Sparrow/sixsteps Records
Release Date: January 12th 2018
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Chris Tomlin– Resurrection Power (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Resurrection Power
Chris Tomlin needs no introduction. He is probably the pioneer of modern worship music. He’s written probably some of the most meaningful and sought after (by the church) worship melodies- songs like “Forever”, “Jesus”, “Home”, “We Fall Down”, “The Wonderful Cross”, “How Great Is Our God”, “Our God”, “Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone”, “Indescribable”, “Holy Is The Lord”, “Famous One”, “Enough”, “Jesus Messiah”, “I Will Rise”, “I Lift My Hands”, “God’s Great Dance Floor”, “Whom Shall I Fear?”, “Jesus Loves Me”, “Waterfall”…the list goes on and on. These songs are just a snapshot of his most impacting and influential global hits- and when one hears a Chris Tomlin song, guaranteed sound and biblical lyrics are front and centre, as well as an inspiring message and a Holy Spirit infused melody. Though at times Chris’ music can sound a bit too CCM-ish and cliché (at times I do tend to agree!), Chris still has that uncanny ability with his written words and his distinct singing voice to draw us in, and to get us singing along to even the most simplest of tunes. On the heels of his most recent album Never Lose Sight, which was released in 2016, Chris has unveiled a brand new melody, for personal and corporate worship. “Resurrection Power” released last month, and while the lyrics and music seem to be lacking, and it is indeed one of his weakest lead singles to date; there’s still something about this song that has me smiling, as I can hear Chris’ undeniable passion for Jesus still ringing through, and perhaps this song will grow on me more as I am exposed to “Resurrection Power” on radio and on Spotify.
A shoe-in on Wow Hits 2019, “Resurrection Power” starts in typical Tomlin fashion, as Chris reiterates across light acoustic guitar and soothing piano that ‘…You called me from the grave by name, You called me out of all my shame, I see the old has passed away, the new has come…’, which by some critics’ invariably high standards, is unacceptable lyrics for someone who’s been doing this for the better part of 15 years and counting. Harsh, isn’t it? Thankfully, even though I somewhat agree that this song isn’t the most creative song-writing wise, I am also of the viewpoint that every songwriter cannot be like Andrew Peterson, and that Chris is only writing what God is placing on his heart, and to his strengths. His strengths are as a worship leader first, then a songwriter. And having seen him live 10 years ago on the Passion World Tour in 2008, and hearing him ardently and fervently sing out God’s praises album after album; I can unequivocally say that Chris’ new song, though something that we’ve all heard before, is needed now more than ever in 2018, as we remember that we have ‘…resurrection power, living on this inside, Jesus, You have given us freedom…’. Through Jesus, we have been given the most prized possession, our freedom, and that alone is reason enough to celebrate and jump for joy. Well done Chris for a compelling song, one that though sounds maybe too radio friendly, contains fervent and timeless truths that we still need to hear, now and into the future.
Over the course of his ten plus years as a singer and a worship leader, Chris Tomlin has given us great and powerful songs that many churches are singing right now all around the world. And now, we are given the chance to hear Chris sing some more powerful worship tunes, starting with “Resurrection Power”, and then with maybe his new album to be released sometime in 2018 or early 2019. Though Chris Tomlin is absent from the upcoming live Passion album Whole Heart (who’d have conceived this 10 years ago, that Chris would be phased out of Passion by 2018?), this doesn’t mean that “Resurrection Power” is irrelevant or out of touch with today’s wants, hopes and dreams of young people. Rather the opposite. We all want to know that we can be free, free to live as we choose, but also free to live as God wants us to. This song is a timely reminder of the power of the grave and the power of Jesus in us that has already provided us with the freedom that we desperately crave, that’s been always sitting deep inside us all along. While it doesn’t matter if Chris Tomlin isn’t exactly your favourite artist, there is enough heart and passion on “Resurrection Power” to have us eagerly waiting the next Tomlin album. For me, I cannot wait to hear what Chris has in store next, so check out the song below! Despite the CCM-ish sound, you may find your next worship anthem for the year!
3 songs to listen to: Resurrection Power, countless times, as we fully understand and grasp the unending truth that Jesus’ resurrection gives us power that we can only imagine, and because of this we are free in Him!
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, Kristian Stanfill, Chirsty Nockels, Kari Jobe