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)

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!

 

. 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)

 

 

                 
Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!

Search JFH




This Thursday, September 12, 2024
ALBUMS
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Strangers No More Volume Two [Tone Tree]

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Hide Anymore / Devil In My Eyes - Double Single [Dualtone]

This Friday, September 13, 2024
ALBUMS
Yolanda Adams Sunny Days [Epic]
Amy Grant and Vince Gill When I Think of Christmas [MCA Nashville]
Travis Cottrell Hymnal: One (independent)
Hulvey Cry [Reach]
iNTELLECT Revolution [Polished Arrow Music]
Passion Kids Worship Sing Praise [SixSteps/Capitol]
Stryper When We Were Kings [Frontiers]
Unspoken IV [Centricity]
Luke Wareham Christ is Lord - EP (independent)
Darlene Zschech Testament (EP 2) [Integrity]

SINGLES
Ashes Remain Don't Let Go - Single [BEC]
Chad Cory, Zacardi Cortez My First Love - Single [DREAM]
The Gray Havens The Magic - Single [Blue Flower]
homage revelation song - Single [Integrity]
ICF Worship Lobe den Herrn (Seele sing) - Single [Integrity]
Ic3rd GOD FIRST (ft. Mission & DeandreGODsaves) - Single [Syntax]
Sarah Kroger Galaxies - Single [Integrity]
Sidewalk Prophets Unbelievable - Single [Curb]
Sleeping At Last Heal - Single (independent)
Megan Woods The Truth (Strings Version) - Single [Fair Trade]
Zippy & OnBeatMusic Who Am I? - Single [Syntax]

VINYL
Stryper When We Were Kings Vinyl [Frontiers]

Next Friday, September 20, 2024
ALBUMS
Alex Henry Foster A Measure Of Shape And Sounds [Hopeful Tragedy]
Homeplate Thanks For Visiting - EP [Small Step]

SINGLES
Sam Bowman Oh Wonder - Single [DREAM]
Good Weather Forecast & Elijah Thomas Can't Get Enough - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Album From Millennial Reign!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images