New Music Review: "Give It Up"
Jeremy Hoekstra has a new seven-song collection centered on a theme of finding God's grace anew by letting go and looking beyond temporal circumstances. The collection is aptly titled "Give It Up."Hoekstra, contemporary worship director at First Evangelical Covenant Church in Grand Rapids, features pop-rock settings for his inspirational lyrics. Some of the words are directly addressed to God, carrying Psalm-like strains of worship.
The highlight there is "Your Love." Beginning at a slower tempo, the song builds to an anthem-esque climax before offering its final, simple prayer, "Lead me out of darkness into your great light."
Another song that resonates well is "It's Not The Way It Seems," with its pop-ish, heart-hugging rhythm. The guitar and string effects combine for a great ride and Hoekstra's vocals are reminiscent of singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson.
The title song also has a great hook built around its pleasing melody and reinforces the overall theme. "Taken" is another great song to spend time with.
The Holland native has worked on these songs for most of the year – and the effort shows. It's a strong addition to his earlier music catalog
Note: Since this album is emerging in the Christmas season, why not revisit Hoekstra's version of the carol "Angels We Have Heard On High," written a year ago? It features a wonderfully different vision of the chorus with an ethereal (heavenly?) sound.
Artist: Jeremy Hoekstra
Album: "Give It Up"
Connect: www.jeremyhoekstra.com
Listen: https://www.jeremyhoekstra.com/store
