Song Evaluations & Lyrics: LOVE WILL RISE - Mitch McVicker

* * * * + + HALLELUJAH - Strong favorite of this reviewer. Giving thanks and praise to the Lord

Musical Notes: A dynamic Praise and worship acoustic rock song with subtle yet pumping electric guitar support. Bright-sounding, driving eighth note duet of mandolin and guitar begins the introduction, setting the mood and energy. Done in the clean acoustic style in the first verse, with keyboard work, subtle drum work and electrical guitar in parts offering a subtle yet firm foundation. Rock energy infuses itself in the chorus, and guitar & keys ensemble notches up a level, as dynamics swell. Love the expressive, hopeful vocals, a gloriously memorable melody, catchy tempo, hopeful lyrical message, and effective dynamics.

Scriptural References:(Psalm 9:1-2 & 89:1-18)

LYRICS:

Before the sun floats to the top/ And the clouds open up / Before dawn's dew burns off / Hallelujah, Before the ocean brings it's tide low / And the gentle breeze of right blows / Before the constellation sky glows / Hallelujah //

Chorus: Turn your face/ To morning's blaze / May your day be graced by love / Lift your eyes / Into the night / sing with evening's blue dusk / Hallelujah.//

Before the buses and trains leave / And the cellular waves stream / Before the radio man speaks / Hallelujah./ Beofre the neon starts buzzin' / and the night clubs fill up, yeah/ If you're alone again by yourself, Hallelujah /

Don't let your heart forget to pump / Don't let your scars cover your love / It's down there inside ya.//

* * * * + + PARTYSONG - Strong favorite of this reviewer. Refers to the rejoicing in heaven at the banquet that Jesus has with believers who have gone home to be with the Him.

Musical Notes: An infectious song with an easy 4/4 beat, dotted note beat rhythm, started from the intro, with a tight ensemble of guitar and synths keys, creating a washboard effect sound, providing the perfect melody and rhythm intro.  Mitch carries the quick dotted note, catchy melody,  perfect vehicle for the lyrical message, creating a lively, upbeat acoustic rock anthem, which cooks along tightly. Vocals are in an interesting style, which adds another demension to the song.

Scriptural References:(Rev. 19:9 * Luke 14:15 * 1 Cor. 15:42-44)

 LYRICS:

There's a celebration / There's a spot at the table / It's a good time/ Banquet/ So come on / Come on/ Even if you don't think you're able / The bruised won't be crushed / If you limp, youre gonna run again / I know the thirsty / come on and drink up / And as the hope flows/ before you know you're dancin'//

Chorus: There's a party goin' on/ Up in the sky/ party goin' strong /wrongs are made right/ no eye has ever seen the likes / of this party / there's a party goin' on,  tonight/A party goin' on, the heaven's shine / a party goin' strong/ the angels fly/ No eye has seen this sight before / and there's a party goin' on /for evermore//

The infectious groves, / just cannot wait for you/ oh.The room is on fire, a holy fire/ And everybody gonna love the dance you gonna do/ the red carpet's rollin' out/ And they're singin' so loud/ Yeah, you're the invite guest / along with the / And you thought that heaven didn't want to mess/ with you//

Bridge: And its stronger than anything in this world / Stronger than anything in this world / Stronger than anything in this world / IN THIS / IN THIS (WORLD) / IN THIS WORLD//

CHORUS

VAMP:That's right / I said that/ there's a party goin' on /for evermore/ a party goin' on / a party goin' on /
YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH / YEAH YEAH-YEAH YEAH/ for evermore/ for evermore/YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH / YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH/ /YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH / for evermore/ for evermore/YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH ( a PARTY GOIN' ON , A PARTY GOIN' STRONG / YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH/ for evermore/ for evermore.//

* * * * + + STRAP MY HAT ON - Anthem of faith with  heart-felt vocals and an inspiring chorus, with a memorable melody, which stirs the soul.

Musical Notes:  Interesting, quiet beginning with sythns and simple electric acoustic guitar, and bass, who play the counter melody / steady rhythm support. Intensity grows dynamically to the inspiring chorus.  Expressive, dynamic, lead vocals carry the melody. Lovely harmony in the chorus. Rhythm percussion presents a steel drum sound.  Vocals are quieter and done in a unique McVicker singing style, in the verses, but strong and bright in the glorious chorus.

