Aaron Keyes ‘Dwell’

Aaron Keyes is back with his second record on Kingsway Records, Dwell. The aptly titled thirteen-track album focuses on fighting the enemy with our praise and waiting on the Lord for deliverance. Aaron’s new project is definitely a must-have worship project of 2011, and is one of the most Scripturally-rich albums I have heard in a while.Dwell begins with the soft “O My Soul,” sounding much like Chris Tomlin, with more of a pop twist to it. Also containing booming drums, this opening track reminds us to rise and praise our King, and was a simply powerful worship track. The more upbeat “I Am Not the Same,” filled with some creative electric keyboard sounds is very full, speaking of the immense change Christ has made in our lives: “I am not the same/ I’m a new creation/ I am not the same anymore/ I am not ashamed/ I will not be shaken/ I am not the same anymore.”The keyboard-based “Sovereign Over Us” was gorgeous and builds up perfectly, though the cymbals seemed to interfere just a bit with the track’s fullness. This track, featuring very enjoyable harmonies in verse two, speaks of God’s power, and also borrows lyrics from Jeremiah 29:11. Perhaps most enjoyable about this track is the powerful bridge: “Even what the enemy means for evil/ You turn it for our good/ You turn it for Your good and for Your glory/ Even in the valley You are faithful/ You’re working for our good/ You’re working for our good/ for Your glory!”

“Song of Moses” sounding totally Hillsong-like, is Exodus 15 put to beautiful music, and is a powerful anthem that will likely find itself in church song worship lists in the near future.The title track, “Dwell,” based on Psalm 91, features an enjoyable keyboard background, while the six- minute “In The Name of God” is a slower pop track, and timeless worship prayer. Halfway through the track, a choir in the second chorus was a plus, and helped to keep the track building throughout. The electrifying pop track “Only Just Begun,” is based largely on Ephesians 3:21-22: ”Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” In addition, this track reminds us of His power, stating “no one else can do the things that He can.” Like most of the tracks on Dwell, this track was enjoyable for being Scripturally rooted.