My iPod and My Own Private Worship

I haven't blogged yet about what I consider to be the most significant album of the year--U2's No Line on the Horizon, because I'm still taking it in. Critics always like to debate the relevance and future of any new U2 album--maybe that's to be expected since the band has been together for 30 years--but let me assure you the band is alive, well and as relevant as ever. Of course, I'm biased--they are my favorite band--but I think this is a great album.

Upon first listen--which for me was through the band graciously streaming it on-line before the release date--the album didn't immediately grab me. I think that was partly due to listening to it on my little bitty laptop speakers rather than really good headphones, but also it was because it is in some ways represents a new direction for the band. The songs are far-less radio-friendly than their recent albums, but that may be a good thing, because they are quite deep and rich. Multiple listens are necessary before an opinion should be formed--which is why I view with suspicion early reviews of any album--especially this one.

This past Sunday on the way to church I hit play on my iPod set on the second track "Magnificent" and listened to the lyrics maybe for the first time in a concentrated manner. I found myself thinking about God and realized this may be one of the most powerful songs of praise I have ever heard.

I was born

I was born to sing for you

I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up

And sing whatever song you wanted me to

I give you back my voice

From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise…

Only love, only love can leave such a mark

But only love, only love can heal such a scar

Justified till we die, you and I will magnify

The Magnificent

Magnificent

For long time fans of U2, I'd offer that as a praise to God, it reminds me of "Gloria" off of the band's much-maligned second album, October.

Since I'm the one leading worship on Sunday mornings, I'm usually too focused upon my own role as minister to do much worshipping on my own. It was very nice to start off a Sunday hearing Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam singing about the magnificent love of God.

Grace and Peace,

Chase