Live from Austin Music Hall

Album Review

Chris Tomlin's worship songs lend themselves so naturally to singalongs that a live album was an appropriate next step after the colossal success of 2004's Arriving. Live from Austin Music Hall hoped to capture what over 117,000 people experienced during 27 sellout shows on his headlining Indescribable tour. The set led off with the song for which the tour is named, and a quick response from the crowd showed affection for the man who has made modern worship more accessible than ever. Tomlin worked through a short, tailored set that to his credit included at least two of his lesser-known tunes ("On Our Side" and "This Is Our God," the latter of which featured guest vocalist and labelmate David Crowder). There are no real surprises anywhere, but the concert does give a better glimpse of Tomlin's musicianship. Music Hall is a suitable effort that, like 90-percent of live music, makes a perfect addition for fans yet an inadequate introduction for new listeners. For those unfamiliar with Tomlin's work, Arriving provides a better starting point.