Trailblazin Ministries

Shachah - On the Move

Written by G-Rich
Sunday, July 13, 2008

Album Overview

For some reason, it took me forever to get to writing this review. Burned out by exams, with writer's block hitting me pretty hard, I finally got around to it. In fact, this album may have been the perfect one to get me back into the swing of things...

The reason I say this is that Shachah's On the Move is what I would call a breakthrough in Christian rap, if it even fits that description (the rap part that is). As I popped in my headphones, I realized CMR had added some serious diversity to the record label, and this review would have me entering a musical territory I hadn't yet encountered in Christian music. Shachah is a funk rock/rap band with a very interesting sound, intent on worshiping the Lord, which is fitting, as the name "Shachah" is the Hebrew word for "worship." The group consists of Brenden McPeek (vocals/rap), Josh Wagner (vocals/guitar), Earl Mergelsberg (bass), and Stephen Anderson (drums). I've never heard such a unique, bangin' sound in Christian music. From the rap to the worship songs, the project brings a versatile collection of music for a wide range of listeners. And don't be fooled, these guys aren't rookies. Although this is their first album on CMR, it is their 4th project, with an EP and two full length projects preceding it. Their experience definitely shows with the professional quality the album boasts.

This album is a must-have for all HHH fans looking for a unique twist for their library, along with those wanting some summer music to vibe to for the next few months. The album has an upbeat swing throughout, meshing perfectly with this time of year. Trust me; you won't be disappointed in this purchase.

Spiritual Significance

As with all other CMR groups and artists, Shachah brings Bible-based songs, giving the listeners topics that relate closely to Scripture. To me, the album seemed to revolve around the title, putting Christ On the Move, similar to the old Cross Movement song off Human Emergency. All the topics revolved around things that would benefit believers acting dutifully as ministers and street soldiers for God. With that said, the album brings encouragement to those struggling while grinding for the Gospel. Songs like "Won't Stop" and "Stand Up" urge the listener to continue working for God and represent Him with no shame, reflecting Philippians 3:12-14 and Romans 1:16, respectively. I've always liked albums that provide encouragement to those in ministry because they are very personal, as the artists are ministers themselves.

On the other hand, the album also focuses on the believer's personal walk with the Lord, which is a critical part of ministering effectively. In order for someone to bring the truth to others, they must have a solid grasp on living it out in their own life. Tracks like "Choose Life" and "Found My Place" target issues/lessons in every believer's life: contentment in God's love (Philippians 4:10-11) and finding one's place in God, letting go of the world and focusing on Him (Matthew 6:25-33).

All in all, the CD gives good lessons on living right in God as a believer focusing on both how to spread God's love to others and how to get one's own walk tuned up.

Topics Covered

• Be ready for God's coming (Matthew 25:13)
• Representing/Standing up for God's truth with no shame (Romans 1:16)
• Not backing down in the face of evil
• Pressing on in the faith (Philippians 3:12-14)
• Being content in life with the Lord (Philippians 4:10-11)
• Finding one's place in God
• Letting go of world (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Forgetting worries: giving them to the Lord (Matthew 11:28-30)
• Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)

Key Tracks

On the Move, Are You Ready?, Won't Stop, Choose Life, Arise