Worship Focus
The new album benefits from the very capable production of Nathan Nockels, and the four new songs added fit the new project well in terms of sonic tone and message. Roach is a worship leader more than a performer, still leading weekly worship at his home church, Morning Star Church, in the St. Louis area. Every Reason Why serves up eleven tracks of very accessible guitar-driven worship, friendly enough for Sunday morning without being overly simplistic or repetitive. The first single opens the album, the adoring “A Thousand Hallelujahs,” immediately reminiscent of David Crowder with its fresh phrasing, pointed worship, and glimmering guitars. The ambient “You Are” works its way through the names of Christ over a bed of thick guitars and rich sonic touches, whereas “Surrounded,” a song of gratitude, moves back into the pop-rock mode that prevails throughout most of the album..
“As Long As I Have You” is a declarative song of faith and joyful dependence, one that rocks a bit harder and features a strong chorus, full of infectious hooks and brawny faith. Carried over from Sevenfold, and one of my favorites from the EP, “The Least I Can Do” is an intense piano ballad that stands out for its well-defined movements and the rich passion portrayed so powerfully in Roach’s gritty vocals.
Hymn Coverage
Roach boldly takes on two illustrious hymns, both covered well but injecting one with a special twist worthy of mention. “Amazing” blends the familiar “Amazing Grace” stanza with his own soaring contemporary chorus, underscored nicely by a simmering organ. The song is pure Sunday morning magic, overflowing with deep gratitude, a recurring theme of Every Reason Why. “It Is Well” is done straight-up, gorgeous with luminous guitar touches, rock solid drums, and the pristine vocal blend of Roach’s raspy vocals meshing beautifully with his wife Carolyn’s warmer tones. Carolyn's luminous vocals are sweet enough that I actually thought it was Christy Nockels until told otherwise. Note to Mark: give Carolyn more opportunities to shine on the next album.
Also noteworthy is the slammin’ pop-rocker “Overwhelmed,” with its tongue-twisting praise lyrics and muscular percussion. “Foundations” closes the album on a high note, the sweetest of strings underscoring its ambient prayer of thanksgiving. There is much to like about Every Reason WhyIt’s true, a few tracks do tend to run together, but when Mark Roach does score, he hits hard. Worship-lovers will be very satisfied with Every Reason Why, and I’m happy to see him have this opportunity.
 |
