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JFH Music Review




Phil Joel
the deliberatePeople. album



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks
Street Date: November 18, 2005 / September 12, 2006


Phil Joel first made an impression with his solo material when he debuted Watching Over You in 2000. The album produced a hit single that helped spawn a follow-up release, the less memorable but still decent sophomore effort Bring It On, in 2002. Since its release, Joel has focused mostly on his duties as bassist/co-vocalist for Newsboys and, more recently, has developed his own side ministry. "deliberatePeople." is a new project Joel has developed with his wife Heather to help fellow believers who want to be more serious about their Bible reading and study, but have trouble with disciplining themselves to really dig into the Word. In addition to releasing a journal for deliberatePeople, Phil has also independently released his third solo effort in conjunction with the ministry, the deliberatePeople. album.

Fans of Joel's first two albums may be surprised by what they hear on the deliberatePeople. album. Complimenting the devotion and focus of his new ministry, the dP. album is Joel's most serious and mature songwriting to date. Opening with the reflective "Time Alone," a rock song that ponders the importance of quality time with God, the more mature tone is set right away. "Desperate," a longing to stay in a sense of need for Jesus by appreciating the hard times, incorporates an acoustic almost-folk guitar with a modest piano that trickles through the track. As the listener travels through the album's journey of spiritual growth, it's evident from song to song that Joel has truly channeled his passion and heart effectively through word and music alike better than ever. In fact, it's tracks like the piano-driven worshipful ballad "Awe" that can reach moments that are just so beautiful. Joel delivers the dP. album like a musical devotional, creating a worshipful atmosphere that is more intimate and personal than most modern worship fare.

Phil includes a stripped-down reinvisioning of "Return" from Bring It On that proves just how crucial production can be in establishing the feel for a record. Phil's own straightforward production work on the dP. album helps make the songs that much more intimate, while previous efforts suffered slightly from over-polishing.

The album ends on a perfect note with another highlight, Joel's heartfelt ballad, "Jealous." Phil begins the song from the perspective of the Father speaking to His children, inviting us to come to Him and asking us for exclusive devotion. The second half of the song is a passionate cry of surrender that closes the album out on a stirring note.

Phil Joel turns in his best work to date by far with the deliberatePeople. album. A fantastic, inspired album that accomplishes more effectively what higher-profile worship leaders set out to do and miss in the longrun. A diverse release that offers a fair mix of upbeat rock tracks with contemplative and sensitive ballads, the deliberatePeople. album is one of this Fall's most pleasant surprises.

- Review date: 11/17/05, written by John DiBiase



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Phil Joel CD

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. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: (independent) / Indelible Records
. Album length: 10 tracks
. Street Date: November 18, 2005 / September 12, 2006
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Time Alone
  2. Desperate
  3. Changed
  4. Burning Down
  5. Drainpipe
  6. Drown
  7. Ordinary Day
  8. Awe
  9. Return
  10. Jealous
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Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
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This Friday, September 5, 2025
ALBUMS
A Life Aligned The Light That Failed To Cease (independent)
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Colony House 77 (Pt. 1) [Roon]
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - EP [DREAM]
The Gray Havens This Is Not the End (independent)
Forrest Frank CHILD OF GOD II (BACK TO BACK) DELUXE [River House]

SINGLES
Bill B. GOD KNOW ft. TrigNO - Single [Syntax]
Mark Bishop I'm Gonna Do What I Said I'd Do - Single [Sonlite]
Brave Days Friendly Fire - Single (independent)
CalledOut Music Adore You - Single [Integrity]
Michael Carder Where Do I Go From Here - Single (independent)
Charis Music Pressing Through (feat. Hailey Trevino) - Single [NWN]
Darius Mullin & Dre Murray Cash & Burn - Single [Syntax]
Kristene DiMarco Song for My Children - Single [Bethel]
Amanda Janson Sinner to Saint - Single [Pure Mosaic]
JSP It's Not Your Fault - Single (independent)
Tae Lamar Vengeance II (feat. MotionPlus, Propaganda, and m1L) - Single [Polished Arrow]
Patrick Mayberry Everlasting Arms - Single [Provident]
No Vain Glory FLEX - Single [Syntax]
Jemimah Paine Reason - Single [Integrated Music Rights]
R.kitect Tha Deep End - Single [Syntax]
Razzie & theprodigaljoe Man Make Plans - Single [Syntax]
Saints in Exile My Mind is a Prison - Single [Syntax]
Carly Ann Taylor Why Should I Worry (Remind Me Version) - Single [Curb]
Jaci Velasquez, Evan Egerer ¡DALE! Praise - Single [Rixon]
NEEDTOBREATHE Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays) - Single [Omnivore]
Wisenheart Well-Worn Door - Single (independent)
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ALBUMS
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