NEW WORSHIP FRIDAY: Darlene Zschech, Sarah Kroger, homage & ICF Worship
Yes Again
Earlier this summer, Darlene Zschech announced the release of a special album titled “Testament,” celebrating 30 years since her breakthrough song “Shout to the Lord.” After an introductory EP, she teases more from the awaited full-length record with a second collection, “Testament (EP 2).” The five songs on this project combine two brand-new tracks (“Spirit of the Living God” and “Yes Again”) with reimagined versions of beloved legacy songs, as well as many features. Zschech is highlighting the vibrance of the Church around the globe by collaborating with artists of various backgrounds and from a different generation, such as Mitch Wong, Michael W. Smith, Dustin Smith, and many more. The opening track even features The HopeUC Nashville Choir, which emerged from the HopeUC church plant Zschech and her husband started in Australia years ago. In many ways, “Testament” is a full circle album. With 10 tracks from the major 30-song album out, Zschech comes back to some of the pillars that have kept her anchored throughout her lasting ministry, as she described them as “songs that have deep meaning to my family; that have helped shape me and kept my focus heavenward.”
“Testament (EP 2)” keeps telling the story of the fresh sound oozing out of Zschech’s life, which is fueled by her unwavering love for Jesus and his Church.
Galaxies
Sarah Kroger unveils “Galaxies,” the second single from her upcoming deluxe album. The bonus track has an overall folk pop feel that carries its wonder-instilling lyrics penned in collaboration with Leslie Jordan and Walter Halliwell. The song was birthed from the conceptual line “You set galaxies within us,” which became the chorus’s first line.
“I remember being instantly and deeply moved by this idea,” Kroger said. “We were made in the image of God, who, in His boundless creativity, made the universe and all that fills it. Perhaps he has placed that same boundless creativity and complexity inside of us.”
This song creatively declares the truth that what is impossible with us is not with God, as stated in the Gospel of Matthew. Kroger expands this idea by moving it from the macro to the micro, speaking to the heart of her listeners. The song is also a nod to one of her favorite authors, Madeleine L'Engle, who said:
“When I think of the incredible, incomprehensible sweep of creation above me, I have the strange reaction of feeling fully alive. Rather than feeling lost and unimportant and meaningless, set against galaxies which go beyond the reach of the furthest telescopes, I feel that my life has meaning. Perhaps I should feel insignificant, but instead I feel a soaring in my heart that the God who could create all this—and out of nothing—can still count the hairs of my head.”
“Galaxies” is as expansive sonically as it is thematically, prompting listeners to see their stories as echoes of the endless possibilities of God’s power, redemption, and grace.
revelation song
Homage releases their third single, a reimagination of the 2010 church anthem “revelation song.” The UK-based group have a love for bringing generations together through timeless songs that tell the story of God in our day and time.
One of the members recalled hearing the song for the first time, “It had me at ‘worthy.’ It’s already special as is, I’m glad I could add my own spin on an already flawless song.”
The Jennie Lee Riddle original is remixed into a slow and expansive R&B track that oozes with worshipful awe and groove.
Lobe den Herrn (Seele sing)
ICF Worship releases a heartfelt German translation of their recent song "One Thing", called "Lobe den Herrn (Seele sing).” This song is a declaration of God's unchanging love and faithfulness. The Swiss band hopes to help people’s souls sing and praise the Lord. No matter what comes, they encourage listeners that God remains steadfast and true.