Sojourn Music - Over the Grave

A couple of weeks ago I caught wind of a unique worship music album that had been produced by Kentucky-based Church community.  I was intrigued by the concept behind it and was motivated by several enthusiastic blog reviews to investigate further.  I was able to preview some of the material and after that is was a no brainer, I placed my order and have been waiting expectantly ever since.  I received my copy of Sojourn's CD "Over the Grave - The Hymns of Isaac Watts Volume 1" in the mail right before a long car ride on Saturday.  Perfect timing.  The hour plus car ride gave me (and my lovely wife) more than enough time to really listen to this album and pick it apart a bit.  All I can say is wow! 

Here's a little bit more about this project from Sojourn's website...

"As musicians, pastors and songwriters, our desire was to explore the hundreds of hymns that Watts wrote during his lifetime, to learn from the incredible range and depth of his lyrics, and to re-envision those songs with modern language and melodies.  In particular, we gravitated towards themes that seem unfortunately absent in modern worship — themes about God’s wrath and judgment, His righteousness, and a dramatic vision of the cross and atonement of Christ."

There is definitely an indie/alternative sound to this album, but there is quite a bit of variety, and even if that's not your style, I can't see how anyone could deny what a great work this is and how it accomplished the vision stated above.  So far my favorite songs are "Only Your Blood is Enough," "We are Changed" "Refuge," "Living Faith," but they are all good.  I have no problem saying you should spend the $14 (including shipping) and purchase this album and support this effort.

I am encouraged that there are gifted Christian artists out there committed to quality work like this, and it's great that it came out of a church and not a record company trying to have another hit worship record.  This is better content-wise and music-wise than most of the worship albums I've listened to in the last few years!     

Click here for more info. on Sojourn and this album.