Rick Muchow Review - ChristianMusic.com
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West Coast Worship CD Review

Mission Statement:

1) Concerning his Praise and Worship Music: As "music is a means to worship God," Rick Muchow focuses on making high quality, seeker-sensitive, user-friendly worship music. "Rather than trying to make our music sound like church music, we'd rather listen to the kind of music that the non-churched are listening to and see how we can use that to communicate the Gospel. But just because it is Seeker Sensitive doesn't mean it has to be theologically incorrect or shallow."- Rick Muchow.

2) Concerning His Music Ministry: While he has played before thousands and his music is heard around the world, Muchow still remains true to his original calling to minister to his church and community. "I want to help my neighborhood know Christ. And anything we can do that can help other churches be effective in reaching their communities, that is what I want to promote." - Rick Muchow

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You may wonder, what is it about Rick Muchow, his worship music choices, and his worship team that has all worked together to meet the needs of so many people to worship and seek the Lord so well? In the spirit of presenting user-friendly, theologically sound, well-composed songs, Rick Muchow and his worship team "are always looking for upbeat songs that are positive, with clear messages of the Gospel. We want songs that inspire movement, songs of adoration, songs of commitment, and songs that tie it together."

In choosing worship music for a CD project, the songs must past some tests, which explains why the songs on his newest effort, WEST COAST WORSHIP are so special and inspiring to listen to. Rick explains, "The church is a laboratory where we take a song to see if it works. If it produces worship, if it is a tool that other churches could use, if it is a song our congregation would enjoy listening to in their car, then it is a keeper." About his newest, 8th Cd, WEST COAST WORSHIP .............................

"Worship happens...and when God inhabits the praises of His people on the West Coast, worship happens in a whole new way."

The praise and worship music so creatively expressed on this CD is a great example of a group of musicians acting like the body of Christ, combining their musical and song writing talents and gifts together to bring such a collection of songs which encourage the listener to offer their thanks and worship of the Lord. Saddleback Church Worship Leader Rick Muchow, and his Saddleback Worship Team crew, Jadon Lavik, Lyndsey Lloyd Wallace, Adam Watts, Kirk Dechert, and Tony Guerrero, have all contributed, under Rick's leadership to give the listener a variety of well-done, uplifting contemporary praise and worship songs.

The presented eleven song entries are an inspiring love letter to the Lord, which can be a vehicle to express our joy, sure to rise us up past our current troubles and tribulations and help us focus on how fortunate we are to have such a loving, merciful, faithful Lord Jesus, our Savior with wonderful character attributes, who will see us through any trials, unhappiness that we find ourselves in, as He is the source of our strength to endure.

Each song is a unique composition, ranging from contemporary arrangements of three traditional hymns which move the soul to worship, to songs that "inspire movement, adoration, and praise", and songs that "encourage commitment." This reviewer highly recommends this truly encouraging, upbeat collection of songs that comfort, soothe the soul, and energize one's walk with the Lord, especially over the rough spots that enter our lives. CD is also perfect to listen to in the car on the way to work, school, or on vacation, as it will give you a spiritual mindset to face your day.

Songs on WEST COAST WORSHIP

* * * (I WILL NOT BE) SHAKEN - Words and Music - by CD's producer Tony Guerrero - based on Psalm 62.

A favorite of this reviewer. A peppy praise and worship song, with a captivating melody, balanced dynamics and Christian rock beat which encourages the listener to stand firm, and put trust in the Lord, because of the hope we have in the Lord's good promises of always being there as a source of love, strength, and faithfulness.

Sensitive use of drums (played by Adam Watts), which remain in background during the stanzas, supporting the catchy beat of the song, but not overpowering the spirit of worship of the lyrics, brought to life by the calm expressive vocals of Jadon Lavik, harmony vocals by Lyndsey Lloyd Wallace, the nice acoustic / base guitar work & keyboards of Tony Guerrero which so nicely support the melody.

