At the end of the Twentieth century, I was introduced to the emerging contemporary sound of worship music through Darrell Evans “Freeedom” CD. There are some well known and loved songs from this project. You many be familiar with songs like Trading My Sorrows and Your Love is Extravagant.
They are just the beginning. While the theme of the CD is freedom, Darrell’s music explores God’s grace in personal failure, times of hurting, and the joy of living for Him.
Stand outs for me are songs like “You are My Portion” and “I Know”, both acknowledging God’s strength in man’s weakness, whether in spiritual or physical need.
As with any artist, no one is perfect and you may question some lyrics. But the exuberant joy Darrell shares through his songs is quite refreshing.
To listen, go to amazon.com and search popular music for Darrell Evans. You will find a link to the Freedom CD and sample mp3s. I’d be interested in other opinions of this CD.
Darrell Evans rocks! Check his music out if you get a chance.
I just listened to the 4 or 5 sample songs in the iTunes store. His voice reminds me of Rick Cua from the 80s and all the songs seemed to be in the same key at the same tempo with the same vocal pacing. Small sampling but zzzzzzzz.
That’s interesting David. I’d yet to know someone who didn’t like his stuff. I guess you’d have to hear the whole CD. Here’s what I found regarding keys and tempos. Hopefully you may give it another listen.
PS – I have never heard Rick Cua sing.
Trading My Sorrows – Key of A, 108 bpm
So Good To Me – Key of D, 125 bpm
Freedom – Key of G, 114 bpm
I am in Love with You – Key of E, 124 bpm
I Know – Key of G, 100 bpm
You Bless Me – Key of F, 133 bpm
When I Pray – Key of E, 114 bpm
You are My Portion – Key of G, 59 bpm
Your Love is Extravagant – Key of E, 63 bpm
I Lay Me Down – Key of D, 69
I love that album, but I can definitley understand where David is coming from. But David, there are other important factors you failed to notice, like melody, lyrical content, chordal structure, etc. Those factors are why I believe the album is a very good one. But again David is right in the sense that there are some real boring aspects of the album that are due to the whole “relevant” or “modern” music/worship thing. Even though this album was the one of the first ones.
I really enjoy Darrel Evans. I would not say “he rocks” though. I would say, “he’s excited.” He may not be a musical pioneer, but he certainly is not afraid of being real and authentic. He may evenutally become more varied, but those who we consider amazingly talented may never become really real and authentic. I would settle for the latter every time.