Follow Deluge on twitter:@deluge
Release Date: April 13, 2010
When I received Unshakable to review, honestly, I had not heard Deluge before. If you are like me, here is some background information about the band. They are based out of Baton Rouge, their self-titled debut released in 2008 was a live album recorded at their home church Bethany World Prayer Center. The group is lead by Jonathan Stockstill, who is also the worship leader at their home church, and Jonathan wrote all 13 songs on the album. Beyond the facts, Deluge has created an album that is more than the typical worship album.
The band uses several styles to express themselves. From hip-hop to rock to soulful tracks, they all integrate very well throughout the complete album. Stockstill says that the songs are an outpouring of the joy, anger, pain and hope that his family and church has experienced over the past two years. This includes the birth of his first child, the loss of his young sister-in-law to cancer, and his brother Joel’s lifelong battle with kidney disease. In fact Jonathan stated “Joel is the inspiration behind the album.” The song Come In My Courts which is inspired by Joel’s vision of Heaven; a powerful song that is a must hear.
A couple of the standout songs include the first single Unshakable; which is a great song that tells that we should have confidence in God for the direction of the church and ourselves. Nothing can shake his will for you. Let’s Worship features Kari Jobe, and Deeper discusses the author’s desire for Christ to totally consume Him so he will not falter for the Kingdom. I Want to Be Used by You: Asking the lord to use us and mold us into His image. In honesty, this album doesn’t have many tracks that fall below the line.
Other Notable Tracks: Power & Refuge
Deluge is a wonderful compilation of worship tunes that successfully mixes music styles. The genre’ has needed this approach for some time. All too often worship music comes off as simplistic and safe. I hope that you take a listen and decide, as I have, that Deluge is a refreshing thoughtful work.
8/10
Written by Ben Dempsey of RockTheCross.net