  |
|
|
|
Longtime worship leader Carl Cartee's new EP, "Here I Go," reveals both his heart for souls and his strong rock chops on these self-penned songs.
As the burgeoning worship music movement has gained momentum, it has brought attention to men and women whose stated purpose is to deflect it away from them and towards God. The vast majority of these worship leaders are arising out of the church itself, as they hone their talents week in and week out, seeking to lead the body of Christ to commune with God. Carl Cartee is one of those committed servants. For more than a decade, Cartee has been writing, recording and leading worship all over the world, impacting believers in a variety of cultures, all for the stated purpose of fellowshipping with the Father. “Here I Go” follows his acclaimed offering of a year ago, “Unfailing.” The six-track EP is put out on the Mighty Oak Record label and production duties are handled ably, as always, by Nathan Nockels, who also covers keys and organ. You may be more familiar with Cartee than you realize, as he is a popular Spring Hill Worship contributor, and the writer of a personal worship favorite of mine and many others, “King of My Soul.” The new EP is more of the same, vertically-oriented, guitar driven pop rock worship. Bouncy rock opener, “The Sound,” is a rousing call to pursue the Lord. Like most of these songs, “The Sound” is Sunday-morning ready. Cartee writes for the church, nationally and globally, as he has a big heart for missions as well. “The Sound” is a call to the generation, one we should find difficult to resist. Song of declaration, “Trust in You,” calls us to turn from our own understanding and throw ourselves on the shores of the Lord’s faithful heart. It features a wildly soaring melody line, delivered with great fervency. “Here I Go” is an upbeat pop-rocker, nuanced with percolating rhythms and glimmering guitar moments. One of the most compelling tracks is “Gloriously Impossible,” notable for its hymn-like structure. Thick with sound, the song rejoices in the wonders of God’s ‘gloriously impossible’ plan. It is followed by my favorite song on the EP, the melodic “Honestly.” Quietly luminous, the song is powerfully delivered by Cartee’s soft, raspy vocals, a strong sincerity pouring through each measure. Cartee confesses his desperate need for God’s touch and perspective, desiring it at any cost, including brokenness. A dangerous truth to confess, and I appreciate his honesty in doing so. The project closes with “Let The World See,” another stirring plea for Presence. Worshippers will take great pleasure in “Here I Go,” wishing only for more songs.
The copyright of the article Carl Cartee: Here I Go in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Carl Cartee: Here I Go in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
