Lincoln Brewster
Lincoln Brewster is the king of modern rock ‘n roll worship music. Say what you will about stalwarts like Tree63, Delirious? or Matt Redman, but when it comes to simple, powerful, energetic worship tunes, there’s not a-one whose music stands out more than Brewster’s. In a time where music is becoming increasingly formulaic—especially in the world of contemporary Christian music—it is refreshing to have artists like Brewster around to bring color to an often dull scene.
Today is the Day is Brewster’s latest album and it is memorable as much for its sound as it is for its lyrical content and overall theme of falling on your knees in reverent praise to God. Today is a gigantic, ten-part love song to God, focusing on everything from his ever-present nature (the Bobby Brown-esque “Everywhere I Go”), to the life he is ready to offer to all of us (“Salvation is Here”). The album is poignant and powerful, alternately reflective and epic, and it stands as a testament to the various emotions God can evoke in a person.
Brewster, as always, is handy with the ax, filling up most of the songs on this record with delicious licks and skyscraping solos. It’s one of the most effective ways he praises God in his songs, and if you don’t believe me, check out the chunky funkiness of the album’s closing track, “Let Your Glory Shine.” And while this record has poppy tunes like “Everywhere I Go,” where the instrumentation is secondary to the lyrical content, it also contains a number of tracks that are off the hook jam sessions such as “Give Him Praise,” which features a gospel choir and an appearance by Israel Houghton. Unashamed of letting the myriad sounds of his guitar speak for the emotions he feels while praising God, Brewster adds a heartfelt element to his music that many Christian artists seemingly ignore.
Much as he has done previously on songs like “Shout to the Lord,” Brewster continues one of his favorite trends: Making epic worship songs that sound otherworldly in an effort to mirror the otherworldliness of God. A song like “God You Reign,” for instance, is nothing short of Brewster imagining what a worship service in heaven will sound like. Replete with a mid-tempo sound, echoing guitars and ethereal background vocals by a host of people, the song is downright chilling. And then there is the repetition of the song’s chorus, which augments this effect:
“God you reign
God you reign
Forever and e-ver
God you reign”
It is simple, and it does get repeated a lot in this song, but unlike “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” the effect is not annoying or boring, because the focus is on God rather than on how he makes us feel. It is important to express how God makes us feel, of course, but the reason so many of Brewster’s songs consistently work so well as worship tunes is because God is the center of each story.
Today is the Day, at its core, is a story of love and devotion, of passion and conviction, of a desire to be silent and still at times, and his hands and feet at others. It is an album borne out of awe for who God is. It’s not just slick music production and three-minute, radio-ready consumable singles. For Brewster, this album is a response to everything God is and everything he has done.
Today absolutely rocks and proves yet again why Lincoln Brewster is such a force in the modern worship scene.
Brian is a novelist and freelance music critic living in Oregon. His work has appeared in print and online publications such as Paste and Relevant. In his spare time, he heads up the child sponsorship program for the non-profit organization India Partners.
Sunday Sep 21st, 2008 • View all posts by Brian Palmer • View all posts in Album Reviews
↓ 9 comments
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Thanks!!!
[...] Here is a link to the review. It is very kind. [...]
Wonder if you feel, he let us down a little with changing his direction to less rock, and more quiet blues.
Missing the days of Son of God, Let the Praises Ring, Majestic, etc… not much rock, and Salvation is here has been out for a long while before the album. It was just filler rock, not new.
Biggest fan, a little bummed at the downbeat of it. Its just, mellow, real mellow.
Thanks
Shane
I’m not totally on board this time, Brian. While Brewster is undeniably talented, I just found myself wanting on this release. With retreads like “Salvation is Here” and uninventive lyrics like those of the title track, I was just left unamazed. But, again, that’s why God allowed all sorts of music, to fit all kinds of tastes…:)
in response to Andrew Greenhalgh
Title track’s core lyrics are from the bible and I believe there is an undeniable power in a song that tries to replicate what the word is saying.
There will never be a perfect album. I think each of LB’s album that came out weren’t made to just to make a record like lot of other artists do these days. What I like about the most with LB is that he leads praise in his own church and as the song comes, no matter how long that might take, he makes sure the album catches all the nuances of each of the songs.
As I haven’t heard the cd, yet I do not speak with any personal experience, but all I do know is that I’m going to be enjoying praising god with this CD. Cuz, like you(andrew) said, different tastes but he deserves to be praised no matter what kind of style we sing! yay!!!
*sings tone def tunes* =D
god bless~
I get what you’re saying, KD, although, while I appreciate the power of Scripture, it’s still something that’s been done before.
And yes, there never will be a perfect album, despite all that artists try for and listeners hope for. But there are those that I’d prefer listen to more than others.
In short, I’m right there with you on agreeing to disagree and appreciating the heart of the artist for sure. Like I said, Brewster is wicked talented and does seem to have a heart for the Church. That’s tough to argue!
Thanks for chiming in!
Wow, great discussion going on here, gang!
KD, I personally wasn’t disappointed with the detour he took into Bluesland and Mellowville with some of these tunes. To the contrary, I think the fact that he didn’t rely on his bread-and-butter rock and roll sound from start to finish is what makes this album resonate more than some of his others. Variety is a good thing, especially when a change in one’s sound is done well. While I love when he cranks the amps up to 11, it’s nice that he doesn’t feel the need to make every song sound that way. Brewster used a more broad palette on this album, and I commend him for it.
Andrew, everyone’s expectations are different, you can’t please everybody, there’s plenty of fish in the sea…okay, so that last one doesn’t really fit here, but you get the drift.
I’m agreeing with you on the “all kinds of tastes” bit. To me, this album just felt more genuine than a lot of the Christian music I’ve heard recently because it was simple. There is such a thing as overthinking and trying to make songs deeper than they really have to be, so the fact Brewster focused on the basics of simply worshiping God is what made this one stand out for me. 
the concert last night here at Turlock high was really great. i really enjoyed it i feel like i got really close to the lord. all of the songs that you played were really touching. i hope i will see you again in a concert. i love you lincoln brewster you are the best. i am happy that god is walking threw you in so many different way. my the lord be with you threw out these gift. god bless you and ur family
I am so glad this album has finally been released!! The theme song is AWESOME. We love his songs, and think his lyrics are so
good. He is an exciting songwriter and performer. When you sing his songs you become energized, and excited about serving the Lord. We have been waiting for this album for two months, and am sure there will be several great songs on it. I have real faith in Lincoln Brewster to deliver wonderful worship songs that are modern but have a classic powerful message!
Hey bro,
It’s all about serving the Lord and now I have the CD, I do understand where you are coming from. Lincoln took the road towards more of a pop feel (John Mayer’ish) and I actually thought, he could have played a little ‘less’ per-say on his guitar.
This no doubt tells us that Lincoln can take almost any genre and praise god!! It means we can introduce him to almost any one out there! =D
Lets keep on rockin’ for the Lord and until we meet, win them souls BASIC!!
Does it Resonate with you?