Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The back sleeve has a note from Integrity music which reads, "'Your Name' is an incredible collection of NEW songs focussing on the powerful names of God." Now if, like me, you've become jaded by too much religio-speak plonked on hundreds of praise and worship CDs and box sets, it would be easy to pass quickly on to the next CD in the racks (particularly as the front cover of 'Your Name' is strikingly dull). You'd be wrong to do so. Note the capitals in that blurb. New songs and new recordings these quite definitely are. And not only that, it's award-winning songwriter and producer Ian Eskelin we have to thank for this set which truly does reflect on some of God's names - "Shepherd", "Jesus", "Father", "Rock", etc. There are some memorable melodic hooks here and though the lyrics are in the main simple devotionals which do little in the way of theological exploration they have the potential to work well in the context of congregational worship for which they were, presumably, intended. The production is punchy pop rock, nothing too rad but with enough edge to ensure that the opener "Life" will get an airing on "standard" Christian radio as well as the praise and worship slots. Eskelin's masterstroke for 'Your Name' was bringing in a bevy of top Nashville CCM talents to sing his songs. So as well as Joel Auge and Leeland Mooring who offer a great duet on the aforementioned "Life", you've got Paul Baloche and Phil Wickham singing "Your Name"; "Lord" performed by an impromptu group of Ian Eskelin, Mark Stuart (I thought he'd given up singing after wrecking his vocal chords with Audio Adrenaline) and Vicky Beeching; as well as other notable CCM names like Aaron Shust, Lincoln Brewster, Ayiesha Woods and several more. All in all, an excellent worship album once you get past the deficiencies of the sleeve.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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