Kari Jobe- Where I Find You (Review)

Sparrow Records

Release Date: January 24th 2012

Reviewed by Joshua Andre

Kari Jobe – Where I Find You Amazonmp3 / iTunes

Of recent times, Kari Jobe has been the name many worship leaders have been commending. One of Gateway Church’s worship leader’s, as well as a recording artist, Kari has garnered GMA Dove Awards and numerous hit singles such as ‘I’m Singing’, ‘Healer’, ‘You Are For Me’, and her most recent ‘We Are’. Kari has also been back in the studio, recording and perfecting her sophomore album ‘Where I Find You’. And after first listen straight through, I was blown away. From ‘Steady My Heart’ to ‘Here’ I found myself in awe of Kari’s heart and her song writing. Kari has crafted a stellar and poignant debut on Sparrow Records, with anthems fit for singing in the modern church.

Working with producers Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Chris August) and Matt Bronleewe (Josh Wilson), it is clear to me that Kari’s heart and temperament is the main reason for 50 odd minutes of solid worship God moments. Each track on Where I Find You emphasises the beauty found only with Jesus, and Kari tells listeners song after song that they can experience Jesus’ presence, even in the middle of their trials and personal tribulations.

‘Steady My Heart’ encourages listeners to run to Jesus even when we are feeling pain, because we know He is “… Lover of my soul, Healer of my scars…” and that Jesus has a plan for us even if we believe that there isn’t any way out. God is our Father and we will ‘…find refuge in Your arms…’. A pop tune that could fit on radio, Kari belts this one out of the park.

The lead single, ‘We Are’ has spent many weeks on Billboard as the Most Added Christian single. According to Kari herself, the recording process of this song in particular, was a challenging one, however God’s faithfulness is highlighted on the album “…‘We Are’ is a song of commission for us as believers, to be reminded of what we’ve been called to, and that is to impact people’s lives in everything we do.” Driven by the piano, I immensely enjoyed this song, as Kari challenges us Christians to let our light shine as we are a city on a hill and a witness for Christ. “…We are called to spread the news, to tell the world this simple truth that Jesus came to save, there’s freedom in His name…” It is evident and purely a matter of time that Kari will be going places, and ‘We Are’ seems to be the platform.

Following Kari’s single, the next songs extensively show Kari’s vocal range, and her emotion is as raw as she praises God. In ‘One Desire’, Kari uses simple yet profound words to describe God. Co-written with Jason Ingram, ‘One Desire’ is the one of the most powerful song on the album. With Kari proclaiming “… In Your presence, Lord I will find my strength, You’re the breath in me, You’re my everything…” in the chorus, and spontaneously worshipping Jesus as if in a live track; this song is one of my highlights, giving me goose bumps in a good way.

‘Find You On My Knees’ is another worship song. Co-written with Matt Bronlewee, Kari once again reminds listeners that in the hardest and most difficult of times, is when we need God the most, and the times that God does show up as He is faithful. Kari comforts the listener also with soaring and powerful vocals, a ballad that is worthy of multiple listens; proclaiming that ‘… You lift me up, You never leave me thirsty; when I am weak, when I am lost and searching, I find You on my knees…’

Immediately after, ‘Savior’s Here’ is a Hillsong-type track that is sure to find its way into churches in the future. Near the end, Kari shows her vulnerability, crying out ‘Hallelujah, our God saves…’ and also spontaneously breaks out into free worship. Kari is here to stay.

‘Stars in the Sky’, co written with Chris August, wraps up the first half, a power ballad that reminds me of a the Louie Giglio sermon ‘How Great is Our God’. Definitely with single potential, Kari tells of the matchless power and authority of God. From the chorus ‘… The stars in the sky will hang there, ‘til you tell them to…’ Kari’s song conveys that God is God and that no one can limit Him or define Him because He will always stretch out imaginations and expectations. God is in 100% control. A brilliant song ending a brilliant first half!

Kari starts up the 2nd half of the album with ‘What Love is This’ co written with Mia Fieldes and Lincoln Brewster. Purely played on the piano, Kari continually questions throughout this song the love of God that he chose to die for sinners like ourselves. But this is not sung in a guilty way, it is in a thankful way.

‘Run to You’ and ‘Rise’ are the next two tracks. Both uplifting ballads with resonating crescendos near the end of each song; Kari explores the theme of our need for God in everything we do (Run to You) ‘… I need You, I can’t get enough of You, I come alive when I’m in Your presence…’ and also the theme that God has won the battle so we will rise and praise Him with all that we have (Rise) ‘… We will cry out Your renown, You are the God who has saved us, we will rise to praise You…’ Both songs leave me with a content feeling after multiple listens, and I could not be any more pleased.

Kari’s Bethel cover ‘Love Come Down’ is next, and this rendition fits with the style and theme of the album. Not upbeat at all, this song works in Kari’s favour, focusing on her emotive vocals and the thought provoking lyrics. Kari chooses a style that is to her strengths, fitting with the other tracks; and I thoroughly feel blessed.

Matt Maher guests on ‘We Exalt You Name’. In my opinion, the lack of a build up brings the lyrics and the vocals to the forefront of the song. And Kari shines in her singing yet again, as does Matt Maher. The repetition of ‘…Jesus Reigns, overall He reigns…’ in the chorus, is quite moving and stirring as well.

The album closer is another purely piano track ‘Here’, co-written with All Sons and Daughters duo Leslie Jordan and Dave Leonard, simply saying Jesus is here amongst us so we all know that we aren’t alone so we do not have to be afraid of anything. A majestic and near perfect finish to a well accomplished and rounded album.

And if you haven’t heard enough of Kari by now, there is always iTunes, where you can pick up her bonus track ‘The Wonder of Your Name’; a worship song co written with Matt Bronlewee; a fitting end to the album, with Kari declaring that “…we will stand in awe, You are Lord of all, oh the wonder of Your name…”

All in all Kari is as emotional, honest and powerful, or maybe even more so, in this album, as any other worship album in the past five years. This album touched me so much emotionally and spiritually. Kari is an excellent songwriter, and she sticks to a certain style in her album; this is what I believe sets her apart from some other worship artists. She knows her strengths and sings to it.

As mentioned by her, it is evident to see that Kari has a heart for Jesus, flowing into her music in the form of passion: “I think there are times as believers when we feel entitled and that life shouldn’t be hard. We live in this culture of convenience…but if we can learn to fall more in love with the Lord and trust Him in the middle of every storm, we build our endurance to keep running the race.” A Dove Award nomination for Worship Album of the Year may not be that far away! Kari takes her label change all in her stride, pouring out her praises to Jesus instead of worrying on the logistics of moving to another label. As a reviewer, this album is near flawless. I would have no hesitation to say this so far for 2012 releases, this is the album I would first pick up next time in my local Christian bookstore. Kari is as accomplished and as talented a worship leader as Paul Baloche or Chris Tomlin. I pray you will grow in your faith of Jesus immensely in 2012! Hats off to Ed Cash and Matt Bronlewee too!

Score: 4.5/5