STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 160085-24038 LABEL: Integrity 0000768653128 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2016-05-27 RRP: £13.00
Reviewed by Joy Attmore
The fingerprints of the worship team at Bradford-based megachurch are clearly evident here. Worship leader and songwriter Matt Hooper penned the lyrics to the title track which also opens this 12-song album. The basis and vision for the entire work can be found in Romans 5:1-2: "We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand - out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise" [The Message]. Coming two years after their hugely popular 'Dance Again' album, 'Wide Open Space' brings a more mature sound and deeper expression of encounters with God. Several times throughout the listener is drawn into moments of near stillness as they experience a place of intimacy and adoration beyond the music. Examples of this are "With Me Always", "Nothing Here Is Broken" and the final track, "Holy". Elsewhere, "Love Let Loose" is sure to be a popular track with its electronic beats and catchy chorus. Stylistically, LIFE Worship have a sound reminiscent of Hillsong and also at times similar to some of Michael W. Smith's newer works. The Abundant Life/LIFE Worship movement continues to be a key element in what God is doing in the British Church.
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Product Description
Romans 5. “We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
“Wide Open Space came from a time of healing in my life where God was challenging me to be ALL He has called me to be and to let His Spirit bring some 4K dreams into reality. The song is me asking God to take me on into the Grace adventure. To fulfill the potential that God has given me & have fun doing it!” - Matt Hooper
Wide Open Space is a celebration of adventure. A call to the wild edges of God’s grace – where impossible things happen. Where we are caught up in the mystery of His will – the end of trying to figure everything out in our heads & step out into the wide open spaces of Gods grace. Stepping scared. But thirsty for adventure.
Tracklist
1. Wide Open Space
2. Fortress
3. Closer
4. My Saviour Still
5. Kingdom Come
6. He is Alive
7. Love Let Loose
8. Hope to Hold
9. With Me Always
10. Nothing Here is Broken
11. Cast Myself Completely
12. Holy