BETHEL “BE LIFTED HIGH” | A REVIEW
RANDOM FACT: Christa Black, a writer for Jordin Spark’s self-titled platinum album, co-writes on this album.
Bethel’s music department has been an obvious favorite of mine. From Bethel Church in Redding, California comes six Jesus Culture band releases, Kristene Mueller’s Christian indie-pop record, Jake Hamilton’s unique soundtrack of revivalism, Leah Mari’s contemplative hymn renditions, several Brian and Jenn Johnson hits (including an unplugged album), and the electro-worship of Ian Macintosh. 2008′s Here Is Love is an album full of covers, ranging from pop artists like Delirious? and Jessie Rogers, to the revival sounds of Lindell Cooley and Vineyard Music USA. But on the latest, Bethel relies on in-house songs and a mosaic of styles. Absent from the record are Chris Quilala, Kristene Mueller, and Kim Walker-Smith. They are missed.
The album starts with an update to the song “You Are Good.” It’s different from the version on the highly bootlegged You Are Good. For example, not only are there verses and a bridge, but the song has become more accessible for a congregation by introducing female vocals – both soprano and alto. The mixing of the vocals seems almost new for Bethel, who, in the past, had a more minimalist sound. The title track, “Be Lifted High,” is amazing for this mixing. Give the bassist a raise immediately. Juno-nominee Amanda Falk, can be heard soaring to high notes under the impressive tenor of Brian Johnson.
Instant favorites are Billboard-topping Jeremy Riddle’s “Furious” and newcomer Will Matthews’ “Deep Cries Out.” Amanda Falk, who sounds almost like Brooke Fraser, sings “I Will Exalt.” Her vocals are soft, genuine, and charming as she effortlessly climbs and descends in her worship. Contrasting this is Steffany Frizzell, whose vocals are coarse, but in a good way, as her passion is loosed.
A disappointing thing about the album is the fact Bethel has seem to become more formulaic in their approach. It almost sounds like a Passion album, and less like the spontaneous dialogue in Here Is Love. In regards to doing something new, Bethel takes a step back, and mirrors other modern (Australian) worship bands, that frankly, I’m tired of hearing.
Be Lifted High comes as a CD/DVD featuring video of interviews with the Bethel team and leadership. The DVD does not feature video of the recording, as Here Is Love and Jesus Culture efforts have, but it is worth the purchase. Good things are said by Kris Vallotton and Steffany Frizzell.
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