Exceptional artists with genuine talent and a sincere message are hard to forget. That’s why I still remember the US-based singer, songwriter, producer, and worship leader, John Long, since I was introduced to him at the beginning of this year, reviewing his single, “Only Limit Is You.” And now it’s time to delve into his passionate project, in which he evoked all his musical talents, sincere emotions, and intense experiences on his latest album, “Zealous.”
It is an incredible gift to be able to translate your feelings into something tangible that can be shared, such as words or music. It’s not an easy process to get the work done, but it just flows naturally when you’re truthful about what you’re willing to share. That is what makes the album that has been made from the depths of John Long’s heart reach to the most vulnerable part of one’s heart.
“Zealous” is a journey to pursue God’s presence in one’s life. The eight-track album is meticulously crafted, with heartfelt, profound, and cordial lyrics that put you in the place of others in different stories in the Bible; poignant vocals that color to fit the single’s mood, sound, and message; and the fusion of Rock, Pop, and Electronic that make each single sound different, feel different, and make one engage with the outstanding composition they’re hearing.
Before hearing it, I was willing to just pick the songs I liked and refer to them, but once I pressed the play button, I didn’t feel myself until I was immersed in its aesthetic. Should we begin the not-short but worthwhile adventure?
Believe, let him in, seek him out
The journey of faith begins with “Ghost Upon The Water.” We intend to believe that if we were in the shoes of others, we would behave differently, and Long took us to the middle of the sea, alongside the disciples. Would we take the leap? Or would we hear: “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31 NIV). Most of the song brilliantly conveys the conflict of doubt and, by the end, the certainty of faith. The tone of the vocals, instrumentation, and lyrics shift from questioning and floppy as the raging water to calm, joyous, and reliant. It’s a recurring song that leaves you believing that: “There’s beauty in the mystery of hope.”
Moving to the fittingly titled “Joy,” with all the elements bursting with spiritual joy that doesn’t end when the circumstances are gloomy. The dynamic percussion resembles one’s rising heart rate when they’re feeling an internal joy that is always renewable. How the vocals sound delightful shows how sincere Long is. It’s a three-minute single, but its feelings last much longer.
There’s a huge difference between acknowledging that God exists and seeking his presence in every moment of your life. “Zealous,” the title track, embodies that yearning. It’s not about opening the door that God knocks; it’s about having the attitude of “I’m running after you. I’ll never stop chasing you.” And the most touching line in the lyrics that deliver the message clearly is: “A zealous heart knows no season.” I know it’s something I’d like to always remember. Musically wise, we haven’t reached half of the album yet, and it’s obvious that each single song sounds exactly as it feels, as the message it delivers. You can see how the guitars, percussion, and vocals are zealous here, especially in the vibrant chorus that give chills.
“Wash Your Feet” is the halfway point on our journey to the depths of worship. Right from the intro, the electronic elements blend with the rock sound and catch your ears. And once Long’s vocals enter with a delicate, peaceful tone, he evokes the scene of the sinful woman who broke the alabaster jar that she could barely afford over Jesus’ feet and washed them out with all kindness, oblivious to how everyone else is taking and thinking. Would we ever have her faith and think, “Let it coast me everything, to wash your feet.”
Feel his presence
Starting with intense strings, which give a mystic feeling, in “In Awe.” As it progresses, it turns out to be an almost instrumental piece, and the simple lyrical and touching vocals just complement the ethereal sensations of the track. It portrays the feeling of being in awe of God, not knowing what to say, not knowing how to describe it! You just stand still and feel the beauty of his presence. It’s the simplest single of the album, yet it effectively touches one’s core.
Hearing “Throne Room” gives you a majestic feeling of angels soaring around you. How it progresses and builds around well-thought texture, demonstrates the intense emotions of feeling surrounded by God’s holiness, feeling that you’re joining the angels in sacramental rituals of glorifying him with all your heart.
Embrace the peace
“Rest, O Child” is a song that you can close your eyes and hear to feel serene. The tranquil atmosphere will let you forget about the world’s events and mental troubles for a while. The peaceful vocals along with the gentle guitar chords take your heavy heart at ease and let some light penetrate it. It urges us that every time we feel like we need to hide from the world, we can seek God’s warm hugs and lean on his shoulders.
The spiritual journey concludes with “More Than Enough,” which leaves us with the vital moral of knowing that one of the results of having a consistent relationship with God is that we end up seeing him in everything, hearing him everywhere, and finding him to be more than enough. The single starts with the line: “Through all the noise in all the world, I hear a whisper calling me deeper into life, into joy, into hope,” with soulful vocals that embody it, carrying the grace and fulfilment we feel when we are in union with God. And that’s the sensation that endures throughout the single with its soft rhythm, heartfelt lyrics, and moving vocals.
Wow! What a journey! John Long certainly outdid himself. Making a fatty meal like this isn’t easy. The album is driven by the emotions of a loyal servant of God. But he didn’t just want to deliver the message; he wanted it to be delivered perfectly, paying attention to every detail, and ensuring that the production of each song enhanced its meaning. I could go on and on, and I obviously didn’t try to express it briefly, but hearing it yourself is an entirely different experience.