W O rs h i p AC Rend Collective As Family We Go (Capitol) FOR FANS OF: Needtobreathe, Foy Vance QQQQ Somewhere between the vigorous energy of Foy Vance and popular contemporary worship acts lies Rend Collective. Ever since the worship band from Northern Ireland released Organic Family Hymnal in 2010, they’ve added a vibrant intensity to congregational catalogs with songs of celebration and praise. As Family We Go brings a communal theme to the table, a nod to both the familial bonds between the band members and the greater church family they are addressing. The songs themselves are vertical expressions filled with hope and joy rooted in the person and character of God. Slower numbers like “One and Only” are quite lovely, but Rend Collective’s signature up-tempo tunes are the bread and butter. Don’t miss the one-two punch of “Celebrate” and “Free as a Bird.” Sidewalk Prophets Something Different (Fervent) FOR FANS OF: for King & Country, Newsboys, Matthew West QQQ The aptly named and much-anticipated third studio album from Sidewalk Prophets, Something Different, successfully marks the band’s foray into their new era of sound. Venturing through palpable rock ‘n roll channels on this release, producer Seth Mosely (Newsboys, for King & Country) intensifies the band’s knack for creativity and dynamics while maintaining their mass pop appeal. Additionally, front man David Frey’s vocal performance is flawless throughout. On the title track, Frey melds his inner Steven Tyler and John Popper to deliver the most memorable vocal experience on the album. Rounding out its brilliance, Something Different doesn’t fall short on meaningful content to go along with the Prophets’ updated instrumentation and production. –Matt Conner WE LIKE: “Free as a Bird” –Jamie Walker We Like: “Something Different” CCMMagazine.com