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

JFH Music Review


Hope Darst, 'If The Lord Builds The House - EP'
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Hope Darst
If The Lord Builds The House - EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Worship / Pop
Album length: 7 tracks: 28 minutes, 9 seconds
Street Date: November 4, 2022


READER RATING:   


Hope Darst, most famous for her recent singles "Peace Be Still" and "Promise Keeper," is back with If the Lord Builds the House. While her previous singles did not particularly stand out to me, I was compelled to give her another shot.

The EP begins fairly strong with the title track, a Joshua 24:15-inspired song that is elevated by Darst's soulful singing. I would not be surprised to hear this song on the radio soon. However, Darst's vocals are unable to save "Breakthrough Coming" from mediocrity. The cloying, generic lyrics about speaking God's name have good intentions, but fans looking for more depth will be sorely disappointed. "Never Walk Alone" is pretty standard CCM fluff, but the lyrics are undeniably encouraging.

"Give You the Glory" is also pretty standard, but David Leonard's guest vocals help make the track stand out more. Unfortunately, the song is dragged out for about two minutes too long. The opening beats of "Honey" remind me heavily of the worship music of the late '90s/early 2000s. This is not a complaint; in fact, I rather miss that age of worship music when it was fresh and not nearly as generic as it is now. "Coming Back" starts off strong, but its repetitive bridge drags the song down.

The EP ends with another version of the opening track featuring Jon Reddick. As much as I do not particularly like the trend of re-releasing songs with collaborations, Jon Reddick actually brings a lot to the song. However, I do not see any good reason for both songs needing to be included here.

At the end of the day, Hope Darst has released a mixed bag of songs with If the Lord Builds the House. Some are decent (i.e., the title track and "Honey"), some are frustrating (i.e., "Breakthrough Coming"), but none of it is groundbreaking in any regard. This is truly a shame because Hope Darst seems truly genuine in her faith and music. However, some better lyrics and stronger instrumentation would definitely help the EP stand out.

- Review date: 1/9/23, written by Nathan Williams of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Fair Trade Services
. Album length: 7 tracks: 28 minutes, 9 seconds
. Street Date: November 4, 2022
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. If The Lord Builds The House (3:55)
  2. Breakthrough's Coming (3:34)
  3. Honey (3:48)
  4. Never Walk Alone (3:33)
  5. Give You the Glory (feat. David Leonard) (5:08)
  6. Coming Back (4:12)
  7. If The Lord Builds The House (3:55)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



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