23rd November, 2006

JUSTIN MICHAEL   

Album: Sing Over Me: Worship Songs and Lullabies
Artist: Nichole Nordeman, Janna Long, Bethany Dillon, Erin O’Donnell, Christy Nockels
Label: Sparrow
Enhanced: No

In a word: Soothing

"A very deliberate collection of lyrically excellent and musically sparkling songs that reflect the greatness of God, the beautiful in life and the reward of being a parent."

Compilation albums seem all too often to confuse me. It is rare for me to find one that I geniunely believe is a gift to the listener rather than a marketing vehicle for average songs or artists. Sing Over Me is the gift it was intended to be.

This is a theme album that traverses the most divine of topics - the worship of God and the gift of new life. A very deliberate collection of lyrically excellent and musically sparkling songs that reflect the greatness of God, the beautiful in life and the reward of being a parent.

We have a nine-month-old son, that, like every baby, sometimes needs a little extra ‘atmosphere’ to help him sleep. I was hoping he’d always want rock tunes in his player, but my wife assures me I am wrong! This album is quite deliberately arranged sans volume leaps and epic moments of rock. And, I must say, I like it that way.

Six time Dove Award-winning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Bebo Norman) has brought together a well known set list including Tomlins’ How Great Is Our God, Tim Hughes’ Here I Am To Worship and Whole World In His Hands, Martin Smith's (Delirious) Lord, You Have My Heart and the classic lullaby, Jesus Loves Me.

With the stunning voices of Nichole Nordeman (has she ever sung a below-average song?), Bethany Dillon, Christy Nockels of Watermark, Janna Long of Avalon and Erin O’donnel, you won’t need much more than an average audio system to hear the beauty in this recording.

The orchestrations are understated and shimmering. Particular stand outs are the string quartet on Whole World in his hands, a refreshing take on How Great Is Our God and the title track sung by Bethany Dillon and Nichole Nordeman taken from Zephaniah 3:17: "He will rejoice over you with singing".

Nordeman states: "This record began to draw me back to more quiet and private moments with God. Nobody thinks about worshipping in a rocking chair at 3am, but this is the reality of motherhood…stealing away with God one moment at a time, not so much for the desire of being heard and seen, but more for the rare chance to listen."

Listen gently, sleep well, and don’t forget the nappy change…3am or not, it’s gotta be uncomfortable if it's wet, right? Right?

Justin Michael can be heard weekday mornings on Geelong-based radio station 96.3 - www.rhemafm.org.au.