Tommy Walker - I Have a Hope

Producer:  Ed Cash
Record Label:  Maranatha! Music
Website:  http://www.tommywalker.net

Tommy Walker has done eight live records, but this is his first studio effort.  As a worship leader, his heart is to leave listeners with a greater wonder of God’s limitless love, and I would have to say that I absolutely believe he accomplished that with this project. The title cut, “I Have a Hope”, opens the record, which is a little out of the ordinary. Often artists use the title cut near the middle in an effort to anchor the record and represent a central point. Tommy Walker doesn’t waste anytime getting to the point by placing this track first. It sets the tone for the album with it’s medium tempo and uplifting message. The record overall has a good pace, but is not something you would exactly rock out to. It’s smooth yet energetic texture is one of the things I appreciated most about it. I hear several vocal influences in Tommy’s voice. I think it’s a mix of Phillips, Craig and Dean, maybe a little Mark Harris, but then there are these soul and R&B undertones that really made things interesting. The thing I found a little irritating is that he didn’t sound like the same person on every song. He seemed to adapt his vocals to the style of the song, which is impressive, but leaves you feeling a little like he’s unsure of who he really is vocally. This is probably my only complaint about the record.  There are so many great songs on this project! “Speak to Me” absolutely grabs your soul. “Hallelujah, We Will Sing” has a great anthem feel and will have you singing along after the first chorus.  “Your Love” has a great groove, and I found myself pushing that rewind button a lot. “From Jerusalem” has a similar feel and is among my favorites. “Holy Spirit Come”, which finishes off the record, would top my list as well. The last half of this record just has a way of taking you inside the music and leading you into the presence of God as if it were an actual room. You find your spirit being calmed and set on fire at the same time as you listen. You don’t even have to be really paying much attention. Just let this music play while you work and watch as it changes the atmosphere.

Purchase I Have a Hope.

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