Contemporary Christian progressive worship band Leeland is returning with a new album, The Great Awakening, which drops on September 20 across the United States in CD and digital formats via Essential Records. The first single off The Great Awakening is I Wonder, and if the live performance at LifeLight Missouri 2011 (the video of which I’ve embedded here) is any indication, friends, we are in for an explosive worship experience that will bring us handily into the presence of God! I cannot wait!
The Great Awakening promises to be one of the finest albums by this three-time GRAMMY and eight-time GMA Dove Award nominated group. Not since Sound of Melodies have I been so excited for a Leeland release. According to Essential, The Great Awakening draws “from the wisdom of historical “fathers of the faith,” including theologian Jonathan Edwards and Salvation Army founder, William Booth.” I’ve always advocated the regular returning to the roots of our worship, revisiting songs and the mindset of worshipers from days gone by. The Great Awakening, which is produced by Paul Moak (Third Day, Matt Maher), may very well be what the doctor ordered. The harmonies on I Wonder sound incredibly rich, the melody instantly singable, the lyrics accessible yet profound. I cannot wait!
Another thing that makes The Great Awakening so interesting is the addition of new bassist Shelly Mooring, younger sister of lead singer Leeland Mooring and his brother, keyboardist Jack. Together with drummer Mike Smith, Leeland retains its original sound but gains a lovely new dimension that makes its new material more accessible to a wider range of Contemporary Christian music lovers. The Great Awakening promises rich harmonies alongside its trademark live energy. I’ve only heard I Wonder from the live video and the title track, but mark my words, when the single is out, I will buy it. When The Great Awakening is out, I will buy it, and an extra copy to raffle off to my readers. Maybe two. That’s how excited I am for Leeland’s I Wonder.
I cannot wait. I cannot wait. I cannot wait!
Leeland I Wonder Live at LifeLight Missouri 2011
