by Monica P. Watkins

Over the past decade, Israel & New Breed have amassed quite a radiant display of award statues and plaques – from Gold-selling albums, to Dove Awards, Stellar awards, Soul Train awards, and two very official, “you’ve done good” GRAMMY nods – proving that excellence is still desirable and is still very much appreciated in the world of music. With their latest release, A Deeper Level, Israel & New Breed invite you in to yet another priceless worship experience, as they continue to raise the standard and level of expectation in Christian music. The Recording Academy seconds the motion, as they rewarded this amazing body of work with the 2008 GRAMMY award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel album.

On A Deeper Level, Israel remains fairly consistent when it comes to his writing team. He and Aaron Lindsey have obviously settled into their own rhythm, and if it’s not broken...well you know the saying. With track three, Prayers of the Righteous (Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey and Adrian Lindsey), I was immediately submerged. This has to be the most potent musical injection of scripture (James 5:16) ears will ever hear. The vocal arrangement is flawless and falls effortlessly over a musical composition with a strong piano leading the way. The “we are victorious” chant rounding out the latter half of this six-plus-minute piece.

It would take all day to cover the various other musical elements and buried treasure of A Deeper Level. Just a few of the other striking treats on this project are probably the guest appearances by artists like Chris Tomlin (I Know Who I Am), Darlene Zschech (Deeper Prayer), and Johnny Lang (You Are Not Forgotten). The track co-written by Chris Tomlin is so Chris yet so Israel, all at the same time, so this was undoubtedly a match made in heaven.

A Deeper Level is what I call the “typical newness,” an oxymoron we’ve come to expect and anticipate from Israel & New Breed. The project is typical in the consistent use of scripturally based lyrics that is expected of Israel & New Breed and the power of live music that is simply unmatched by studio projects. This is the group’s third consecutive live project. It's almost enough to make me not care if I ever hear another studio sound from Israel. Each project is a musical mountain climbing experience with a peak that provides a breathtaking view of the glory of God. And just when you thought that was as high as you could climb, the group presents yet another mountainous project, challenging the listener to go higher (or in this case “deeper”) to reach a place of more fulfilling spiritual awakening, revelation, and uninhibited worship. 

There is a spirit of unity – one voice, one sound- within this abundantly talented group of singers, songwriters and musicians that pours out through their music and fills an atmosphere, and it is blatantly evident on this project. This group is a family of worshippers, and their bond can be felt throughout the music. It is recorded that the entire Israel & New Breed clan submitted to 40 days of fasting and prayer prior to the three day live recording of A Deeper Level. Now if that’s not enough said, I’m really not sure what is.

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