I’ve picked up, over the years, songs that could be considered worshipful and used in contemporary church services. Some are used, some are not. Most of those familiar with Christian music has heard of the worship movement known as Hillsong/Hillsong United/etc. They’ve penned a couple songs and will definitely be included on this list. Also look for bands that I love to be on here. Here we go:

• “From the Inside Out” – Hillsong: I first heard this song at Snowbird this summer and immediately fell in love with it. It’s got great lyrics and it puts me in a worshipful mood whenever I hear it. LYRICS: “In my heart and my soul, Lord I give You control. Consume me from the inside out.”
• “Breathe You In” – Thousand Foot Krutch – The Art of Breaking: Thousand Foot Krutch is probably more well-known for their rockers like “Move” and “The Flame in All of Us.” But this last track on 2005’s The Art of Breaking talks about bringing God into a person’s life. LYRICS: “I’ve always been strong, but can’t make this happen. I need to breathe, I wanna breathe You in.”
• “Undo” – Rush of Fools – Rush of Fools: This is one of my favorite songs of all-time and will always be, I gather. The musical arrangement only compliments the humbling lyrics. LYRICS: “Turn me around, pick me up, undo what I’ve become. Bring me back to the place of forgiveness and grace.”
• “Strong Tower” – Kutless – Strong Tower: This was the first Kutless song I ever heard, and I don’t regret it. Coming from the rock band’s worship album of the same name, “Strong Tower” really reminds me of who my strong tower is. LYRICS: “You are my strong tower, shelter over me. Beautiful and mighty, Everlasting King. You are my strong tower, fortress when I’m weak. Your name is true and holy, and Your face is all I see.
• “Getting Into You” – Relient K – Two Left’s Don’t Make a Right… But Three Do: This is possibly my favorite song from my favorite band of all-time. It’s a simple, soft praise of God and admitting that the singer is “getting into Him.”LYRICS: “I’m getting into You, because You got to me in a way words can’t describe. I’m getting into You because I’ve got to be. You’re essential to survive. I’m gonna love You with my life.” 
• “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” – Sanctus Real – We Need Each Other: I was a fan of Sanctus Real’s somber The Face of Love, and I became even more a fan with songs like this on We Need Each Other. LYRICS: “Whatever You’re doing inside of me, it feels like chaos but somehow there’s peace. And it’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see, but I’m giving into something heavenly.”
• “No Longer” – Decyfer Down – End of Grey: I was fortunate enough to interview the drummer for Decyfer Down, and I regret not asking him about this song. The reason is I didn’t know how great it was when I talked to him. This has become one of my favorite songs now. The great guitar helps.  LYRICS: “No longer will I have to rewind the past, ’cause I’ve come to a grip with it. No longer will I carry this weighted mass. Now I face the day with no shame.”
• “Give Me Your Eyes” – Brandon Heath – What If We: I fell in love with this song the moment I heard it. The nice arrangement only compliments the smooth vocals and catchy lyrics. It reminds me of Mat Kearney’s “Undeniable.” LYRICS: “Give me Your eyes for just one second, give me Your eyes so I can see everything that I keep missin’, give me Your love for humanity.”

By Amy Sondova Thousands of years before the world ever heard of rock music, Nashville, or CD releases, a prophet Moses made a bold request of God. He asked to see God’s glory, and he lived to tell about it. In their latest release Iris to Iris, Building 429 is making the same plea. Over and over again, each song is proclaiming, longing, groaning, and wondering at the majesty of God and begging Him to come near. “Waiting to Shine”, the song from which the album title was taken, is pure lyrical excellence. The soft and simple melody allows lead singer Jason Roy’s vocals to shine, which further impacts the listener’s ability to meditate and contemplate the song’s depth. Perhaps one of the most well-written worship songs in existence, “Waiting to Shine” will be sung in many worship services in years to come.

The album’s most diverse song,”Grace That Is Greater”, was originally written by Roy and friend, Matt Blair, to be part of WOW ’07 Hymns project. Pulled from the words of Psalm 139, this song is fluid introducing new and interesting sounds to tired worship songs. Hopefully Building 429 will continue in a similar vein as they continue as a band.

The songs on this album are technically and lyrically proficient—it’s a true call to worship at the heart level. However, sometimes the album is a little too technical. Guitar hooks and loud interludes which make for a great live show also drown out Roy’s vocals at times. It’s a shame because these lyrics are good.

However, the positives vastly outweigh the negatives. Filled with lyrical and musical excellence the band’s third album brings Building 429 onto the same stage as many other great worship artists. The album’s cover art is aesthetic—it features an eye within the aura of the cosmos—God’s answer for His people’s plea to see Him “iris to iris.”

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