from:
cmcentral.com
author: Kevan Breitinger
website: http://www.cmcentral.com
»» Phil Joel
deliberateKids
Indelible Creative Group
Children's
05-01-2007
There are kids’ praise projects that make you cringe with their
patronizing, dumbed-down approach to both the message and its audience,
and then there are kids’ albums that exhibit the same respect and
excellence you find in adult versions. deliberateKids falls in
the latter category, and its success probably has much to do with the
fact that its creators, Phil Joel and his wife Heather, have been involved
with children’s ministry for six years in their local church. The
eleven original tracks of deliberateKids contain as much sonic
sensitivity and spiritual respect as its predecessor, deliberatePeople.
Featuring upbeat rockers and very intentional lyrics, deliberateKids
teaches core spiritual principles in a format appealing to both kids
and adults, while avoiding the syrupy condescending traps of other kids’
albums. From the first warm trombones of the humor-injected opener “Good
Morning,” to the pristine arrangements of worshipful closer “I
Will Not Be Afraid,” Joel’s detailed instrumentation is as
thoughtful as what you’ll find on any of his adult projects. This
respect for his audience comes across strong on “A Plan,”
a techno-laced rocker built around Psalm 139. Its message of “no
mistakes made” is an important one for his targeted audience, as
is the youth-empowering “I Can Pray,” opening to a young man’s
passionate prayer. The reverent track unpacks the Lord’s Prayer,
mentioning both speaking AND listening in its melodic chorus.
Not every adult will enjoy the sweet “New Testament,” running
through the names of the Bible books, or the Disney kids feel of upbeat
rocker “Boom-Chaka-Laka.” But even the hardest heart would
enjoy the Dylan-esque “Wise Man Rock,” incorporating vital
spiritual truths in its organic rock chords. And I know in the present
condition of today’s church, the encouragement of “Know You,”
with its popping bass line and raw guitar riffs, could only help many
adults who struggle with motivation issues. Same with the beautifully
arranged “The ‘Love’ Song,” its glimmering guitars,
bouncy keys, and layered vocals extrapolating 1 Corinthians 13. And
if you think that kids can’t enter into worship, check out the
powerful closer “I Will Not Be Afraid.” This longest track
features a child’s pure vocals dueting with Phil’s over gentle
piano and taut strings, deeply moving in its simplicity and purity of
presentation.
Phil Joel and the deliberatePoeple ministry are onto something powerful
in their pursuit of God. deliberateKids extends the invitation
to kids; if they’re smart, they’ll take him up on it.
Kevan's rating: 88 %
—Kevan Breitinger ««
