Thank you to Capitol Records for providing me with product, in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared are my own.

Okay, KJ fans... this one is for you! I am a huge fan of Kari Jobe's worship music. As a worship leader, myself, I certainly have a deep appreciation for other worship leaders, and worship music is a huge part of my daily life. So many of Kari Jobe's songs have touched my heart- 'Forever,' and 'Revelation Song,' are among my favorites. Kari Jobe has been through quite a lot since releasing Majestic (another favorite album of mine)- she's gotten married, and welcomed a baby into the mix.

Kari Jobe has just released her new album, The Garden. This album follows the highly acclaimed live project Majestic that produced the hit single “Forever” and “I Am Not Alone.” The Garden was written and recorded during a season of pain and loss for Jobe’s family.

“This album was written out of experiencing God’s closeness, goodness and mercy even through a season of great loss for my family,” shares Kari Jobe about the inspiration behind The Garden. “He can redeem any situation we are going through. I was reminded of His desire for intimate, real relationship with us like He had originally designed back in Garden of Eden. If we look up and around us, we will realize that God has been tending to the details of our hearts and souls throughout our entire lives. He is much like a gardener, knowing what to prune and what seeds to sow that will grow in due season and be life-giving to us. The Garden is all about seeing the beauty and kindness of God in the midst of the difficulties. He’s not distant or disconnected from our pain; in fact, He’s been right here the whole time, turning ashes into beauty.”

Working with producer Jeremy Edwardson (Jesus Culture, Hillsong UNITED, Jon Foreman), she also co-wrote with her husband and worship leader Cody Carnes, Brooke Fraser Ligertwood, Martin Smith, Jason Ingram and many other worship leader friends. Check out two songs that have been released with lovely lyric videos from the forthcoming album: “The Cause of Christ” and “Heal Our Land.”

My thoughts...

I had high hopes and expectations for The Garden. I had heard 'The Cause of Christ' before the album was released, and I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. I popped The Garden into my CD player at home, and listened to it as I worked and entertained Baby S. Just after listening to the first three songs, I was in love with it, and was falling in love with Jesus all over again.

This album is so completely honest and real. I can tell that Kari Jobe really dug into her personal life when writing these songs, or co-writing them. There's a depth to these songs that really reveal such raw emotion, such longing for God, such adoration. The story behind The Garden is heartbreaking, yet beautiful. I encourage you to visit Kari Jobe's website to check it out. While some songs are very personal, others are very worshipful, and are very appropriate for corporate worship. 'Heal Our Land' is so powerful, and in light of what is happening across the US, it speaks a language of love, life, and hope, when so many are hurt and despairing.

'Miracles' is amazing. The chorus is so simple, but to speak or sing the words, 'I believe in You. I believe in You, You're the God of miracles,' is so freeing. This song is a cover of Bethel's 'Miracles,' and it's just gorgeous. It's a surrender to God when we are our most vulnerable selves- when we're in the trenches, and desperate to be pulled out. Kari Jobe also covers a song by Elevation Worship, and co-wrote a lot of the music with some of my personal favorite Christian songwriters and worship leaders, including Brooke Fraser Ligertwood, Mia Fields, Martin Smith, Ben Fielding, and Amanda Cook.

As I listened to the songs, I quickly noticed that the songs are not in typical KJ style. I immediately noticed musical influences from Hillsong, Jesus Culture, etc. Some of the songs felt a bit edgier, like those of Hillsong UNITED's Zion album. There's also a lot of ethereal sound and space on this album (which I love, because it is so worshipful), which is Jesus Culture style in my book. What I love about this, is that it creates space for the listener (the worshiper) to have an intimate moment with God, or to have a beautiful exchange while listening. I worshiped as I listened. I let the music, and the very presence of God sweep over me. I felt so many things through this music, which just proves the power that these songs and melodies hold. Our God is so amazing, and He has spoken through Kari Jobe, and the other writers of these songs so beautifully. Will you allow yourself to take a listen, and let the King of Kings enter into your heart? I hope you will.

Want it? Get it!

Head to karijobe.com to learn more about Kari Jobe, and to experience The Garden. The Garden is now available for purchase.

Want it? Win it!

One lucky reader will win their own copy of The Garden Deluxe Edition on CD. This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 and older. Just use the handy entry form below to enter for your chances to win! MBP is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Please see our policies page for details.

Special thanks to Capitol Records for allowing me to share about The Garden, and for offering this giveaway for our readers.

Good luck & God bless!