There is a subtle difference between a Christian music artist and a true worshipper. It's a heart thing, and it's all over Scott Riggan's new "Bring Glory."
He has the true worshipper's fixation on the altar. It simmers below the surface of all eleven songs on "Bring Glory." You can tell, the man is making a musical beeline to the altar, to get with his God. It's part of what makes his new project so very appealing.
At the heart of the album is a powerful verse of Scripture from the book of Romans: "Therefore I urge you, brothers in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship..." Romans 12:1, NIV.
"In our culture, worship is something we do in a church building - we 'worship' and then the preacher gives a sermon," Scott explains. "But the way I see it, worship is better defined as a life lived in submission to our great and holy God. A life lived on the altar." Opener Michael W.'s song "Great is the Lord" sets up the worship focus, and the distinctive "Lift (I Cannot Keep Silent)" creates a soundscape of sparkling guitars, aiding its mission of "sound barriers to break." The piano-driven ballad, "I Live to Praise You," stands out both for its sincere worship focus and the moving string arrangements. Andrew Peterson's stunning "Holy is the Lord" follows, serving as a project centerpiece with its compelling lyrics, relating the agonies of Abraham on the mountain with Issac, a la Michael Card. Riggan covers it simply and wisely, letting the song's own beauty speak for itself. The next track is equally powerful, especially considering Riggan's mission work in restrictive countries like China. "Altar of my Heart," with its rock feel and thumping bass line, contains the rousing chorus "I will bow down to none but you." Riggan's stirring liner notes share how meaningful this song became to him after seeing how careful believers had to be about praying in China. Interestingly, the lyrics of Eagles-like "Full Heart" were his first written after arriving in Nashville. I found them to be his best. Keith Green's piano ballad "My Eyes Are Dry" is an effective inclusion, a brief but poignant cry for meaningful spiritual connection. The strings of "Matches" make the track stand out already, but it's the graphic and compelling lyrics that really stop you cold.
All in all, Scott Riggan's "Bring Glory" should serve the Body well. Make room at the altar.
