Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Such is the huge influence of Sacramento's Jesus Culture Music that this album - the first with Jesus Culture's tie up with Capitol Christian Music Group - has already hit number one on iTunes' Christian Albums chart. It deserves its success. Drawing musical inspiration from mainstream songsmiths like Tom Petty and Brandon Flowers yet keeping his lyrical focus on the King of Kings, Derek has led worship at every Jesus Culture since 2011. Johnson's huskily expressive voice is enhanced by skilled production from Jeremy Edwardson while the usual top rate guitar work by Jesus Culture's Jeffrey Kunde ensures the songs are worshipful without stumbling into the clichés of pop rock worship. The chattering rhythm guitar groove on the opener "Our Salvation" could almost be something you'd hear of a Tom Petty track while the slow, tender-hearted ballad "Power In The Cross" is truly moving. Johnson's lyrics explore themes familiar to every Christian with a simple eloquence ("We all stand amazed/In awe of amazing grace/The divide has been erased/We thank you"). Derek's song "I Belong To You" was featured as a bonus track on the 'Live From New York' album by Jesus Culture and Martin Smith and it sounds great here. Now Derek has demonstrated he has a lot more excellent material. In a recent interview the experienced revivalist said, "My heart is to write songs that lead people to Jesus." I've no doubt Derek has succeeded in doing just that.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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