Shelly E. Johnson “Measureless” EP Review

Prime Cuts: Loved Me First, Jesus the Anthem, Measureless

Passion gets reincarnated with worship leader Shelly E. Johnson's new EP Measureless.  One thing you can't fault Johnson on is the spry verve she invests into every note of this 5 track EP.  Nuanced with a vibrant passion for the praise of Jesus Christ, she sings as if her life hangs on every syllable of each song.  Calling to mind Nichole Nordeman and Mia Fieldes in their fervid best, Shelly E. Johnson truly brings us into God's presence with this new EP.  Measureless is the much anticipated follow-up to her much raved about 2014 worship album "Your Kingdom Come."  

Johnson is the 2012's "Songwriter of the Year" for Lifeway Worship.  One of the songs Johnson has penned that is already making its rounds into the worship portfolios of numerous churches across the globe is "Power of the Cross," a track that was first recorded by Natalie Grant and later by Steve Green.  Currently Johnson serves as worship leader at First Baptist Woodstock, a 15,000+ member church, north of Atlanta.  She has also led worship alongside Beth Moore, Tony Nolan and Andy Stanley.  

"Loved Me First," co-written by Johnson, Benji Cowart, Sean Hill and Todd Wright, is an exciting gush of exuberant pop worship quipped with lots of clappy-sounding electric drums. Giving praise to how the name of Jesus calms our greatest fears, "Loved Me First" is an indispensable tune for those of us who are prone to be fear mongers. "Jesus the Anthem" lives up to its titular.  It's a big powerhouse of a worship experience with a thundering chorus that would work wonders if it were sung in a congregational setting. In fact, the song just cries to be sung live; it's such an outburst of Holy-Spirit power that it will do miraculous wonders when it is performed in churches.  "From Heaven's Glory" is less dramatic. Nevertheless, the lyrics which articulates the impact of Christ's coming is one that is poetically and theologically profound.

"Measureless" and "One and Only God" both key in on Johnson's mettle as a wonderful balladeer.  Both offer lots of more intimate moments of worship, with the former giving exposition to Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in wanting to know the length and width, height and depth of God's love.  Nevertheless, there are two minor quibbles with this EP.  First, the brevity of the EP with only 5 songs leaves us wanting for more.  Second, Johnson seems to work best with her worship ballads.  But too often they are too cluttered with instrumentations that sound too overwhelming.  The songs may profit more if the guitars and percussion get a more acoustic flavouring.     

 

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