Chorus - Drums increase in sound into full rock beat, strongly supporting the catchy melody and vocals sung by a small ensemble, making this song impossible not to move to and feel the spirit.

Related Scriptural References: (John 14:1, 27, 3:18, 2 Cor: 1:24)

Lyrical Samples:

Stanza 1: My soul finds rest in You, My fortress and my rock. My hope for life, my hiding place. My refuge and my God. In You I've found my home. My shelter from the storm. And I'll pour out my heart to You. And lean upon your throne.

Chorus: I will put my trust in You. I will put my hope there, too. I will stand upon Your word. And I will not be shaken. I will let my praises show. Holding on to what I know. Because I know You're always there. And I will not be shaken, I will not be shaken.

Stanza 2: I will not be moved. I'm leaning on the throne. Because You died for me. And called me to Your own. And even when the strongest winds begin to blow. I will stand my ground. I will not be moved. I will not be shaken.

. * * * TRUST GOD - Words and Music by Rick Muchow.

Another favorite of this reviewer. Song starts with a really nice upbeat acoustic guitar intro. Nice guitar work carries the lovely melody first time through the main stanza, supporting nicely the smooth, expressive vocals by Rick Muchow. Other instruments join at the repeat of the stanza. Composition has nice dynamics that build to the refrain, and throughout the song. Nice blend of instrumentation makes the song interesting to listen to. Nice touches in Rick's vocals and harmony provided by Lyndsey's lovely voice, and the skill of the other musicians enhance the song.

Related Scripture References: (Phillipians 4:13 & 2:13, 1 Peter 4:11, Romans 8:28)

Lyrical Samples:

Main Stanza: Trust God from the bottom of your heart. Don't try to figure out everything on your own. Trust God for where your life is going. God is in control, God is in control.

Refrain: Commit to the Lord, whatever you do. And your plans will succeed. Pray - Lord I'm available to You. Here I am, Lord, use me. God is control, God is in control.

Hook: Trust God, Trust God, Trust God, Trust God, Trust God.

* * + AMAZING - Based on John Newton's 1779 text, Amazing Grace. Arranged and Adapted by Tony Gurrereo.

John Newton would be insanely happy if he knew how his one song has inspired Christian artists in every part of our country, in every musical genre, to create really inspiring versions of this most poplular reverent praise hymn. Tony Gurrero's lovely version is both reverent and upbeat, resulting in an inspiring worship song that uplifts one into a spiritual state of mind.

Reverent intro, with just strummed chords on guitar, and introduces stanza 1 lyrics, sung in a soothing, hymn-like style by Jadon Lavik, who sings it once through. Segues nicely into an upbeat praise and worship song with a nice melody, with rest of band picking up the tempo a bit, established by light drums & cymbol taps. Nice blending of energetic guitars which support the melody and the beat of the song, keyboards help support melody. Smooth backup vocals by a talented group of singers.

Related Scripture References: (Ephesians 2:4, 7, 8, & 1:7-8, Romans 2:1, 7:14-25)

Lyrical Samples:

Stanza: 1: Your grace is amazing, How sweet it sounds to me. That it could save me, Simply amazing.

Stanza 2: I once had lost my way, Until You found me. And when I could not see. You came to show me. Chorus: Amazing, amazing, amazing, Your grace to me. Repeat of Stanza 1 & 2.

Hook: Segues into first line of original lyrics: Amazing grace, how sweet it sounds, that saved a wretch like me.................

* * + HOW GREAT THOU ART - Original Words and Music by Stan K. Hine, 1953.

An older stirring prayer-worship hymn, a favorite of many, is sensitively rearranged by Tony Guerrero / Lyndsay Lloyd Wallace with contemporary worship band instruments (electric guitars, bass, light symbol work, with some drums in the refrain & organ) delicately supporting not overpowering the original beautiful melody, carried by the heart-felt, vocals by Lyndsay Lloyd Wallace, herself. This arrangement has the effect of preserving the hymns' powerful sacredness and lyrics, but offers a modern accompaniment, a blend that really works.

