Christopher Lewis – Crisis: Change Is Required

By Em Fergusson

Gospel singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader, Christopher Lewis, is back with his newest awe-inspiring release, Crisis: Change is Required. The impressive 18-track album is filled with songs that evoke courage and strength in the time of a crisis. Lewis felt compelled to create the album after experiencing two crises in his life. Not only does he provide an 18-track album, Crisis is accompanied by another disk with additional songs.

Lewis explains this album release is about looking at crises from a different perspective. "This whole CD is about how we confront a crisis," says Lewis. "Sometimes we look at things as a negative when it's really just a turning point where change is required."

Earlier releases from Lewis include themes surrounding life, and Crisis: Change is Required is no different. The sultry, jazzy and soulful gospel album contains songs encouraging listeners to persevere through troubled times. "I think this CD is so timely with its message because we are in a season that people are ready to make changes across the board," says Lewis.

Joining Lewis on the edgy The Cryout is reggae performer, Monty Garner. The Cryout is a plea to God to help with temptation. The brief exchange in the beginning of the track includes a dialogue of a burdened man asking for help. Lewis assures him that God is the answer. Similarly, the traditional hymnal, Show Me the Way featuring Bishop Paul S. Morton, speaks of the relief that comes in knowing and turning to Jesus Christ in time of need. The lyrics express this plea, by asking for direction in life: “Show me the way/ I need you to show me the way/Yeah!/Yeah!/Show me the way...make me what you want me to be, Jesus…”

The first contemporary track on the release, U Don’t Know, is a distinctive remix of harmonious melodies exploring the theme of living life from a testimonial perspective. The song states God is wonderful and good. While U Don't Know lends a unique perspective to living a blessed life, Runnin’ is a bold plea for God to cleanse throughout. Runnin’ is also a soulful cry to run back to God.