Leeah Duff – Leeah Duff

leeah duff

Independent

Release Date: July 30th 2014

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Leeah Duff– Leeah Duff (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

  1. You Make Things Beautiful
  2. Awakening
  3. Open Your Eyes
  4. The Highest Praise

A relatively new artist with roots in worship and CCM, Leeah Duff’s self-titled EP that released last year was a release I stumbled upon the other day while I was searching for new and up and coming talent on Noisetrade, for me to enjoy this year. And what a brilliant and stellar artist I stumbled onto! Leeah’s 4 song EP, though frankly too short for my liking (as once I’ve settled into the music and longing for more the songs are finished!), is just a taster for her full length debut releasing later on this year, and with a voice and music similar to Elizabeth South, Audrey Assad and Christy Nockels, this EP is one that slipped under my radar last year, but is something that should be listened to by anyone who loves worship music. Just sit back, close your eyes, and marvel at Leeah’s prowess as a worshipper, singer and songwriter!

Opening the track list is the explosive piano melody “You Make Things Beautiful”. A worship song driven by the acoustic guitar, Leeah exudes her heart for Jesus in this melody, with emotion and honesty pouring out from her. As Leeah passionately and ardently declares to God ‘…let the earth sing, let heaven shout, all of the angels crying out for the life that’s reborn, renewed and transformed, all glory to You for You make all things new…’, we are reminded about the beauty in the simplicity of worship. As we remember that this song isn’t flashy and contains minimal instruments, what matters is the heart, and Leeah’s heart while praising Jesus because of His creation and love for us, is full of unbounding love for Her Saviour and King. Well done Leeah for a captivating and inspiring melody to kick start this impressive EP!

Originally I thought “Awakening” would be Chris Tomlin’s cover, but it’s an original, this time driven by the electric guitar. A radio friendly ballad that has Leeah crying out to God to send revival, and declaring that it’s the time for the awakening, this moving and impressive melody is the perfect second song, to an EP that is sure to surprise us in a good way! Well done Leeah for a challenging and refreshing worship EP!

“Open Your Eyes” is third, and is a piano pop melody that poses question after question. As Leah majestically sings across strings, keys and guitar, she fervently asks us to open our eyes and see God for who He really is rather than live life without a purpose or a meaning. Later on in the song, Leeah sings about the beauty of God saving everyone on the cross, and eloquently reminds us that God is the Only One who can fill us up with satisfaction that doesn’t run out, and to me, this song just builds upon the first two in terms of enjoyability.

“Highest Praise” is the last song on the EP. “Highest Praise” is another piano ballad, and is based on John 3:16 and is the pinnacle of the EP musically, thematically, lyrically and vocally, with Leeah’s sublime vocals taking this song to another level. As we sing out with Leeah, and cry out that ‘…broken on the cross of love, You gave away Your only Son to save the wretched sinners You call man, and all that call upon Your name, You promise that they will be saved, Father you deserve the highest praise…’, I marvel at the wonder of God’s sovereignty, and am proud of Leeah beyond words of her ability to lead us in corporate and individual worship. This song can be used at church and in the home, and that’s the beauty of Leeah’s songwriting skills- they are just as good as any other writer today!

If you haven’t heard of Leeah Duff’s music before, then today is the day when that changes. Because this EP is simply brilliant, and there is absolutely no reason why one should not listen to the album! A gem that is a great listen while we are waiting for her new full length album, why not dive in and check out these heartfelt worship songs? Fans of Audrey Assad, Christy Nockels and Meredith Andrews will love this album, I guarantee it! Well done Leeah, and I will certainly be checking out your new album when it releases!

3 songs to listen to: You Make Things Beautiful, Highest Praise, Awakening

Score: 4/5

RIYL: Audrey Assad, Christy Nockels, Ellie Holcomb, Ginny Owens

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