Jesus Messiah
CHRIS TOMLIN
Producer(s): Ed Cash
Writer(s): Chris Tomlin
Label: Sixsteps/Sparrow
GMA’s 2008 Artist of the Year seems to know no vacation, already striking with the lead single off of Hello Love while See the Morning’s final single still lingers inside the Top 20 of AC radio. His seventh full-length album slated for a September release, Chris Tomlin readily represents the face of today’s congregation, reeling in those who fall susceptible to plain melodies and commonplace lyrics. Granted, the single’s grandiose production fashions a quasi-anthem in the concluding thirty seconds, but the end is no way to justify the means – formulaic composition implementing a five-note range. Perhaps the church would mature if it could be weaned off of baby food… this may be the next “How Great is Our God,” but only because it is essentially a replica.
Verdict: 2.5/5
- Clem
3 comments
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June 24, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Tim
In response to the above comments about the Church being ‘weaned off baby food’ ….
Regardless of the quality of this tune, I’m not sure Chris (or anyone else) writing more complex melodies is exactly the kind of “food” that is going to grow and nurture God’s people!
It is definitely encouraging to praise God together singing wonderful songs, yes it is great when the music is original and interesting and we should encourage our songwriters in that, however the kind of Church maturing “food” talked about in the Bible is teaching about our wonderful King and Saviour Jesus, not intricate melodies (ie. 1 Cor 2 & Hebrew 5-6).
In some way perhaps we should applaud Chris for the lyric of this song which draws us back to that which gives all Christian’s hope – Jesus Messiah and what he’s done!
June 25, 2008 at 3:08 pm
theclem
Different strokes for different folks… I’m not discrediting this song’s ability to be encouraging to be some people – even edifying for others, but personally, I would have a difficult time worshiping with this because I would be so distracted by its plainness. There are times when a simple worship song is much better than a convoluted one, but I’m not sure simplicity is what Tomlin was going for, and there are ways to be simple without being trite (see “Let My Words Be Few” by Matt Redman). I would also have such trouble teaching this song to a congregation because it feels like I’m not really teaching a new song, but an old one rehashed.
But when it comes down to it, it’s really the heart that matters (/end cheesiness) and this song touches you, all the more power to it. I’m a big fan of Tomlin and wish him the best, but I think I’ll stick to “How Great is Our God” for now.
July 10, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Lucaso
Hmmm… I’m gonna have to say that I don’t like the song that much. The lyrics are stellar of course, who can argue with those? But the melody and composition to me leaves me wondering. It’s extremely predictable and to me that says that an artist hasn’t spent enough time on the melodic content of their song.
I will remind those reading that in Revelation the elders never cease to say day and night: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” If simplicity is a sin then someone ought to advise the elders standing in God’s very presence.
However back to the point at hand. Some predictable songs stick in my head, but this one doesn’t. After the song is over I’m left wondering, how did that go again? Maybe not the worst song I’ve ever heard certainly, but definitely forgettable in my opinion.
However I love Chris Tomlin and his music is used regularly by me in leading worship so this should not be interpreted as a slam on him.