Review

Way before I ever listened to Laura Story's new CD "Great God Who Saves", I had read all of the marketing copy and press releases which made sure that everyone knew that she is the author of the uber-popular worship song "Indescribable". Yes, we have come to know Laura best through Chris Tomlin's stadium style rendition of that song, but Laura's style is a bit different. Anyone who listens to "Great God Who Saves" will realize that there is much more to Laura Story than one "hit" song.

The most compelling thing about this CD is the cohesive theme that runs throughout. The songs speak often of God's sovereignty, our frailty and the grace that brings about this relationship we now have with Him. In this context, even Laura's cover of Hillsong's "Mighty To Save" takes on a new lyrical personality that I have not heard before. Laura's vocals are tender and sweet, but with a strength that steers it clear of being precious sounding. When she sings of God's power it's not a rousing declaration of dunamis as if to convince us, but it is a soft, faith-filled knowing that he is the Omnipotent One. Her scaled-down arrangement and recording of "Indescribable" is testament to this.

Musically, "Great God Who Saves" is a tasteful CD with standard rock praise band instrumentation but without a lot of a focus on overdriven/distorted guitars. Instrumentation focuses on bringing the piano to the front of the mix, organs, mandolins etc. At times, the sound is kind of like Cheryl Crow's band meets early Amy Grant musical sensibilities. Not every song is instantly memorable, but they do pack a punch and bring you to a place of worship while you listen.

"Great God Who Saves" may not go down in the annals of worship music as a classic, but Laura Story has done a superb job of creating a very organic, authentic, and well balanced worship record that will be enjoyed by those with open ears.

Review by Jeremy Dunn