Bethel Music — You Make Me Brave: Review

Music review by Ellenor Lotter

BETHEL MUSIC: YOU MAKE ME BRAVE — LIVE AT THE CIVIC

- Advertisement -

It is such a great privilege for me to review music that truly impacts the way I worship Jesus.

This time last year I had the indescribable privilege of attending the Bethel School of Worship in Redding, California. Listening to these songs instantly takes me back into that environment of worship, an environment that has changed me forever.

This latest album by Bethel Music was recorded live in the Redding Civic Auditorium during the 2013 Womens’ Conference and the album was released in 2014. With names like Amanda Cook, Jenn Johnson, Steffani Frizzell Gretzinger, Kristene DiMarco, Leah Valenzuela and of course Kari Jobe, who will be stepping on South African soil within the next few weeks, you are in for an worship experience like no other.

- Advertisement -

Charisma News commented on the album, “Experience one of the most powerful and prophetic worship albums of the decade. YOU MAKE ME BRAVE is a landmark worship album.” I couldn’t agree more! The album consists of new music as well as some songs that were recorded on previous albums, such as Loft Sessions and Tides. The first song “You make me brave” could easily become an anthem as ordinary people come to understand who we are in Christ and how this knowing makes us brave enough to live life. With the Bethel Media team to back this production, you will also enjoy two video clips promoting the ‘be brave’ concept.

What I love about “It is well” is the newness of the song with the added familiarity of the age old song “It is well with my soul”. This track is written and recorded by Kristene DiMarco. “A little longer” touches on a big challenge in Christianity today: A lot of ‘doing’ and not enough ‘being’ at the feet of the Master, abiding in His presence. I believe Jenn Johnson really captured the heart of the Father in this song.

If I have to choose one song that speaks to the deepest desire in my heart, it will have to be “Wonder”, a spontaneous song recorded by Amanda Cook. I don’t even have words to explain to you the message conveyed in this song!

Is it possible to choose a song from a collection like this, I am not sure! As I listen to this album for the 100th time, I come to realize that it is like many sides to the same gem. I implore you to take listen and be captivated. Before I forget, this CD comes with a DVD too! Oh joy!

I greet you with a quote from the Bethel Music website: “The core of Bethel Music is to capture Gods’ heart through worship, declaring who He is and who we are in Him. Our desire is for every album we produce to be saturated with the presence of God and draw people deeper into worship of Him.”

Let the worshipper in you arise!