Review

Even if you're unfamiliar with the name Ryan Delmore, you're probably not unfamiliar with some of his songs. As part of the now legendary Burn Service recording, and it's follow-up, Delmore has blessed the Church with post-modern-day staples like "Set Me On Fire", "Shepherd", "How We Love You Jesus" and "Never Looking Back".  Since I really loved those earlier CDs, I was excited to hear something new from this man's heart, mouth and hands.  That something new is his recent CD release " Devotion ". Not only have I found this 7-song EP to be delightful in so many ways, I am struck by the fact that this isn't a carbon copy of his earlier work. "Never Looking Back" did not mirror "Burn Service", and neither does this CD merely regurgitate its predecessors.

One thing that is a constant thread flowing through all of Ryan's songs is his ability to say, in a few well-chosen words, what most of us feel but have no voice for. To address our recurring lapses in passion for the things of God Delmore (on his previous album, "Burn Service") says, "I'm so tired of lukewarm living". Speaking to the issue of our commitment during the tough times he says, "Through the doubt, through the change, through the storms that come my way". As for our stubborn desire to have our own way, he writes, "I abandon my will and yield to Yours".

These are simple words, yet they pack a punch right to the solar plexus of our soul. And as wonderful as it is to have songs that we can relate to our own lot in life, Ryan goes to the other side of the worship continuum with "Devotion". The songs here are all about Jesus. I don't want that to sound trite. The other songs mentioned are, as well, but they are "I" centered. These are "You" centered songs. And he'd want that distinction to be made clear. While we cannot separate the Lover and the loved one, the focus here is so deliciously leaning towards Jesus and His attributes.

Coupled with the songs' poignant writing is the music. I want to call this "front porch" musicianship. It's as if a couple of guys are sitting out on the porch playing their songs. Every guitar player, regardless of where they are skill-wise, will be able to play along with these guys. I'm not saying the level of musicianship on the album is poor, far from it. I'm saying that it is simple and this is such an important thing for the Church.

Delmore hails from the Vineyard churches. The Vineyard's John Wimber used to say "What good is it ultimately, if we produce worship songs that only experienced musicians can play? What will the little churches do"? (from 1 John Wimber - The Way it Was by Carol Wimber, Hodder & Stoughton, 1999 p.33) Wimber especially loved (those that) had the ability to produce (complicated songs), and chose, instead, to write simple love songs to Jesus that anyone could sing or play on the guitar. 1 This is what Ryan has done here.

Another reason that these songs are so important is that they are theologically strong and sound. It's important for the Church to remember that as more and more new believers start coming to church, they are not likely to have spent a lifetime reading or hearing about Jesus. Singing songs that tell the story of His love and sacrifice strengthen all of us, especially those just escaping the clutches of self-centeredness. It's as if we've come full circle from the days of John Wesley, et al, who turned bar songs into hymns that taught the largely illiterate masses. Today's sojourner is not illiterate, but can be unexposed.

Delmore's songs are Faithful, Your Love For Me, Better Than Life, Jesus' Name, My Redeemer, King of Glory and Come to Me. Each one is easy to learn, easy to sing and full of life.

The record company blurb compares his musical styling to Dylan and the Stones. He has a 60s feel throughout, especially on the opening track, Faithful. Your Love For Me jangles on guitar and has the distinctive Hammond organ going for it. Better Than Life is guitar and slide guitar. A harmonica starts King Of Glory, with acoustic and electric guitars. All in all, these songs will make you smile and you will want to play them!

Review by John Ausmus