I've been listening to this album, "With One Voice" for the last year.
Kind of.
The most satisfying part about listening to the album is remembering the story behind each song, and watching each song progress from inception to completion.
Each song starts with the simplicity of a songwriter with his/her favorite tools: piano or a guitar and Bible...
Here are some things I remember over the last year about each song (in the order the songs appear on the album...)
1. You gave me life
This was one of the first songs written. It was one of those songs that as soon as Jesse played it for me, I knew it was going to be on the album. I remember the first time we ever did it for worship- an acoustic set in Des Moines at the summer Salt (not to be confused with "somersault"). The song didn't bomb, but the event did. There were like 3 of us in the crowd singing. Actually, I was the only one in the crowd singing, because the other 2 people didn't know the song.
2. Good life
I remember hearing this after Clint and Ryan had a jam session. Clint sent the song writing team a simplified version. It sounded like Owl City at the beginning, but somewhere along the line picked up a dance groove. This is one of my favorite songs on the album. I love Ryan's unconventional lyrics. They are brilliant. How many worship songs do we have about living a wise life? Brilliant.
3. We are not the same
Clint wrote this awhile ago, but it sat on the shelf with no verses. Finally Spaid saved the day with some verse melody and lyric ideas. Ryan and Jesse finished it up in the studio. It pushes our style a little, but I love this song. It should be sung with the windows down on the highway. Going the speed limit of course.
4. Carried away
We had hit a wall at one of our rehearsals and I told the band, "Let's break into 3 groups and write something." This is what emerged from Laugerman and Haleigh's group. It was shelved for awhile until Clint wrote the verses, and Bobby wrote the chorus melody and I pitched in some lyrics/melody. Ryan threw in the bridge. This song, more than any other, was pretty much written by the whole band. I still think the original piano intro that Laugerman wrote is better than the electric intro you'll hear on the album. I think it was Bobby who wouldn't let the 80's guitar lead go. You out there, Bobby?
5. To hear you
Ryan played this at one of our rehearsals and the band just started playing with him right away, never having heard the song before. That's pretty much the end of the story.
6. One life
This is a carry over from the first album. We just felt this song needed more run. We tried about 4 times to record the gang vocals for the intro, but it just never sounded good. I actually like the intro better without it. It emphasizes the catchy guitar and synth leads better.
7. His glory never fades
This is one that Laugerman brought to the team in its entirety. Not much changed with the melody, but we almost didn't include this song on the album, because we couldn't figure out what it should be musically. It came together and is probably one of the best corporate worship songs on the album.
8. Reveal
This song was on the shelf for a long time... over a year. Clint and Jesse worked together and figured it out. Clint's favorite part was the "Holy" chant. I don't think Jesse was a fan... but I think Clint is right. That's so fun to declare in a live worship event; it reminds me of Psalm 29:9, "in God's temple, all cry 'HOLY!'"
9. Take the day
Another Ryan Seiler song that just wasn't done (from the last album). Who doesn't like declaring, "When we have full sight of you, we can't take our eyes off you. I want to live my life that way, God take the day!"
10. Praise of your glory
Wally wrote this song as our church was studying through Ephesians. It's pretty much taken right out of Ephesians 1. I love songs that declare the tomb is empty- Christ has conquered death- He is risen! We need more songs that proclaim the resurrection. The only thing that spoils this song for me is memories of sitting in the studio listening to Bobby play the lead guitar line over 30 times at about 2:00 a.m. Is that the second time I've dogged Bobby on this post?
11. With one voice
I'm so glad this song made it on the album. Bobby brought a riff and chord progression, but it was almost lost. Jesse just would not give up on it, though. He kept fighting and out came the most epic song on the album. This had to be the best worship songs played at the last Anthem. I will never forget 1400+ people packed in the Cornerstone auditorium with hands lifted together.
12. Sun to go down
Clint wrote this a couple years ago (maybe longer). I fought for this to be on the album. It's got quite a different sound than how Clint originally wrote it. I'm not sure how it will work out as a corporate worship song, but it's a nice way to end the album. "I can't wait for the sun to go down so I can see the stars, and understand how real you are- even from so far..."
The album's release this week is the consummation of countless hours of writing, practice, rehearsals, prayer, recording, team conflict (and resolution), and conversations. There's a joy that comes from presenting this as a finished offering to God that will help us worship God throughout the day with these lyrics and melodies in our hearts.
I think you'll like it.
- Mark Arant
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