print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: Connected (Michael Tillmon) | December, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

Connected : Michael Tillmon
December, 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by Em Fergusson

There is nothing more important than connecting to God in these trying times. Michael Tillmon captures this essence of worship on his debut album, Connected. The songs are filled with deep, sincere lyrics, accompanied by soft, smooth rhythms. The artist, producer and writer felt the call on his life to follow God’s leading in his life from an early age.

“I started writing this particular album when I was about sixteen years old,” says Tillmon.

Realizing it was not yet his time, Tillmon set the songs aside until very recently. The message shared on this album reminds listeners that despite the troubled world we live in, there is still hope in connecting with Jesus Christ.

There is a strong, prayerful atmosphere on soulful tracks such as ‘It’s God’s Will.’ The song speaks of the will of God for us to establish a deep relationship with Him. God places this desire within our hearts to reach out to Him. The lyrics also explore time and how it impacts our relationship with God: ‘A time to lose/A time to laugh/ A time to keep/A time to cast away/A time to choose…’And at times, as the song suggests, there is a time to rejoice and connect with God.

The upbeat, traditional praise and worship track, ‘Power,’ is spiritually rejuvenating. It praises God and recognizes that He has all power in His hand, even in the darkest hour. The uplifting message goes beyond encouragement. It recognizes the reality of how God moves and changes peoples’ lives. ‘Thou Art King,’ is another similar track with a wonderful worship melody. This slow-moving track speaks of the sacrifice that Christ made and again, encourages listeners to worship Him.

Tillmon explains why he believes these songs will bless listeners. “My music shows them how to lift their heads and how to make it to a higher level through God,” he says.

The sincere ballad, ‘A Friend,’ expresses how important it is to reach higher heights in a relationship with God, and delivers the message of connecting with God in a refreshing way. Using elements of the traditional hymn, ‘Reach Out And Touch The Lord,’ ‘A Friend’ affirms there is also peace derived from reaching out to God.

Declaring that the power of God goes beyond simple words, the compelling, classical song, ‘He Rescued Me,’ proclaims God’s mercy. Backed by a harmonious choir, there is a refreshing biblical message of being saved, sanctified and rescued from Satan’s grasp. This is a track that is purpose-driven. It reaffirms how real God is and the importance of keeping faith alive.

You’re bound to instinctively join Michael Tillmon and the choir, as they join their hands together and worship on the lively, traditional hymnal, ‘I Believe!’. The track speaks of a heavenly mansion and wanting to see Christ in Heaven. The lyrics also encourage listeners to continue in their walk with the Lord, and that at the end of this life, there will be a reward.

Throughout the album, themes of laying a firm foundation in God and praising Him daily for what He continues to do creates a stirring experience for listeners. If it has been a long time since you felt the presence of God in your life, listen to this album and reconnect with Him; you will experience the joy of the Lord in your life.

According to Tillmon, “I want the world to know that there is still hope…I want them to know that there are still songs of inspiration in these times of desperation…”

The songs of inspiration on the album, Connected, will certainly carry you through to the New Year. Make connecting with God number one on your New Year’s resolution list.