Following strong after his successful third album, Phil Wickham delivers yet another inspiring collection of worship music. “Response” focuses on giving glory to God in every aspect of life and attests to the power of our almighty God.

Wickham is touring to promote his newest album released on Oct. 4. Known for his poetic and meaningful lyrics, he has introduced “You’re Beautiful” and “Cannons” to many churches and Biola, who sing them often. His songs convey a passion and need for Christ to be our true love.

“One God”

This song was released as a single before the entire album. At first I thought it had too much of a pop feel to it, and wasn’t a fan. But after listening to it a few more times, I found the upbeat melody and background voices made me want to join in with the proclamation that there is indeed only one God. The repetition of “one God” in the chorus makes it catchy, easy to remember and emphasizes the omniscient power of God.

“At Your Name (Yahweh, Yahweh)”

With a light and airy piano tune to start, this song opens with the image of all of earth celebrating the name of Jesus, “Yahweh, Yahweh / We love to shout your name, oh Lord.” When I first heard this song, I stopped just to sit and listen to Wickham’s melodious voice sing of the praise our loving God. This song testifies to the power of our Creator. The song builds up in tempo to the passionate bridge as the percussion pick ups speed and Wickham repeats, “There is no one like our God / We will praise you, praise you.”

“This is the Day”

This song became a fast favorite with its ability to instantly put a smile on my face and in my heart. “This is the Day” sings of “the day when life begins” and the day on which salvation will come and we will finally be united with our Father. This anthem-like song has Wickham urging us to “take a step into the light” as it is a new day and essentially a new life for followers of Christ. One can’t help but feel empowered and loved when listening to this fast-paced song as he uses various metaphors to describe the joyous day that is to come and all that we should be hoping for.

“Sun and Moon”

One of my personal favorites of the album, having had the chance to hear a preview of it live last year at a concert, “Sun and Moon” explores the idea of reflecting God’s light and love. He describes this through the metaphor of God as the sun and how we should desire to be like the moon that ultimately reflects the sun’s light. The song opens with a slower tempo and the lyrics, “If you are the sun, then I want to be the moon / I want to reflect the light that shines from you.” Wickham’s passion is conveyed through his intense desire to truly meet God and be more like him and how as followers of Christ, we need to be shining his love from the inside out.

“All I Am”

For this song, the percussion establishes a steady and firm beat as the other instruments join in later with the ending of the first chorus. Though I liked this version, I discovered I preferred the acoustic version that had been available only for pre-order as I felt it was better suited to the humble tone of his voice as he espouses his desire to give his life and heart to Christ, “All I am is yours / I give you everything, to you I belong / Every beat of my heart, the breath in my lung / All I am is yours.” The constant strumming of his guitar remains consistent in contrast to his elevating voice in both volume and key that finishes off his proclamation.

Another album full of passion and joy, “Response” does not disappoint. Fans of his previous music will be excited to know that his music has not become commercialized or made generic and new fans will appreciate his poetic and descriptive way of praising our Father above.

I didn’t give “Response” a five because though it is a solid album, I don’t see it gaining the recognition that his previous albums have received nor can I particularly picture any of the new songs gaining as much fame as some of his earlier music.