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

JFH Music Review



Phil Wickham
Cannons



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 49 minutes, 30 seconds
Street Date: October 2, 2007


I remember first hearing Phil Wickham's music back in 2003 and marveling at the way it didn't require overly-elaborate melody or convoluted lyrics to be powerful. Over the course of his first two albums, the young Mr. Wickham has proven he has a quality some of his contemporaries lack… his songs have got heart. Armed with a soul bent on worship, an arresting vibrato, and a collection of new tracks with plenty of both- his third album, Cannons, sounds off.

Cannons' opening shot takes the form of "Must I Wait"- a diverse and driving tune that leads into "After Your Heart"- the pair of which lyrically establish Phil's earnest desires for both his Savior's nearness, and to walk worthy of Him. "Jesus Lord of Heaven" returns, having not been heard since Phil's independently released first album, which is a treat for longtime fans. And of course, the title track itself boasts a resounding chorus that will no doubt find its way into a few Sunday morning services. But it may be the third track, "Desire" that encapsulates what this album's all about, declaring, "Jesus, if Your love's the fuel / Then I'm the desperate flame / That's screaming out Your name / My desire is burning like a million stars / And I keep reaching out, reaching out for You." That's the concept and the feel of almost every song. God is awesome, Phil adores Him, craves Him, is excited about Him, and thus he sings it out. This type of thematic lyricism is fine, especially when writing about the wonder and awesomeness of God, but… it may feel a little over-done.

The album just doesn't have many breaks to give the listener time to digest and really appreciate the emotion and heart of each song. I wish there were a few more narratives like the wonderful "True Love," to break up the pace. The guy is a worship leader at heart, and he's very adept at writing thoughtful idioms into what otherwise might be just another worship tune… but he's just as good at writing songs with less declaration and more exposition. Perhaps he'll explore that aspect in his future work.

There's no denying Wickham's talent with lyrical melodies. He's always had a knack for composing the type of choruses that just flow, staying with you long after hearing them. Phil doesn't really soar as much vocally as on his self-titled LP, which is fine as the new songs really never call for it. The album overall feels well-produced, perhaps a little overdone, but about what fans will expect. So, if you're looking for some nonstandard, Christ-centered music to drive to, read the Word to, or otherwise refocus your attention back toward heaven- by all means give Cannons a shot.

- Review date: 10/1/07, written by David Goodman



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 


. Record Label: INO Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 49 minutes, 30 seconds
. Street Date: October 2, 2007
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Must I Wait
  2. After Your Heart
  3. Desire
  4. Cannons
  5. Sailing on a Ship
  6. The Light Will Come
  7. Shining
  8. Beautiful
  9. True Love
  10. Jesus Lord of Heaven
  11. Home
  12. Spirit Fall
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

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]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

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]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - 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]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
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