Darlene Zschech “Testament” Album Review

Prime Cuts: You Will Make a Way; Yes Again; Spirit of the Living God

Overall Grade: 5/5

The impact of Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord" cannot be underestimated. Back in 1994, the song opened up the floodgates for worship music and encouraged women to step up as worship leaders. Before "Shout," Integrity Music's famed Hosanna series had no female worship leader. Her church at the time, Hillsong Church, had a recording contract with Integrity Music. Hillsong's worship pastor, Geoff Bullock, was supposed to be behind the microphone. However, before the recording, Bullock resigned. Zschech was the stand-in; "Shout" initially was not part of the setlist. Amidst what was deemed chaotic, God intervened, and history was written.

Thirty years later, Zschech is here to celebrate God's faithfulness in her journey. The album's popish title track, "Testament," sums up her testimony: God, You are the author of my days/God, You are the one who makes a way/I'm learning to trust when I can't see You clearly. "Testament" boasts 30 tracks, with 5 new cuts. Other than "Testament," the ballad "You Will Make a Way" is a powerful declaration of God's strength in opening doors with us. Dustin Smith co-wrote "You Will Make a Way" with Zschech and shares the pen on "Spirit of the Living God." Though not novel lyrically (remember Vertical Worship's song of the same name?), Zschech's earnest invitation to the Spirit to take control is stunning.

Co-written and featuring Mitch Wong on vocals is "Yes Again." Affirming faithfulness in following Jesus, whether in the mountain tops or the desert, this ballad deserves to be sung by every believer again and again. "My Confession," a song that resonates with Hillsong's "This I Believe (The Creed)," is the weakest offering in the canon of new songs. The rest of the 25 songs are re-recordings of her earlier compositions or co-compositions. Most prominent is her 2024 rendition of "Shout to the Lord." With the sweeping strings of the Australian Christian orchestra giving "Shout" a big band feel, the classic has never sounded better.

Over the years, Zschech has written primarily the big ballads for Hillsong church. "At the Cross," "Potter's Hands," "My Hope," and "Worthy is the Lamb" all need no introductions. These are the songs that have given articulation to worship over the last 30 years. Zschech has also included some lesser-known singles, such as her contribution to the Billy Graham tribute album "The Cross of Christ," her stand-alone single with Mitch Wong, "Soli Deo Gloria," and her hidden gem "Mercy Endures." Besides the repetitive and anemic "Cry of the Broken," her brilliant album "You Are Love" is not well represented. But if you want the best of Zschech's work in one collection, "Testament" is perfect.

 

 

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