Reviewed by Joy Attmore Kristene DiMarco is a singer, songwriter, pastor and worship leader at Bethel Church, Redding, California, whose first album under her maiden name of Kristene Mueller produced five Cross Rhythms radio hits. She officially joined the Bethel Music Collective in 2016 and 'Where His Light Was' is her first album release with them, although her fourth career release to date. "Doxology" opens the album in a refreshingly un-Bethel-like way with its retake, in less than a minute, of the short psalm which was first penned over 400 years ago. Rather than this being a skippable opening track, it is most definitely a sweet moment of worship that you wish you could continue in. The album continues to flow seamlessly though, both in sound and in the themes of courage and God's goodness, reaching a rhythm in the second half of the classic atmospheric worship sound that we have come to associate with Bethel. The title track uses just the right amount of auto-tuning to create an electronically ethereal sound reminiscent of Bon Iver's "715 - CR∑∑KS" which ends just before it becomes too distracting. Full of additions to our corporate worship sets, this album also gives the lone listener a perfect backdrop for personal worship times. Hitting the sweet spot between gutsy, power ballad vocals and the soft, almost whisper-like, folksy sound of DiMarco's first two albums, 'Where His Light Was' is the singer/songwriter's strongest collection to date.
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Worship leader and songwriter Kristene DiMarco turns a new page with the release of her vibrant album, Where His Light Was. This project marks her first release as an artist with Bethel Music, and her fourth career release to date.
For Kristene, this album stands as a beacon, representing life lessons and revelation uncovered across the last 10 years of her life. Penned into 11 songs, the albums axis is one of remembrance; exploring the way God illuminates our past and difficult seasons when we encounter His perspective and hear His voice. The album is bright and carefree, yet rich in meaning; articulated as one who has apprehended clarity through choosing to face fear head on. DiMarcos vocals are, in one moment, tender and nuanced and full of conviction and resolve in the next.
The anthemic Hope is Alive centres around Jesus resurrection as the One not only alive, but now alive in us as the hope of glory. Inspired by the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, Take Courage (featured on Bethel Musics Starlight) reminds believers that seasons of waiting are not in vain and that the Lord truly fights on our behalf. The piano-driven ballad I Just Wanna Worship is a thankful heart cry for closer communion with Jesus.
Tracklist
Doxology
Where His Light Was
Fear Not
Take Courage (Radio Version)
Never Ever
No Victim
Your Love Stands Alone
Jesus Is Willing
This Good
Hope Is Alive
I Just Wanna Worship |