For the Honor

iTunes Review

In the manner of Hillsong and the Passion conferences, Elevation Worship calls on the faithful to praise God with triumphant anthems and contemplative balladry. For the Honor offers a well-rounded selection of original songs noteworthy for their musical impact and spiritual conviction. Under the guidance of Elevation Church pastor Steven Furtick, worship team members Wade Joye, Mack Brock, Chris Brown, and London Gatch take turns in the vocal spotlight, backed by a combo equally adept at shimmering guitar washes and stark piano settings. Recorded live, For the Honor sustains its mood of grandeur and reverence without losing the intimacy of individual testimony. Tracks like “All Things New” and the title song achieve dramatic power by matching vertical lyrics with stately melodies that rise and unfold. Yearning, slower tunes like “Our King Has Come” are interspersed with propulsive ‘80s-style rockers like “We Rejoice” and “Victorious.” Particularly strong are “You Reign Alone” and “Give My Life to You.”