#MyPlaylist. INTRODUCING: ELEVATION WORSHIP

808’s, kicks, snares. I love to hear them in my earbuds. In fact, thank God for rap music! I love rap music so much, it’s very easy to assume it’s all I ever listen to. I mean, that’s my regular jam plus I admit to talking fast and putting out my own rap music. So I guess it only makes sense that people draw such conclusions. I would also have you know that I’m very picky when it comes to what I listen to. I know a lot of people disagree with this but honestly, lyrical content trumps sonic excellence when it comes to what I enjoy. If I can’t relate to your content, I sure ain’t putting you on my playlist. That is just the way it is. There’s only so much ignorance a man can tolerate.  And like Marty (of Social Club Misfits) says, I am able listen to music without getting mom out of the room first.

Now, to all those who think I’m a hip hop head, I’m sorry to burst your bubble. I love the late Culture’s work. I love Skillet’s rock music. I love everything Hillsong, I love Tori Kelly’s pop music and I currently have Nigeria’s Adekunle Gold battling Asa and Adele for favorite vocalist. It’s a really long list of creators of good art. However, this blog post – the first of my new blog series, “#MyPlaylist” is directed at sharing with you my new found love, ELEVATION WORSHIP.

Since September last year, I have been watching sermons from a Charlotte, North Carolina based church known as Elevation Church. Sermons on Elevation Church’s youtube channel usually begin with the lead pastor – Pastor Steven Furtick thanking the worship team for a wonderful time of worship; a part of the service viewers online don’t get to see. I for one did not know what I was missing because I had never seen them minister. Secondly, Pastor Steven’s preaching of the Word is really good spiritual food. So I guess I was content. Then, on the 26^th day of last month, while checking out new uploads on the youtube channel I noticed a video captioned “There Is A Cloud (Live) – Elevation Worship” in the related videos section. I clicked to watch, and from that very moment I have been hooked. I didn’t even have to look them up on Google. I just knew they were the worship team from Pastor Steven’s church. Besides, the name said it all. Elevation Worship had to be from Elevation Church.

Like the band Casting Crowns whom I’ve cherished since 2013, Elevation Worship can be described as a contemporary worship music band. Their well-structured lyric composition sung by lead vocalists, Chris Brown, Mack Brock, London Williams, Jenna Winders Barrientes and Jonsal Barrientes on awesome live instrumentation always leaves you wanting more. The music is just timeless. It’s the kind that will still possess today’s freshness decades to come; still edifying the body of Christ. It’s worship so good, angels are jealous. Word!

A little research revealed that the band released their debut studio album, For The Honor, under Essential Records in November 2011. It saw chart success on Billboard charts including No. 1 on Heatseekers, No. 19 on Christian Albums, and No. 193 on Billboard 200. Four studio albums namely, Nothing Is Wasted (2013), Only King Forever (2014), Wake Up The Wonder (2014) and Here As In Heaven (2015, which was under their own label, Elevation Worship Records) followed.

This year, Elevation worship is set release another live album titled There Is A Cloud on March 17th. I have listened to There Is A cloud, Do It Again, and Fullness, all singles off the album. They give me the kind I feeling I had at CCF’s Famifest ’15. The songs simply put worship on an elevated level and I believe the entire project will be nothing short of what the singles communicate.

If a good worship sets your spirit ablaze – which it should, then you should definitely hear Elevation Worship sing.

 

Watch Elevation Worship minister There Is A Cloud (Live).

 

Watch Resurecting – Elevation Worship (Live).

 

“Resurecting” lyrics hit me to the core.

The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now
The Savior knelt to wash our feet
Now at his feet we bow

The one who wore our sin and shame
Now robed in majesty
The radiance of perfect love
Now shines for all to see

Your name
Your name
Is victory
All praise
Will rise
To Christ our king
[x2]

The fear that held us now gives way
To him who is our peace
His final breath upon the cross
Is now alive in me

Your name
Your name
Is victory
All praise
Will rise
To Christ our king
[x2]

By Your spirit I will rise
From the ashes of defeat
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me
In Your name I come alive
To declare your victory
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me
[x3]

The tomb where soldiers watched in vain
Was borrowed for three days
His body there would not remain
Our God has robbed the grave
Our God has robbed the grave

Your name
Your name
Is victory
All praise
Will rise
To Christ our king
[x2]

By Your spirit I will rise
From the ashes of defeat
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me
In your name I come alive
To declare Your victory
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me

Pre-order There Is A Cloud album on iTunes. And yeah I could email you a couple of Elevation Worship songs (mp3). Just hit me up in the comments section.

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