''Before There Was'' is the second and final studio album by American
contemporary worship music
Contemporary worship music (CWM), also known as praise and worship music, is a defined genre of Christian music used in contemporary worship. It has developed over the past 60 years and is stylistically similar to pop music. The songs are fr ...
group
Bellarive
Bellarive was a contemporary Christian music, Christian pop rock band that originated in Orlando, Florida, Orlando, Florida in 2009. The band is composed of Sean Curran (vocals, keys and guitar), Melissa Mage (vocals and percussion), Mike Mage (pr ...
. The album was released via
Sparrow Records
Sparrow Records is a Christian music record label and a division of Universal Music Group.
History
Sparrow Records was founded in 1976 by Billy Ray Hearn, then artists and repertoire (A&R) director at Myrrh Records. Purchased by Thorn EMI in ...
on July 22, 2014.
Contents
Production was handled by Nathan Dantzler and Joshua Silverberg.
Critical reception
Writing for ''Worship Leader'', Jeremy Armstrong depicts that "Bellarive craft atmospheric worship with glorious musical builds and fantastic musical eruptions that praise God in musical prosody as much as in lyrical poetry."
On behalf of ''
Cross Rhythms
Cross Rhythms is a Christian media organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It operates an FM and online radio station, produces radio shows sent internationally, and its website has resources about contemporary Christian music.
Hi ...
'', Chris Webb suggests "this is rock and praise with substance."
Grace Aspinwall explains that some tunes are "Fresh and innovative" yet others "exude joy and light."
Writing for New Release Tuesday, Caitlin Lassiter exclaims "''Before There Was'' is a huge step for Bellarive... certainly the most exciting and promising worship album we've seen so far this year, and is sure to be categorized as one of the best of all time."
On behalf of Jesus Freak Hideout, Roger Gelwicks portrays that "A rich look at the gospel's power, ''Before There Was'' is a distinct highlight for this summer's playlist."
Mark Rice derides that "It is a fairly solid worship album with several stunning moments, but it simply sounds like they are trying to satisfy a bit too large of an audience than they are meant to."
April Covington advises that "As you listen to ''Before There Was'', you'll be dancing for joy over God's glory and grace."
Writing for Louder Than the Music, Jono Davies describes that "they are fitting into their new bigger, bolder shoes much more comfortably. There is definitely no second album worry from the most exciting band around at the moment."
On behalf of 365 Days of Inspiring Media, Jonathan Andre advocates that "''Before There Was'' is a great album, and one that genuinely surprised me with its ability to bring listeners, myself included, into a place of reverence and adoration... Well done guys for such a well thought out and enjoyable album".
Track listing
Chart performance
References
External links
AllMusic
{{DEFAULTSORT:Before There Was
2014 albums
Bellarive albums
Sparrow Records albums