NEW WORSHIP FRIDAY: Darlene Zschech, homage, Songs From The Soil & Shout Praises Kids
Testament
Australian worship leader Darlene Zschech unveils her highly anticipated studio album, “Testament.” The new release marks the milestone 30-year anniversary of “Shout to the Lord,” a song that became an anthem for the church worldwide. It is also a stake in the ground to the faithfulness of God, as the title track declares: “My testament is you.”
Stirred by friends and family, Zschech crafted a collection of 25 reimagined legacy songs and five brand-new tracks. From iconic songs such as “Cry of the Broken” and “Victor’s Crown,” to fresh offerings like “Spirit of the Living God” and “Yes Again,” each song carries a powerful sound that is just as vibrant today. It also features many artists like Martin Smith, SVRICINA, Mitch Wong, and Michael W. Smith among others, as well as various choirs and the Australian Christian Orchestra, creating an expansive and eclectic project filled with the sound of praise, thanksgiving, and rich collaboration.
This album embodies Zschech’s story and her experience of God’s unfailing love, not only in worship ministry but in each intricate details of her life too. It’s a family project, described by the artist as “songs that have deep meaning to my family, that have helped shape me and kept my focus heavenward.” “Testament” weaves together songs that have been the soundtrack to her children’s lives, her battle with cancer, and her adventures planting churches and starting non-profits alongside her husband. It also features multiple family members, including Zschech’s daughter, Zoe Cameron, on “Shout to the Lord.” Commenting on this central song, which was penned before Zoe’s birth, Zschech said:
“I wrote it quickly while crying out to God about our future, saying that no matter what, we will follow him. I was young in age and young in God. ‘Shout to the Lord’ changed things around us, but the things that really matter never changed and never will: God is faithful and attentive to our prayers.”
Harnessing this central theme of faithfulness, “Testament” communicates its close relationship to obedience and thankfulness. It’s the sound flowing out of a lifetime lived with the Lord, the very meaning of worship. Zschech is adamant that worship is not a genre but the whole of one’s life poured out for the glory of God:
“I’ll always find it hard to wrap my head around the miracle of worship, music, and song. There’s really no other vehicle available to us on earth that has the ability to bring to attention our mind, auditory senses, resting our hearts, moving the soul and spirit to a point when your whole self is pointed in the one direction. Such is the power of worship as the Holy Spirit leads our heart heavenward, Jesus-ward, through the magnificent sound of sacred song.”
“Testament” is not just about memories, but it’s a statement that worship leads toencountering Christ afresh in every moment. Zschech’s prayer is that this collection of songs would play a part in people’s story as they too are reminded of God’s incredible faithfulness.
Jesus Lover of My Soul
UK-based collective, homage, has been on a journey of reimagining classic worship songs for the modern listener and landscape. They release their first self-titled album, a 12-song sonic voyage through songs that have echoed in churches around the world for decades. Putting their twist on classics such as “great are you lord,” “worthy of it all,” and “in christ alone,” homage brings out eclectic flavours and offers a whole new vision for church music. Over 12 tracks, they explore the groove of Stevie Wonder, the energy Silk Sonic, and the raw genius of NPR Tiny Desk sessions among others. Inspired by Psalm 145:4, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts,” homage’s new project seeks to bring generations together through timeless songs that tell the story of God in our day and in our time.
Hallelujah
The third volume of Songs From The Soil’s stripped-back worship collection, “Live At The Garden,” features London-born artist Ashtyn Michael. The five-song EP features originals as well as a reverential rendition of Matt Redman’s classic, “The Heart of Worship” which were originally released on YouTube. Recorded in The Garden, a new space within the Integrity UK Brighton office dedicated to live taping and filming, this new release captures organic, unpolished worship songs. The heart behind the “Live At The Garden” series carries on what Songs From The Soil was birthed to do, namely reigniting the UK Church’s songbook by creating spaces where new songs of worship might grow. The ethos is for it to be, like a garden, a living, raw, grounding place where others are also invited.
Creo En Ti
Shout Praises Kids releases “Creo En Ti,” a vibrant, faith-filled worship EP created for Spanish-speaking children and families. Born from the desire to engage kids in dynamic worship, the album features energetic songs with powerful messages about faith, hope, and trust in God. It’s part of the broader Shout Praises Kids series, known for creating age-appropriate worship experiences. "Creo En Ti" stands out for its joyful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and message of encouragement for the next generation to boldly declare their faith. This makes it a go-to resource for Sunday school, home worship, or any setting where young hearts are inspired to sing about and put their trust in God’s love. The album’s message is one of hope, unity, and the powerful impact of childlike faith in shaping the future of the Church and reaching the world.