The Prince of Praise is back with “An Invitation to Worship”, a Gospel album with 21st century flavor. This album is a blend of classic hymns and modern worship songs, ranging from “Holy Holy Holy” to a duet with J. Moss on the R&B fused “We Love You”.

In the car, in the office, or in quiet time with the Lord, this album truly is a call to the listener to worship God. One can’t help but stop where they are, raise a hand in praise, and worship the Lord while listening to this album, from the high-energy opening song “I Will Bless the Lord”, to the interlude reminding the listener of the power of Jesus’ name “In Case You’ve Forgotten”, to the “Invitation” anticipating God’s presence.

There are few songs with a pure heart of worship like “Breathe”, with the simple assertion that we desperately need the Lord just to take each breath. Artists like Lisa McClendon have reinvigorated this song with unique flavor, and Byron Cage tries his hand at it on this album. At a meditative and focused tempo, Cage leads a choir into deep and genuine worship from the depths of his soul. Throughout the song, he prayerfully acknowledges the desperate need he and every human possess for God to live, grow, and breathe. The unhurried pulse and simple instrumental accompaniment compliment a true heart-cry from the soul for relationship with the Creator. He proclaims over the shouts of the choir “I need you Lord!/ Every hour, I want you Jesus!/ Yes, I do…/”.

“An Invitation To Worship” approaches a wide range of emotion in its seventeen tracks. From elation, to quiet worship, to brokenness, Cage and company don’t shy away from crazy praise to anguish laced with hope in the Lord’s power to change a life. In the true-to-life “Broken But I’m Healed”, the lyrics speak comfort to the hurt and heartbreak and offer hope in the power of God for deliverance. “God knows about your situation/ But with every test and every trial there is revelation/ that God is able to supply every one of your needs/ He’s here to touch you, heal you, oh, he’ll set you free”.

More than a choir director, Byron Cage invokes listeners to tap into the Spirit of God that dwells in the praises of his people. He lends his soulful vocals to the album in addition to the rich sounds of the traditional choir accompanying him. His encouragement to believe the words being sung are passionate and genuine and guide the focus on worshipping the Lord.

Whether you have been raised singing hymnals on Sunday mornings or prefer modern artists like Kirk Franklin, “An Invitation to Worship” will bless you as you bless the Lord through your praise.