Andrew Mihaleff
I just want to say, this has been a seven-year journey that
I feel so privileged to be a part of. I’ve seen Andrew work so hard, especially
in the last three years, being in and out of his makeshift studio/s (and
occasionally even in our church building) using his God-given talents of being
a singer-songwriter as well as a well-rounded musician to give God back the
glory. Andrew has blessed so many people with his passion in worshiping God
through his talents – it’s so contagious that when he finally contained it to a
CD it’s still as infectious to those who genuinely want to sing praises to the
Lord God almighty.
FILL THIS HEART
This is a new song for some of us at PCC; it’s one that sets
the tone and the “story” for the rest of the album. It talks about coming to
the foot of the throne of heaven empty and willing to be filled for the purpose
of God. It captures Andrew’s journey and encourages listeners to do the same in
their own journey, which is to come, as you are to the foot of the throne and
give what is due to the Lord and he will bless you.
GREATNESS OF KNOWING YOU
Stemming from the place of willingness from the above song,
this song just allows you to come to your knees and praise God. It’s a great
song that just declares that there’s nothing in this world that’s worth more
than being in the love of God.
OUR GREAT GOD
Another great song, but I’m not too keen on the beginning,
“Oh-oh-ohs” – that’s just me though! It’s most likely because we’ve never sung
it like that in a service and I don’t recall Andrew playing it like that in his
launch, but who knows, we may bring them into one of our services soon. Aside
from that, this song is a great song and it’s full of truth. It’s encourages
listeners and worshipers to raise their voices in praise to God.
MY SAVIOUR’S LOVE (HOW GLORIOUS)
An oldie, but a goody! Adding his own touch to a beloved
hymn is typical Andrew; so much so, I think it would have been a little odd not
to have a hymn-cover on his album. Enjoy this version and the added bits and
pieces as you sing along!
HOLY
This is my favourite song. I love the lyrics and the
accompaniment when we sing it at church. There’s a simplicity to it that I love
listening to and singing in our services that really lifts the spirit as the
congregation sings it all together. I especially enjoy declaring the bridge –
there’s just so much truth in it that you really need to affirm!
NEW CREATION
This is a fun song to sing. I must admit, the recording is a
lot more upbeat and at times Andrew’s vocals are drowned-out by the
accompaniment, hence it’s possible that this song sounds better live rather than recorded. I only say
that because Andrew’s voice is very strong – both live and recorded – so in
terms of having strong vocals and multiple layers of accompaniment, one is at
the expense of the other. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great song and I love
singing this song, but I’m not too keen on the recording.
WHERE YOU ARE
Another one of my favourites. Again, it’s simple and the
lyrics get straight to the point. I think the songs I enjoy the most are the
ones that are clear and simple lyric wise, but also have the same tone when it
comes to the accompaniment. I also tend to enjoy songs with great bridges that
tend to really spur people to sing beyond the lyrics.
WHO IS LIKE YOU
This song is one we’re actually bringing into the services
this month, so I’m excited about talking about this one. The melody is like a
lullaby, as though to the sooth the soul in times of trouble. Based on Psalm
71, the song talks about the mighty hand of God carrying you through every
aspect of the journey. It’s a great encouragement.
PSALM 130 (MY SOULD WAITS)
The lyrics for this song are amazing and I love singing the
melody. It’s a beautiful soft recording of the song that offers room for the lyrics
to really stand out. (Andrew please don’t shoot me for the next comment!) My
only issue is the key. I found that listening to the recording, the female
vocalist that is featured in this song tended to fade on some of the higher
notes in the chorus. Much like New
Creation, two opposing strengths were playing on the track leaving one to
dominate over the other. Perhaps, it’s another song that is meant to be sung
live - again this is just me.
WE CROWN YOU LORD
This one of the earlier songs that I remember learning and
it’s so nice to hear it recorded. I love the lyrics and the hymn-like nature to
it – for all you hymn lovers, this one’s for you!
EMMAUS ROAD
Written for Easter, this song talks about the two disciples
on the road to Emmaus who encountered the risen Christ Jesus and did not recognise
him. It’s a great song for the season and just to check your own walk with
Jesus, it questions, do you recognise
Christ walking with you?
AMEN
I love this song. It’s such a great song to close the album
with. It’s even earlier than We Crown You
Lord and I found myself thinking, “Man, I remember learning this one!” And
now look how far it’s come. So much truth in it and it’s rightly titled,
“Amen,” because that’s all you want to sing out after singing this song.
OVERALL
Personally, I’ve been waiting to review this album since
October 2011 and now it’s here I can’t believe I’m actually writing about it!
As a fellow sister in Christ, who’s sung 10 out of 12 of these songs on various
occasions with Andrew, I just feel so blessed to have seen a brother’s dream
come true. If you get a chance to buy this album on iTunes then I hope you’ll
feel the same. Personally, I think worship music sound better live, and I
believe most of these songs do sound better live, because (like a mentioned)
Andrew’s an amazing vocalist and musician.
I don’t know if any of you guys believe in God, but if you
do and you love listening to worship music, this is an album that you may want
add to your collection to worship God in your house, in your car or as you’re
walking down the street to the shops or wherever.
Next on sL: The Internship
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