Related Scriptural References: (Psalm 8, Rev. 11:12 & Rev. 21:4, John 3:16)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Oh Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made. I see the stars I hear the rolling thunder. Thy power throughout. The universe displayed.

Refrain: Then sings my soul. My Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art. How great Thou art. Then sings my soul. My Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art. How great Thou art.

2) And when I think. That God His Son not sparing. Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in. That on the cross. My burden gladly bearing. He bled and died To take away my sin. Refrain.

3) When Christ shall come. With shout of acclamation. And take me home. What joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, In humble adoration. And there proclaim. My God how great Thou art.

* * * + THE GREATEST MYSTERY - Words and Music by Rick Muchow and Rick Warren.

The favorite worship hymn of this reviewer. A lovely worship hymn that invites the seeker to feel the love of God reaching out to them, and realize that only He can fill the emptiness inside.

Great keyboard programming (Tony Guerrero) starts the song with a mysterious heavenly sound and continues through the first stanza & bridge, giving the song a feeling of a heavenly, devine Lord Jesus reaching out and waiting for our response. Smooth, expressive vocals, sung by Rick carry the theme of the song, backed up by the glorious Saddleback Church Choir. Very soft, expressive musical accompaniment, with just a hint of percussion. Interesting melody segues between a minor and a major key, which catches the listener, and draws one into the spirit of the song. Drums become an upbeat presence in the middle to the end of the song, as the dynamics grow. Ending stanza returns to the style of the beginning.

Related Scripture References: (1 John 5:7-8, John 3:16-18, Romans 5:1-5, Romans 8:38-39)

Lyrical Samples:

Stanza 1: There is a better life, A life of love and understanding. There is a better life. A better life than what seems good enough.

Bridge: Close your eyes. For a minute and feel the love of God. Reaching out to you. Realize only He can fill the emptiness. Inside of you.

Refrain: There's a life that is filled with meaning. A life that is freed by grace. A life to be risen in everyone. Come alive, come alive, Come alive, come alive, Come alive, come alive.

Stanza 2: The greatest mystery, Is that the god of all the universe. Would even think of me. The greatest tragedy isn't dying, it is living without meaning.

Stanza 3: What you want. Is you want meaning...meaning. Deep inside your heart. You know it's true. You gotta have meaning. Something's missing. You don't know what, You don't know why. It's meaning If you need something to live for, More than something to live on, You gotta have meaning. Bridge and Refrain.

* * * + FAITH - Words and Music by Adam Watts.

This reviewer's favorite acoustic praise and worship song. Adam not only plays the drums, but can sing and compose wonderful music as well. First fell in love with this song when I heard a version of it done by Jill Parr on her debut CD, ORBIT. I was really excited to hear the original acoustic version. The lovely melody with nice variations, meaningful lyrics, fine guitar work, and expressive vocals of this song lifts the listener out of worldly troubles, reminding all that faith in the Lord and depending on Him will bless you with peace, inner joy, and the gift of God's love that helps us to endure.

Related Scripture References: (Romans 4:13, 16, & Romans 5:1-5, Phil.4:13, Ephesians 2:7-8)

Lyrical Samples:

1) With simple love, We can rise above. Understand then believe. Fall into trust, He will fill you up. Letting go equals peace. Wisdom isn't meaning. Chasing after wind. What will be has been before. Even when you're bleeding. Stand in awe of God, He cares.

* * Chorus: There's a path that leads through pain. There's a freedom that awaits. And it's all a prayer away. This gift of love that won't fade away. Is available everyday. Through faith. Through faith.

2) No need to wait. Just to open up. Welcome Him within. Then He will come. And His will, will be done. Brand new life will begin. Thirsty for a meaning. We all crave the Son. A void within us seeks the One. Grace is for the living. It's easier to breathe in love.

Hook: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

* * * INTO YOUR ARMS - Words and Music by Rick Muchow.

