Charlie Peacock is one of those artists who seems to be able to do so many things so well. As a writer, he is able to communicate a lot of truth in very few words. As a musician and singer, he is able to express such emotion and feeling in his music that the listener is drawn in. As a producer, he pulls the best from the artists he works with, making them the best that they are, as opposed to what anyone else thinks that they should be.
Last year, he turned his talents toward creating a praise and worship recording. The result was Coram Deo In the Presence of God, an album that sought to point out the freedom that we have in God, the freedom to live in His presence and learn about His love and concern for us. Utilizing the vocal talents of Out of the Grey, Michael Card, Susan Ashton, Michael English, and Peacock, the album was warmly received by critics and the public, and earned a Dove Award nomination for Song of the Year for "Amen, Praise and Glory."
Now comes Coram Deo II People of Praise. Like the first, the songs are all written or co-written by Peacock, and most would translate well for use in a church worship service, albeit, one that has a contemporary tone. Again, he uses the vocal talents of a variety of artists, though the only holdovers from the first album are Out of the Grey. This time, Peacock also draws upon Margaret Becker, Bob Carlisle, CeCe Winans, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Steve Green to bring the songs to life. They meet the challenge well.
With this recording, Peacock's intention seems to be to focus more on direct praise of God. Lyrically, these songs are not complex-they don't need to be. They simply and straightforwardly speak of the glories of God.
All of the songs are good, but I do have some favorites. The opening cut, "Love Is The Only Power," is a beautiful reminder that, although God has granted us many gifts in which to help each other and serve Him, the only thing that we should really be pursuing is love. Featuring Out of the Grey, it has a melody and chorus that stuck with me long after the tune was over. It also has some great harmonica playing by Buddy Greene. Most people would not think of using a harmonica in a praise song, but then, Peacock is not known for doing the usual.
My other favorite is the last song, "My Jesus, My Savior, My God." Sung by Peacock, the words speak to the need for each individual to be seeking their fulfillment in God. Only by pursuing the personal relationship with him will all of our human needs and desires be fulfilled.
With songs suitable for both personal and corporate worship, Peacock has once again crafted a musical work that is sure to help many draw closer to God.
