Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: March 16th 2018
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Chris McClarney– Hallelujah For The Cross (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Hallelujah For The Cross
One of the newer artists on mainstay CCM label Capitol Christian Music Group; Chris McClarney (who I guess will forever be known as the writer of the smash hit “Your Love Never Fails”, made famous by both Jesus Culture and Newsboys!), as a solo worship artist, has never quite recorded the hit needed for his worship and songwriting prowess to be recognised enough to catapult him into stardom and the lofty heights that he probably deserves given the years and years he has been in and around the music industry. Well that is all about to change this year. Releasing a brand new single “Hallelujah For The Cross” a couple of weeks ago, and just in time for Easter, Chris has indeed unveiled to us something special, a track probably so poignant and impacting to the local church and hopefully the wider global faith community, that it almost begs us to sit up and take notice. Though having the same name as the modern hymn from Newsboys that released in 2014, anyone expecting a cover of that track, or an upbeat pop tune like Newsboys will be disappointed. But never fear, this pulsating, eclectic and encouraging melody is sure to inspire- you just need to give it a chance.
Co-written by Jeff Pardo and Ben Glover, Chris goes for the jugular here in this breathtaking piano and guitar led mid-tempo ballad, as he passionately exclaims that it is the power of the cross that makes Christianity so special, that makes Jesus so relevant to us today, that makes our life worth living. Bringing forth a song of praise that ‘…by Your stripes, I’m healed, by Your death, I live, the power of sin is overcome, It is finished, it is done…’, we are met with an honest admission of adoration and reverence towards our Almighty King and Saviour for everything He’s done for us on the cross to reconcile us back to Him. A song of gratefulness and featuring a concept that we should not take lightly, I reckon it’s fitting that I review this on Good Friday (well Good Friday in Australia anyway!), as we reflect upon the sacrifice of Jesus. I couldn’t even fathom about where I would be without the cross, and Chris has done an excellent job at articulating an integral part of Christian history inside 5 minutes, and not have it feel rushed at all.
With Chris McClarney prepping for his upcoming June 2018 release, “Hallelujah For The Cross” is a worthy and competent lead single that should make its way into churches for Sunday morning setlists in the very near future. A timely song to proclaim this Easter as we remember everything that Jesus Christ has done for us; this track is one of my favourite worship songs of 2018 (but sadly just missed the cut for my latest Best of 2018 post for top 20 songs of Jan-March 2018!)- and is a must to listen to for fans of any worship artist. One album that I am anticipating for in the coming months; Chris McClarney will be recognised for this song this year, and that is definitely a good thing! So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and listen to some strong biblical truth!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Phil Wickham, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Jesus Culture, Hillsong Worship