Israel Houghton, Jesus at the Center
By
E.J. Gaines | contributing writer, watchgmctv.com
Posted: Tue, 08/07/2012 - 16:59
Israel Houghton, perhaps the most popular cross-cultural pioneer of praise & worship, is back with his latest worship project, Jesus at the Center. Again calling upon his solid backing ensemble, New Breed, Israel offers a solid two-disc project, recorded live at his home church, the world-renowned Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.
Israel has said that the 21-track Jesus at the Center is an attempt to focus squarely on Jesus Christ above everything else. What results is another successful project featuring signature songwriting and impeccable production (from long-time collaborator Aaron Lindsey) that support unreserved and confident praise and worship.
Standouts on the album are many, ranging from upbeat, high-energy praise songs like “Jesus the Same” and “Te Amo,” to the rock-vibed “Rez Power” and “I Call You Jesus.” “Speechless” and “It’s Not Over (When God Is In It)” are also sure favorites, while the worshipful “Your Presence Is Heaven,” and the reflective title track remind us why Israel & New Breed’s music has long been the soundtrack to so many worship settings, transcending denominational and cultural lines.
With this album, Israel Houghton delivers another must-have live worship project, perhaps most akin to his popular Live From Another Level project. Still, it’s clear that this isn’t simply a remake or some formulaic incarnation – Jesus at the Center is fresh, relevant and masterful.
