Darlene Zschech “Testament (EP1)” Album Review
Prime Cuts: Shout to the Lord, You Are Great, Testament
Overall Grade: 5/5
Since Darlene Zschech left Hillsong Church in 2012, she has diversified her ministry focus. Instead of partnering with her team to release the yearly live albums, she helped her husband set up HopeUC, which now has campuses in Australia, the US, and India. Also, her success with cancer had taken a chunk of her time. In the interim years, she has released one studio solo project, two live worship albums, one Christmas record, one instrumental effort, one compilation collection, and a handful of singles. Seven years after her last live worship record, she is back with "Testament."
"Testament" is a mammoth album with 30 tracks, created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Zschech's signature tune, "Shout to the Lord." The entire 30-song album, which comprises five new songs and a re-imagination of 25 of Zschech's most famous songs, will be released in October. In the meantime, Integrity Music has released a 5-song preview EP. EP 1 opens with Zschech's iconic "Shout to the Lord." The reimagined version has a majestic feel featuring the backing of the Australian Christian Orchestra. The only setback is that Zschech has enlisted her youngest daughter, Zoe Cameron, to sing the second verse. Zoe, unfortunately, has not inherited her mother's musical genes. She comes across as sounding flat without displaying much emotion. Fortunately, she only appears for a short while before getting overshadowed (thankfully) by her mother.
Speaking of Zschech's daughters, her other daughter, Amy Hood, and son-in-law Andrew, partner with Zschech to write the title cut "Testament." A tuneful and danceable endeavor that speaks of God's faithfulness, the song boasts the memorable line: You're with me like David and Goliath/Just like Daniel and the lion/Oh God, You are the one who'll never change. Zschech then delivers a rousing version of her 2017 worship anthem, "You Are Great." Written during Zschech's cancer struggles, the song is a moving testimony of her belief that God is still great despite our weaknesses. Listening to this gorgeous power ballad within the context of her cancer recovery is humbling and faith-filling.
"Cry of the Broken" is a sleeper song tucked away at the end of Hillsong's "God is Able" album. Other than the over-repetition of the title at the end of the ballad, it is a tender exposition of Christ's compassion. The line You're the mender of the broken/To every outcast/A friend and comforter is particularly moving. I'm not sure what SVRCINA's vocals add to the classic "Worthy is the Lamb," but the re-cut version is far too safe and slow. Nevertheless, these are only five entries out of the 30 songs. And overall, they don't disappoint; they only whet our appetite for what is yet to come.
Tags : Hillsong Darlene Zschech Darlene Zschech “Testament (EP1)” Album Review hopeuc shout to the lord
Hot Trends
-
Brandon Lake Releases His Latest Single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah"
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Former Avalon Singer Michael Passons Says He Was Let Go Because of His Sexuality
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson Finalizes His Decision to Leave Christianity in Tear-Filled Letter
-
Kevin Jonas Sr. to Release Debut Christmas EP "Ready Set Glow - A Holiday Collection"
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Joe Amaral Reveals God’s Design and Plan for Our Universe in New Book ‘Story in the Stars'
-
Ricky Skaggs Turns 68; Here Are 5 Christian Songs You May Not Know He Recorded
-
Hear the Story Behind Getty’s "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death"
-
Dru Hammer Tells Her Story of Heartache and Faith via Her Debut Memoir "Hammered"
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Christian Artists and Leaders Respond to Donald Trump's Presidential Win
Most Popular
-
Brandon Lake Releases His Latest Single, "Hard Fought Hallelujah"
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Former Avalon Singer Michael Passons Says He Was Let Go Because of His Sexuality
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson Finalizes His Decision to Leave Christianity in Tear-Filled Letter
-
Kevin Jonas Sr. to Release Debut Christmas EP "Ready Set Glow - A Holiday Collection"
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Joe Amaral Reveals God’s Design and Plan for Our Universe in New Book ‘Story in the Stars'
-
Ricky Skaggs Turns 68; Here Are 5 Christian Songs You May Not Know He Recorded
-
Hear the Story Behind Getty’s "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death"
-
Dru Hammer Tells Her Story of Heartache and Faith via Her Debut Memoir "Hammered"
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Christian Artists and Leaders Respond to Donald Trump's Presidential Win