Hymn of Heaven by Phil Wickham

Phil Wickham doesn’t dazzle with flashy music, but the guy always provides solid, upbeat worship songs. Wickham’s eighth album, “Hymn of Heaven,” delivers with 13 triumphant selections. “Hymn of Heaven is full of praise and thankfulness, just lifting up the name of Jesus and speaking what we really know the reality is even though we don’t see it,” he said in a release. “All I want to do is facilitate moments where people can encounter the presence of God. I just want to write songs that I’d want to sing with my church in a way that musically lights my heart up, and I think I’ve done that better on this record than I ever have before.” The most striking song on the record, “Battle Belongs,” reached No. 1 chart-status and signals dependence and surrender. It says in part: “So when I fight on my knees; With my hands lifted high; Oh God the battle belongs to You; And every fear I lay at your feet; I'll sing through the night; Oh God the battle belongs to You.” Sit down and praise and thank the Lord with this one. (FairTrade Services)