Various Artists (CompassionArt) - Reviews

Various Artists
CompassionArt

Artists sometimes come together to record for marketing purposes or to fill their pocket books. So something should be said when certain colossal worship leaders such as Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech, Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Martin Smith and Stu G (of Delirious), Michael W. Smith, Stephen Curtis Chapman, and more get together to write powerful songs for a purpose.

CompassionArt is a concept album (with DVD too) that features all these names, and more —Kirk Franklin, Leeland, CeCe Winans, The Watoto Children's Choir and Toby Mac. All of the proceeds from the album go various charities that are working to change lives and bring justice to many around the world.

High energy is a good phrase to describe "Shout Praise" featuring Israel Houghton, Darlene Zschech and the Lakewood Church Choir. The Lakewood choir also provide backing vocals on the Martin Smith and CeCe Winans' led, "Fill My Cup", a midtempo composition that starts off with a bluegrass vibe before building into a rousing gospel chorus.

Arguable, some of the greatest worship material in recent years has been written by British artists such as Tim Hughes ("Here I Am To Worship"), Matt Redman ("Heart Of Worship"), and Martin Smith ("I Can Sing of Your Love Forever", "Majesty"). Much to my delight and the delight of many others, this trio comes together to make a beautiful song of worship, "King of Wonders".

The lovely alto vocals of Christy Nockels, Michael W. Smith and Israel Houghton lead the stirring "So Great". Just rewind this one over and over; the Lakewood Choir brings it to another level with their vocals.

"There's Always A Song", led by Martin Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman, is a tear-jerker and it features the amazing vocals of the Watoto Choir. The one criticism of this song is that their part is too short. Thankfully, there is a reprise that even features a few singers from the choir out front.

The duo of Zschech and Houghton come together again on "King of the Broken". They include 20 year-old Leeland Mooring, who is has been taking the CCM world by storm with his honest songwriting.

Another song to check out is "You Have Shown Us" featuring Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman and Paul Baloche. This captures the essence of why the project came together as they speak of ministering to orphans and widows.

CompassionArt is an album for the masses, in more ways than one.

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Production: Various album release date: January, 2009
EMI

— reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —