One feature of the new worshipnotes blog is going to be a post entitled My 5.
The My 5 will focus on five suggested songs, ideas, themes - a brief little "best of" from my experience.
While this post is 100% opinion and open for debate, my real hope in this feature is to find some of "your 5." After you read my five votes, share your own in the comment box below!
5 Songs Every Church Should Be Doing
1. Ross King - You Alone Can Satisfy
This track from King's Soulspeak record is absolutely phenomenal. I've used it personally in my church and seen it led by Ross himself and it works great. The song operates simultaneously as a confession song as well as a worship tune centered on God's provision. The arrangement is easy to learn and follow. The song works well as an acoustic number but can be utilized with full-band as well.
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2. Paul Baloche - Our God Saves
Yes, I am the biggest Paul Baloche fan in the world. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't do this song. This tune has so much going for it. The lyrics and melody are stellar, and obviously the work of a very skilled writer. But I think the hidden benefit of this song is musical in nature...with "Our God Saves," a worship band is asked to delve into a song that has some aspects that are rather rare in most modern worship music. Four on the floor is nothing new, but thestraight ahead nature of the chorus has a nice, almost alt-country jangle. It's a slow song that actually feels fast and powerful.
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3. John Sherrill - God Is Faithful
John may not be a household name in worship circles, but he's built a phenomenal reputation across Texas as a gifted leader, writer and teacher. John's new worship album is still unreleased, yet it's already creating a buzz. "God Is Faithful" is a strong song combining enough elements to make it absolutely at home at any church. First off, it works in two keys, has a great tempo for congregational worship, has fantastic lyrics and a bridge that might extend your worship service by a good ten minutes!
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4. Michael Neale - "From The Rooftops"
Michael Neale's "From the Rooftops" is a combination of very simple lyrics and extremely brilliant music. From the opening, jazzy acoustic guitar octave riff to the nice augmented feel of the bridge, this tune is pure fun to play. It's instantly unforgettable and also tends to offer some great chances to talk and teach about worship's physical expression...how do we really "shout it from the rooftops?" Bands and congregations alike will love the key change choruses at the end.
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5. United - "Salvation Is Here" (SLOW)
Lots of folks know this rocker from the Hillsong crew, but I think every church ought to try this one much, much slower. Over the past few months, I've done this song both ways - the original version and a much slower, more soulful arrangement - trust me, there is no contest. Not only does a slower version allow your band to really accent those quick chord changes, it seems to add a weight to the lyrics. The song has great lyrics, but we tend to spit them out so fast that they get lost. I don't have anything against fast tunes, but I think this one is so much better slow. Give it a shot!
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So, there you have it. My pick for 5 songs that every church ought to try. So...you got a 5? Wanna' share your story?
Well, get to commenting!
5/8/08
MY 5
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4 comments:
OK, first of all, I'm honored to have a song on the list. Thanks.
Second, I'm thrilled to see John's song on the list. As you know (because i hounded you to listen to it and practically forced you to like it), I LOVE that song. We've done it twice at my church now, and both times, there's been a scenario not too different from what described. That bridge is a real shot in the arm. Something is just "on it" and our people really respond to it.
Third, thanks for the "slower" tip on Salvation is Here. I have never, ever understood the appeal of this song. I think you know that I'm not a huge United fan, for several reasons. But my main problem with many of their songs (including this one) is that it seems like someone wrote them thinking "this song will really get people screaming and jumping around." I've got no problem with screaming and jumping around (the church could certainly benefit from more worship energy at times), but I do have a problem with songs that appear to have been written TO THAT END. Not sure if that makes any sense.
The point is that this song just never seemed like it was really doing/saying/provoking anything of value. But now i'm wondering if i just never really listened to it because of the super-fast lyrics in certain sections.
So here I am saying "maybe I was wrong" and that I'm going to try this one slow, as per Todd's experience-fueled wisdom.
Oh, and finally, you know i love me some Paul Baloche, so I'm with you there too.
Great post.
Ditto Ross' song...our Church loves to sing it.
Sandra McCracken's "Thy Mercy."
"In Christ Alone."
"Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness."
"Gloria in Excelsis" setting by Kemper Crabb. I'll be happy to share.
You know we rock the slow jam for Salvation is Here.
Todd:
I realize it would be somewhat goofy for you to put your own song on your list...but I have no problem doing it.
"Let it be" by Todd Wright belongs on any list of worship songs that churches ought to be doing. If the goal is to craft worship songs that engage the mind, the soul and the heart by being honest and authentic before God and the Body of Christ, "Let it be" might just be the best dang worship song I have ever run across.
"Let it be" deals with the reality of pain and suffering by surrendering it to God rather than pretending that it does not exist.
I think we have reached our quota on "Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy--God is so totally awesome" worship songs.
Not that God isn't those things or that He doesn't give me those feelings...but the 'formula' for pop-crud-culture praise music has been refined to the point of pure sugar...which can taste great but it's not really that good for you and it doesn't really submit you to change other than the temporary sugar rush.
Pain and suffering are part of God's creation and economy. They are things that he uses to shape us eternally...if we let him. I can't think of any other worship songs that are addressing this reality other than yours - so put it on the list!
It's definitely on mine - I use it all the time...and I report it to CCLI at least half the time :)
peace,
darrell
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