ROBBIE TOWNSEND listens to Emu Music’s The Things Above…
“The Things Above has managed to capture the joy of what it is to be in community with one another as the people of God, even from one side of the globe to the other.”
The Things Above
Emu Music
Emu Music, 2016
2016 has seen Emu Music add to their vast catalogue of Scripture-laden worship albums with their latest release The Things Above. Written, refined and recorded in both America and Australia by a team of writers, The Things Above has managed to capture the joy of what it is to be in community with one another as the people of God, even from one side of the globe to the other.
“I believe that good art comes out of good community, and on the latest EMU album that is certainly true,” reflects Australian singer/songwriter (and the album’s co-producer) Nathan Tasker.
I agree, this is good art, and the Scriptural encouragement within The Things Above is a great gift to the wider church, the audience for which this album has been intentionally written for.
Local worship teams will appreciate the pleasantly uncomplicated arrangements, and the realistic and comfortable vocal melodies that can be sung by anyone(!). Also, the relatively uncomplicated production of the album – with the piano being the key instrument – means the songs can be easily translated into local churches.
The Things Above covers many areas of worship, starting with the praise and thanksgiving of our loving God in We Declare, The Things Above, and Mighty God. We are reminded of the peace and faithfulness of the Lord in Hear Our Prayer, Breath of God, and O Come In Humble Prayer, and sing of our faith in our Saviour in No More To Pay, Prince of Peace, How Sweet The Name, and One Forevermore.
My favourite track was One Forever More. Heads up – there is also a sneaky track in there by the one and only…..Colin Buchanan!