Chris Tomlin "Not To Us"

Title: Not To Us
Category: Praise and Worship
Artist/Group: Chris Tomlin
Rating: 5 / 5

Everything Enough Not To Us Wonderful Maker Famous One Come Let Us Worship The River Unchanging Come Home Running Overflow

What we all want hear is whether or not this album is worth buying. I must give an emphatic, ‘Yes!’ If you want to know why, I guess you’ll have to keep reading, otherwise enjoy your purchase.

If you’re familiar with Passion (the movement as well as the emotion) then you’re probably familiar with Chris Tomlin’s work. Some of his well-known songs are "Forever", "Wonderful Cross" and "We Fall Down". Each of these songs have been incorporated by worship teams around the country and world with good reason. Tomlin meshes an edgy-rock sound with a simple yet theologically sound message.

This may be speculation but perhaps after facing success in his ministry, Tomlin desires through this album to give all credit and glory to the Lord Jesus alone. Psalm 115 reads “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness.” The album speaks of the character, worthiness, and approachability of our God. …Everything that’s beautiful, everything that’s wonderful, every perfect gift comes from You/…with a strength like no other, and the heart of a Father, how majestic your whispers…/True are your promises, you never change, you never fail, O God. This album is a joy to listen to and equally as joyful to sing.

Chris Tomlin seems to go for a bit of a different sound which is a risky thing to do; many bands never quite recover and spend album after album trying to find the ‘right sound.’ However, Tomlin and the boys seem to pull it off. Many of the songs have combined an edgy electric sound with a pop beats. We see this especially in “Unchanging” and the remake of “Enough.” The effect is music that moves you physically and spiritually.

In “Come Home Running”, Tomlin sets the parable of the prodigal Son (Luke 15) to music. It’s not a direct translation but he places himself into the experience of the prodigal. Both the message and the music is almost a little too simple but the message hits home for those who wandered from the Lord. It’s one of those songs that make you want to continue driving around the block on repeat after a day of struggling.

The only negative thing about this album is that there are only eight new songs. “Enough” and “Famous One” are remakes. All in all, it’s a solid album…if you still don’t believe me, borrow it…then buy it.

Check out PassionNow.org or Christ Tomlin's website ChrisTomlin.com

Discography