Chris Tomlin

“See the Morning”

Sparrow Records

11 tracks @ 46:28

            Chris Tomlin has seen a lot of success in this world; gold records, radio hits, numerous Dove Awards (including Artist of the Year).  I think his success is due to his worshipful songs which are often Biblically-inspired.  In fact, my church has really taken to his song “How Great is Our God.”

            Tomlin returns with another disk filled with worship-filled songs.  The overall theme is Christian hope.  I t says in his PR material, “Praise to God is not just for life’s prosperous seasons-it’s a constant way of living with hope.”

            Among the record’s Biblical inspirations are the Psalms (in particular Psalm 30:5), Exodus, Lamentations, Joshua, Isaiah, gospel accounts of Jesus’ miracles, and I would add Job.

            “Though your life may be shifting all around you and it may be dark, there is hope,” Tomlin says.  “From these stories I’m inspired to notice morning as an incredible symbol in Scripture.  Morning is brand new.  It’s fresh.  It’s new life.  That’s the hope I want to help people grab with this album”

            I believe he succeeds.

            Not all of those songs follow the usual Tomlin style.  “Let God Arise” appropriately enough rocks.  I also really enjoyed the chorus on track seven, while his updated rendition of “Amazing Grace” is very satisfying.  Our church has already used it during contemporary worship with positive feedback.

            After doing some research on “Amazing Grace,” Tomlin learned that the hymn has gone through several changes over the years.  One of his changes was to revive an original verse:

“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free, My God My Savior has ransomed me, And like a flood His mercy reigns, Unending love, Amazing grace.”

            Some of the lyrics on other songs remind me of other people’s work.  For example, “Made to Worship” reminded me of Nicole C Mullens “Redeemer” and Watermark’s “All Things New,” while “Awesome is the Lord Most High” made me think of Rich Mullins “Awesome God.”

            This isn’t really a criticism as what this points out to me is the limits in using human words to describe an unlimited God.

            Tomlin says, “I want to write songs that last more than a few weeks on the radio.  I like God’s has given me a gift to write songs for the average person to communicate their feelings to God.  I hope (these new songs) will be ones that bring people closer to God, so much so that they are sung long after I’m gone.”

            “See the Morning” will fulfill Tomlin’s hope.

- Rob S