Under the radar and uniquely worshipful, this Psalms-inspired collaboration from the Voice, "Please Don't Make Us Sing This Song" may be the year's best kept secret.
Can’t figure out why this one isn’t getting any attention. Songs From the Voice is a collaboration of artists who seek to rediscover the story of the Bible by retelling the Psalms in fresh musical language and expression. Don Chaffer produced and shared much of the song-writing duties with his wife Lori, so there is a strong Waterdeep feel to the project, but it is a match that feels right. That may have much to do with the artists assembled as well, (Jami Smith, Andy Gullaron, Jill Phillips, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Chris & Robbie Seay) a truly stellar team who seem to share the same organic connection with the material.
The thing I enjoyed most about the album is its tone, a blend of earthiness and the sacred, not unlike the Psalms themselves. The innovative harmonies of Sandra McCracken’s opener “Call Him Good” introduce the project’s fresh approach to praise, immediately captivating. A strong sense of wonder pervades Sara Groves’ joyously whimsical “As If That Were Not Enough.” Each of these thirteen tracks share one common element: a root of deeply felt worship. The songs of Derek Webb, Robbie Seay and Don Chaffer vary pleasingly in their vocal approach, but they obviously flow from the same motivational stream.
The sense of immediacy in Jami Smith’s “Remarkable Things” is dramatic, and the juxtaposition of her smoky rootsy vocals against the smooth background vocals only add to the transporting powers of this standout track. Jill Phillips’ “So Much You Have Made” is warmly descriptive, lovingly rendered, its gentle violin underpinning her gripping images. The title track is powerful in its Waterdeep simplicity, Lori Chaffer’s familiar pure vocals and the straightforward arrangements highlighting movingly the sorrows of Psalm 137. Seth Woods’ wailing lament, “O The Deaths We Would Have Known If You Had Not Been With Us,” must be mentioned for its richly nuanced expression of desperation.
The two songs that close out the project both represent the intentions of “Please Don’t Make Us Sing This Song” well. Don Chaffer’s beautifully melodic “Oh, That You Would Be” is a powerful expression of Psalm 108, and his collaboration with Derek Webb on the quietly affirming “Overwrought” gently lifts the listener’s soul to the relentless faith of the Psalms. The top-heavy title reflects neither the purity or the power of this memorable project; don’t let it stop you from getting a hold of “Please Don’t Make Us Sing This Song,” one of the year’s most compelling albums.
