Psalms and Hymns for Contemporary Worship
Good things often come from the most unlikely places. If you’ve ever been to the tiny town of Sequim, WA. (pronounced sk-wim), you’ll be surrounded by trees, lanes of highway that trail off towards the Pacific Ocean or forest roads that end up in remote camping areas, a gas station or two, and very few people. It is also one of the driest places on the Washington peninsula, which means not a lot of rain. However, David Isaac Rivers, a worship pastor at Calvary Chapel, has found an oasis with his new release Psalms.
David is not a native to the Pacific Northwest but comes to it via Boston, where he studied songwriting at Berklee College of Music, and the songwriting shines in Psalms. Starting with a contemporary folk version of the classic hymn, “Solid Rock,” he sets the tone for the rest of the EP, not just in soundscape, but also in depth of theology, lyrical prowess, and imagery that is found among the best hymns that have stuck with the church for hundreds of years. “None Will Be Denied,” is such a song. Tinged with bluegrass underpinnings, emotive fiddle, and melodies that hearken back to another era, the lyrics and paint a stirring picture from the get go, making it feel timeless. A more contemporary edge follows in “Holy Love Come Down.” Mandolin riffs ring out with elegant harmonies and an upbeat rhythm section. “I Will Not Cease to Sing” again takes us on another journey, both in melodic folk but also in a rich tapestry of the longing to for the day of finality with uniting the Church with Jesus. Psalms ends on with the upbeat trill and emphatic “Take My Life.”
Each song could easily fit well into liturgical and contemporary worship services. The lyrics are well developed and speak of the gospel and furthering a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Should you… yes. Get this album. We 100% recommend this album. Get it and make your hipster worship leader listen to it and start incorporating songs like “None Will Be Denied” and “I Will Not Cease to Sing,” and the others too, in your services.
Click Image Below to Purchase Psalms
