Adoration

Photographer: Josh Hailey.
The worship leader and artist originally from South Africa crafts a solid collection for churchgoers on Adoration, his Kingsway label debut. The former Rhodes Scholar, Oxford University theologian, and prolific contemporary Christian songwriter had already made a name for himself penning songs for such recognizable names as Chris Tomlin, Rebecca St. James, and Flyleaf. Tomlin's recording of Everlasting God, in fact, became so well-known in Christian congregations that it was the first worship song ever to be named one of the most performed songs in the country by ASCAP. Adoration is a straightforward acknowledgment of praise made more authentic as Brown and his wife grieved for the loss of a stillborn child. This loss can be felt throughout the record. Other statements of faith and sovereignty include the first single, "Awesome God," the passive "All Who Are Thirsty," and "Because of Your Love." Though Brown's voice is a little tough to distinguish from other worship leaders, his delivery stands out for the joy that drips from each note, bringing to mind an early Matt Redman. ~ Jared Johnson