Worship Review // Songs for Danforth Chapel

Album: Songs For Danforth Chapel
Artist:  Tyler Clements & Ryan Mayo
Release: July 3, 2013

 

 

 

Be sure to check out our interview with Tyler and Ryan here.

Tyler Clements’ and Ryan Mayo’s debut record “Songs For Danforth Chapel” comes at us with a fresh take on modern worship writing and arrangement. We live in an era where so many different styles and influences are becoming injected into praise and worship music, and this record is no exception. “Songs For Danforth Chapel” floats on from beginning to end with light and airy chord voicings and arrangements that create a beautiful, lighthearted atmosphere in every song. One could even say that certain song sections and some particular chord choices appear to take influence from jazz and easy listening. For the worship leader, this album brings a few things to the table. The first of these is a number of great songs to lead your congregations with during acoustic sets. In actuality, these songs would be easy enough for most to arrange and use in any full band scenario as well. Another thing that “Songs For Danforth Chapel” really provides for the worship leader is a new take on creating light arrangements for the numerous reasons we need them in leading services. The choice of instrumentation and strategy used in utilizing dynamics with limited instrumentation is something we can all draw great inspiration and learn from.

Salvation To The Lamb // This song beautifully resonates the joy we have in the saving blood of Jesus Christ. With a lighthearted tone, meter, and tempo; and lyrics which sing of the beauty of salvation, it impossible not to sing praise to God for his unfailing grace and mercy when listening to this track. “Salvation To The Lamb” is the perfect opener for any acoustic or minimal accompaniment set that you plan to do with your team. It could also easily be turned into a full band arrangement for use at almost any place in your setlist.

How Firm A Foundation // A classic hymn that you don’t see rearranged too often, this song is a powerful declaration of the promises we have been given through The Word. For those of you who do your best to align your song selection with the subject matter of the message being presented in your services, this makes a great song to lead with before or after a message pertaining to The Bible in any way.

Nothing But The Blood // A classic congregational favorite, the arrangement presented on “Songs For Danforth Chapel” is light, airy, and upbeat, as opposed to the dark, and almost haunting vibe that we oftentimes hear demonstrated in other arrangements. This song proves how something as simple as a different arrangement can completely shift the feel and purpose of an entire song.

Well Worn // This is one of many beautiful original tracks on “Songs For Danforth Chapel.” The song depicts the path to grace that we believers can completely relate with. The lyrics here are very intimate and truly show how beautiful and perfect the salvation we have in Jesus is. Rather than having a classic verse and chorus arrangement, the lyrics progress throughout this song toward the completion of the overall thought or concept.

Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right // This song is another classic hymn that might not be as familiar to you as others. The lyrics convey a powerful message of God’s sovereignty our submission to Him as his children. For the worship leader, this would be a great song to use anytime this topic is going to be focused upon in your service.

There Is A Fountain // This is a reworked hymn that many are familiar with. The team of Tyler Clements and Ryan Mayo however, chose to rewrite the vocal melody and give the song a new character altogether. Be not dismayed, as the lyrics of this powerful song are well used in creating a wonderfully refreshing version of “There Is A Fountain.”

Sing Aloud // This one is a catchy acoustic anthem that any congregation is sure to love. The lyrics are simple in that they simply praise God for who He is. From the worship leader’s standpoint, these particular lyrics are extremely useful in the fact that they encourage the congregation to participate in singing. This type of encouragement within the lyrics of a song is a great way to coax an otherwise less engaged audience to be free and participate in worship.

Immortal Invisible // This is another rearranged hymn that utilizes a beautiful piano hook to tie together its various components. Lyrically, the song presses on without a particular “chorus” section, but speaks of the perfect, unchanging nature of almighty God. It is easy to appreciate the beautiful canter that this arrangement uses to highlight beautifully eloquent lyrics.

This The Lord Has Done // Another favorite off of the record, this original is a mid-tempo song that is catchy enough to have anyone singing along. The female vocal that runs throughout the track really provides a beautiful contrast in both tone and placement with the main vocal. The concept lyrically is simple in that it declares who God is, speaks of the perfect things that He has made manifest, and gives Him praise for all that He has done for His children. Worship leaders; this will be one that you will definitely want utilize at some point in your ministry. It has all of the potential to be a congregational favorite.

Everywhere // This track is a beautiful ballad that speaks of the omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence of God. The chorus is more than simple enough to get your congregation hooked and is one that will stay with you the rest of the day. Don’t miss out on leading with this one, worship leaders. Its an anointed declaration of how powerful our God is.

Awake, My Soul, To Sing // As we near the end of this record, we find a song that is very quick to evoke emotion in anyone who has accepted the redeeming power of Jesus’ blood. The lyrics are an outpouring of thanks and assurance as the line “since Jesus died for me” is repeated throughout. This is a beautifully intimate song that is sure to resound in the heart and soul of any believer.

O Come O Come Emmanuel // “Songs For Danforth Chapel” closes with a timeless Christmas classic that we love to hear during the Christmas season, or any time of year for that matter. Be sure to utilize this beautiful arrangement in your Christmas services this year, worship leaders.