Inspire Music “Inspire” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Won It All, Colors, Belong

It's only a matter before Jesus Christ is brought to the dance floor.  With EDM (electronic dance music) being so popular amongst youngsters circa the early 2010s, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that Jesus deserves the best of EDM too.  While worship music in the past have taken a defaulted rock template, thanks to Hillsong Young and Free, Bethel Music and Planetshakers, now worship music is spawned with an EDM encasing.  Inspire Music is the latest church worship team that is set in creating worship songs that are on the cutting edge by taking the freshest beats, the most infectious hooks, and theological richness of the Christian faith.  Thus, this album "Inspire" will not only score highly with youths but will not abandon those who like their worship songs entrenched in the Word of God.

Inspire music was birthed out of INSPIRE CHURCH on Oahu, Hawaii lead by Senior Pastors Mike and Lisa Kai. With 3 locations on Oahu, one in Manila, Philippines, and Church Online, INSPIRE CHURCH continues to inspire, influence and reach people around the world. Cindy Scullard is the Worship Director at INSPIRE CHURCH. With her experience and knowledge she continues to lead and push the team to greater heights, reaching more and more for Christ each week. Signed to DREAM Worship Records, Inspire Music shares the roster with notable worship leaders such as Cindy Cruse Ratcliff (of Joel Osteen's church), Darrell Evans and New Hope Oahu.

"Dance Dance" is paradigmatic of the record.  With laser splashing synth splashes, pulsating electronic beats, you can see in your mind's eye the laser show and the smoke machines as the team let loose and dance before Jesus.  This is followed by arguably the best song on the platter, "Colors."  Utilizing words of the hymn "Amazing Grace" over a relaxing verse before bursting into a Jesus raved dance floor mode in the chorus, this is an amalgam of old and new done with heart and creativity.  Less innovative with the "ooohh oooh" hook that is so prevalent in so many worship songs today, "Alive in Me" is redeemed by its lyrics which gives perspicuity to the team's raison d'etre:   "In this generation, we live for Your fame A light on a hilltop that's shining Your name."

"Won It All" eases on the EDM factor.  Rather, starting with just vocals and an acoustic guitar before an explosive chorus with a great hook, "Won It All" reminds one of Hillsong's "Forever Reign."  Also heartfelt is the power ballad "Belong."  If you are into big ballads with elongated notes that crescendos with lots of opportunities of heart-pouring worship, "Belong" is perfect. "Shine," the team's lead single, incorporates some 80s Gorgio Moroder crashing dance sound with the best of today's sounds.  A song that speaks of God's explosive power into areas of darkness, disbelief, and fears; one could envisage church youth groups dancing and worshipping to this gem.   

If you are into energetic and cutting edge worship music where the rhythms do not let up over theologically-sound lyrics, check these guys out.

 

 

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