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David Bush’s third indie album, “Change The World,” is a cleverly themed wake-up call to the church, from the Superhero packaging to the pop-rock songs of challenge.
He followed God's leading out of the professional ice cream world into the world of music ministry and three albums in, he still hasn't looked back. "Change The World" offers up 10 piano and guitar driven songs of diverse styles and tempos, mostly themed around the call to live for God. His previous projects have garnered attention on radio and in various contests, but the worship field is a very crowded scene. It takes a lot to stand out from the many. I think the smartest, and most fruitful, way to be noticed is to play to your strengths (some might call it "move in your anointing"). David Bush definitely has his area of impact, but I'm not sure all of "Change The World" hits that target. "Change The World" covers the board in terms of varied song styles. Bush goes from the techno-flavored pop title track, with a strong Steven Curtis Chapman feel, to the up-tempo hard rocker "Stand Up and Fight," to electric rocker "Another Light in the City," all of which work but fail to grab attention. The exception is hooky opener "I Will Sing" which really does snag you with its catchy chorus. But Bush is talented and charismatic enough to warrant your full notice, and I wonder if somebody told him he had to diversify to succeed. Because when he gets around to doing what it is he does best, he comes across as very strong. The piano ballad "Lean On Me" stands out not only for its superb songwriting ("Your passion and youth/ A moment in history/ Your glory will pass/ So lean on me"), but for his expressive vocals which, interestingly, sound quite different than his up-tempo voice. He lets lose with his inner twang, and his personality comes across in a much fuller way, enriching the song to a great degree. Same thing with the strong worship song "My Life Is an Offering," a standout track that is truly Sunday morning-worthy. "Jealous Love" is another case of Bush hitting his stride. The quietly acoustic song details a father's legacy and the daily choices involved. Bush, a father of four boys, married 17 years, is deeply satisfying when he sings of his own perspective in his own personality, which is probably true of most artists. "Pearl of Great Price" closes the project up nicely, representing well Bush's strong songwriting chops in this piano-ballad extolling the privilege of living for the Master. Like all of us, David Bush was made in a particular way, for a particular purpose. When he's in that groove, it is his best opportunity to rise above.
The copyright of the article David Bush in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish David Bush in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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