Normally on Mondays I post book reviews, but owing to a busy week I knew I would not be able to finish my current book. So instead of a book review it is my pleasure to promote a wonderful band.
When it comes to good praise & worship music I confess I have a hard time finding something that I really love. Bands that are musically proficient are often theologically shallow. While their chord progressions and drum parts are technically impressive, their lyrics make me feel more like I am singing as a preteen boy to his preteen girlfriend. On the flip side, I often find that theologically rich lyrics are not matched with compelling music. Simple three chord progressions, or (even worse) terrible vocalists can ruin an otherwise good album for me. I thought that perhaps I was just being too picky, but then I was intorduced to The Caleb Hickerson Band.
CHB combines both musical skill and theologically rich content. Their newly released EP You & I is captivating, even with only five songs I find myself listening to it over and over. Caleb Hickerson’s vocals stand out as some of the best I have ever heard. He has a unique and beautiful voice with a high register. In addition David Dowdy’s drum parts make some songs stand out, and Ryan Rolfe’s lead is both captiviating and yet never distracting. Everything in the album fits perfectly together.
“Psalm 148” stands out to me as a particularly beautiful track. In it Hickerson sings about the reflection of the glory of God in the created world and in His sovereignty over it. Lyrics like these:
The fire and hail, the storm you prevail. The snow and wind, obey at your command. All around your glory shines, your glory shines on us.
God’s sovereignty is cause of the “young and the elder to cry out” His praises. It’s a beautiful song that moves me.
“I am Only Yours” is another compelling track. The haunting music in this song beautifully fits the solemn praise of lyrics like:
Everything, all I am, held within your own hand. As my heart bound to love, freely I give it up to you. You are all I need. You are all I want. I am only yours. Let all I see, be all you are. I am only yours.
As Dowdy’s drums break in on this song and it builds the power of the words becomes more forceful:
Of all the word, none compare. You bring hope when none is there. And in that hope, what had come undone in me you took and me one with you. You are all I need, you are all I want. I am only yours. Let all I see be all you are. I am only yours.
By the time of the musical bridge with Ryan Rolfe’s perfect guitar solo the whole track has built to impressive heights. Caleb belts out, accompanied by the beautiful background vocals of Krista Dunham (my awesome wife), “You’re my only hope.”
The whole album is worth your time and The Caleb Hickerson Band is worth your support. I have the pleasure every Sunday of listening to them as they lead worship at our church, and I am encouraged by their skill and theology every week. Good music is hard to find, so I am proud to promote the quality work found on the You and I EP. Check it out here.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 