It’s no secret that I love music of all kinds. One thing I always look for when I visit blogs is a section representing what the blogger in question might be listening to. I’m a firm believer that you can tell much about a person by the music that they listen to. Most of the time that section is either not present or I’ve heard most of the music represented (I’m not trying to brag, just recognizing that I listen to quite a bit of different music). But every so often, the browsing pays off and I come across a diamond in the rough; something I haven’t heard before. I had just such an experience visiting Andrew Jones’ Tall Skinny Kiwi a bit ago.

Andrew was talking about a CD that hhad finally arrived in the mail and he had this to say:

My Aradhna (Satsang) CD finally arrived. Apparently, they were recording the final night of a tour for a CD and a 3 year old child kicked the cords and they lost everything. But they felt God wanted them to continue so they played to those in the crowd that wanted to stay . . thus . . this album called Satsang.

Having said that. The CD is absolutely incredible and curry nights at our house will never be the same. I also think you should buy it. In fact, if your music collection of worship songs does not include at least ONE Aradhna CD, then it is indeed one tuna casserole short of the potluck.

It was the “curry night” reference that initially caught my eye (as interesting as the ‘tuna casserole’ comment is) as well as this quote taken from the band’s website: “aradhna means worship: the group captures the beauty and dignity of India’s bhajan devotional melodies with music that blends east and west.” Since I love much “world music” as its often described, I was intrigued enough to click through to the band’s website to try and find some sample tracks.

Upon arrival, after being quickly taken by their music, which is incredible, one of the first things I did was try to find English translations of their lyrics, which they readily provide. It must be said that the lyrics possess an obvious love for Christ as Savior and Lord and a sincerity, a passion for Christ that is missing in much modern “worship” music. Then, to hear these devotions sung in a foreign tongue is almost to joy-producing that it’s hard to take! One of my favorite tracks Gaao Re contains the following lines:

Sing oh Sky, sing oh Earth
Sing with me
My Lord Jesus has come today
And I am united with Him
I cannot stop my lips from singing
Sing you angels and birds of the sky
Play the music of the waves
Oh creatures of the deep
Peacock dance with grace
Take up a raga oh Sarangi and Veena
Play a taan oh Tabla and Sitar
Khanjari, shake and rattle with the music

The music is squarely rooted in what the band call “sitar/guitar arrangements of the Yeshu bhajans (devotional songs to Jesus).” The sitar and Indian percussion play heavily throughout this live release to great effect trading melody lines and solos, along with largely chorus-style lyrical arrangements. With the interest in Indian music and culture aroused by Caedmons Call’s Share the Well, this authentic release ought to be much more widely recognized. At points the artists do stop for short English prayers, which, to be honest tend to be a bit more distracting; the poetry of the Hindi dialect sung is such that the English almost feels as an interuption. Another track Binti Sunle sings:

Hear my request, O Lord, and uphold my honor
Have mercy on me, and remove my sins; cleanse my soul
Dear Jesus, hear my request; dear Jesus, hear my plea
Keep me by your side, and uphold my honor
I always cry out to you; open your ear to me
All my hope rests in you, Oh Lord; let me see you
You are the light of my eyes, my soul�s Lover
The One who owns my heart
You are my only Deliverer! You are the Lord!
Call me mad but I only wait to see you
I want to sing your praise forever

The lyrics are rarely lengthy (the quotes here represent the entirety of each track), but what they lack in length, they more than make up in devotion, which is always squarely focused on Christ, praising Him both for His work and person. Alex Montoya writes in his book Preaching With Passion, that longer is not always better, sometimes it just prolongs the agony. These tracks prove highly moving with few but focused lines. Their delivery is no less passionate and is something that ought to move any believer to their knees. This is great music regardless of the language.

The recording itself is muffled at times, possibly demonstrating the apparent technical difficulties of the night, but the spirit of the evening shines through, something lacking in many live recordings and the level of quality is not such that it distracts by any means. The passion for Christ and His glory is difficult to miss and convicting that so much “American” worship music falls so flat in comparison. Though a bit pricey at $17.00 (which does include shipping), the simple fact that this music is so unique makes coughing up that extra bit for a CD worthwhile, even if simply to support the band for more future releases!

There are times when, reading along with the English translations, it’s hard not to have tears gather; the passion of the worship is moving and listening to praise in another tongue is inspiring, reminding of that great and final day when we will, as one cry out “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-12).

Anyone with an understanding of the global ramifications of the Gospel, an appreciation for world music and a love for Christ ought to consider this well-worthwhile purchase to expand the horizons of personal (and hopefully corporate) worship. Highly, highly recommended.

• Visit the Aradhna official website.
• Preview three tracks from the Satsang release.