The Ascension

Phil Wickham’s voice is a remarkable instrument, at once sensitive and commanding, embodying the sort of spiritual rapture his lyrics celebrate. Drawing on the theme of pilgrimage within Psalms 120 to 134, he fills The Ascension with a sweeping reverence that reaches out to believers across cultural boundaries. Wickham’s latest work could be called a worship album, though it takes a more intimate approach than is typical with such projects. He strikes an inspiring keynote with the folk-slanted title tune and continues in an uplifting vein with the buoyant “Holy Light” and the grandly melodic “Carry My Soul.” “This Is Amazing Grace” has the appeal of a natural radio single, while “When My Heart Is Torn Asunder” and “Wonderful” are praise numbers suited to congregational settings. Wickham stretches his sound to embrace techno dance beats on “Over All”; then he shifts to more familiar turf with the delicately acoustic “Mercy.” “Thirst” shows off the singer’s silvery falsetto to full advantage as he offers a final hosanna to the Savior.