Sixsteps Records/Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: May 4th 2018
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Passion– God You’re So Good (Radio Version) (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- God You’re So Good [Radio Version] (feat. Kristian Stanfill and Melodie Malone)
Earlier in the year, Passion released their annual live album, with Whole Heart dropping to digital outlets in February, and in stores worldwide around Easter time (and if you want to read my review of the album, you can check it out here!)- and now fast forward a month or so…what do you get? Well, you get a brand-new version (a studio radio friendly version) of the album’s lead single “God You’re So Good”!
If you remember what I wrote a couple of months ago, then you may ask me why I am even bothering to ‘review’ this newly recorded studio track. But if you can’t remember my assessment of the live version of “God You’re So Good”, then let me refresh your memory! Here is what I wrote verbatim- …”God You’re So Good”, also led by Kristian Stanfill, as well as Melodie Malone, and another promotional single; on the other hand is tad repetitive. If “Whole Heart” was a 10, this song would be a 5 or maybe a 4- which is a shame as Kristian is such a great worship leader. But nothing much can save the 7-minute lullaby-ish melody from becoming boring. The chorus is repetitive, and though the verses are inspiring, the melody doesn’t really build. Once it does, the track somehow feels a bit off. I’m not really sure what it is. And it’s strange as I reckon Kristian Stanfill is more passionate in this track than “Whole Heart”. Maybe it’s because the concept of God being so good, has been recorded many times before. But nonetheless, in my opinion “God You’re So Good” is a bit of a downer and a letdown…. As you can see, it is a really harsh assessment, and at the time, it was valid. But what I learnt is that ratings are fluid, and they can change, and that is certainly the case here.
On this studio version of “God You’re So Good”, I’m not sure what it is about it, but I find myself enjoying the track more and more- it’s around 10 000% more engaging than the 7-minute live version, and personally I reckon this song sounds better, more professional in a studio setting. With the passion exuding from both Kristian Stanfill and Melodie Malone very intensely in this version, “God You’re So Good” is an anthem that is as straightforward as it sounds. Though the lyrics are cliché, this heartfelt melody, in which the studio version tugs at my heart strings way more than the live recording, declares that God is good all the time, and that ‘…should this life bring suffering, Lord, I will remember, what Calvary has bought for me both now and forever…’; and it is through these lyrics as well as the brimming passion and enthusiasm of Kristian and Melodie that has me echoing the praises and sentiments throughout this song, that Jesus is good, all the time, with a prime example being his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection three days later. Simple in delivery yet effective also, I reckon Passion have a winner here- no doubt when I revisit this live version, it will have a whole new meaning.
Passion are doing what they do best- creating accessible worship songs for the church, and this brand new melody is no different. Sure they are no Andrew Peterson or Jason Gray, but what they bring to the table is necessary in CCM. Even though Chris Tomlin is phasing out of the group and Kristian is now taking lead vocal duties on every album moving forward, I reckon lovers of the ‘old Passion’ shouldn’t be disheartened, and should check out the new incarnation of this worship movement- I am positive they will find something lovable about these recent tracks, and that includes “God You’re So Good”, a melody that I reckon will be on the airwaves, and sung in churches around the world for a long, long time yet. It’s not known what the future holds for Passion, but I have high hopes after this song. They’re definitely not going anywhere anytime soon!
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Delirious?, Hillsong Worship, Matt Redman