“God Of Wonders” is sung every Sunday morning somewhere in the Western world (and beyond). But not many folks singing it would know the great artistic histories of its two songwriters, Steve Hindalong of longtime Christian Music vets The Choir and Marc Byrd, formerly of Common Children and half of husband and wife worship duo Glassbyrd.
Glassbyrd’s Open Wide This Window shimmers and shines with beautiful guitar textures that are a Marc Byrd specialty and weaves the voices of Byrd and his wife, Christine Glass (herself a veteran of alternative Christian music in the 90’s) in an atmospheric display. Opening number “Open Wide This Window” invites the Lord into our daily lives with the metaphor of opening a window to let the Spirit in like fresh air into a stale room. “Tonight (I Want To Live In Your World)” repeats this theme comparing life lived for ones self to living in “an empty room with bare walls” (and the song was later covered expertly by Jaci Velasquez). Closing number “Peace To You” echoes the prayer of St. Francis who wanted to be an “instrument of God’s peace.” The haunting acapella choir at the end of the song (and record) cinches Open Wide This Window as a beautiful and overlooked worship classic.
– Alex Caldwell
Glassbyrd
Open Wide This Window (2003)
Click here for our review of the album.
Our synopsis: “A worship release made by folks with a history of artistic integrity and cutting edge sounds and textures.” (Recommended by JFH’s Alex “Tincan” Caldwell)
Perfect For: Worshipful moments of beauty and introspection that is just a bit more mature than the average worship record. Recommended for fans of Sixpence None The Richer, The Glorious Unseen, The Choir and the City On A Hill recordings
Song Highlights: “This Window,” “Tonight (I Want To Live In Your World),” “Peace To You”
So, what are your thoughts on and experiences with the album Open Wide This Window? Do you recommend it? If so, why?