If you're a believer in Christ, take 4 minutes to take a look at my U+2=21 vision.

Mars Hill Music. THE Mars Hill? Yes, The Rob Bell Mars Hill. Mars Hill has been labeled an Emerging Church. For some time I have been describing it to people as not an Emerging Church but as being neo-conservative. Interestingly, I heard in one of their recent sermons, they called themselves the same thing, which is very interesting, because the term has only been used before to describe politics, not religion, so I guess that settles that. They have copped a bit of criticism at what can seem like liberal overtones. Actually, it's the most conservative fellowship I have ever encountered, if being conservative is truly trying to live life in the example of Yeshua. They are the new conservative, hence, neo-conservative. Late in 2006 they released a double CD worship album called Worship In Every Direction.

I have now had time to digest this CD over the last few months. It took a few listens to grow on me. Actually it was being at Mars Hill and experiencing first hand this unique style of worship that made me truly appreciate it. You'll recognize a few familiar songs here like Let It Rise and even hymns like I'll Fly Away (I kid you not), interspersed with chunks of scripture and creeds read aloud with full audience participation. The writings of GK Chesterton are here too. They even diverge into some country licks for a few songs. I know country music needs salvation too, but is this really what it looks like? :P It's ok, there's not enough there to be more than a mild distraction, and this is why iPods and CD players let you skip forward afterall.

The songs are themed around 6 words that capture the essence of Mars Hill's philosophy. They are namely, Outward, Backward, Inward, Withward, Forward and Upward. The Mars Hill website will give a breakdown of the story behind each word.

In listening to this album as I write this review, it's very hard. To write that is. There's a raw authenticity here that makes it hard to put this music on and just listen. I am drawn into worship, even though these are songs I have grown up with and are pretty stale to my ears, they are fresh to my heart. They are sung with apparent brokeness, as though not performed, but instead, breathed out, through the music. The song Stay Empty brings me to such a point of contemplation of the Fathers Heart for us, it literally makes my eyes well up. Then without missing a beat we move into Come Thou Fount, a recently written hymn, by Sara Groves. There's truly something here for everyone.

It took some time to grow on me, and perhaps a visit to Mars Hill itself to experience this first hand. I do recommend it though. If you're used to Hillsong worship, you'll be getting something very different here. I would say refreshingly different. God is doing something in this fellowship of believers who are truly making a real difference in the world, and I think their heart is reflected here in a beautiful way.

Unfortunately it seems at this point in time this double CD is only available for purchase from musicatmars.com. A search of Amazon and iTunes brought no results. Go to the trouble of buying this, it's well worth it.

4.5 out of 5.

Buy it here at http://www.musicatmars.com

I love music, and I have wanted to do some music reviews for sometime. I am kicking this off today with New Zealand born band, Detour 180. Detour 180 are now living in the US.

In full disclosure, I am friends with some of the members of this band, I have heard them live on countless occasions. I can assure you though this will not lead to a glowing review just because I know the guys. Adrian (lead vocals) is passionate about reaching young people with the Gospel. In live shows, he will can bring a room full of uninterested teenagers to tears and draw them into the most intimate of worship times.

Unfortunately, their latest CD, Fighting For You, just doesn't hit a home run.

By The Time starts off a little slow for an opening track. This really sounds like a filler track, and at only 3 minutes long it's far too short. Unfortunately many of the tracks are this short.

You Know My Name is a touching song with good lyrics that will speak to those who don't feel loved by God. This a catchy song and really should have been the opening track. Probably the best studio recording on the CD.

There's way too many dove-award-sounding tracks on this CD, and they really do all do sound the same. Songs like Back to the Cross, See My Savior, Headlong, hmm, actually most, sound like they've been made under the watchful eye of the marketing team at their record company designed to cater to young teens and keep the parents happy.

Where are the hits like She Walked In, Overrated, Beautiful and When You Call? The Detour 180 I know doesn't seem to be on this CD. Perhaps a live recording is what they need to do. In fact the last track, Hallelujah is a live recording, and it works well, though I'm suspicious the vocals have been overdubbed in the studio. They're a little too clean. This track does begin to show Detour 180 in their true colors though.

In conclusion, Fighting For You is a bit of a let down and a step down from their debut album. Maybe they've spent too much time listening to American CMA music. Ouch! I know you guys can do so much better. Looking forward to your next CD.

If you can get to a Detour 180 concert, go, you'll absolutely love it.

3 out of 5.

Buy Fighting For You from Amazon.
Buy Fighting For You from iTunes.