Scriptural References:(Psalm 91:1-8 & Romans 8:26 & 8:31 & Phil. 4:6-8)

 

I'm scared if the monster comes / to drag me under / I'll stay right here no I won't turn gone / I won't wonder / I' don't care about no weather front / When I hear thunder /  ground / it will over /blow //

 

CHORUS; Cause every time arrows fill my fragile skies/ They'll be hiding me on flash disguises / Love will rise to my defense so I / Strap my hat on / And I lift my eyes when my King goes by/ I'm gonna strap my hat on.//

 

The needle is flat, but the gauge it laughs a melody/ From my weakness I am pushed from  stance / to heights unseen /til I'm back again where my armor rent is cushioned peace to get me through / This song rings true.

 

CHORUS

 

VAMP:LOVE WILL RISE / I LIFT MY EYES / THE LOVE WILL RISE / I'M GONNA STRAP MY HAT ON

LOVE WILL RISE / AND I LIFT MY EYES TO YOU / LOVE WILL RISE/ LOVE WILL RISE YEAH /

* * * *  + + PRECIOUS BLOOD - Another strong favorite.

Musical Notes: A nice blend trio of guitar / piano and bass counter melody begin this poignant confessional anthem, with a memorable  melody and glorious, vibrant, joyous chorus, that is hard to forget. Intensity and sound builds nicely to the chorus. Another memorable melody and hope-filled message is performed with enthusiasm and joy in the chorus and VAMP. Mitch once again provides the heart-felt, dynamic vocals.

Scriptural References:(Heb. 9:12-15, & Romans 8:1-4)

LYRICS:

 

You moved yesterday, one step further away/ when tomorrow comes/though my storage sin/ Has started paying rent/ It makes itself at home/ So Let this distress move /me closer to you / In the midst of regret / I can't  / I can't forget..

Chorus: Your precious blood /Shed for me/ Your gracious love/ wiping my slate clean/

Next to eternity / Why would I ever think / that I can change your course /All that's mine you gave /And Everything you placed / Within me is yours / Though I hold the spikes / And swing with all my might / Your face is love/I push up the beam / You look right through me/ I can/t look away from/

 

Chorus: Your precious blood ( Your precious blood )/Shed for me/ Your gracious love (Your gracious love/)/ wiping my slate clean/

 

VAMP Your face is love/Your face is love /Your face is love /Your face is love /Your face is love/
Can't get away from your precious blood// Shed for me / Your gracious love / 
your precious/ your precious /your precious blood / Shed for me/Your gracious love/(Your gracious love/)/ wiping my slate clean/ You moved yesterday / my slate is clean/ You moved yesterday / You moved yesterday /


* * * * + ++  WOUNDED ONE - Favorite Worship Anthem - Driving acoustic rock love letter to Jesus.


Musical Notes: Begins simply with synths keys,  playing broken chords, while Mitch sings the main message found in the chorus.  Then this wonderful praise and worship composition jumps up a notch or two in energy and enthusiasm, and cooks along with spirit and joy, keeping several guitarists very busy with a lively counter melody. Mitch's vocals excel in bringing joy and excitement as well as his personal love for the Lord comes roaringly to life in his performance.   Well done percussion and drums, and great dynamics add a joyous element as well.

Scriptural References:(John 3:16-18 * Is. 53 * Heb. 6:19-20 * Romans 8:31-38)

Jesus / Coming King / Savior/ My hope of Glory / Lord of Lords  / Son of God / I love you! Yeah / I love you! Yeah //

Wounded one so beautiful / Bruised one so meek/ Pierced one so faithful / Sacrificed for me / Yeah // Chorus//

Wounded one You're so forgiving  / Broken  one you made us whole  / Risen One  You're ever reigning / You're ever reigning / So now reign over my soul, yeah!

Chorus Jesus / Coming King / Savior/ My hope of Glory / Lord of Lords  / Son of God / I love you! Yeah / I love you! Yeah //


Bridge: My wounded one / The one for me / The one for us / Ah YOu were saving the whole wide world / MY Risen ONe for allof us//You will return / You will return / yeah//

TAG: / Jesus / My Coming King / My Savior/ You're my hope of Glory

Chorus Jesus / Coming King / Savior/ My hope of Glory / Lord of Lords  / Son of God / I love you! Yeah / I love you! Yeah //

VAMP: Jesus / My Coming King / My Savior/ You're my hope of Glory / Jesus / My Coming King / My Savior/ You're my hope of Glory / Jesus / My Coming King / My Savior/ You're my hope of Glory/ Jesus / My Coming King / My Savior/ You're my hope of Glory//


* * * * + + COME TO THE WELL- Another strong favorite; an invitational anthem, with a rolling 6/8 meter, which is the creative foundation of an interesting composition that is most enjoyable.

