John Sellers

Item: Dreams & Visions
Author: Janet Friesen

Dreams & Visions

(1997)

Reviewed by Janet Friesen

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Spotify YouTube Music

Label King and Bride RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth1997

ccm gospel worship

One of the most popular choruses sung in churches today is the song "You are Crowned." Written by John Sellers, it has made its way into many a congregational psalter. With Dreams & Visions, Sellers shares with us ten more of his songs of praise and worship.

Musically, there are some real highlights here. Sellers' piano playing is reminiscent of Keith Green and stands out throughout the entire project. Most notable are two instrumental pieces, the Prelude at the very beginning and the Interlude in the middle. These are beautiful pieces that allow the piano to really shine. Melissa Jones on background vocals, and lead vocals on "You are Crowned" and "Set Me Apart," is also a treat.

The difficulty with this project arises primarily with the songs themselves. Much of this has a dated feel to it, reminding me of groups from the 80's such as Second Chapter of Acts. Since these are praise and worship songs, some repetition is expected, but there is far too much of it here. Some of these songs seem to go on and on, and many of them sound the same. The exception to this is the beautiful chorus "Set Me Apart."

I sing praises from my heart to my King
To your altar my gifts I bring
I want to be yielded to Thee
After Your heart, Lord
Set me apart

This is a chorus I would like to add to those that we sing in my church. It has a lovely melody and lyrics that go straight to the heart of our relationship with God. The rest of the project, however, is not as interesting. I would like to see more variety in style and less repetition. There are moments here, but not enough to make this project stand out.

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