Good News

Blending elements of arena rock, electronica, and acoustic folk, Ian Yates explores the bond between God and believer with creative subtlety and openhearted reverence. On his sophomore album, the British singer/songwriter builds on his role as worship leader at Liverpool’s Bootle Elim Church, keeping his testimony personal while reaching for universal themes of praise, healing, and salvation. The presence of guitarist Stu G (Delirious, One Sonic Society) in these tracks highlights Yates’ connection to the expansive sonic tradition of U.K. Christian rock. But Yates sets himself apart by with a rough-edged vocal style and willingness to push against the worship genre’s boundaries. Avoiding big shout-along choruses and spiritual battle cries, he goes for a more intimate, vulnerable approach in songs like “Trusting in You,” “The Lord Is Here," and “The Cross Changed Everything.” “You Are Here” and “You Found Me” catch him at his most dreamily enraptured, while “New” takes him into dance-club territory without diluting his prayerful message. His ability to portray God as a living physical presence in “The Father’s Love” is especially impressive.