Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Leeland, 'City of God'
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Leeland
City of God



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Worship
Album length: 11 tracks: 64 minutes, 33 seconds
Street Date: March 10, 2023


READER RATING:   


It has been seven long years since Leeland's last studio album released, and fans have been patiently waiting to see what (or even if) the Baytown, Texas band would deliver in 2023. Forming in 2004 and releasing a legendary debut offering in 2006 (Sound of Melodies), the once-melodic pop/rock band has shifted drastically in both genre and lineup, and their latest studio release, City of God, highlights the impact that nearly two decades have made on Leeland Mooring and his band.

While the overall tone of the album doesn't overtly advertise it, City of God readily leans into urban gospel and even some country elements. This shouldn't be too surprising for those familiar with Mooring's other works, but it serves the album well in bringing originality to an often-stale and oversaturated genre.

Listeners can expect several welcome guest features and extra long tracks (a few approach the 10-minute mark). There are a number of album highlights sprinkled throughout, but all of the tracks are "good." "Still Mighty" and "Heart and Flesh" both showcase some of the more gospel-driven underpinnings, while "Ark" (featuring Vanessa Hill) sees a contemporary country flair. "You're Not Done" features Charity Gayle and offers some of the best of contemporary worship, containing accessibility, sincerity, emotion, and depth.

"Midnight" is an honest and contemplative offering, and "Fall of Dagon" is perhaps one of the most original worship songs recently released. The upbeat "Jacob's Ladder" (feat. Rita Springer) is reminiscent of The Great Awakening era of Leeland and ties in smoothly with the calm "Wonderfully Made," a heartfelt, emotive and personal offering of worship.

"If I Don't Have Love" is another album highlight and features Lauren Strahm (many readers will recognize her as performing artist Fleurie). Its simple lyrics are a plain retelling of the well-known I Corinthians 13 passage: "Love is patient, love is kind / doesn't envy or walk in pride / if I speak in tongues of angels, prophecy mysteries / have the faith to move the mountains and split every sea / If I give all my possessions to the poor and the least / even lay my life down as a burnt offering / if I don't have love I got nothing at all."

The album concludes with title track, "City of God," a lyrical and melodic highlight: "I pray for every dream inside your heart / I pray for hope to always light the dark / oh, the times they may rough, they may be hard / but let us not forget who we are / we are the City of God, every tribe and every tongue / every daughter every son, we are the City of God." Leeland has always focused on the son/daughter aspect of the Kingdom, so this ending is both apt and reflective.

In all honesty, City of God is likely to be polarizing for some fans. As mentioned earlier, the band has come a long way from Sound of Melodies and Opposite Way. I won't claim that the band's current iteration is as good as their offerings from the 2000's, but rather that listeners are experiencing an "apples and oranges" scenario. The music isn't the same. The songwriting serves a different purpose. The melodies are cut from a different cloth. What has remained the same is Leeland's heart for worshipping our Creator. Even those of us who still hope for another melodic pop/rock album in the future will find much to enjoy and celebrate in the City of God.

- Review date: 6/11/23, written by David Craft of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Integrity Music
. Album length: 11 tracks: 64 minutes, 33 seconds
. Street Date: March 10, 2023
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: Apple Music (Deluxe w/ Video)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Still Mighty (3:52)
  2. Ark (feat. Vanessa Hill) (3:13)
  3. Heart & Flesh (feat. TAYA) (7:12)
  4. Yahweh (9:16)
  5. You're Not Done (feat. Charity Gayle) (6:03)
  6. Midnight (5:51)
  7. Fall Of Dagon (3:49)
  8. Jacob's Ladder (feat. Rita Springer) (4:48)
  9. Wonderfully Made (5:52)
  10. If I Don't Have Love (feat. Lauren Straham) (5:20)
  11. City Of God (9:22)

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images