Kim Walker-Smith has been a staple in worship ministry for quite a while now and her new album “Home” has another batch of great songs that will be a blessing to churches around the world. Known primarily for being part of Jesus Culture, she shines on her solo albums. Her husband, Skyler Smith, leads out a handful of the songs. The couple really shines when they are harmonizing with each other. You can tell they have spent a lot of time carefully working out their parts as they sing with each other. Here’s a breakdown of the songs from the perspective of a worship leader in the local church:
Your Voice
The album starts of with a simple acoustic guitar plucking and the first voice you hear is not Kim, it’s her husband Skyler. The prechorus sounds out a simple “I just want You” which is a great start to this album as a welcome to God to come and speak to our hearts. The song ends with a powerful chant that will no doubt become a favorite in many churches. It builds really well and has great momentum.
Unstoppable Love
Kim shines on the second track singing in the lower register that she’s so well known for but also hitting some higher notes that sound beautiful. This song speaks great truth about the love of God and his pursuit of each of us. The idea of a God who is chasing after us is a powerful idea that a congregation really needs to hear. The bridge at the end drives home Romans 8:38-39 declaring that there’s nothing that will stop God from loving us.
Face to Face
In response to the great love of God, we’re called to love Him back. “Face to face” drives home the idea that we were made to see God face to face through the sacrifice Jesus made. The bridge declares that we’re made for loving God with a simple melody. I’m planning on introducing the bridge in a service soon.
Forever Praise
The song begins with a folksy acoustic guitar and Kim singing simple praise. The chorus is really catchy and is a great reminder that God is whom we should be seeking when we come together to worship. The bridge drives home that we’ve been created to worship God and will worship Him for eternity.
Christ the Rock
Starting out with a dramatic piano, Kim sings out about standing on Christ in the midst of all trouble. It’s as if the music is coming from great sadness and difficulty but the lyrics are anything but sad. The chorus resounds “Holy.” This song could really minister in the midst of a trial.
Beauty of Your Presence
Skyler leads out on this song, which has a great driving feel. He sings, “When you come around all Your presence brings joy. It makes me come alive.” The weightiness of Christ the Rock is lifted through the melody and joy felt in this song. It makes for a simple short uplifting song.
Home
The title track starts with a shuffle and Kim singing about the peace found in the presence of Christ. We have been created to be in His presence to which she sings, “I have found my home in You.” There’s great joy to be found in the presence of God.
Oh Beautiful
Kim and Skyler trade verses on this one and sing beautifully together on the chorus. This makes for a great duet, which declares the love of God. This track is musically dense with a whole lot of intricate instrumentation going on. If you can pull it off with your team, go for it!
Relentless Pursuit
Rounding out the album, “Relentless Pursuit” is a declaration of surrender to God. The more we chase after Him, the more we want to chase Him. Kim sings a love song to God at the end, which is a great model for worship leaders everywhere as they’re looking to sing more prophetically.
My One and Only
The album finishes with an intimate song about the love of God. Again, Kim and Skyler’s voices blend together wonderfully. This song would work really well to drive home our love for God.
I highly recommend you pick this album up! Every song may not work for your congregation but it’s definitely worth listening through as a worship leader. It’s always great to get something that breaks out of the typical worship album mold.
Worship Review // Hillsong // Glorious Ruins