Provident Label Group
Release Date: March 9th 2018
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Israel Houghton– Reckless Love (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Reckless Love
What do you reckon right now the most sung song is? Worship-wise, I think there’s only one answer- and that is “Reckless Love”, originally written and recorded by Cory Asbury in January this year. Already covered by Bethel Music and Passion, “Reckless Love” is one of those songs what you just have to hear to experience and be changed by. It’s a song that, to me, transcends all denominations, and maybe faiths, as we hear the fervent sentiment and emotional declaration that Jesus’ love for us is reckless, and that ‘…it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine, I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it, still, You give Yourself away…’. And it’s also a song that brings tears to our eyes, encourages us to worship our Father in reverence, praising Him for His reckless love poured out to us; and a song worthy of at least one Dove Award nomination, maybe more, for this coming year. Enough background though, let’s dive into Israel Houghton’s version, which released a few days ago, via Provident Label Group.
At his new label home, one would think that gospel singer Israel Houghton may deliberately change his sound to be more pop and CCM. Not so here, as we are met with a track that brings us the signature gospel and soul sound from the Israel we all know and love, as Israel earnestly and unequivocally makes this melody his own, authoritatively crying out across electronics and soothing keys, and alongside an engaging gospel choir, that Jesus is a pursuing God, that He will not rest until we are found, that there is nowhere He would go where He would not find us. Reminding me of Psalm 139, as well as Sarah Reeves’ “Nowhere”; we are definitely blessed by Israel’s version of an already explosive mega-hit, that is surely going to go global (if it hasn’t already), and maybe into the mainstream?… you never know!
Cory Asbury should be proud that his song is circulating the globe at a quick pace. And Israel Houghton should also be proud, of doing this song justice, and reminding us all that it doesn’t matter the genre of an artist, as long as they are praising God and drawing people into His presence. Israel’s first song since 2015’s Covered; “Reckless Love” on a new label is a new chapter for him, and I can’t wait to hear what God has in store for this coming year for Israel. Well done Israel, you have recorded this track to perfection; can’t wait to hear more from you!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Mary Mary, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Kierra Sheard, The Walls Group