(Photo :Brett Rutledge)

Songwriting can be a tricky business, especially when you write music for the modern Church. With many different variables to consider, it is almost impossible to write music that is relevant in every setting. much less music that is embraced by every congregation.

A song that works well in a more traditional setting might fall flat in a younger, more modern setting. At the same time, something that is too new and too bold might not fit with a traditional church. One of the greatest challenges that worship leaders and ministers face is finding songs that challenge and connect with their congregations.

With his 2012 release "All I Need," Brett Rutledge attempts to do just that. He fuses together new sounds and melodies with traditional themes and styles to create a worship experience for all audiences.

Rutledge starts his album off with the energetic track, "Our God With Us." He starts strong by opening the listener up with his trademark sound, which is both accessible and relatable. His experience as an active worship leader is on full display here, as he weaves catchy melodies with solid biblical truth. His awareness of both the practical and spiritual needs of the church congregation are shown in his language and even his note choice. His melodies are relevant and reproducible, making this record and its songs user-friendly to modern worship leaders and ministers.

Rutledge continues in this fashion for the rest of the album, building to the focal point of the project: the title track, "All I Need."  This song is placed perfectly in the album as its centerpiece. The song accomplishes much, in that it presents a foundational Christian belief in a simple catchy manner, allowing worshipers to participate on their first listen-through as they would on their hundredth.

"All I Need" is a worship experience that will be a valuable asset to any worship leader. Finding songs that your congregation will engage with is tough enough, but being able to reproduce those songs without the luxury of a professional band and extensive vocal training can be tougher. With his first album release, Brett Rutledge provides relevant songs for the modern church that surely will not be his last.