MARCUS CHEONG reviews The Cashmans’ latest album, ‘City of God’…
The Cashmans
City of God
Chrematizo Label Group, 2018
In a Word: Familiar
“The sound of the album is immediately familiar and feels right at home in the modern church. Rousing declarations of praise, heartfelt anthems of worship and prayerful moments are all present in this experience. The lead vocals alternate between Jonathan and Britney. Jonathan tends to take the bouncier, pop-inspired tunes and Britney leads the more intimate worship moments.”
Husband and wife duo Jonathan and Britney Cashman have ministered throughout Nashville, Orlando and New England for more than a decade. Their latest album, City of God, brings together 14 tracks of their Gospel-infused, toe-tapping contemporary worship to the world.
The sound of the album is immediately familiar and feels right at home in the modern church. Rousing declarations of praise, heartfelt anthems of worship and prayerful moments are all present in this experience. The lead vocals alternate between Jonathan and Britney. Jonathan tends to take the bouncier, pop-inspired tunes and Britney leads the more intimate worship moments.
Instrumentally, the sound of this album could be replicated by a typical worship team. Guitars, keys, bass and drums form the backbone of the most of the tracks with the occasional cello embellishment. In a twist to appeal to younger audience, the first two tracks, City of God and All Things New, get bonus remixes at the end of the album. In the remixes, what was formerly presented as contemporary rock gets reinterpreted as electronic dance mixes. This somewhat showcases that the versatility of the melodies that is present in their writing.
The Cashmans’ background of playing live as part of the Boston music scene and at worship events across the US have clearly influenced their writing. The tunes are melodic, catchy and are almost immediately singable upon first hearing. Worship teams may find inspiration from several of these tracks and could easily put them into any worship repertoire. Highlights include Your Love which features a chorus building great worship momentum and the vulnerable Surrender which has become the closing number at many of the Cashmans’ performances.
City of God feels like a set of tried and tested songs that have proven their worth in a live church setting. It is easy to imagine the Cashmans’ playing these songs at a concert, church service, or intimate worship workshop. With a heart for worship and a dedication for discipleship, City of God captures their mission for all to hear.
