Israel & New Breed A Deeper Level Integrity Gospel Praise & Worship 09-04-2007

SCORE 93%

I am of the opinion that among worship leaders Israel Houghton stands out for his ultra-accessible music, his sincerity, and his humility, so I was more than ready to listen to his latest project, A Deeper Level, recorded live during a three night worship conference in, interestingly, Humble, Texas.  He is joined once again by his very solid band, New Breed, and his longtime co-writer and production partner, Aaron Lindsey. Why break up a winning team?

But this project offers even more reason to sit up and take notice, as it was birthed from a 40-day fast undertaken by Israel and New Breed to come to ‘a deeper level’ of authentic faith in their walk with Christ. They are pursuing a level of experience which will manifest in acts of compassion and justice; in other words, a faith that will show up in real time. The fruit of this journey has been poured out into A Deeper Level, the album, as well as a book by the same title, also due out in September. So you can see why I eagerly anticipated digging into A Deeper Level.

It is immediately apparent that this quest is not a marketing tool but an honest experience, as the album starts off not with a bang but with a tone of gentle reverence, the quiet “Intro” leading into ’s tender piano-driven prayer for Presence, “So Come.” His warm vocal pleadings set a tone of fervency which flows right into “Prayers of the Righteous,” ripped straight from the pages of James 5, gently encouraging listeners to open their spirits as he moves from prayerful reverence into joyous praise and shouts of victory. Not every gospel artist is bold enough to open with a string of three mellow tracks, but A Deeper Level comes across as a more of a true worship service than it does a performance.

The poppin’ “Say So” is an upbeat call to be salt and light, while “With Long Life” is much less easily categorized. Its mid-eastern undulating rhythms never really gel with the tight vocal arrangements, despite the best efforts of the always reliable New Breed and guest rapper T-Bone. The odd track is followed by the first of several lovely piano interludes, this one ’s spoken accompanying prayer to “With Long Life.” Next up is the sizzling, African-flaired “Identity,” an uplifting track featuring two signature elements: New Breed’s smoothly soaring vocals and those amazingly nailed-down Houghton/Lindsey arrangements. “Identity” moves easily into another standout track, the stirring, guitar-driven “I Know Who I Am,” featuring co-writer Chris Tomlin’s guest vocal. Like so many songs, this one both teaches and evokes faith with its message of who we are in Christ. “I Will Search For You,” a song of great declaration, offers free-flowing worship, underscored by gently nuanced guitars and quiet keys, before moving into fervent proclamations of committed pursuit. I love the bouncy, funked-out gospel opening of “Surely, Surely,” but at almost seven and a half minutes, it doesn’t sustain its initial energy level.”If Not For Your Grace” is a strong power ballad, New Breed kicking up the passion level nicely with their scorching delivery. Darlene Zschech follows with a prayerful interlude, passionately pleading for forgiveness for our failure to spend our lives in the service of the Lord’s purposes. This introduces the melodic, lilting title track. New Breed really stretches out on the high energy “We Have Overcome,” brawny drums propelling the bouncy melody forward forcefully.

The bonus track sounds like it may have been added in the studio later, but it’s really impossible to complain about an Israel/Jonny Lang pairing. Oh baby, what a sweet match! The soulful “You Are Not Forgotten” is an acoustic textured sparkler, made all the sweeter by New Breed’s expressive background vocals. Sheer genius, and a great way to go out. The substantial cumulative power of A Deeper Level hits the target, making it an absolute must-have for any sincere worshipper.