Reviewed by Stephen Luff

There are an amazing amount of worship albums in the marketplace today and it takes something very special to stand out from the crowd. When you release a debut album with guests of the calibre of Rita Springer and Brian Johnson it's clear that this Pennsylvania-born worship leader in unlikely to be run of the mill. And indeed he isn't. The opening track "Burn" has the potential to be an anthem which connects with the world Church, "Hope" has a strong U2 influence sounding like the Edge is guest guitarist (he is not, I must add!), while the heart stirring "My Praise Goes On" (featuring Rita Springer) and "Shine/We Wait" (with Bethel Church's Brian Johnson) are outstanding worship songs. A special mention must be made of the song "We Are An Ark" with lyrics that are both simple and profound, exploring the concept of believers being an Ark of God's glory. This is a powerful and challenging debut from a talented and anointed man of worship.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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This ten-track worship album was recorded live at Bethel Church, Redding California (home to Jesus Culture and Brian Johnson).

Hope Of Heaven captures the passion and the power at the heart of the church that has influenced Christians the world over. As well as Dave Fitzgerald on keys the album features Brian and Jenn Johnson, Chris McClarney, Christa Black, Rita Springer and Kristene Mueller.