(Photo :Javen)

Adulation and brouhaha accompanied Kirk Franklin when he released his debut record "Kirk Franklin and the Family" two decades ago.  Heralded as the "Garth Brooks of Gospel music," Franklin's debut disc spent 100 weeks on Billboard's Gospel album chart, 42 of them at number one.  Franklin was the first Gospel artist to have his debut record going platinum, selling over a million copies.  Incumbent upon Javen Campbell's "Worship in the Now Live" are some of the similar traits that are characteristics of Franklin's debut.  Just like Franklin who wanted to take his music beyond the traditional Gospel crowd, Javen has a God-sized vision of getting the whole of America worshipping.  And such a kingdom-ambition brims arduously right through these 16 songs.  In an effort to reach all of America in all its diversity, though Javen's roots are entrenched in Gospel music, here you will find traces of modern worship, pop and rock all layered to give Javen his own unique sound.  Instead of going on endless speaking riffs at the expense of well-crafted and memorable tunes, Javen has kept his style of worship laconic and engaging yet by no means less Spirit filled.  Further, having been a co-host on the TV show "Paula White Show" and his stints in theatrical Broadway musicals helped provide Javen with an engaging presence that works out winsomely on this live recording.    

"Worship in the Now Live" is the accompanying soundtrack to Javen's seminar of the same titular on song writing, music and worshipping that he has been doing across the nation.  Helmed by Stellar Award winner Jonathan Nelson this album contains mostly of newly written songs by Javen and also with Nelson.  Indeed the pride of place goes to Javen's song writing prowess and Nelson's production expertise.  Lyrically the title cut "Worship in the Now" is a simple call to worship echoing John 4:24, but listen to how Javen weaves his singing with that of the choir to crescendo into a catharsis climax of heartfelt worship.   Producer Nelson's deft use of the piano and choir is just nothing short of stellar.  "Come to Me" and "Lift Me Up," are holy jammers, where Javen takes traditional gospel foot-stompers and veneered them with a contemporary edge of soaring electric guitars and propulsive drums.  Listening to how label mate Damita lets loose in worship with her Kelly Rowland-like soar is a privilege.

Entrenched with the rich flavorful molasses of God's goodness is the ballad "You Are My God" when Javen sings, "Your grace sufficient for my soul/And you love has never let me go/I would be nothing without you/The greatest thing I've done is to give my life to you." Continuing on with the same worshipful fervor is "Majesty."  If the words sound familiar, it's because it's Javen's take of Jack Hayford's classic from the 80s.  Javen has donned this worship classic with a newly constructed tune that it's almost unrecognisable if it were not for the lyrics.  The other cover is Javen's take of Hillsong Live's "Hosanna."  While the original (performed by Darlene Zschech and Brooke Fraser) has an anthemic stadium filling sound, Javen's version is more acoustically driven with a softer rock feel that is no less worshipful.

Newer fans who have not been familiar with Javen's canon is treated with a medley of his older songs, "None Like You," "Fresh Oil" and "Safe."  "Safe" is easily the favorite.  A hymn-like assurance of God's protective presence, this is the musical equivalent to a soft pillow after a harsh day; the song that oozes out comfort to the hurting soul.  "Worship in the Now Live" lives up to Javen's lofty vision of seeing America worshipping God.  Javen teems with energy, vitality and Godly passion; and these songs will not only provide hours of worship time for traditional Gospel fans but also for those who just love to worship Jesus.