Main Review
The Dove-nominated worship leader, singer/songwriter, and incredible guitarist Lincoln Brewster brings us his seventh
solo album Real Life. Now, I’ve never been a big fan of Brewster’s, and I’ve only heard about half the man’s discography,
but over the years I’ve come to have certain expectations of him. He never quite disappoints me, but he never really
amazes me either. Finally, Lincoln Brewster has exceeded my expectations! This is still the same Lincoln Brewster we’ve
all come to know, but Real Life is a more personal, deeper album than anything he has released in the past.
The album opens with the upbeat “Best Days,” co-penned my Hillsong Music’s Mia Fieldes (who co-wrote five other tracks
on the album), a song of encouragement. It reminds us that our past is our past, our future is in God’s hands because He
has a plan, He will be faithful, and our best days are ahead of us. “Best Days” is then followed by the first single off the
album “Reaching for You,” co-written by worship leader, singer/songwriter and fellow labelmate, Paul Baloche.
Songs like “So Good” and “I Belong To You” are typical Brewster songs, exactly what you’d expect. While songs like the
intimate piano ballad “More Than Amazing,” the softer “Loved By You,” and “Whom Shall I Fear” (with guest vocals by Kari
Jobe), are songs I can see being used for one’s worship and praying time.
The stand out tracks and my personal favorites on the album are “Real Life,” the autobiographic “Made for More,” and the
final track “Shout (He’s The Saving One)”. The title track speaks of one’s past, present and hopes for the future, and the
things we sometimes take for granted. “Made For More” is a song of Brewster’s desire for more than what this world has
to offer: “Don’t care about money, don’t care about fame/Not chasing some great accolade/ Oh, I want more/…More than
this whole world can offer/ More than all that time destroys/ And all I’ve wanted here can’t satisfy my wanting/’Cause I was
made, made for more…” The upbeat and energetic “Shout (He’s The Saving One)” co-written by Jason Ingram and Paul
Baloche, ends the album superbly!
Closing Thoughts
Overall; this isn’t anything we haven’t heard before, but lyrically, this is something new we haven’t heard from Lincoln
Brewster. The lyrics, music, and the heart capture real life splendidly, and make up for an enjoyable worship experience.
Review Written By: Rebecca Rycross [rebecca.rycross@christianmusicreview.org] on 9/19/2010
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