Lion
Live album by
Elevation Worship
ReleasedMarch 4, 2022 (2022-03-04)
Recorded2021
VenueElevation Church Ballantyne, Charlotte, North Carolina, US
GenreContemporary worship music
Length102:41
Label
Producer
Elevation Worship chronology
Old Church Basement
(2021)		 Lion
(2022)		 Can You Imagine?
(2023)
Singles from Lion
  1. "Might Get Loud"
    Released: August 20, 2021
  2. "Same God"
    Released: June 17, 2022

Lion (stylized in all-caps) is the tenth live album by American contemporary worship band Elevation Worship. It was released on March 4, 2022,[1] via Elevation Worship Records and Provident Label Group. The featured worship leaders on the album are Chris Brown, Jonsal Barrientes, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett, Tiffany Hudson, Joe L. Barnes, and Chandler Moore.[2]

Lion was supported by the release of "Might Get Loud" and "Same God" as singles. "Might Get Loud" peaked at No. 20 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart. "Same God" peaked at No. 1 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. "What I See" and "This Is the Kingdom" were released as promotional singles from the album. "What I See" peaked at No. 28 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. "This Is the Kingdom" peaked at No. 27 on the Hot Christian Songs chart. The album is also being promoted with the Elevation Nights 2022 Arena Tour and the Elevation Worship Summer Tour, spanning cities across the United States.

Lion became a commercially successful album upon its release, debuting at No. 2 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart in the United States, and at No. 3 on the Official Charts' Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in the United Kingdom. Lion received two GMA Dove Award nominations for Worship Album of the Year and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year at the 2022 GMA Dove Awards.[3] The album received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards.[4]

Background

On January 21, 2022, Elevation Worship announced that they will release an album titled Lion, The album being slated for release on March 4, 2022.[5] The album follows the release of the band's last solo release Graves into Gardens (2020), and the collaborative album Old Church Basement (2021) alongside Maverick City Music, both albums achieving commercial success and critical acclaim for the band.[6] The album contains fifteen tracks and features Elevation Worship members Chris Brown, Jonsal Barrientes, and Tiffany Hudson, alongside guest appearances from Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett, Joe L Barnes, and Chandler Moore.[7] Chris Brown shared the story behind the album,[8] saying:

This project was written and recorded at different times over the last year and really covers a broad spectrum of moments captured in our church worship. Some of these songs really surprised us in the writing rooms, which led us to some very special moments in recording them - both in the studio and live in church. The process of making this album has been unlike any other we’ve had.

Speaking to American Songwriter, Brown shared that the songwriting process for Lion was marked by challenging their own pre-conceived notions of worship music should sound like in the 18 months leading up to the album's release.[9]

Artwork

Chris Brown of Elevation Worship shared that the decision process behind choosing the album cover was explorative, saying that as the album took shape and with inspiration from the title track, Steven Furtick suggested taking an unexpected direction the album cover, opting to put a lamb on the cover depicting "the encompassing and paradoxical nature of who God is."[10] Brown expounded on the paradoxical nature of God, saying "So much of God’s kingdom embodies paradox. Jesus himself does: He was servant and master. He was sovereign and he submitted to authority. He’s the beginning and the end. He’s the Lion and the Lamb."[10]

Release and promotion

Singles

Elevation Worship released "Might Get Loud" featuring Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, and Tiffany Hudson, on August 20, 2021, as the lead single from the album, accompanied with its music video.[11] The song peaked at No. 20 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.[12]

The radio version of "Same God" was released on June 17, 2022, making it the second single from the album.[13] The song peaked at No. 1 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart dated January 21, 2023, on the back of significant gains in radio airplay and streaming.[14]

Promotional singles

On January 21, 2022, Elevation Worship launched the digital pre-order of the album, releasing "Same God" featuring Jonsal Barrientes as the first promotional single from the album, accompanied with its music video.[15]

On February 4, 2022, Elevation Worship released "What I See" featuring Chris Brown as the second promotional single from the album, accompanied with its music video.[16] "What I See" peaked at No. 28 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.[12]

On February 18, 2022, Elevation Worship released "This Is the Kingdom" featuring Pat Barrett as the third and final promotional single from the album.[17] "This Is the Kingdom" peaked at No. 27 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart.[12]

