Jared Anderson

I’m so glad that Jared Anderson did this live album. For me, that’s where the true artist, the true heart of the worshipper, if you will, comes out. It simply doesn’t happen in the studio. And in my opinion, Anderson’s last two solo endeavors fell flat largely due to that reason. Yet, now, this time out, Anderson wisely plants things right in his backyard, bringing his new material to his home church on the aptly titled, Live From My Church.

The predicitably upbeat “Lift The Name” opens things up with less than poetic lyrics but tons of energy. But it’s on “Never Be Shaken” that one truly gets the sense that Anderson is really at home. The lyric is appropriate given the upheavals and trials that New Life Church has endured over the past couple years yet it’s the jaunty singalong breakdown that the artist brings here that really makes this feel homey. Anderson brings this song together like a worship leader teaching his congregation and it’s uniquely warm and inviting.

“Prepare The Way” brings things down a few notches, with Anderson singing the Scripture-inspired lyric: “Prepare the way/Make straight the paths for Him/Let the King of glory enter in/Let the King of glory enter in.” Likewise, the prayer of “Fill Me Up” keeps the tone humble and contrite, flowing easily into a cover of John Mark McMillan’s uber-hit, “O How He Loves.” The inclusion of this track is one that part of me wants to criticize, simply being that nearly everyone has covered this track recently but, given that Anderson is leading worship for his church, he, more than I, knew what they needed to hear that night. So, we’ll let him off the hook there.

“God Be In My Head” is a unique prayer, asking God to be in each and every facet of our lives, from our eyes to our heart to our prayers and so forth while building to a Hillsong-flavored crescendo. “Inside” carries that energy on as Anderson reminds listeners that “this old world is falling apart, but Jesus is coming to wherever you are.” “Glory of God” is a fist-pumper that one can imagine sweeping youth groups everywhere while “Carrier” finds the artist singing one of his better lyrics: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me/Freedom and truth to proclaim/Trade your ashes for the oil of gladness/And your sorrows for garments of praise.” It’s good congregational worship that stands out as a highlight here.

To close things out, Anderson brings the choral-flavored praise of “Glorified,” singing to God that “praise belongs to You, creation’s calling now for the King to be revealed,” asking for the “King of heaven to come down.” And, of course, Anderson closes things up with the energized reminder that “We Will Be Changed.” It’s a nice send off to a genuinely worshipful experience.

If I had my way, this is the way every Jared Anderson record would be made, with the artist leading worship for a live congregation. The contrast between the studio and the live setting is palpable and makes all the difference in the world. Live From My Church benefits greatly from the passion and interaction felt here and stands easily as the best he’s offered up yet.

Tagged as: Jared Anderson, Live From My Church

Does it Resonate with you?

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

URL