Admittedly, I am a latecomer to Plantshakers fandom. In fact, I only got into them when I heard their “Outback Worship Sessions” that I also happened to review at Church Mag. So I received the review copy of “Overflow” with lots of expectations. I was curious to see the direction they have taken since then.
This project is all about capturing their live worship sessions recorded during the 2016 Planetshakers Conference attended by almost 15,000 people from around the world.
Featuring 15 new songs of worship produced by worship leader Joth Hunt, the theme of the project is apparently Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”
“Overflow”—About the Songs
There’s quite a range of songs here—fast, mid-tempo, slow, anthemic and intimate. The production is as great as ever and the live feel is simply vibrant.
Musically, it’s the usual Planetshakers sound—lots of synth work, pounding drums, passionate vocals and so on.
Come Right Now is a peppy, rock-the-crowd kind of track that does its job. Lyrically though, it sort of puzzled me. First stanza sings about God, second stanza sings to God, then the chorus sings specifically to the Holy Spirit etc.
River turned out to be a better song with an energetic chorus that’s encouraging to sing along.
The title track ‘Overflow’ is another fast paced dance floor kind of song with a driving chorus, which like ‘River’ feels pleasing to sing along.
I Know Who You Are written by Mitch Wong is one of the finest songs of the album—the lyrics, melodies and music gel very well together to give us a thoughtful prayer of trust in our great God.
‘I Came For You’ has lots of intimacy and prayerful moments—this song totally engaged me—up to the chorus at least. Just when you think it’s a song to the Holy Spirit, there’s a lyrical switch in the second verse and bridge to Jesus, something that distracts me as a worshiper and songwriter. Barring that, this is another fine song.
Sings My Soul is a beautiful song, probably the best of this project. Powerful and intimate with a simple chorus and bridge, I loved every moment of this one. The songwriter, Mitch Wong is on a roll indeed! Check out these lines for example:
My heart need wander no longer
For in Your grace I shall stay
I am reconciled to Heaven
Now forever to praise
The instrumental ‘Heart Song’ continues the passionate moments from ‘Sings My Soul’ and gives the worshiper, space to worship spontaneously.
I’m Free is a rocking fast song that’s sure to make you sing along joyfully and celebrate the victory of Jesus.
Give My All continues the celebration declaring our desire to surrender all to the Lord.
Precious to Me is an intimate prayer to the Holy Spirit. Written and composed by Andy Harrison, he absolutely nails this one—it’s one great song!
Face to Face is another melodious and anthemic song that expresses our longing for Jesus very nicely.
Join with the Angels is a surprisingly quiet piano driven song (until the bridge where it builds into a full arrangement) that literally brings alive the visions of worship recorded in the book of Revelation. Joth Hunt has done a fabulous job on this one! Warning: Song contains infectious chorus.
The good work continues with ‘My Father’s Child’, another gem from Mitch Wong again, this time co-written with BJ Pridham. For me, this is another favorite song in the project.
Gotta Give Him Glory seems to have a lot of black gospel influence (in a nice way). I dare you to try not to sing along to this one—it’s that much fun and catchy!
Featuring Boom, the album closes out with ‘Here Comes the Revival’, another cool foot tapping song, loved this one—smashing arrangement too!
Thoughts about the album
Clearly, these guys can pull off a concert masterfully. The heart, music and environment make up for the some of the songs where the lyrics left me wanting for more. Planetshakers fans would obviously love this album!
For the rest of the worshiping universe, these songs are definitely worth checking out:
Sings my Soul, I Know Who You Are, Precious to Me, Here Comes the Revival, Join With the Angels, Face to Face, My Father’s Child and Gotta Give Him Glory.
Overall, I enjoyed the slower songs more than the faster ones. There’s excellent new material here for worship ministries to incorporate in their set lists. Whether you’re looking for foot tapping praise or intimate worship, ‘Overflow’ has something for everyone—pick it up, you’ll enjoy it.