Touring

On February 2, 2022, Premier Productions announced that Elevation Worship and Steven Furtick will be embarking on the Elevation Nights 2022 Arena Tour, performing in eight cities in the spring of 2022.[18] The tour commenced at the Now Arena in Chicago, Illinois,[19] on April 26, 2022, and concluded at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts,[20] on May 5, 2022.[21]

On June 2, 2022, Premier Productions announced that Elevation Worship will be embarking on the Elevation Worship Summer Tour 2022.[22] The group will be joined by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes on tour.[23] The tour will span 13 dates across arenas in the United States, commencing at the Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, Texas, on August 5, 2022,[24] and concludes at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 21, 2022.[25]

Reception

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
365 Days of Inspiring Media2.5/5[26]
JubileeCast3.75/5[27]

Timothy Yap, reviewing for JubileeCast, concluded in his review of the album: "As expected, it is difficult for such a mammoth album like Lion to hold our attention all the way through. But there are enough gems to serve the church and individuals in worship."[27] In an Afrocritik review, John Augustina said "Each of the tracks come with a depth and unique taste that leaves people submerged in awe as they ponder on the love and commitment of God. The album is a sure conduit of God’s presence. Like dosages, these songs come highly recommended for church folks who are looking for uplifting songs to grease their spirits as they engage in their private devotions."[28] Joshua Andre in his 365 Days of Inspiring Media review opined that "Sadly though, I found great parts of Lion lacking for me, in every aspect," citing a failure to connect with the songs and suggesting that the band "have come to a point where their past discography will probably sound infinitely better than anything they release in the future."[26] Gerod Bass of Worship Musician magazine wrote a positive review of the album, saying "Lion is a deep expression of personal, honest and creative worship and every song writer who writes worship music should stop and take notice of what they have done, I applaud them for taking all kinds of risks for the sake of the Gospel with this album."[29]

Accolades

Awards
Year Organization Award Result Ref
2022 GMA Dove Awards Worship Album of the Year Nominated
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year Nominated
2023 Grammy Awards Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Nominated

Commercial performance

In the United States, Lion debuted at No. 2 on the Top Christian Albums chart in the United States dated March 19, 2022.[32] The album concurrently registered on the mainstream Billboard 200 chart at No. 80.[33] In the United Kingdom, Lion debuted on the OCC's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart at No. 3.[34] The album also charted on the Swiss Hitparade at No. 83.[35]

Track listing

Lion
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Bye Bye Babylon" (featuring Valley Boys)
4:22
2."What I See" (featuring Chris Brown)
4:36
3."Same God" (featuring Jonsal Barrientes)
  • Furtick
  • Brown
  • Lake
  • Barrett
8:01
4."Lion" (featuring Chris Brown and Brandon Lake)
  • Brown
  • Lake
  • Furtick
5:54
5."This Is the Kingdom" (featuring Pat Barrett)
  • Barrett
  • Furtick
  • Brown
  • Ingram
9:58
6."This Is the Kingdom (Flow)" (featuring Pat Barrett)
  • Barrett
  • Furtick
  • Brown
  • Ingram
4:36
7."Dancing" (featuring Joe L Barnes and Tiffany Hudson)
5:04
8."Water Is Wild" (featuring Chris Brown and Brandon Lake)
  • Brown
  • Lake
  • Furtick
7:44
9."Welcome Resurrection" (featuring Chris Brown)
7:56
10."Forever YHWH" (featuring Tiffany Hudson)
  • Furtick
  • Brown
  • Lake
  • Barrett
8:19
11."No One" (featuring Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson)
10:19
12."You Really Are" (featuring Chandler Moore & Tiffany Hudson)Furtick8:43
13."Why" (featuring Valley Boys)
  • Furtick
  • Brown
  • Lake
4:33
14."The One You Love" (featuring Chandler Moore)
7:57
15."Might Get Loud" (featuring Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, and Tiffany Hudson)
  • Brown
  • Lake
  • Furtick
4:39
Total length:102:41

Charts

Release history

Release history and formats for Lion
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Various March 4, 2022
Elevation Worship [41]
March 18, 2022 CD Provident Label Group [42]

