Aaron Shust's "Take Over" a Welcome New Release

With the opening track, "To God Alone", Shust has undoubtedly added another timeless staple to the worship music pantry. The album's first release to radio, it's already climbing the charts.

Shust moves seamlessly into the modern-rock number "Come and Save Us". The tune's catchy opening guitar riff immediately induces a tendency to head-bop along with the music. A feeling that holds tight throughout the song.

The title track is anchored with fun, upbeat pop rhythms. Don't be surprised if you find yourself singing the repetitive, but not monotonous, lyrics by the end of the song.

Stuck smack in the middle is "Rest in the Arms". With its smooth, lullaby-like quality, the tune slows the musical pace temporarily, while the lyrics continue the album's theme of reminding us to rely solely on God.

The guitar-driven "Ever After" spritely implores listeners to hold onto the hope that Shust has found in Jesus Christ, even in the ominous times in which we live: "There's no such thing as Peter Pan, no such place as Never Never Land. Wish we all could have those tiny magic wings, but we live in a world of wars... we won't find our ever after here."

Another personal favorite is "Still You Love Me". The song confirms the belief that God loves us unconditionally, even though He knows our deepest, darkest secrets. I know the lyrics are culled from Psalms 139, but it still reminds me of that classic line by Jennifer Lopez in "Maid in Manhattan". Speaking to the security guard monitoring the hotel surveillance cameras, "You're just like God, you see everything and still smile." That image of God makes me smile every time I hear Shust sing this one.

The album is comprised primarily of songs collaboratively penned by Shust and some of Christian music's most prolific songwriters, including Matthew West, Matt Bronleewe, Brandon Heath, and Ian Eskelin. His strong musical delivery on each and every track showcases brilliantly the talent that won Shust the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Best New Artist in 2006.

"Take Over" is predominantly a praise and worship album and a couple of the songs are sure to make their way to church screens across the nation, which is not at all surprising since Shust himself has long been a church worship leader. But don't dismiss "Take Over" as solely a soundtrack for corporate services. It's also one of those great classic collections that can be listened to by anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Take Over
Aaron Shust
Brash Music (Released August 4, 2009)
List Price: $13.98