Stephen Hurd believes in the power of worship music, and it shows up all over “My Destiny.” His own genuine worship, as well as his encouraging mini-teachings sprinkled throughout the project, do much to lead listeners into the haven of God’s presence. Those elements and the stellar production work of Steven Ford add up to a sure thing. “My Destiny” is classic Integrity Gospel, showcasing what the label does best.
The project opens with a rousing intro, dramatic strings, and strong beats, moving into the thundering praise of “Great Praise (The War Cry)” and its reprise. A number of tracks feature strong songs with a following reprise, I assume for emphasis. They tend to run together anyway, so I’m not sure of the value of so many reprises, but that is my only complaint, if you could even call it a complaint. Technicalities aside, Stephen Hurd’s warm enthusiasm and directive leading bring it all home for the Lord on “My Destiny.” The tribal feel and warm horns of “The Glory Chant” will move you out of your seat in quick order. The song has a great swing feel and I enjoyed the vocal interplay between Hurd and his back up choir. This track leads into a key segment of the album, 3 or 4 tracks that serve as a centerpiece of passionate message. Beginning with the great groove of “Todah,” Hurd proceeds with a mixed bag of singing and teaching, his warm vocals and words of instruction/explanation leading deeper into our understanding and experience of the worship process. The mix of Scriptural coaching and heartfelt worship set a tone of ardor, through the joyous funk of standout track “Zamar Celebration” to the samba beats of “Jesus You’re Wonderful,” Hurd and Ford leave no stone of excellence unturned. Be it the sizzling organ and guitars of “Zamar” or the sparkling rhythms of “Jesus,” they never let up.
Things slow down to the quiet strings of “The Glory of the Lord” and the mellow “Morning Medley,” but the power never ebbs. Hurd guides his audience expertly into the melodic and moving “Healed by the Power of His Word,” the teaching continuing gently into the majestic “My Love Song.” “Destiny,” Parts 1 & 2, is thick with emotion, a dramatic song of gratitude, beautifully capturing the energy of the crowd at the Temple of Praise, in Washington, DC, where the album was recorded live. Moving into the “Worshipper’s Mandate,” Hurd explains his mission as a worship leader, before leading into the powerful arrangements of closer “Revelation 19:1.” This final track burns with passion and strong teaching, Hurd never letting up on his grip on the crowd.
Stephen Hurd, Steven Ford and Integrity Gospel have crafted a powerful project in “My Destiny,” a tool of worship and teaching that can serve multiple purposes in your worship life.