Musical Notes: Stirring 6/8 meter altar call anthem, expressing an energy and spirit in the vocals and the music that invites others to come to Jesus to satisfy spiritual thirst.  Mitch's vocals are right on the mark, memorable, full of the spirit and from the heart.

 Written in a minor key, the, piano-based interesting intro featuring a piano and slide guitar, setting the melody intro and driving 6/8 meter. Slide guitar plays a slightly mournful tune, giving it a bluesy, urgent sound.

While the verse accompaniment is supported by acoustic guitars and electric guitar, sound surges in chorus, reflecting the hope we have in Jesus for spiritual refreshment and love. Lovely piano interlude, written in a minor key, offers a very nice contrast after the choruses. Ends on a positive note in a major key at the end of the song.


Scriptural References: ( John 4:7-26 & 7:38 * Rev. 22:17)

Sharon Rose of Isreal / Every gaping whole is filled / Every mountain, level plain/ Every curve-laid strait / Covered by the love that pours from YOur heart forever...

CHORUS So I come to the well / where deep forgiveness flows / Yes I come for a drink of living water / Well I come to the well / let my thirsty soul be satisfied / I never run dry / Lord, When I come to the well.//
intro -
Valley Lilly new spring life / Every soul blooms bright / Nourished by the flood /of love / that runs / forever //

CHORUS So I come to the well / where deep forgiveness flows / Yes I come for a drink of living water / Well I come /to the well / let my thirsty soul be satisfied / I never run dry / Lord, When I come to the well.//

I come to the well / Yes I come to the well/ (piano interlude)

Every barren dessert doust /Every sin is taken/out//

CHORUS So now come to the well / where deep forgiveness flows / Yeah come for a drink of living water / Everyone, come on,/ come to the well / let your thirsty soul be satisfied /And never run dry /

Everyone come to the well (Come to the well)./Everyone Everyone come / now come to the well / Everyone come to the well(Come to the well). come to the well.Everyone come to the well.

* * * * + + ALONG WITH THE ROCKS - Memorable worship anthem.

Musical Notes: Intro begins quietly with broken chords(guitar and piano) in a minor key, with light drums. Verses are in a minor key, but the chorus is in a major key. Lovely duet harmony heard from the second verse. Interesting melody and dynamics, carried by Mitch's poignant, smooth vocals which jump up effortlessly to higher notes in the chorus. Once again his love and faith in the Lord comes through in his presentation of the lyrical message.

Scriptural References;(Cor. 13:1-3 * Luke 19:40 * Hab. 2:11)

Lyrics:

I'm just a Clashing gong / I'm just a clanging cymbal  / I could speak in tongues or talk like an angel/ And still be freezing out in the cold/ Still be covered up by the snow / If I don't love / I am nothing//


Chorus: But the rocks cry/The rocks cry out /Let my heart shout / Along with the rocks//

I'm a rusty gate, never swinging open / I can fall away/ Still it gets me nowhere//
Let my heart shout / Let my soul sing out / Let heart/ Let my soul / Join alone//

The rocks cry/ the rocks cry out /Let my heart shout / Along with/ along with the rocks/ the rocks/cries out /Let my soul join the chorus//Let my soul join the chorus/

Listen to me /Listen to me/ join your chorus// 3x



* * * * +++ WONDERFUL  - Favorite electric folk-rock, praise anthem of this reviewer, perfect for personal praise moments or in front of a congregation.

Musical Notes: A wonderfully inspiring love letter of gratitude to Jesus, which has everything needed in spades to inspire the listener, to forget present troubles and praise the Lord for all He has done personally for us. Really hard not to "sing along with Mitch" on this cut, and perhaps dance around the room as well!
Especially enjoyable are the vocals from the heart and spirit, paired with equally dynamic musical composition. Driving spirit begins from the intro, and dynamically builds to a level of joy and celebration in the truly uplifting  chorus.
Geat dynamics and energy throughout the song, punctuated at the end of the bridge. Mitch says in a stage whisper, "Cause I can see you shine", followed by 4 stanzas of a wildly joyous rock interlude. He continues with "And I feel your glow", in another stage whisper, followed by 4 stanzas of another wildly joyous rock interlude.

