Israel & New Breed - Live: A Deeper Level
Producer: Israel Houghton & Aaron Lindsey
Israel & New Breed’s newest release, Live: A Deeper Level didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Over the last few years Israel has exploded on to the scene with songs like “Friend of God” and “Again, I Say Rejoice” that, like modern day psalmist Chris Tomlin, have changed the face of worship music in the local church, while also impacting the industry. His often over simplified yet somehow deep lyrics, complicated chords, ambitious vocal production and melodic hooks mesmerize church worship leaders and industry professionals alike. Songs like “So Come” which start off this record, are unique and interesting, as they resemble a prayer set to music, but seem out of place in a corporate worship setting. Some of the lyrics require great effort to comprehend much less inspire one to join in worship, which after all misses the mark of a worship album. “Prayers of the Righteous” follows suit, but up tempo “Say So” rescues the listener with a more singable hook. “With Long Life” has a reggae flavor accented with some pretty dark chords and was one of my least favorites. It leaves me feeling like they were just trying too hard. “Identity” picks things up a bit, but I’m still wondering what the Island feel is all about. Finally a tune I can actually get excited about, “I Know Who I Am” is something I can actually hear churches singing. The group hits their stride here in the middle of the record, with songs like “I Will Search For You”, “Surely, Surely,” “If Not For Your Grace”, which is eerily similar to Clint Brown’s “If Not For Grace,” and the title cut, “Deeper” which was good enough. “We Have Overcome” is the kind of thing we expect from Israel and will definitely become a fan favorite. The project ends with a bonus track of the previously recorded “You Are Not Forgotten” featuring special guest Jonny Lang, which was quite a treat, and a great way to close the record. It took some time for this record to get going, and even when it did it was hit and miss. I still have great respect for Israel, and when he hits it, he hits it dead center. I love his creative melodies and the range of styles that he dabbles in, though not all of them to my personal taste. I haven’t sworn him off, but let’s just say I anxiously await his NEXT release.
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Wow, it’s like we were listening to two different CDs with the same song names on it. This is one of his deepest (no pun intended) CDs that he’s released. It definitely has a central theme of recognizing our role in the world and our responsibilities. “Deeper” is probably the best song he’s released ever. That song is so spiritual and so heartfelt that it ministers beyond the album. The other songs on this albums aren’t really hit/misses. I see them as expanding from other influences of his previous albums. Especially the African album. You can see alot of influence from that culture. I believe that he really found a sweet spot in worship and he rode the wave throughout this album. As far as singability at churches are concerned, it’s not about what songs can be sung at certain churches. As a musician, I am able to scale back or add to songs so that they match the mix of my congregation. It’s the lyrics, spirit, and truth that each song brings. That is why we started singing songs from Israel’s albums when they were first released. I’m definitely going to continue with this album as well. I think this is his strongest worship album. On the praise side, it varies, but like I said, I can make it work for our congregation. I truly enjoy this album.