With 16 albums to his credit in a 22-year career, Geoff Moore shows no signs of slowing down. “I believe this is what God has called me to do as my life’s work: to write and record songs that make Him known, and then travel and sing those songs, using the platform they create to be a voice for the poor and oppressed who have no voice.” It’s great in this day of muddy motives to hear an artist so confident in his calling, with a solid plan in mind to accomplish it. Like I said, the man knows who he is, and “Speak to Me” backs it all up.
His sincerity comes across strongly in the opening title track, Moore’s gruff vocals reminding us that God speaks to us through a variety of ways, if we will slow down long enough to hear. His passion rings true in this song co-penned by Jim Cooper and Phillip LaRue. It’s followed by the nicely nuanced “Your Day,” enhanced further by a soaring chorus that just won’t quit. The first single, “When I Get Where I’m Going,” was a big hit for Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley, but it’s hard to imagine the wonder-filled song sounding any better than the bluesy turn given to it here by Moore and the delightful Christy Nockels.
The electric guitar is featured prominently on country rocker “Captured,” closing out with the great tag line: “My Father is very fond of me.” I enjoyed the quiet acoustic track, “Every Single One,” for its tender and intelligent lyrics, revealing Moore’s heart for the disenfranchised, and Bruce Wethy’s sweet fiddle. That fiddle shows up again sweetly on sparkling gem, “This is My Father’s World,” Moore’s quiet vocals dripping with intense sincerity. It’s this personal sense of integrity that accounts for those 22 years of Moore’s powerful music ministry.
The album closes powerfully with the unique “Erase,” written by Moore and Sam Mizell. The heartfelt plea to be like Christ is presented movingly over a stark and creative soundscape, a stunning ending to a winning project. Geoff Moore's “Speak to Me” releases from Rocketown Records on April 3rd.
