Genre: Modern Worship
At a Glance: In the world of modern worship, there is sort of a "standard" that has been set in production (production meaning how the songs are arranged, what kind of guitar tones you hear, how dominant the voice is versus the drums, the presence or absence of quirky electronic noises, etc.). Every once in a while, a record will come out and push the production envelope. Delirious' GLO did this when it was released back in 2000. It was one of those combinations of lyrics, melodies, and sounds that was almost too much for the listener of modern worship at the time. Fast forward five years, and the envelope has been pushed yet again. This time by David Crowder* Band's third label release, A Collison.
 As a worship leader, songwriter and artist, I tend to listen to a record on multiple levels. On every one of those levels, this record is by far one of the best Christian recordings in several years. Based around the concept that "when man's depravity meets God's divinity, it is a beautiful collision," the record is divided into 4 parts. In each of these, different approaches to the concept are explored. For example, it begins with a cover of "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven" by Loretta Lynn, only to seguay into "Come and Listen," a beautiful little invitation to the listener, both believer and unbeliever alike. Quoting the book of Isaiah, it is a welcoming that is also a clear indication of what the record is going to be about - God. So many little things, like how the vocal starts "far away" and then comes closer, develop intimacy with the listener. But I don't want to give you my interpretation of it all; you will have your own. That is the gift of a record with so many different sounds and little production ideas. They are an invitation to participate in the song on multiple levels.
I could do what most reviewers do, and highlight other songs, but the reality is that every song on this album is a highlight. They highlight the futility of man without God. They highlight the reality of death and cancer, and hope in it all. They pull in negro spirituals ("Be Lifted/Hope Rising"), 80's keytars ("Foreverandever Etc..."), Marty Stuart and a hoedown ( "I Saw the light"), a heart monitor flatlining and an alarm clock going off ("Come Awake"), Queen/Muse/ELO-inspired opera rock ("You Are My Joy") and composer Vaughn Williams ("The Lark Ascending") to form a record that is unlike any other.
Pro-Social and Objectionable Content: Morally, there is no problem with this record. It is a pure Christian approach to life. The only thing I would like to mention, however, is that the idea of man's depravity by Catholic definition is due to original sin, and is not part of our nature. The fact that we would choose to sin, despite being made in God's image and likeness makes us that much more depraved when we sin. It's something to keep in mind as you pour over the lyrics.
Summary/Suggestions: This record is a journey, from start to finish. It is a beautiful collision of life and death, yes and no, Heaven and earth, God and man, sin and grace. Yes, some of the songs will be great for corporate worship. Yes, some of the songs will be fun radio numbers, but that's not what makes it so great. Any good artist can write a radio hit. But few can have the sustaining vision to make sure they all are connected and still connect to the listener. These 6 guys from Waco have done it. Another envelope pusher.
A little extra: This is normally not part of a review, but Matt Smith, myself, and some other folks from Lifeteen.com went and saw David Crowder* Band, Robbie Seay Band and Shane and Shane the other night at Gammage Auditorium in Phoenix. Normally, this sort of "epic" recording is hard to translate into a live show, so I went with curiosity to see how they would pull it off. By the power of Greyskull, they did it. If you have a chance to go see them on the "A Collision Tour", you really should. It is a prayerful, engaging, and entertaining experience; full of life and teaching and fun commentary and happy birthdays and the like. You won't regret it.
-Matt Maher
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