Before saying too much about this album I will admit that I have a very soft spot for David Crowder’s “hoedown” style worship that he regularly employed during live shows for a few songs when he was leading the David Crowder Band. Having broken away from the David Crowder Band and transitioning into the artist title “Crowder”, it makes sense that this mishmash southern style of folk/country/pop/rock has infiltrated all through Crowder’s solo release Neon Steeple. When listening to any Christian album, I am constantly filtering the songs through the “can I use this song in any way for a worship set?” filter. So this review will be written with that in mind
Neon Intro // Not much to say from a worship leading standpoint. Simple intro.
My Beloved // This is a moderately paced hoedown-style song. It would be great fun to sing this song on special occasions or if your church has an appreciation for the folk/country/bluegrass sound. All in all, this song likely won’t be a regular for most churches.
I Am // The first single from the album, “I Am” has versatility written all over it. Being played regularly on the radio, congregates will likely have at least heard this song a time or two. It is an upbeat song that will put a smile on your face and is a fantastic play on the concept of God referring to Himself as “I Am that I Am”. This song is likely the most readily available song from the whole album to be placed directly into your Sunday rotation, and especially at youth gatherings.
Lift Your Head Weary Sinner (Chains) // A heavy beat with great words; if this tune is accessible at all in any situation, it will likely be with youth and young adults. Do yourself a favor and look up the lyrics of this song. Has great potential to move a body of believers and especially those who aren’t yet believers. It would definitely have to be worked into a rotation with a delicate hand.
Come as You Are // Probably the highlight of the album. Extremely powerful and moving. This song would be a phenomenal choice to play after a “Calvary’s Cross” message during an altar call. It is all about laying our burdens and shame at the feet of God believing that God can heal all hurts and failures. I considered employing this song for a regular rotation, but I didn’t think that the extreme sensitivity of the lyrics would be appropriate for regular use. This is a special song and positioned correctly could very well aide in non-believers coming to our Lord.
Hands of Love // Great fun! Upbeat and inspirational. Listen and see if you might consider using this song as an opening number for your worship services.
Jesus is Calling // Can you say country?? This song has country written all over it. Written in the hoedown style. Probably not much of a choice for most congregations.
My Sweet Lord (feat. Emmylou Harris) // Written in a folk/country ballad style. Not much of an option for the church setting.
This I Know // Simple folk style song. You could repackage this song and probably fit it to a modern church setting. But that’s if you’re feeling ambitious and have the time (both of which aren’t flowing freely for most full-time worship pastors)
Ain’t No Grave // A bluegrass style song. Again, not really written for the standard church worship setting.
You Are // Very upbeat and speaks of God’s character. This song could easily be repackaged into a contemporary Christian style for worship gatherings. Actually could be very powerful and successful if done correctly with your congregation’s personality in mind.
Here’s my Heart // From the “Passion-Let the Future Begin” album I am unsure whether or not this song was written with the greater congregation in mind. It is very personal and heartfelt. I just love the heart (no pun intended) of this song. This song very easily could go at the end of a powerful worship set and would make a beautiful sunset to the strength and heart of the worship set. This song is also great for use after a sermon that has the congregation on the edge of their seats.
Steeple Outro // Again, not much to say like on the “Neon Intro”. Functions as a prayer set to music. Not really useful in the corporate worship setting.