Scriptural References: (1 John 4:19 *John 8:12 & 14:1-4)

Lyrics:
Nothing is as wonderful /as knowing you my Lord/ In your arms /I belong/ Nothing is as wonderful /as knowing you will return/ And until you come/ to take me home//

Chorus: I can see you shine / From the place on high / And I can fell your glow/ everywhere below / And your sweet sweet love / Has set me free/ You are wonderful, to me/ to me/ yes you are wonderful//

Nothing is as wonderful /as sailing through your skies / On eagle wings I will ride / Nothing is as wonderful /as walking in Your light/ I once was blind / Now you're my sight//

Chorus: I can see you shine / From the place on high / And I can fell your glow/ everywhere below / And your sweet sweet love / Has set me free / Your are wonderful,to me / to me/ yes you are wonderful//

Bridge:Lord I marvel at your kindness/ Your Kindness fills all day up/ I love your light / my heart is in the clouds / I am/ I am overwhelmed /

Cause I can see you shine (stage whisper)/ wildly jouous rock interlude / and I feel your glow (stage whisper)/wildly jouous rock interlude//

Chorus: I can see you shine / From the place on high / And I can fell your glow/ everywhere/ everywhere below / Your sweet sweet love / Has set me free / Your are wonderful, to me / to me /

Tag: Yes, You are wonderful to me /to me /Yes, You are wonderful to me /to me /Yes, You are wonderful to me /to me //

* * * * + + HONEST OF HEART - Confessional and petition prayer hymn with a sparkle and spirit, yet poignant.

Musical Notes: Delicate blend of accordion, acoustic guitar ensemble and a loving, energetic spirit, that offer wonderful support of the smooth, expressive vocals of Mitch. Song floats along on the song's steady beat, perfect for the lyrical message; a prayer we all need to pray!

Scriptural References:(Ephes.4:23 * Romans 12:2 * 1 Chron. 16:11 * Ezek: 26:26 * Ps. 141:3)


Lyrics:
Battered soul / drug through shadows. / but I'm the one to blame / I am so full of shame now/ So empty me / and pour me out /
And make me honest of heart/ Radiate through me /So I'm walking in thankfulness/ and glowing /as your truth comes showing through /You are lovely Lord / Fill me up with You//

Distorted passions / grace forgotten / Your death revisions sting/ Darkeness has no claim over me / the light of day is for always//
And make me honest of heart/ Radiate through me /So I'm walking in thankfulness/ and glowing /as your truth comes showing through /You are lovely Lord / Fill me up with You//

Like a walk through/ those tree covered hills/ like the scent of the leaves / Like a walk through the hills/
 Make me / make me // Honest of heart / radiate through me / radiate through me / So I'm walking in thankfulness/ and glowing /as your truth comes showing through /You are lovely Lord / Fill me up / You are lovely Lord/ Make me honest of heart/ You are lovely Lord / Fill me up / With You/Fill me up with You/ honest of heart/Fill me up with You/honest of heart/Fill me up with You/honest of heart//


* * * * + + SEND YOUR SHOWER - This dynamic anthem of petition offers an edgier acoustic folk, light rock sound and vocals, with a touch of blues and soul blended into the verses, vocals and their musical accompaniment to great effect.

Musical Notes: this well-done, balanced blend of guitars, keys and drums, and vocals, cooks along with an underlying energy. Vamp is especially in the spirit of blues and soul.

Chorus is inspiring! It's memorable melody and dynamic vocals work together to present this petition for spiritual strength and fortitude needed to accomplish what is asked of us or for endurance through an uncomfortable time of drought, which makes this song very relevant today.  Mitch once again show the extent of his vocal style which adds so much to the vocal presentation.

Scriptural References:(1 Peter 5:7 * Matt 11:28-30 )

Lyrics:
There's dessert sky / Dry clouds over head/ that fill the night / like the stars/ went to bed/ The milkway  / is such a long way's off / But Your presence stays with me / that's enough / yeah, that's enough//

Chorus: Send Your / shower/ May your glory pour down/ Send Your / Shower / May heaven spill out//

 My food is low / Still I'm casting my bread/ Your mercy shows me / that your love has no/ yes your love has no end/ And this drought won't last, no/ From every death life rises/

Send Your / shower/ May your glory pour down/ Send Your / Shower / May heaven spill out/
Send Your / shower/ I get covered, yeah/ Send Your / shower/

Vamp: Wheels spin around/ ever don't reach for/ nothin' gonna count/ if you don't send your /shower
Nailed to the ground/ we're gonna need more/ If we're gonna get there/ come and send your shower/

Send Your / shower/ I get covered, Send Your / shower//

* * * * + + WALKING ON AIR -  A folk worship anthem which describes the feeling of belonging to the Lord, being carried by Him.