Another strong favorite praise hymn of this reviewer. Enjoyed the smooth, beautiful vocals by Rick. Beautiful, catchy melody that flows and uplifts, coupled with a light peppy beat which immediately catches the listener, drawing the listener into worship of the Lord. Nice dynamical quality to the whole composition. Song begins with fine vocalist Rick and acoustic guitar playing broken chords, with soft keyboards in the background. Second stanza strings, piano back up vocals by Lyndsay join the Sound builds to the chorus, when light drums and electrical guitars and full band swell the sound. Other stanzas have soft accompaniment of nice combinations of the other instruments, some playing a nice counter melody, which all blends together to support melody.

Related Scriptural References: (John 14:1, Phil. 4:6-8, 1 Peter 5:7)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Where can I go, When no one is listening. Where can I go Above all the noise. In the days of innocence, in days of darkness, Where can I go, Where can I go?

2) Where can I go, but into your presence. Where can I go, but right where you are. In the days of innocence, in days of darkness, Where can I go, Where can I go?

Chorus: But into Your arms, Oh Father, Into Your arms, Oh Jesus, Into Your arms, Into Your arms.

* * * SING OF YOUR LOVE - Words and Music by Tony Guerrero.

Another favorite praise song that makes you move! Nice easy rock beat, a melodious tune, moving lyrics of praise and worship, supported by some great guitar work and keyboards. Vocals are well sung by Jadam Watts. Simple yet meaningful lyrics make this one easy to learn.

Lyrical Sample:

1) You are holy, Lord. You are awesome in power. You are mighty Lord. You are my one deisre. Chorus: And I will sing of Your love, Sing of your mercy, Lord, I will worship you forever.

2) You are holy, Lord. You are worthy of reverence. You are precious, Lord. Fill my heart with Your presence.

* * + PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME - Words and Music by Tony Guerrero.

Another great praise song by Tony, with a hard rock beat, catchy rhythms that would appeal especially to young people. Electric guitars really cook with sharp support rhythems, and have some nice rift solos between chorus and third verse. Jadin does a great job with the vocals.

Related Scripture references: (Phil. 3:7-10, 1 John 5:7, Romans 8:38)

Lyrical Sample:

1) Jesus, when I think of You, Dying on the cross. Everything I once had gained. I count it all as loss. Jesus, I thank You, Jesus, I thank You.

2) You have been my comforter, You are my best friend, I will lift my voice and sing. I will lift my hands. Jesus, I praise You, Jesus, I praise You

Chorus: Oh, Praise Your holy name, Oh, Praise Your holy name.

3) Everytime I think of You, And how You first love me. I am filled with joy unbound. I want the world to see that Jesus, I love You, Jesus, I love You.

* * * BE THOU MY VISION - Original Words and Music: Traditional Irish - First translated by Mary E. Byrne, 1905. Versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912. Arranged for this CD by Tony Guerrero & Lyndsey Lloyd.

Is another wonderful prayer hymn, the perfect song to end this praise and worship CD. The heavenly, reverent vocals by Lyndsey Lloyd Wallace are delicately supported with just piano and keyboards, played by Tony Guerrero.

The Irish Christians of long, long ago depended on the Lord to lead and guide them, as much as people did through the centuries up to the present. People then and now have asked the Lord for vision, wisdom, discernment, and empowerment to withstand worldly temptations, such as the lure of money and praise of men, which can get in the way of personal relationships with the Lord and His purpose for our lives. The last verse reminds us of the hope we have to look forward to in Jesus Christ, when we go home to be with Him.

Related Scriptural References: (Matt. 6:33)

Lyrical Samples:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart. Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought by day or by night. Waking or sleeping, Thy presence, my light.

Be thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word. I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord. Thou my great Father, I Thy true son, Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I need not, nor man's empty praise. Thou mine inheritance, now and always.Thou and Thou only, first in my heart. High King of heaven my treasure thou art. High King of heaven, my victory won.

May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun. Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my vision, o ruler of all.

Reviewed by Julie Carr // ChristianMusic.com.


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