For over the last decade, Bethel Music has written and fostered some of the most hope-filled worship anthems sung by the greater church. Their newest live album, We Must Respond, continues this trend. The 18-track project (the most tracks of any previous Bethel Music album) features the entire Bethel Music collective, as well as Brooke Ligertwood, Abbie Gamboa, and Aodhan King. There are plenty of standouts here for churches and avid contemporary worship music listeners. Seven of the tracks - "No One Like The Lord," "Holy Song," "He Has Done Great Things," "If The Lord," "Even Though I Walk," "Center," and "Made for More" - were released before the album's official release. Ironically, these seven prove to be the standouts on the project.

The opening track, "The Lamb (Alleluia)," led by John Wilds, works super well as the first sounds we hear from this new project. With shades of the well-known hymn "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" throughout the song and even the chorus, this track serves as a promising opener carried strongly by Wilds who, vocally, is a force.

"No One Like The Lord," led by Jenn Johnson, commands authority in its lyrics and music, creating a battle cry within each note and word. With "If the Lord," Zahriya Zachary embraces this feel in a more hopeful sounding track that's bound to be sung in many churches. "The Church," also led by Johnson; "Holy Song," led by Brooke Ligertwood; and "Center," led by Abbie Gamboa; are three of my favorites from a lyrical perspective, because of the depth the verses exhibit. It feels personal when listening to "The Church" and "Center," while "Holy Song" has Ligertwood written all over it with its poetic phrases.

"Praise Chorus," led by Brian Johnson, feels like your traditional worship song, simple yet effective. A new version of "Made from More" (which was released previously by Josh Baldwin), roars emphatically, allowing this song to feel new and fresh. The sound of the atmosphere can be felt throughout this one.

"Have it All (Spontaneous)" is led by Edward Rivera. It is a sleeper favorite for me, mostly because I love the original version sung by Jeremy Riddle. It's refreshing to hear Rivera’s voice, which resounds strength and energy.

Overall, We Must Respond is a solid entry for Bethel. The collaborations pay off for some great tracks, but I wish a few of the seven pre-released tracks hadn't been given an early release. Furthermore, I look forward to continuing to replay these tracks for the days to come.

- Review date: 1/9/25, written by Michael Carder of Jesusfreakhideout.com