World on Fire (CD)

NEW LINEUP, SAME PLEASING SOUND

By The Tree has always been a band that renders a consistent sound. From the 2001 Dove Award-winning debut, Invade My Soul, to its fifth album, the new World On Fire, the band has bared a pop/rock soul and a heart for vertical worship songs. The ensuing sound is always full of energy, but offers few surprises.

This is music typically pegged as “worship,” but in the vein that newsboys or Delirious are considered as such. The songs on World On Fire, especially the two ultra-catchy openers “All Around You” and “I Will Follow You,” are no-brainer radio singles in the formula of former No. 1 “Beautiful One.” The others are draped in a more atmospheric rock sound, whether rendered as prayerful ballads such as “You Are My Desire” or accessorized by electric guitars as in “Rain Down.” But many of the selections could make just as much sense broken down in simple, singable choruses for Sunday morning worship.

Former drummer Aaron Blanton assumes the lead vocal and guitar duties that Chuck Dennie navigated before parting ways with the band last year. Blanton sounds seasoned in his new role thanks to time logged on tour. Here, his bright, soaring vocals and straightforward style of songwriting shine as he recounts the attributes of a loving, faithful and gracious God. He is at his best on the album’s standout, the title track, “World On Fire,” which rises and falls with the right amount of emotional sentiment and sonic drama.

Over half the lyrical material on World On Fire was penned by Blanton, along with co-writes from Delirious members Martin Smith and Stu Garrard and several co-writes with former bandmate Dennie. Familiar By The Tree bassist Ben Davis, new drummer Garrett Goodwin and Blanton joined forces with Dwayne Larring (of early Sonicflood fame) to helm the production on the 11 tracks. The names on the liner notes may have changed, but this album is a solid representation of By The Tree as it has always been: good as ever.

LIZZA CONNOR BOWEN

Review Provided by CCMmagazine.com