Various Artists

Heaven knows there’s more than enough worship music on the market these days. But it’s sometimes hard to choose which compilations to buy because there are so many different sets, as well as inevitable song duplicates. I’ve found, however, that’s it’s hard to go wrong with Integrity Music’s iWorship series. This label imprint stays on top of the trends in church music selections, instead of releasing songs most of us are already a little tired of singing by the time they hit the streets.

And let’s be clear here: this is singing music, not listening music. Sure, of course we listen to it while we sing. But few are quietly trying to pick up on every drum pattern and guitar lick from song to song. Instead, if you’re anything like me, you’re cranking up this music in the car. Hopefully you’re singing too loud to cuss out and/or flip-off the guy that just cut you off on the freeway.

Some of these songs are already Top-10 in churches across the nation. “Hosanna” has been charting for a long time at my little Baptist church, even though I still don’t know what the “near revival” couplet in its lyric means. It is either a revival or it ain’t, right? [Speaking of strange lyrics, can anyone explain “So heaven meets surf / Like a sloppy wet kiss” from “How He Loves”? I wonder what it would be like to mouth those words on a Sunday morning]. Our worship lead finally introduced “Mighty To Save” to our morning rotation, but only a few of us already know it. I can hear my sorry voice over the rest of the congregation, which isn’t as bad of a thing as it sounds. Okay, it seems a little strange to be going all Casey Kasem while writing this review, as though an American Worship Top 40 actually exists. But then again, if Casey Kasem really counted down the best praise songs, the world would sure be a much better place.

Many times these Integrity collections include alternate versions than most are used to hearing. For instance, one can sample Bluetree doing a credible version of “God Of This City”, which is more closely associated with Chris Tomlin. Also, Laura Story sings “Mighty To Save”, instead of Hillsong. Nevertheless, Hillsong is represented by “Saviour King”, and Hillsong United is heard performing “Hosanna”.

Additionally, this set includes an extra DVD of worship music videos. On it is the moving “Revelation Song” by Gateway Worship as well as Hillsong’s version of “Mighty To Save”. Best of all is Israel & New Breed doing “Friend Of God”, which comes off like a cross between Andrae Crouch and Earth, Wind & Fire. Israel’s band is huge, with great group vocals and full horns. Furthermore, there are five “song movies”, which include on-screen lyrics and matching visual illustrations. And if that’s not enough, there are two music videos (from MercyMe and Desperation Band), and Paul Baloche providing a little guitar instruction. Yes, there’s a lot of content on this new release.

Once again, there are uncountable worship collections on the market – including cheesy TV marketed ones. But if you want what’s current, and also what’s best, buy the iWorship releases on a regular basis and you will not be disappointed. The next time someone cuts you off, hopefully you’ll have a smile at the ready.

Tagged as: Integrity's iWorship Experience

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