The Dills “Everyday Praise” Album Review

It is not without reasons why singers are often referred to as artists.  This is because to be a singer of some esteemed calibre, it takes more than just hitting the high notes and trying to sing in line with the melody.  Rather, an artist needs be a sublime interpreter: he or she needs to be able to incorporate meaning, creativity and value into the nuances of the song's lyrics.  He or she needs to have an ear for honing the craft of singing that shafts depth and dimension into the foundations of the song.  And in the light of such a definition, the Dills are definitely artists par excellence.  The Dills which comprises of siblings Shawn and Tim Dill together with their wives LeeAnn and Bridget have had been a tour de force in Christian music particularly in Southern Gospel.  Together they have released 7 albums, but for their 8th effort, they have decided to go off on a tangent, albeit a rewarding one.

Instead of recording an album brimming with originals as they normally do, "Everyday Praise" finds the Dills recording some of their favorite worship songs. In fact, as the titular details, these 10 songs are by no means obscure ones.  Rather, if you have been to church in the last decade, you would be familiar with these 10 songs.  They include Brian Doerksen's "Come, Now is the Time to Worship," Jesus Culture's 'One Thing Remains," Matt Redman's "10,000 Reasons" & "Blessed Be Your Name," the Gettys' "The Power of the Cross" & "In Christ Alone" and Phillips, Craig and Dean's "Your Love Still Amazes Me."  And to add a more historical dimension to the songs' mix, they have also added two timeless hymns "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and "How Great Thou Art."

Helmed by producer Michael Holt, "Everyday Praises" brings out the artistic interpretation of the Dills.  Never ones to be accused of singing mere karaoke listen to their rendition of the Gettys' "In Christ Alone."  Sounding like we have just walked in a Celtic-styled worship service somewhere the Alps of Europe is the penny whistle-led extended introduction of "In Christ's Alone."  And in what is a touch of brilliance, they have tagged the chorus of Michael English's song of the same titular to the song's bridge that is nothing short of breathtaking.  In the album's liner notes, the Dills write about praising God even in our times of troubles.  Matt Redman's twin contributions "Blessed Be Your Name" and "10,000 Reasons" serve such trying times best.  Whilst Redman's signature take of "Blessed Be Your Name" has a more polished anthem filling demeanor, the Dills have brought it closer to home with a their simpler and even country sounding direction.  "10,000 Reasons" just like the aforementioned "In Christ's Alone" ups the Irish dosage. 

Nevertheless, the album's apogee is "Your Grace Still Amazes Me." Over some piano riffs that could elevate the soul from a mire of despair, "Your Grace Still Amazes" literally puts amazing back into grace.  And don't miss the Dills' sensitive and yet powerful delivery, it is just off the wall excellent.  Fans of Southern Gospel will get their share of treats with the Dills' harmony layered versions of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "How Great Thou Art."  "Everyday Praises," at the end of the day, serves a dual function:  first, they are 10 familiar worship songs for us to sing along too every day.  And second, this is far from one of those cookie cutter albums where originality takes a back seat.  Rather, allowing their creativity to run free and investing each syllable with thought and care, this is worship at its best.

Tags : The Dills Everyday Praise Southern Gospel