Album Reviews
Movies
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Contact Us

The growing trend in Christian music is the emergence of praise and worship music.  Bands such as SonicFlood and Delirious? have sprung to life, subsisting solely on this style of music - feeding the hunger of today’s audience to worship through music.  Ardent recording artists Satellite Soul, along with label-mates All Together Separate, and Skillet, have each recorded a live worship album designed to bring the message to the hungry.

ardent worship: Satellite Soul, Live, as described in the liner notes, is designed to be a “passionate, fervent honor paid to God.”  The album certainly verifies this claim.  Starting off with a Satellite Soul original, “Always Greater,” penned by guitarist/vocalist Tim Suttle, the stage is set for what is to come.  The song speaks of the greatness of God and features the signature soft-pop sound of the band.  Because the album was recorded live, the production is a little less studio-quality than their debut album, Great Big Universe.  This element, however, only adds to the genuine worship atmosphere.

The second track, “Lighten My Load” is a song asking God to lighten our burdens and show Himself to us.  Also an original, the song starts off with the bluesy harmonica sounds, melding softly with a warm acoustic melody.  By the time the song reaches the chorus, the pace picks up just a bit, musically carrying the listener.  “Lighten my load/Lighten my burden/Be the One to take 
away my doubting.”

“Step By Step,” a well-known Rich Mullins song, combines the warm sounds of the various instruments used with the clean vocal talents of the band.  The song seamlessly transposes into “I Believe in Jesus.”

The album winds its way through various praise and worship songs - some original songs, such as the sweet ballad “Precious Lord,” which calls for divine guidance, and other popular worship songs such as, “Lord I Lift Your Name on High,” and “I Love You Lord.”

Spoken words of encouragement in between songs complete the live element of the album.  Overall, the album is a worshipful offering designed to encourage worship and soul-searching.  Being recorded live definitely adds to the overall effectiveness.  It makes it seem less canned and more real. ardent worship: Satellite Soul, Live is a definite invitation to join the band in praise.

Kerry Maffeo 12/9/2000