Music » Praise & Worship Music

In today's worship-crazed phase of Christian pop, Mercy Me fits right in with smooth melodies, passionate lyrics, and a vertical focus. Yet the transition from worship band to major-label act demands more. Almost There promises just enough to allow it to rise above its inconsistencies. Prayer of Jabez-inspired "Bless Me Indeed" is a glimmer of brilliance where the group brings it all together, but it's the poignancy and power of "I Can Only Imagine" that testifies to Mercy Me's great potential. The dramatic ballad captures a believer's hope for the afterlife and is fueled by Bart Millard's authoritative vocals. The song will continue to be a staple in church worship services for years to come. Then there are the not so brilliant moments, including the cheesy "House of God" and "All Fall Down." Weak moments aside, Almost There offers enough fireworks to make Mercy Me an act to watch. --Michael Lyttle

Release Date: 1998-11-24, Audio CD, Sparrow

Release Date: 2003-03-18, Audio CD, Benson

There are few music collections of the modern praise and worship movement in contemporary Christianity that capture classics better than the double-disc release Songs 4 Worship: Shout to the Lord. The buoyancy of Charlie LeBlanc's "Celebrate Jesus" sets a joyous and righteous tone for this uplifting assembly of songs. The melodic brilliance of Paul Baloche is ably defined in "I Will Celebrate," while the modern church staple "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" gets a rousing treatment from the Maranatha Singers. Appropriately enough, the first disc closes with the classic "Shout to the Lord," the signature Darlene Zschech number bound to move anyone's soul. The second disc packages the old (Amy Grant's "Thy Word" and Rich Mullins's "Awesome God") with the new (Delirious's "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever") in a delightful sequence. The powerful Ron Kenoly belts out the closing "Majesty" in fine form. This release is a solid primer for those exploring the praise and worship genre. --Michael Lyttle

Release Date: 2003-05-06, Audio CD, Verity

Top 25 Exitos De Alabanza features the most popular songs being used and sung in Spanish churches across America and Latin America. Features songwriters Rick Founds and David Ruis.

Array

Release Date: 2002-02-26, Audio CD, Six Step Records

Release Date: 2000-02-08, Audio CD, Verity

Release Date: 2001-08-21, Audio CD, Time Life Records