Rita Springer

Item: All I Have
Author: Zik Jackson

All I Have

(2000)

Reviewed by Zik Jackson

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Floodgate RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2000

ccm gospel worship

From the first strains of the opening song, one is aware that they are in for a wonderful, worshipful experience. Rita Springer releases All I Have, a collection of intimate worship tunes straight from her heart, and the debut release of Floodgate Records. A veteran songwriter of such number one hits as "You Are Still Holy" for Kim Hill's Arms of Mercy and numerous songs for the Vineyard Music Group, Springer seems poised for national exposure after releasing two independent projects.

While Springer may be unknown to some praise & worship aficionados, one spin of this CD will earn some instant fans. The first track, "You Said," starts out with a slow piano riff, which gradually crescendos with the other instruments into an anthemic cry to God for His Kingdom to come to the nations. "Mansion" follows a similar pattern, drawing the listener into worship.

Lyrically, this album is a worship leader's treasure chest, with most of the songs focusing on an intimate relationship with God or passionate praise. Although "You Said" and "Mansion" are the highlights here, almost all the tracks are easy to learn songs with memorable melodies, aimed at the contemporary church worshiper. The only ones that seem to miss the mark are "Created To Worship," a somewhat sleepy tune, despite its careful string arrangement, and "Beautiful Friend" a two-minute cliché set to solo acoustic guitar.

Musically, Springer's impassioned vocals and piano chops are showcased by clean production and delicate arrangements, helmed by Andy Piercy (Matt Redman, Delirious?, Kim Hill). The style is piano-based "California worship" plus acoustic guitar strumming, a la Vineyard or Maranatha! Music. Throughout All I Have, Springer's sweet, mature voice sounds similar to Kelly Willard and Cheri Keaggy, with a little Nichole Nordeman thrown in.

You may not be dancing in the aisles with this one, but for quiet, sincere worship All I Have is hard to beat. Let us hope this is not really all Rita Springer has.

4.5 tocks