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Chris Tomlin has this down to a science now; he gets the best of both worlds every time he releases an album. First off, he gets heavy radio play and secondly his songs are sung in churches by nearly every worship team in the U.S., thus CCLI royalties. He deserves every penny!
How Can I Keep from Singing starts out with pop production guitars, but don't let that fool you. This is a simple, yet effective, praise and worship song. It's what worship team leaders look for, it's perfect. I find myself wondering where I can get the sheet music for this song, it's a sure church hit. Made to Worship was released before this album as a single, and it's a good radio song. It lacks some of the depth we've come to expect from Chris, but is a catchy tune.
Let God Arise opens again with heavy guitar and is up-tempo. Chris has expanded his sound with melody-driven tasteful cranking songs. If you have not heard "You're the One" from the Narnia soundtrack, you should give it a listen as it is great. It's a transition between his original sound, and the newer style we hear on STM and Chris lets his hair down on God Arise. Everlasting God is the sweet spot of See the Morning -- a ray of sunshine, and the
pinnacle
of the album. The counter-melody guitar riff is as good as it gets. Chris and his team are definitely some of the best songwriters alive, and the world benefits. Our Lord is lifted up and you can feel the joy in Chris' heart.
Glory in the Highest starts out like the rising sun, very subtle and beautiful. A pure praise and worship track with strong production that expands to a fuller sound as the song goes along. Another catchy hook; which is harder then most people think, try writing a jingle for TV or radio, it's not easily done. To have a song remain in someone's mind as their day goes on is the ultimate goal of a praise and worship writer, and Chris succeeds more than once on this album. Glorious is pure worship; and a wonderful concise title. It is formula Chris and makes you wonder just how many of the songs on this album will become staples in the church; a handful, at the very least, with Glorious being one in the forefront.
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Uncreated One is yet another original song title, and a beautiful song that the ladies will certainly play over and over. Fortunately this isn't released in a record format because the vinyl would quickly be worn out. It's a song worth repeating over and over again. Rejoice seems a bit too cookie-cutter and doesn't quite reach the level of some of the other tracks on this CD. It's placed near the end of the album, and feels like filler.
Let Your Mercy Rain gets the album back on track, undeniably a morning glory and nearly the best track of the project. These words are anointed by Him and everyone involved from production and engineering to the players have blessed everyone who hears it. The last tune, Amazing Grace with a twist is simply awesome. This rendition is sure to become widespread.
In life we all want to make a difference. Musically, some do it better than others. Chris chose to worship the Lord though music, and it's obvious that he strives for His excellence. He succeeds, over and over again. Bottom line, Chris is the Keith Green of the 21st century.
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