Dan Macaulay is a Canadian-born worship leader for a church in Connecticut, as well as an accomplished musician who has won several Canadian music awards. After teaching how to lead worship to a group of believers in Malaysia, Macaulay came back home inspired to write a new batch of songs. These songs, along with a song penned by Michael W. Smith ("Breathe In Me," which actually features Smitty on piano), make up Macaulay's new worship album, From You, For You. Even from the album title, one can tell that the songs will be completely and totally dedicated to God; one listen confirms it. Macaulay provides a worship album that saints all over can listen to and worship along with. "You're faithful through and through, no one compares to You, in You our heart's content, 'cause Your love is permanent, You're our absolute, Jesus the living proof, our song will never end, 'cause Your love is permanent" serves as the chorus for the power ballad "Permanent," which is a beautiful reminder and celebration that God's love is neverending. "Saving Grace" is one that Macaulay says he has been performing during worship services for a few years. He says in his official band bio that God has used this song in powerful ways to touch people's spirits, citing Philippians 1:6 as the song's source. From a worship standpoint, Macaulay's songs are powerful and also easily accessible for contemporary worship teams to play for their respective churches. From an artistic standpoint, the creativity of From You, For You is on the same level as Hillsong or Chris Tomlin. In other words, there's not a lot of it. Big, sweeping choruses, power ballads, and contemporary music that at times borders on country music--without the twangy vocals--are all aspects that flood the album. So if you don't like either of the aforementioned artists, chances are this album is not for you. However, if those artists are among your favorites, Dan Macaulay's From You, For You will fit perfectly in your playlist.
- Review date: 3/5/12, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com