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Phillips, Craig, & Dean release their 11th album, on INO Records, and it's straight-up, exuberant worship, aptly named "Top of My Lungs," produced by Nathan Nockels.
Individually, they already lead full lives, each of them serving as active senior pastors at their respective churches. But to put it plainly, when Phillips, Craig & Dean sing together it's a good time for all; "Top of My Lungs" captures this boisterous excitement and their shared passion directed heavenward. Opening rocker "One Way" makes it clear immediately by its guitar-crunching hooks and soaring chorus that PC&D are not holding back. The word "gusto" comes to mind. Paul Baloche's piano-driven "Your Name" showcases their signature three-part harmonies while exulting deliciously in the power of the Name. Your knees begin to head for the dirt, and the following title track seals the deal: you're down. Their exuberant delivery gives you no choice. The sweeping piano-driven "Saved the Day" (love that title!) is equally dramatic in its presentation, moving you powerfully with its resurrection theme. Nockels, as usual, arranges his song list flawlessly. The tracks lead you in a heartfelt progression of worship, "Saved the Day" guiding you knowingly into the quiet string-laden rendition of "Amazed." The standout track to my mind is the funky "Because of That Blood," lushly arranged with percolating rhythms, from the funk guitar riffs, to the simmering keyboards, to the rousing backup choir. "Top of My Lungs" makes its way through pop, rock, dramatic ballads to exuberant anthems seamlessly. The project closes sweetly with "Tis So Sweet," featuring the vocals of Dean's daughter and son and Phillips' daughter, not to mention some lively finger picking that lifts the track to the next level. "Top of My Lungs" comes off as a very personal project from a group that has been producing for over 16 years. I think it will prove to be one of their most popular.
The copyright of the article Phillips, Craig & Dean Review in Christian Music is owned by Kevan Breitinger. Permission to republish Phillips, Craig & Dean Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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