The electro pop worship on the first two songs is a delight.
Paid It All EP
Artist: Justin Rizzo
Label: Spotlight
Music Group
Length: 4 songs/20
minutes
God’s relentless
pursuit is the theme of the opening “Love Won’t Stop,” a rich
blend of electronic and programmed energy. The chorus erupts in
celebration, “Your love won’t stop/Your love will not give
up/Relentlessly you pursue me.” This is true despite any lack of
awareness. Music and lyric combine in a joyful ode to God’s
faithfulness. His love continues regardless of circumstance and even
failure on our part.
I like the opening
electronic rush that starts a cascade of programmed percussion on
“You Are My Treasure.” Each unique beat lays a foundation for the
exquisite wash of sound that follows.
It includes one of
my favorite lines, “I’m hanging on every word, every word you
say,” just before breaking into a calming chorus, “I’ve never
known a love like this before/So alive in the glory of you Lord/You
are, you are, you are my treasure.” Since I tend to treasure other
things, it’s a beautiful reminder of the most real and lasting
treasure.
Rizzo sings this in
a higher key; it might even be characterized as falsetto. That along
with mesmerizing sound make it gorgeous.
Finally, in a bridge
Rizzo repeats in a raised multi-voice, “Jesus you are all I want!”
Another highlight on my favorite track.
Even though these
first two tracks may be like a prelude to the two versions of the
title track that follow, I find them more interesting because they
lean toward electronic pop. I don’t mean to take anything away from
“Paid It All.” It’s more worship oriented and will be the
preference for corporate gatherings.
The ballad format
that builds to a climax is overly familiar to me, and I am partial to
what is outside the norm, along the lines of the first two tracks.
Nevertheless, my
favorite line in the title track is, “If I had to bring payment for
all of the error of my ways, I’d live and die in those chains.
Thank you for all that you’ve done.” The song also makes
effective use of the word “Hallelujah,” which seems to have
fallen out of use in recent years.
Originally this was
two songs written by Caleb Andrews, a friend of Rizzo. When the
latter heard them both he immediately wanted to combine the best
parts. He enjoys using it because it enables congregations to declare
the finished work of Christ.
“Paid It All
(Acoustic Version)” retains some electric instrumentation but in
general is more stripped-down. Both versions are well done but I may
favor this quieter one.
Rizzo currently
lives in Kansas City, MO where he serves as a worship leader and in
several other roles. He has recorded five solo albums and been
featured on a number of compilations. He has traveled the world
leading and teaching about worship. He has also produced musicals and
films through his own production company.
