Worth Dying For- Live Riot (Review)

Integrity Music/Ammunition Records

Release Date: February 7th 2012

Reviewed by Joshua Andre

Worth Dying For - Live Riot Amazonmp3 / iTunes

After receiving this album in December 2011, it wasn’t until the middle of January 2012 that I started reviewing Worth Dying For’s ‘Live Riot’, partly due to the varied genre: worship, pop, rock, even metal as well. As I felt comfortable in my ‘box’ of albums to review, after first listening to the first track ‘Rebuild’, more of a rap prophecy, I immediately felt challenged, and I turned off the music.

However after giving the album another chance and as I listened more and more to this 17 track live version of their previous two albums, I grew to appreciate Worth Dying For. From the opener, to the closer ‘Savior’, ‘Live Riot’ is a musical and lyrical journey through Christian’s many music genres, and Worth Dying For encompass every genre at their best. The fact that there are different singers leading each song is a bonus too.

‘Rebuild’, the opener, starts with a guitar riff; Jeremy Johnson then dives into a rap like description of the struggle between light and darkness in this world, at times reminding me of Tobymac or KJ 52; and about how good finally wins through Jesus conquering the grave. A style similar to Carman’s ‘The Champion’, Jeremy does not hold back as he paints a vivid description of the spiritual battle happening every day between God and the devil. I had to listen to this song multiple times as it was so rich for just one listen. Check out the music video here.

The second track, ‘Arise’ is a rockier worship anthem in the vein of Planetshakers. I can’t help but feel happy and keep my toes dancing as Rochelle Laguern belts out ‘Your love, Your fire, Your love, Your power, Let it rise within me, let it rise within me…’ A worship song for the ages.

Sean Loche then leads ‘Never Look Back’, which could be mistaken for a Hillsong United song. Laden with guitars and heavy beats, and lyrics such as ‘…We will follow You to the cross, where your love redeemed the lost, You have given endless hope, we will never look back…’ this is another gem.

Fourth is ‘Freedom Is Rising’ led by Dalisha Turner. Singing about how God’s love is contagious and that ‘…freedom is breaking…shackles have come undone…’ Dalisha injects a fun filled energy into this upbeat rock song with her voice and liveliness, pointing out a vibrant way about how we can use our life as a witness to others, about the freedom we have in Jesus.

‘One Love’, led by Christy Johnson, is segued next. Proclaiming that there is one love for us Christians, namely Jesus, and that we are ‘…giving up our own life, letting our flesh die…’, symbolising surrendering to Jesus; this song is very in-your-face, and Christy does a brilliant job with her vocals at making this song work.

The title track from their previous album ‘Love Riot’ is next. Led by Sean and Christy, another rocky anthem is in full force. This song may be sung in churches worldwide soon. Lyrically, the album is so far at its best here, with Sean belting out that because of what Jesus has done for us, we cannot helped to be changed and want to spread God’s love, so quickly that we ‘start a riot’ so to speak.

Christy then leads the pop/rock ‘World Can’t Take It Away’ with a similar theme to the previous track. Speaking about God’s qualities, and that the world cannot take away our salvation in Jesus Christ, ‘…You’re the hope that fills my heart, You’re my life, the light that kills the dark…’; this is another encouraging work of art from this worship band.

Now the album takes a turn away from the rock genre into straight out worship, and right off the bat, ‘Risen from the Grave’, led by Sean, outshines the first seven tracks. An instant favourite for me, this song is reminiscent of ‘Forever Reign’, with the theme and lyrics being similar. Sean proclaims that Jesus is Lord and that he has risen from the grave, and the crowd then takes over. A hauntingly eerie feel that made me realise how much the Spirit was anointing this track, this 9 minute declaration to Jesus has it all. Stunning guitar hooks, challenging and poignant lyrics, as well as a vertical focus on the risen Saviour. A well accomplished and authentic track.

Following on from the previous God moment track is ‘Closer’, led by Deanna Joven and Nick Morris. Another worship track in the vein of Hillsong, Deanna affirms that ‘…I don’t want to walk away from this place, unless I know I’ve given you all of me, Lord draw me closer to You…’ and spontaneously worships Jesus for the rest of the track, and into ‘All I Want (Closer reprise). I felt goose bumps literally during my listens of this track, and it is clear that Deanna has a heart for Jesus. Deanna just runs with the Spirit on this track, never trying to drag out the song or end it too soon.

Christy Johnson is back with ‘Higher’ next, a explosive announcing of Jesus’ name being higher than any other. Christy is a terrific worshipper and this is no exception, as she sings ‘Your name is higher, Your name is high above all, You love is greater, Your name has conquered it all…no grave could keep You down…’ Such perfect truths to sing, and a challenging song that even the non-Christian can be influenced by.

The worshipful ballads and anthems continue for the rest of the album. Sean Locke declares for Jesus to send His glory down and for us Christians to shout and bring the walls down in ‘Send Your Glory Down’; and later announces that ‘…we’re taking back what the enemy has stolen from me…’ in ‘Taking Back’.

‘Spirit of God’ is another spontaneous type song that also is very moving and touching, with Nick Morris and Christy Johnson shout out ‘Spirit of God, won’t you pour down like rain, awaken our hearts, I’m running to You…’. The Stu G like guitar solo later in the song is also captivating to listen to.

‘Light a Fire is next’, and Christy Johnson puts on her Jesus Culture hat, and rocks out too. Her infectious energy and uncompromising lyrics and heart for Jesus makes me enjoy this song all the more, and with her authoritatively singing ‘Light a fire, in the very place You won my heart…’ I can’t help be amazed by Christy’s leadership skills as a worship leader.

In the album closer ‘Savior’, Christy Johnson shows how she is an energetic performer, where an electronic start in a rap like fashion kicks the album closer off to a flying start. The song does not slow down, with Christy in full force declaring the word of God, and even encouraging the crowd to participate during the bridge.

But the most moving song and the most powerful in the latter half of the album in my opinion is ‘Power of Your Love’. Driven by the piano, Christy’s vocals shine, as she basically delivers the gospel, and tells us that ‘…all will see Your [Jesus'] love in me… The power of Your love has saved me, the power of Your love has restored me, the power of Your love never fails me, Your love is all I need, Jesus…’. For me, this chilling heartfelt 7 minute moment of praise to God is the pinnacle of Worth Dying For’s album.

It is clear that this young new group have had many influences. According to their biography on their website, Worth Dying For have had their sounds likened to and inspired by Skillet, Evanescence, Hillsong United, Jesus Culture and Planetshakers. Add to that the maturity of their passionate worship leaders, and you have a dedicated team of crafters, story tellers that can catapult themselves into any genre they wish.

Despite offering and excelling in their best efforts on this album; because of the varied genres in this album I was always thinking at the back of their mind ‘If their next album is more focused on a specific genre, will it work for them?…’. I always felt Worth Dying For be more inclined to worship rather than rock. Who knows what this Californian band will dish up in the future? But I know what is certain- they will certainly glorify God in whatever they venture into next!

Score: 4.25/5

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