending for the record.
Kendall Payne's "Wait (Psalm 40)" came as one of project's greatest surprises. Rather than a piano-based
ballad similar to much of The Message..., Payne shakes things up a bit by going the "rock chick"
route instead. Shortly thereafter, Rachael Lampa's "Flag (Psalm 57 & 108)" finds itself as another
notable tune. Here Lampa displays her incredible vocal abilities with the song's R&B/pop vibe. Both
Payne and Lampa perform quite well, crafting two of Psalms' best offerings.
In the end, The Message: Psalms could be considered "a mixed bag"- some artists succeed
greatly while others seem to just miss the mark. However, those who might be searching for a worship
project out of the ordinary won't want to miss the chance to give The Message a listen.
- Review date: 11/17/05, written by Lauren Summerford
Record Label: eb + flo records
Album length: 16 tracks, 51 Minutes and 23 Seconds
Street Date: October 11, 2005
Buy It:JfH Music Store
Spoken Word - Melony Pietersen
Eyes for You (Psalm 141) - Sarah Macintosh & Phil Wickham
Come Close (Psalm 69) - Building 429
How Faithful You Are (Psalm 89) - Phillip LaRue
Last Chance (Psalm 88) - Jeremy Casella, Sandra McCracken, Andrew Osenga
Spoken Word - Melony Pietersen
Flown Free (Psalm 129 & 124) - Over The Rhine
Can't Get Enough (Psalm 63) - Chris Rice, Matt Wertz, Dave Barnes
Run To You (Psalm 31) - John David Webster
Wait (Psalm 40) - Kendall Payne
Spoken Word - Ben Johnson
My Salvation (Psalm 71) - Shawn McDonald
Flag (Psalm 57 & 108) - Rachael Lampa
To You God On High (Psalm 92) - Venus Hum w/ Ginny Owens
Spoken Word - Melony Pietersen
Nothing Can Compare With God (Psalm 113) - Natalie LaRue
Record Label: eb + flo records
