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JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Show Me The Way To Your Heart

Adam Villiers
Show Me The Way To Your Heart

Street Date: March 30, 2012
Style: AC / Worship
Artist Website: AdamVilliers.com
Buy It: AmazonMP3

One of the saddest things in music is when a Christian artist writes songs of worship for the sole purpose of selling it and making money. This doesn't apply to 100% of artists who make worship music, but the number is a lot larger than it should be. That's why it's encouraging to come across a worship leader whose backstory shows you that he or she is authentic. Such is the case with singer/songwriter Adam Villiers and his new album Show Me The Way To Your Heart. Reading his backstory before listening to his songs almost adds another level to them, as you know that he's singing in true adoration and love to the God who has been good to him when life has not. He straight-up praises God for His faithfulness in the opening track "Faithful God." It's a slower ballad that may have been made for radio airplay, but his passion is evident nonetheless. What I can imagine is one of the most personal songs to Villiers from this collection is "Jeremiah 29:11," where he offers to give God his everything in return for the great plans He has in store. The title track features guest vocals from Brian Doerksen and, musically, rests on that infamous border between adult contemporary and country music. Villiers sings, "Show me the way to Your heart as I draw near, just as You promised, Your Spirit is near, You are faithful, a sinner's friend," making it easy for the listener to join in with Villiers in worshipping the Lord. He also does this in later tracks like the reverant "Live To Worship" and the humble "You Are Worthy." Adam Villiers' debut album is packed with a lot of radio-worthy sounds and songs, and could find its way onto a lot of people's playlists. Critically speaking, the album isn't the strongest in the way of music or lyrical creativity. While I don't think this was Villiers' intent, it still must be addressed for those endlessly searching for music that is both worshipful and unique. But in the end, Show Me The Way To Your Heart is an excellent testament from a man who has nearly gone through Hell, only to find his way to Jesus and receive the healing he was searching for, which lead to eleven songs that harbor not one shred of bitterness toward God, but instead only love, worship and thankfulness. For this, I have respect. I won't personally have any of this album on rotation, but adult contemporary and worship music fans may want to lend an ear.

- Review date: 7/3/12, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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  1. Faithful God (4:27)
  2. In You (feat. Chris Janz.) (3:51)
  3. Jeremiah 29:11 (3:06)
  4. Nothing Can Hide Me (4:11)
  5. Teach Me Your Ways (5:27)
  6. Show Me the Way to Your Heart (feat. Brian Doerksen) (4:16)
  7. Live to Worship (4:11)
  8. You Are Worthy (3:20)
  9. Change My Heart Oh God (3:20)
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  • Jesus freak Hideout (Scott Fryberger): How long have you been making music and writing songs professionally?

    Adam: This album is the first professional recording of my songs. Most of the songs on this project were written while I lived in London, England from 2000- 2007. These songs were written for my personal worship time with God. I have so many reasons to be thankful to God for saving my life, and most of these songs reflect that gratefulness for His kindness and faithfulness. Earlier last year, the company I worked for decided to change locations to California and I was suddenly without a job. It was during this season, with God's provision for myself and my wife, and much encouragement from my family and friends, that I have been able to record my songs.

  • JFH (Scott): What was the first song you wrote for your new album Show Me The Way To Your Heart?

    Adam: The first song that I wrote for the album was "Show Me The Way To Your Heart". It was shortly after the death of my Mom on January 25th, 2005 that I found myself using alcohol as an escape from the pain. Having lived far away from God at different times in my life, I knew the hollowness of seeking comfort and consolation in meaningless places. I knew I didn't want life without Jesus and I wanted to give Jesus all of me, not just little bits and pieces. This song started as a prayer and was inspired by the longing in my heart, of crying out to God to show me the way back to Him. I have never considered myself a songwriter, but after having experienced some of the passion and the pain in this life, I found myself writing music as an outlet of my life experiences. I really want to thank Pete Beaumont, one of my best friends in England, who help me write the lyrics until they said what my heart was longing to say. I count it an honor and a privilege to have so many of my talented friends involved in this recording.

  • JFH (Scott): How did you hook up with Brian Doerksen for the title track?

    Adam: I met Brian through a tragic car accident in 1980 that was up the street from his house. Brian has been a great friend, encourager, and a "big brother" for many years now. When he heard this song, he loved the simplicity of the melody and how the chords just cycled around.

  • JFH (Scott): If you got the chance to collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

    Adam: I would love to collaborate with Brenton Brown as I have watched him struggle and come to terms with being diagnosed with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). I love the courage that I see in him as he doesn't give up! He serves, travels and continues to touch people through his gift of music even though it would be easier to just pack up and rest. Because I have cerebral palsy, I am inspired to keep pushing past barriers too and express my love to God through music and seeing other people be touched by our Father's love.

  • JFH (Scott): If you had to pick a favorite track from your album, what would it be and why?

    Adam: If I had to choose one track from my album it would be "Show Me The Way To Your Heart" as this song started as a prayer and has been my prayer for a long time, for God to show me the way to His heart in all things. It also reminds me of my mother. She adopted me even though the doctors said I would never walk or lead a productive life. She was a brave and determined woman who persevered despite hardship. She taught me to persevere until you reached your goal. Even though she didn't come to faith in Christ until much later in life, she demonstrated unconditional love and acceptance just like our Heavenly Father.

  • JFH (Scott): Your website gives a pretty full account of some of the hardships you've faced through your life, which makes your songs of praise and thankfulness all the more inspiring. Was it hard to recall those past events when writing up your biography?

    Adam: Yes! It was hard to recall the past events in my life. Some of the hardships that I have faced have been through no fault of my own, but some have been my fault through bad decisions and choices.

    I am still dealing with some of the consequences of living life "my" way, but God is changing the way I think of myself. I have been so blessed to learn some hard but valuable lessons through my growing up years. I am still learning today about how much God loves me and just how faithful He really is.

    I believe that it is very important to be transparent, real and honest.

  • JFH (Scott): What's been the biggest obstacle for you in your music career?

    Adam: Letting God be my promoter as far as music and leading worship goes and being content with God's timing for dreams in my life to become reality. I would love my music to grow in its distribution and influence, but this is where I need to rest in God's love as a son and not strive to make a name for myself.

  • JFH (Scott): What are your favorite portions of the Bible?

    Adam: Jeremiah 29:11
    I love how God can take a broken life and use it for His glory! He can take a hardship in a person's life and use it to not only teach the person with the hardship amazing life lessons, but also teach and encourage others as we share our story.

    Psalm 139
    I love how David writes in this Psalm that nothing can hide us from God's love. Not even darkness! He knows where we are and no matter where we go, He is there! He knows my heart and knows my anxious thoughts!

  • JFH (Scott): What has God been teaching you lately?

    Adam: Patience! I have been learning to wait on God for different things in my life. One of which is starting a family with my beautiful wife Michelle. We have been told by the medical community that we would be unlikely to conceive without medical interventions, such as in-vitro fertilization. We are both praying and believing for God's promises of family for us and we believe that God can work miracles today!

  • JFH (Scott): Anything else you'd like to add?

    Adam: I really would like to thank everyone at Jesusfreakhideout.com for giving me the opportunity to share my story and songs! I hope that my testimony inspires others to live fully for the glory of God and are blessed by these songs.

     

     

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