Hi Pal,
I’ve had a complicated relationship with songs and sounds that have become the accepted standard for Christian contemporary worship dating back two decades now. In principle, I have no problem with what CCM has become. However, when it seems repetitive and feels as though every new band or artist wants to create music that sounds like those who have garnered the most success within the industry, I draw the line.
On the other side of this conversation, as folks here may know, I believe that all genres of music can be used to glorify God and impart the lives of people, even when they may not necessarily fit into our Sunday music catalogue in church. When I find artists or bands that can do both, i.e., those who create music that is uniquely creative and can still fit into the Sunday morning worship, they resonate with me.
Eliza King was never on my listening radar until last year. I followed all the single releases that culminated in the release of her EP, A Fire Making Holy Ground and I connected with her voice and her style. Yet, the song that really showed me how eclectic she can be was her collaboration with Jonny Henninger, titled What Would I Gain?
Recently, she announced the release of a new album later this year, and as you might be able to imagine, I am brimming in anticipation. Narrow Road
is the first, ideal single as it showcases her ability to balance indie/alternative influences with accessible congregational worship sounds.
The verses are accompanied by a simple three-chord acoustic folk progression. It has a hint of melancholy, that is not meant to be sad, but reverent. In general, the song contains a few lines of Bible imagery, and these elements elevate the second verse immensely with the words:
Come and cleanse me, set me apart
Blessed are the pure for they will see God
Though it hurts me, make me holy
Jesus, I know Your way’s always better
Burn me righteous, hot coals touch my lips
Today my flesh be crucified so tomorrow I may live
These lyrics, inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 5 and the experience of Isaiah in Isaiah 6, are the heart of this single for me.
The song’s chorus possesses acoustic pop undertones, and on its bridge, the call and response elements have a folk-gospel flair to it. These features make these sections easy to sing along to. I don’t know what the rest of the album is going to sound like, but it feels like we are off to a great start with this tune.
When it comes down to it, the most powerful weapon in Eliza King’s arsenal is her voice. It is what drew me to her music, and I suspect it is what will keep me coming back.
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When the album drops, I’ll be here to talk about it. Until then, you can find other reviews here
I’m always ready to hear what you have to say, tell me your thoughts.
Feel free to take things a step further here: