William Chong

Keith and Kristyn Getty: Awaken the Dawn

A collection of well-crafted modern hymns destined for building up the next generation of believers. A

In a time when most Christian artists are aiming for relevance in their music and lyrics, and churches increasingly opt for praise songs where you’re not sure whether you’re singing about God, your girlfriend/boyfriend or pet cat, the Gettys are certainly a breath of fresh air. Songwriter Keith Getty is most well-known for co-writing the now-mainstream worship standard, “In Christ Alone”, while Kristyn (née Lennox) is a stellar soprano who continues her noteworthy singing and career through the couple’s sophomore release.

“Awaken the Dawn” is a tour-de-force of easy-to-grasp melodies, powerful lyrics, orchestrated in a lush, Celtic style drawn from the Getty’s Irish roots. It’s a clutch of 12 modern hymns that chronologically traces the journey of a worship service in a seamless concept-album style. From the call to worship “Hear, O Israel” through to the final closing numbers of “May the Peace of God” and “What Grace is Mine”, each song reflects the Gettys’ intention of writing songs to “get people of every generation all across the world to sing… songs that will build up the Church and enable people to express more about who God is.” The album title comes from Psalm 57 – read out on the penultimate track by Kristyn in a charmingly Irish brogue.

On listening through the album, there’s a number of gems suitable for congregational praise. “By Faith” stands out as an uplifting anthem where the church can exhort: “We will stand as children of the promise”, while “Behold the Lamb (Communion Song)” – co-written with Stuart Townend – is tailor-made for celebrating communion together. Unorthodox time signature aside, “Creation Sings the Father’s Song” uniquely traces the reason for Christian hope through three verses detailing creation, the fall, redemption and consummation. It’s capped off with a resounding and memorable chorus of “Hallelujah! Let all creation stand and sing… the wonders of creation’s King”.

Other tracks are more comtemplative but equally rich in theology and thoughtfulness. “Compassion Hymn” and “Still, My Soul, Be Still” hone in on God’s peace and compassion, while “When Trials Come” speaks an honest, Job-like account of trusting God even when it hurts. The album closes with “What Grace is Mine“, a hauntingly moving arrangement set to the tune of well-known Irish melody “O Danny Boy”. Kristyn has penned new lyrics that proclaim the Gospel with power and clarity:

“What grace is mine that He who dwells in endless light
Called through the night to find my distant soul
And from his scars poured mercy that would plead for me
That I might live and in his name be known

So I will go wherever He is calling me
I lose my life to find my life in Him
I give my all to gain the hope that never dies
I bow my heart, take up my cross and follow Him …”

This is an album you’ll likely want to savour with your iPod or CD player on repeat, as the words become more and more alive through each playing. At my own church we’ve immensely enjoyed singing some of these songs congregationally. The songs in this album seems set to be well-learnt and enjoyed by theophiles young and old, in countries all around the world.

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Website: http://www.gettymusic.com
Buy their CD: Gettymusic

Disclosures: None to declare.

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Sons of Korah: RAIN

An enthralling musical journey through some of the Bible’s most enduring psalms. A

3000-year-old Psalms. Contemporary music. It’s a surprising mix for those unfamiliar with the rich and hauntingly evocative sounds of Sons of Korah. Their latest album, RAIN, is another well-crafted addition to a discology that has enriched and inspired listeners around the world.

Currently led by Matthew Jacoby and Rod Gear, the Australia-based outfit has been carving out their music since 1993. RAIN delves into psalms that span a wide range of human emotion, employing a musical clarity that leaves one more appreciative of the sacred texts their tracks are based on.

From the soft acoustic guitars and mandolins in He Sits Enthroned (Ps 99) to strong and taiko-like drums in Overwhelmed (Ps 14b), Sons of Korah confidently draw from many contemporary musical styles. There’s the soft Wurlitzer-chords lamenting and thirsting for God in Streams of Water (Ps 42a) under a mournful A minor drone; when Jacoby sings lyrics like “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul thirsts for the living God”, it paints a grittier, and refreshingly realistic take on the psalm.

And when he sings in The Pilgrim Song that “better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” (Ps 81), it’s equally honest and sincere. Through it all, theologically-trained Jacoby is astute in picking out the right chorus sections, verses and harmonies – who would have thought that Psalm 139 could be turned into a CCM-like praise song in Still with You?

Other highlights heart-wrenching rebuke of “The Fool” (Ps 14a), and a few numbers that suggest what a psalm would sound like as sincere piano ballads in the vein of Elton John’s Your Song. There are strong musical hooks throughout the album that encourage you to literally sing through your Bible reading, and it’s got fantastic production values that set it apart from the plethora of Christian up-and-coming demo EPs.

These guys are experienced, and continue to excel in marrying timely music with timeless lyrics. Kiwis looking to catch Sons of Korah’s music can also celebrate: they’re committing to a New Zealand tour in March 2009.

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Sons of Korah website: http://www.sonsofkorah.com
Buy their CD: CRS Online NZ; CRS Online (International customers)
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sonsofkorahmusic
Artist contact: matt at sonsofkorah dot com

Disclosures: None to declare.

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