Since their ultimate change in style noticed in their third effort with Inpop Records, The Answer to the Question, Tree63 is now releasing their first true worship volume entitled, Worship Volume One: I Stand for You. Tree63 is made up of John Ellis, Thinus Odendaal, and Daniel Orenellas; three South African pop/rock worship artists who want to spread the joy of the Lord through music. Worship Volume One: I Stand For You, includes two live versions of Tree63 hits "Treasure" and "Joy," and another two live versions of The Answer to the Question hits "King" and "I Stand for You."

The album kicks off with the worship service worthy "No Other," an extremely catchy and upbeat song that will get you off your feet, "There's nothing on earth that could ever compare to you/ Jesus there can be no other/ Jesus I'm yours forever/ There is no one else like you/ There is no one else." After listening to the album a couple times, I've realized that the album is packed full of songs that have the potential to be put into regular usage at church worship services. John Ellis' strong vocals stick out in almost every song, creating a lively atmosphere.

Noteworthy are the songs performed live present on the album. If you were looking forward to a whole new album with a whole new play list, you may be a little disappointed. The album is mostly full of covered songs or new versions of tha band's older songs. At first, I was upset that four of the songs were old songs and that the album wasn't overflowing with new and intriguing music. But, after hearing the four live tracks "Treasure," "Joy," "King," and "I Stand for You," as well as the new songs that are present, I'm much happier that the live versions were included. The new version of "I Stand for You" is a melodic and captivating rendition that can really touch the heart, "I'll always stand for you/ In all this world/ You're all that's true/ I'll always stand for you." Also significant is Tree63's version of Robert Lowry's hymn, "Nothing But the Blood" and a newer, slow song entitled "Have Your Way."

The album ends with the renowned "Amazing Grace," performed live by Tree63. "Amazing Grace" is always a good way to end an album, reminding people that Christian artists wouldn't be able to do what they do without the grace of God. Altogether, I found Tree63's first worship project to be an amazing effort and definitely one of their strongest releases to date. It will be exciting to see how they grow musically and lyrically in the future. If you enjoy artists like Matt Redman, Lincoln Brewster, Jeremy Camp, or Newsboys, check out Tree63's newest album, Worship Volume One: I Stand For You.

- Review date: 11/18/05, written by Jessica Vander Loop