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Basics of Worship: A Review of Brenton Brown’s New Album By Kyle Brown Artist, songwriter, and worship leader are just a few words to describe the profession, ministry and lifestyle of recording artist, Brenton Brown. Currently in California, Brown was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, and moved to study at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship while in his twenties. Brown then became involved in the Vineyard Movement, taking on the role of worship pastor at a local Vineyard church and participating in various recordings with Brian Doerksen. Now comes Adoration. Pure Adoration True to its name, the album is a pure, heartfelt cry of love and adoration. Perhaps one of the most refreshing aspects of the album is its simplicity and innocence. In a very competitive music industry that has become obsessed with originality, complexity and edginess, Brenton Brown offers song such as “All Who Are Thirsty” with a refrain that simply sings: “Come Lord Jesus, come.” This song, and other acoustic guitar-based ballads on the album facilitate a more intimate worship feel. Highlights “We Need You” expresses humanity’s absolute need for the spirit of God. The song, inspired by Annie Hawks “I Need Thee Every Hour” (1872), is both a cry to God, and a reminder to ourselves that we are always in need of Him: We need You, how we need You, we need You every hour To know You in your glory, to see Your Spirit's power There's healing in Your presence, there's mercy where You are So meet us, won't You meet us Living God Near the conclusion of this song, Brown paints a beautiful picture of an eternity where we will find peace, yet will always be in need of Christ: One day we'll stand before You, when all our sufferings cease And faced with all Your glory, we'll meet the Prince of peace But Jesus in that moment, when every trial has passed We'll need You, still we'll need You living God The album also offers a variety of upbeat contemporary songs including “Because of Your Love,” a song that rejoices in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and “Come Let Us Return,” a call to return to the worship and presence of our King. Of course, the song that best portrays the theme of this album is the title track, “Adoration.” The song reveals the heart of a people who desire to forsake all they have to live a life of worship and adoration: We choose to leave it all behind And turn our eyes towards the prize The upward call of God in Christ You have our hearts, Lord take our lives Receive our adoration Jesus, Lamb of God Receive our adoration how wonderful You are The Heart of the Writer Brenton Brown’s love, passion, and heart for God are very evident throughout this, his third album. Every song is completely devoted to the worship of Jesus Christ. This album has little to do with “self,” and much to do with God. It is perfect for those looking for pure, unadulterated worship music. For worship leaders, musicians, and singers, Brenton Brown has lead sheets and lyrics available for download, free of charge on his website. Instructional guitar videos can be found for select songs on his Myspace page. In prayer time, worship services, or even in your car, Adoration will bring you back to the basics of worship, blessing you, and blessing God. ninetyandnine.com
Kyle Brown is a senior at Gateway College of Evangelism, en route to receive a Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry with a Church Music emphasis. He is a worship leader/songwriter who has a passion for music that glorifies God. |
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