Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Spotlight Singing To The Famous One

For a Texan Chris Tomlin's musical approach to worship sounds extraordinarily British. His haunting tones integrate beautifully with surging bursts of rock guitar while the production here by Matt Bronleewe (Jars Of Clay, Natalie Imbruglia) has the same kind of edge and resonance which sets a Matt Redman album out from the pack. Matt Redman, in fact, co-wrote one of the songs here with Tomlin while another of the gems here "Famous One" has already become a big hit in the US thanks to his exposure on the Passion Experience tour and the 'Passion' album. All in all, this is worship with all the heartfelt intimacy one associates with the very best. No wonder Soul Survivor have gone overboard on this talented Texan.


American worship leader Chris Tomlin answers some questions.

The song "Famous One" has become extremely popular in the States for you hasn't it?
I had no idea that "Famous One" would connect with people in such a powerful way. I knew it was singable, and I loved the idea of the word "fame" for God because I know our society understands that word when they don't understand some of the other words we use for who God is. When you talk about fame, Jesus embodies the word. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord. That's fame beyond belief.

How did you come to write a song with Matt Redman?
Matt and I simply placed ourselves in a quiet spot in the back of a church for a couple of days. We wrapped our minds around the enormous idea of God creating the world and redeeming the world at the same time, and we both sensed something special in that room, in the wedding of lyric and melody.

In your website you talk about wanting to be rebels. What did you mean by that?
A rebel is usually defined as counter-culture. Well, welcome to Jesus. Can you think of anyone more "against the flow?" (Love your enemy, the greatest is the one who serves, lose your life to find it, store your treasure in heaven, .). Rebels leave a mark on the world. The mark we want to leave is the mark of the cross of Christ.

Have you got much more to achieve in music?
We are not finished, not even close. Everyday, we see the work of God in our lives (especially in music). We are continually working out this gift that God has given us. We pray for more melodies, more rhythms, more words of worship, more songs that the world will sing.

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version. You should not assume that products purchased through Cross Rhythms Direct will necessarily have identical track listings to those shown.