Darlene Joyce Steinhardt, who we now know by her married name, Darlene Zschech, was born on September 8, 1965 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. At ten she was part of an Australian children's show 'Happy Go Round'. She has sung jingles for companies such as McDonald's, KFC, and Coca-Cola. She released her solo debut, MAKE THE CHOICE, in 1987. In 1993 she wrote her signature song 'Shout to the Lord' which became a massive praise and worship hit internationally. She joined the staff of Hillsong Church, and has went on to release a few more solo albums. The one I will be reviewing here is 2011's YOU ARE LOVE (Fair Trade/Columbia). In the liner notes Darlene writes: "These songs have been gathered, written, and recorded as I continue to walk this journey of loving and worshiping my King in every season...and as my heart discovers new ways and new melodies to sing a very earnest THANK YOU".
1. 'Under Grace' is one of seven songs penned solely by Darlene. David Davidson is responsible for the lovely string arrangements on this light pop song of personal testimony: "Under grace, You cover my failing again/Heavenly rain, You wash all my fear away, away/When I woke today, the sun was not hiding away/And hope filled my world once again/My life forever, changed by the Master/My life forever, given to praise/And I`m forever grateful for my salvation/Washing over all my sin/You are washing over all my sin".
2. Michael Gungor, Israel Houghton, and Darlene co-wrote 'Saving Me', a joyful, bouncy pop song featuring Darlene's daughter Zoe Z: "Love is saving me/Everything I am becoming free to love/You're saving me, Your love saving me/This beauty for ashes/Your love changing me/Your presence is calling me/Oh hear the sound of salvation".
3. The title track, 'You are Love', is a beautiful praise and worship anthem: "You are love/Love unfailing, love divine/You are love/Love that mends a heart like mine/You are love/Lifted high for all to see/You are love/The heavens sing of Your glory/You are love, You are love".
4. 'We are Your People' is a modern worship song of spiritual consecration: "We are Your people/We live to worship/We live to carry Your Name/Making a way by Your love/To move every mountain/We're living with healing and grace/We carry Your Name, Jesus". Electric guitar is put to good use here.
5. 'I Will Wait' runs over six and a half minutes long. It is one of two co-writes between Darlene and Israel Houghton. This wonderful adult contemporary ballad that builds in musical intensity is one of spiritual dedication: "Though the storms may rage around me/In the eye I will rest my soul/Lord I love You more than life itself/This I know/I will wait for You/I will wait/Lord, I'll wait for You/I will wait/In Your presence I surrender/Laying down all my foolish pride/As this deep calls unto deep/I will love You with all my life".
6. 'Beautiful' includes these calming words: "Oh peace, flood my soul/Be still my anxious heart/When I don't understand/You hold me/Peace, flood my soul/You're beautiful/Amazing love over me/You're beautiful/A love beyond all I see".
7. Next up is 'Hope for Humanity', which points everyone directly to Christ: "Jesus, Jesus/Saviour, Emmanuel/Oh Jesus, my Jesus/Healer, only You are/Hope for all humanity/Jesus, my Lord/The hope of the world is Jesus".
8. 'Faithful' is a great modern worship song: "You rescue me from enemy lines/You're reaching down from heaven's open skies/You run to my defense, You cover me/For when I am weak/You are strong/Savior, all my days in Your hands/Redeemer, every dream, every plan/Father, at Your word I respond/You are my God, You are faithful".
9. 'Cry of the Broken' includes a nice electric guitar solo and expresses gratitude for Calvary: "You were wounded for my sin and You were bruised for all my shame/You were broken for my healing/Only by the cross I am saved".
10. 'Face to Face' is an easy listening number that is a duet with Barry Southgate. Stu Garrard plays guitar while Tony Lucido plays bass. The song paints a beautiful picture with these words: "My searching heart was aching for a place to find a home/You knocked upon its doors, I asked You in/Oh, You loved me into life and all its fullness/Now I know that I am Yours forever/You are mine".
11. Last up is a Bonus Exclusive Australian Mix of 'Under Grace'.
Darlene Zschech's vocals are just lovely to listen to on YOU ARE LOVE. This album is comprised of mostly slow adult contemporary, modern worship, and light pop songs. Made clear is the fact that we all need to have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Also we should worship God. Our God is full of beauty, grace, mercy, love, healing, and holiness. He provided a way through the death and resurrection of Christ for us to receive forgiveness and salvation. In addition, we are reminded to share God and His message of love with people who don't yet know Him. The Cd booklet is nicely put together with some beautiful shots. I'm rating YOU ARE LOVE 95%. For more info visit: www.darlenezschech.com or connect with her on Facebook.