STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 128000-19583 LABEL: Maranatha! Music 0738597209628 FORMAT: CD EP ITEMS: 1 RELEASE DATE: 2012-09-10 RRP: £6.98
Reviewed by Stephen Curry
Shelly is a worship leader at the 15,000 strong First Baptist Church in Woodstock, Georgia and a talented songwriter, pianist and vocalist. Her skills are demonstrated in the four well crafted songs on this EP with a production which enhances the vocal performance and enriches the melodies. The standout title track was featured on Shelly's 2009 debut album 'Mosaic Of Grace' and is perhaps the most well known song on the EP (having also been recorded in 2010 by Natalie Grant). "All Things Beautiful" is less a worship song and more a cry to God for answers to the suffering in the world but is nonetheless a heartfelt offering. "Refuge" is a particularly haunting song proclaiming God as the one we can eternally rely on while "Hallelujah Forever" provides a more upbeat tempo expressing praise for the coming of the Saviour.
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Product Description
Atlanta-based singer/songwriter, worship leader and storyteller Shelly E. Johnson's life has been one of enriching experiences that have infused her songs with stories about the strength and love of the Saviour.
You can hear the emotion and passion she sings with on each of the worship songs found on Power Of The Cross, her new EP. For many listeners the title track will be the centrepiece. It's most familiar to Christian music audiences, having been recorded by powerhouse vocalist, Natalie Grant, among others. The track has also been released by nearly all print publishers in Christian music!
The other 3 songs will be a singular listening experience too. The song, All Things Beautiful, Shelly's début single, will most definitely be a highlight, a powerful testimony to the faithfulness of our heavenly father to walk with us through difficult times. "I don't know why God allows fires and floods. But, thanks be to God, it's not my place to understand His divine, mysterious and perfect plan. All I know is that He promises to work all things together for good for those who are faithful to Him," says Shelly.
The EP was produced by Phil Sillas, recorded in southern California and Nashville, and features a line up of the top studio musicians and singers.