See the Morning

iTunes Review

From the start, Chris Tomlin has presented himself as a Christian worship leader rather than an entertainer. His mission informs every note of his music on See The Morning (2006), an album of contemporary pop/rock hymns rendered with humility and finesse. Ever since he emerged as part of the praise music revival of the early ‘00s, Tomlin has sought to expand the genre’s appeal without diluting its content. Roaring distorted guitars and swelling rock dynamics are among his trademarks, and on this album such songs as “Everlasting God” and “How Can I Keep From Singing” utilize these elements to dramatic effect. The delicately-wrought “Uncreated One” and the sparse, piano-centered “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)’ embody the other extreme of Tomlin’s approach — his fervent, slightly tremulous vocal manner brings intimacy to even the most majestically-arranged track. Tomlin has always made it plain that his music is meant to inspire devotion, rather than advance his career as a performer. See The Morning shows that he’s remained true to his commission even as his fame has continued to spread world-wide.