Majestic [CD/DVD]

For Majestic, praise & worship sensation Kari Jobe decided on a twist, issuing a collection of brand new songs in a "live" setting. Produced by Jeremy Edwardson, this date presents Jobe fronting a full band, strings, and a backing chorus. The pre-release single "Forever" -- complete with crowd singalong -- is a representative sample. Jobe's music is the sound of the youthful Christian church in celebration. The music here -- even more so than on her studio offerings -- is dynamic, sweeping pop/rock with big drums, processional pianos, and keyboards and massive electric guitars (the latter of which are all completely derivative of U2's the Edge, perfect for anthems). Highlights here include the rousing, stomping opener "Hands to the Heavens," the melodrama in "How Majestic," the rumbling "Keeper of My Heart," and the beseeching yet affirmative "Lord Over All." The album debuted on the Christian Contemporary Album, Praise & Worship, and Christian Digital Album charts and at number four on the Overall Digital Album chart. It earned Jobe a second Billboard Top 200 Top 15 debut at number 12. Jobe's music is indeed the sound of the new orthodoxy. ~ Thom Jurek