What would you expect the teenagers of nationally-famous musicians and producers to do with their free time? Create music of their own, right? It seems only natural-like parents like children, or something like that. However, what you might not expect is that this group of teens called Generation Y (as an alternative to the Generation X concept) is making modern praise music.
19 year-old Christopher Omartian, son of Michael Omartian is the producer of the project, drawing on 11 other teens for various contributions. Joining Omartian was his 13 year-old sister, Amanda, Joey Richie has already sung tracks on Lisa Bevill's All Because Of You and Margaret Becker's Grace, Akil Thompson is the 15 year-old son of Genesis drummer Chester Thompson, 13 year-old Sarah Gaines is the daughter of Billy and Sarah Gaines, Kara Williamson grew up singing with The Williamsons, and others.
Most of the songs on the project are remakes of classic contemporary Christian praise music: there is an electric guitar laced rendition of Cheri Keaggy's "We Have Come To Worship Him;" "Jesus Is Lord Of All," the Andraé Crouch classic, is redone with a heavy piano pop vibe, while Crouch's "Jesus Is The Answer" is turned into a rock anthem; "Whatever You Ask" is performed as a strong rock ballad; the classic "Sing Your Praise to the Lord" is remade with a grunge-guitar-packed sound; the "Holy, Holy" that Kathy Troccoli brought to prominence remains close to the original with a boost of electric guitars; the electric guitars and saxophone trade flaring moments on a combination of "Praise the Name of Jesus/You Oh Lord Are My Refuge/Emmanuel;" and the closer, "Holy Ground" is a slow and simple piano/sax/percussion/string-led, heartfelt rendition. Most of the songs are led by the female vocalists on the team. Chris Omartian and Sigmund Johns combined to pen the two original tunes-both in the hip-hop realm-"Thy Word Is A Lamp" and "Magnify."
From that description you know that this is a diverse album, covering most of what teens are listening to today. Therefore, some of the project should appeal to almost all kids and young adults, but runs the risk of becoming "nothing to anyone" while attempting to become "something to everyone." So, for those with diverse tastes for youthful praise music, this will be a welcome release.
Maybe Generation X will never be the same...