Musical Notes: Begins simply as an acoustic accompaniment, which builds to the chorus. Interlude between verses has a nice harmonica guitar solo.  Beautiful melody , well-composed is the perfect vehicle for the message. Mitch does well with his vocal delivery.

Scriptural References:(Matt. 11:28-30 * Heb.13:5-6)

Lyrics:
The sun smiles and dips behind mountain trees/ A holy light fills the sky / though it burns all around me/ And a rainbow begins to glow/ To remind me of home/ And my heart starts pounding so loudly//

Chorus: Walking on air / Even the angels stop / and they stare at me/ I'm on top of the hemisphere / I can see clear/ til forever / Walking on air//

Rising haze / all ablaze like a branding iron/ its energy flows out to me / fuelin'  my soul gone tired / when warm sand of circumstance / arenot lasting / Your love has/ white caps/ some crashing....

chorus: Walking on air / Even the angels stop / and they stare at me/ I'm on top of the hemosphere / I can see clear/ til forever / Walking on air//

Til the left or the right / I'm on top/ I'm just fine/ the angels stop/ and stare at me / Whether wind or outside / its just fine /that I'm alive/ I'm looking as Your carry me//

VAMP: Walking on air (Walking on air) Walking on air/ even the angels take a picture .....
Walking on Walking on Walking on (And I can't stop now)/ Walking on/Walking on air.....
Scriptural References:( Matt. 11:28-30 * Heb.13:5-6)

* * * *  UPON FURTHER INSPECTION - Bluesy/ soulful folk acoustic rock in a slower, easy 2 beat meter, with edgier vocals.

Musical Notes: Begins simply with a bass and single snare. Verses have simple guitar chords, and light beat, with the vocals carrying the melody and lyrical message of self-examination, and the hope which comes with the second coming. Mitch has an interesting vocal style in this song, which grows on the listener, as one wraps one's head around the spirit and mood of the song.

Scriptural References:(Romans 7:21-25 * John 10:27-30 * Ps.37:5 * 2nd Timothy 4:17-18)

Upon further inspection / I gotta make an objection / with my self /and the ways /my/ faith slips out of faze / I guess I got a dark misperception/ one is a fall in trust maybe even leap/ into this vast kingdom scheme of things/ I have symptoms of a sickly heart/ gone astray/ Oh I believe there's a way , in what I'm gonna say/


Chorus: Jesus is coming back/ He's gonna make the earth shake / the sky is gonna crack/  On a white horse is black / in a second, redeem us/ yeah / He is comin' back..

One step further up the hill I go/ My faith lack flint / the words my home / One foot in front the of the other . give me faith that is not bothered/ the angel has been sayin' / don't you be frightened//

Chorus

* * * * + +  MAGNIFICENT - Another strong favorite!
 Rousing praise and worship acoustic rock anthem, with a poignant prayer in the bridge.


Musical Notes: The song's memorable melody, driving beat and spirited energy comes from a talented blend of acoustic and electric guitar, drums and harmonica, adding a brightness and celebration of sound, very appropriate for this uplifting song of gratitude and petition! Bridge has a different melody, marked by chord progressions.

Mitch does a fabulous job in his vocal presentation of the lyrics, offering just the right performance in this most uplifting song, perfect to end the album.

Scriptural References:(Psalm 91 * Job 38 * Romans 8:31 & 8:38 * Ephes. 3:16-19)

Nothing in the sky above / Nothing in the sea / Nothing on the mountain tops / Or movin through the valleys/ Nothing by the hands of man / Or found in wisdom's depths / Nothing in the universe/ Like your endlessness.//

You're magnificence / magnificence / your gorgeous heart is my covering/ Your magnificence/ magnificence/ You're splendid glory is my history / Yeah. //

There is none like you my Lord / No brother or a friend/No tenderness or  love as warm / No one has your strength/ No home like You / my comforter/ No table can provide/ The narrow road calls to me and heaven opens wide.//
chorus:

Bridge: You love me / You hold me close / You made me as Your child / So dear Father/ Surround me now/ Overwhelm my life//

Chorus:
oH YEAH! You're magnificent / oh yeah / ......

Reviewed by Julie Carr - Christianmusic.com