ARISE RISES TO THE TOP OF THE CHARTS
William McDowell, worship leader and gospel artist released his second album, ARISE last week to consumer success. The prolific double CD set landed in the Number 1 slot on both Billboard's Top Gospel and Top Praise & Worship charts this week.
McDowell who is best known for the worship anthem "I Give Myself Away," continues to touch a chord with a broad base of listeners with his special approach to worship music. The album initially topped the iTunes Christian / Gospel chart when it released last Tuesday, and is the Number 3 album on Billboard's Top Christian & Gospel Albums (combined) chart.
The simplicity of McDowell's point of view and the pureness of his intent to please God is what makes ARISE so exceptional. ARISE was recorded live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL at Christian Life Center and is packed with 23 compelling songs of worship, praise, authority, inspiration and revelation. McDowell's vision for the project is a no-nonsense attitude about praise and worship music and it is evident that his sole purpose was to please God.
The results are awe-inspiring. From the triumphant strains of the opening title track to the last lingering note of the closer, "I Won't Go Back," ARISE is one of the most fluid and Spirit-led displays of congregational worship in recent memory.
The first single, "I Won't Go Back" is a powerful song of purpose revealing the importance of pure worship. "I Won't Go Back" speaks right to people's hearts and offers a reminder of a new life in Christ. Making waves at radio, the single is currently in the Top 15 on the gospel radio charts and is Number 10 on the Christian/Gospel Digital sales chart.
Other highlights of ARISE include the anthemic title track which is a call-to-arms for the Body of Christ; and the unifying "You Are God Alone." Other stand-outs are "Overcomer" and "Standing," each a duet with twin sisters Martha Munizzi and Mary Alessi, respectively. McDowell also revisits his hit "I Give Myself Away," with an all-new live version that proved extraordinarily moving when the whole audience joined in.
"I'm praying for one thing specifically," McDowell says as he looks back on the two-disc compilation, "and that is that the Lord will accept this worship."
