Passion – God You’re So Good (Live) [feat. Travis Greene] – Single

Sixsteps Records

Release Date: September 7th 2018

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Passion– God You’re So Good (Live) [feat. Travis Greene] – Single (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

  1. God You’re So Good (Live) [feat. Travis Greene]

Earlier in the year, Passion released their annual live album Whole Heart (dropping to digital outlets in February, and in stores worldwide at the end of March)- and if you want to read my review of the album, you can check it out here; and one of the smash hit songs from the project was “God You’re So Good”. In June, we reviewed the single radio version of the melody, and now fast forward a few more months later, and guess what we get? Yep, you’re right, a re-recorded second studio version of “God You’re So Good”- this time featuring Travis Greene on guest vocals, and the song recorded in a gospel atmosphere.

If you remember what I wrote in my original review when I was critiquing “God You’re So Good”, then you may ask me why I am even bothering to ‘review’ this newly recorded studio track. Especially when I have already reviewed a studio version before! Yet as my opinions on songs, especially this one, changes over time, let me refresh your memory of what I originally wrote (verbatim) and then give some thoughts on this newly recorded gospel version! 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 around Easter time, it was valid- I mean still Phil Wickham’s “Living Hope”, which released around that time also, is so much more inspiring and captivating than this melody led by Kristian Stanfill. But what I learnt is that ratings are fluid, and they have definitely changed here.

While the 4-minute studio version is infinitely more engaging than the 7-minute live version, and personally I reckon this song sounds better, more professional in a studio setting; this gospel version with Travis Greene is on a whole new other level. With Travis bringing in a freshness and energy I haven’t heard before in a long time, there isn’t much more I can say to praise this version of the song, other than to point you all to the music video, so that you can see how much passion is oozing out of Passion! With “God You’re So Good” being an anthem that is as straightforward as it sounds, this heartfelt melody 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 the entire band and Travis; 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.

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. Will Travis Greene join Passion, or will his music garner more interest amongst CCM lovers like myself? It remains to be seen, however he shines immensely in “God You’re So Good”- and Passion are definitely not going anywhere anytime soon…so check out this song; you may be inspired and blessed by what a simple yet profound melody it is!

Score: 4.5/5

RIYL:  Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Delirious?, Hillsong Worship, Israel Houghton, Elevation Worship, Kirk Franklin

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