References

  1. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (March 4, 2022). "Elevation Worship Debuts Highly Anticipated 'LION' Album - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  2. ↑ Harper, Blessing (January 22, 2022). "7 Things to Know About Elevation Worship's "Lion" : News : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  3. ↑ Longs, Herb (August 10, 2022). "Watch: Nominations For 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards Announced - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  4. ↑ Longs, Herb (November 15, 2022). "Nominations For 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards Unveiled Including CCM & Gospel Categories - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Elevation Worship Announces Upcoming Album". NewReleaseToday. January 21, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  6. ↑ "BC News News | New album from Elevation Worship, 'Lion', releases March 4th | BREATHEcast". BREATHEcast. January 21, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Elevation Worship Releasing New Album, LION, March 4th - JesusWired.com". JesusWired. February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Louder Than The Music - Elevation Worship Releasing New Album, 'LION'". Louder Than The Music. January 22, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  9. ↑ Walthall, Catherine (March 4, 2022). "Elevation Worship Embraces the Paradoxes of Life & Faith on Latest Album". American Songwriter. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  10. 1 2 "Elevation Worship | Artist Interview — lead worship well". lead worship well. March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  11. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (August 20, 2021). "Elevation Worship Debuts Energetic New Single "Might Get Loud" - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  12. 1 2 3 "Elevation Worship". Billboard. Hot Christian Songs Chart History. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Same God (Radio Version) (Single) by Elevation Worship | CD Reviews And Information | NewReleaseToday". NewReleaseToday. June 17, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
  14. ↑ Asker, Jim (January 19, 2023). "Elevation Worship Tops Hot Christian Songs & Christian Airplay Charts – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  15. ↑ Cluver, Ross (January 21, 2022). "Elevation Worship Releases New Single/Video 'Same God' | CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  16. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (February 4, 2022). "Elevation Worship Drops Pre-Release Track "What I See" - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  17. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (February 18, 2022). "Elevation Worship Debuts New Song "This Is The Kingdom" Ft. Pat Barrett - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  18. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (February 2, 2022). "Premier Productions Announces 2022 Elevation Nights Tour - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Elevation Nights 2022 Arena Tour - Chicago, IL 2022". Platform Tickets. January 19, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  20. ↑ "Elevation Nights: Elevation Worship and Steven Furtick | TD Garden". TD Garden. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  21. ↑ "Premier Productions Announces 2022 Elevation Nights Tour - The Gospel Music Association". Gospel Music Association. February 2, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  22. ↑ Clarks, Jessie (June 2, 2022). "Elevation Worship Announces Summer Tour Ft. Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Elevation Worship Announces Summer 2022 Tour". NewReleaseToday. June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Elevation Worship Summer Tour 2022 - Grand Prairie, TX 2022". Platform Tickets. May 27, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  25. ↑ "Premier Productions Announces the Elevation Worship Summer Tour - The Gospel Music Association". Gospel Music Association. June 3, 2022. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
  26. 1 2 Andre, Joshua (April 5, 2022). "Elevation Worship – LION | 365 Days of Inspiring Media". 365 Days of Inspiring Media. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  27. 1 2 Yap, Timothy (March 3, 2022). "Elevation Worship "LION" Album Review : Exclusives : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  28. ↑ Augustina, John (March 13, 2022). "In "Lion," Elevation Worship Carves a Deep-Spirited Album - Afrocritik". Afrocritik. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  29. ↑ Bass, Gerod (April 26, 2022). "Now Hear This". Worship Musician Magazine April 2022. Adolph Agency Incorporated. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  30. ↑ "2022 Nominees | The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards". GMA Dove Awards. August 10, 2022. Archived from the original on August 11, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  31. ↑ Atkinson, Katie (November 15, 2022). "Grammy Nominations 2023: The Full List – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
  32. ↑ "Top Christian Albums – Billboard". Billboard. March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Billboard 200 – Billboard". Billboard. March 15, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  34. 1 2 "Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  35. ↑ "Schweizer Hitparade - Alben Top 100 - hitparade.ch". hitparade.ch. Hung Medien. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
  36. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Elevation Worship – Lion". Hung Medien. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  37. ↑ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  38. ↑ "Elevation Worship Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  39. ↑ "Elevation Worship Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  40. ↑ "Top Christian Albums – Billboard". Billboard. Year-End Chart. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
  41. ↑ "LION by Elevation Worship on Amazon Music - Amazon.com". Amazon.com. March 4, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
  42. ↑ "Old Church Basement – Provident". Provident Entertainment. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
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