William MurphyGod Chaser
RCA Inspiration (2013)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
When on the title track of God Chaser, William Murphy declares, “because I love you, I’ll chase you forever,” it brought to mind the two lovers eternally out of reach in Keats’s Ode on a Grecian Urn.
It may be the first time gospel music evoked an image from nineteenth-century Romantic poetry.
“The essence of my ministry, my calling,” Murphy said, “is to usher people into the presence of the Lord in a way so powerful that they become true God chasers. That is the essence of my life. So the CD is a collection of prophetic songs that came to us in prayer and in times of worship.”
Murphy’s God Chaser was recorded during a live worship service and, as such, is best listened to in its entirety. Throughout, Murphy’s muscular voice delivers sacred affirmations to cleanse the mind and soul.
It may not be a coincidence that God Chaserhas the flavor of a Shekinah Glory Ministry project. Murphy was the soloist on SGM’s breakout single, “Praise is What I Do.” Like SGM, the album’s soundtrack drifts from snarling guitars to worship quiescence and back, concluding with a hypnotic beat evocative of Israel Houghton on “You Are My Strength.”
Whether as praise or hopeful prayer, the lyrics intimate that life may be tough today but things will get better. On “Higher,” Murphy asserts that nothing can stand in the way of his blessings, and as if to illustrate, the proceeding praise break is a veritable stomping on life’s problems. Similarly, “Praying For You” reminds listeners to hold their head up, let go, and let God.
The album’s singular highlight is the current single, “You Reign,” a modern day congregational song with simple P&W lyrics and melody.
One of the first projects from the new RCA Inspiration label (formerly Verity Records), God Chaser fits firmly within the current trend of worship experience albums. William Murphy combines a worship leader’s theatrical touch with a preacher’s authoritative command.
Four of Five Stars
Pick: “You Reign.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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