One of the joys of my job as coordinator of the Atlanta Arts Network is meeting and partnering with other Creative Artists and in this case Worship Artists.
Jay and Abby Akins have just released a Album called Trust.
You might be saying, yeah another CD from a worship leader. Isn’t that par for the course. Everyone who leads worship these days pretty much has to record as well as lead worship.
This is where Jay and Abby are a bit different from the rest! Jay and Abby see this Album as an extension of their ministry to worship leaders as well as a way to serve the church by providing great songs for worship.
From the first time I met Jay at a Chick-fil-a (the original one in Hapeville GA) I realized that Jay’s heart was for building disciples as well as making music. Abby and Jay are part of our South Atlanta Worship Leaders Community. Jay has been a big part of our getting that group going and he really loves investing his time in people.
Trust is a testimony of a Jay and Abby’s vibrant heart for God and a desire to cultivate worshippers of God. While many people focus on styles of worship, Jay has been at the forefront of helping his congregation learn to focus on Christ and the message of the gospel. In a culture that looks at the church and what it offers as products and services to be consumed, Jay is quick to point to the fact that their focus is engaging the worshippers in such a way as to point to Christ and to challenge them to vibrant walk with God, and be owners of the church rather than be a merely a member who comes to church!
Trust features songs that call the worshipper to consider Christ and what it means to follow Him in the midst of life! “Hope is” is a praise anthem that sets Jesus before us as the eternal son who is Himself Hope. We bring our “Golden Dreams Fragile Hopes and Simple Faith” and find that they are torn. When we look at ourselves we hear the call of Jesus to “surrender.”
Hope is Rising from the Ashes
I’m delivered
I’m restored
Hope is Rising
Christ delivers Christ restores
“I Stand in Awe of You“, communicates the commitment of a follower of Christ who sees the truth of the gospel and prayerfully calls on God to work and shows a overwhelming sense of wonder of His person and work.
Jesus my Savior
I bow low before You
Carried my sin
Healed my shame
I live for You
Forever I am changed
My heart will sing Your praise
I stand in awe
I stand in awe of You
Hope in You, considers the nature of God and how He is the place to find true hope.
Trust, the title track, beginning with a lyrical feel with some nice mandolin work that a made the song flow and yet didn’t take away from the melodies and sing-ability of this song. The vocal counterpoint between Abby and Jay in chorus will translate well into congregation singing.
Invited features strong vocals from Jay and Abby’s harmonies blend well with the driving guitar which gives this song energy.
Returning is features a nice organs and guitar which complement the Abby’s vocals on this rock ballad that echoes the themes of a prodigal.
For too long now
I’ve turned my face from You
I have tasted
The bitter sinful fruit
I am longing
To feast upon Your love
I am turning
Please fix my eyes above
Ransom Song and Point of Surrender finish off this album pointing us first to the Cross of Christ where the debt was pain in full, where Jesus took our place. Point of Surrender finishes by taking lyrics of traditional hymn and re-tuning it in such a way that provides a new melody that still ties to the original and then weaving the melody of “I surrender” as a close.
Take some time to listen to “Trust” and consider getting a copy and spreading the word. This review is no where near unbiased as I think Jay and Abby are pretty awesome both as musicians and partners in ministry. But listen for yourself and let us know what you think.
Get the Album on iTunes
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/trust/id715743606
Get at CD at cdbaby
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jayabbyakins
Hear about the Stories for their Songs:
http://jayandabbymusic.com/song-stories/
Don’t Forget to Like their Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/JayAndAbbyAkins
Editors Note: Previously posted at Atlanta Arts Network