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| Integrity Music owns copyright |
Not often do people
write reviews for albums which are thirteen years old. But the live worship
album “He is Exalted” by Twila Paris
On this album,
Twila presents a very faithful summary of the Christian faith. The songs chosen
for this album speak of such Christian themes as glory, being loved, being
saved, and spiritual comfort.
Twila’s voice is
well composed and pleasant to receive.
The choir as
backing vocals also brings a sense of sincere spiritual centering without which
the music would be absent something significant and meaningful.
Lifted Higher
I love the line…
“see the passion in the art” ! Twila projects a passion for sure. And the theme
of the song “his name is lifted”, well, 2.5 billion Christians live on this
planet. Yes, his name is lifted.
The chord changes
inspire a sense of joy as they sing “higher, higher, higher”. You will find
yourself singing along.
He is Exalted
Obviously
inspired by the many Psalms of the Old Testament.
The drums and percussion emphasize and
punctuate a musical paragraph of worship which seems to linger in the heart
long after hearing it.
Hosanna
“May you receive
only honor in all that we do”
Great guitar work.
This song comes across like a soft-driving rock song.
All Things Work
Together
Twila’s introductory narration of encouragement introduces a
“declaration, a statement of faith” to the promise that “all things work
together for those who are called”. Her voice is particularly comforting here.
God is in Control
Another
rock-driving sound, heavy on guitar and drums this song seems to envelop the
soul with a steadfast faith that God is indeed in control.
Messiah
Pulling forth the
Old Testament promise of Messiah and making that Messiah real in a contemporary
world. Just as the studio effect enhances the recording, Twila’s voice
accentuates the prophetic voice in “Messiah”.
We All Bow Down
Another inspiring
introductory narration…
“Let your kingdom
come…in our hearts, in our lives, in our homes, our families, relationships, in
our church, that we may reflect you.”
The use of ascending, repetitive prepositional placement
seems to lift you from an ordinary spiritual place to one of glory.
Days of Elijah
This tune, heavy on
guitar, should cause baby boomers to tune in to a new manifestation of “peace
and love”!
Enter In
“I open up
the door to life forevermore” focuses very intimately on Twila’s vocal
qualities. You can embrace her control and sincerity. The accompanying piano
and strings accommodate the invitation to a spiritual “entering”.
You Are Holy
A humble,
yet glory-filled anthem of praise “You are worthy”!
We Have Seen Your Glory
“The word became
flesh”, this song is anchored in Scripture and moving in emotion.
Hold Me Close
A slower moving
ballad of surrender and faith, swelling strings serve as a backdrop of
assurance and love.
The whole of the album is spiritually arresting and promises
to rapture the spirit of any who would take the time to become still and allow
the spirit to move through the tones, vocals, and instrumentations of this
collection of song.
I would like to thank my friend Kim Wyman, a choir vocalist
on this album,for introducing me to this singer and album.
Of course, I had previously heard Twila on the radio, but
taking time to focus on her vocal qualities on a full album leaves me with a
greater impression of her spiritual depth!
