It's been eight years since Aaron first emerged on the scene as an exemplary crafter of folk pop worship songs. Down the years his albums have become more dominated by a glossy custom-made-for-airplay pop rock approach and though he hasn't quite come up with another classic like "My Savior My God", most critics will agree that he has demonstrated a commendably high standard in penning memorable worship songs. This latest set will be enjoyed by anyone who connects with Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave and all the other modern worship top names. "God Of Brilliant Lights" is a gem of reverent praise with the line "the God who has come to cure every broken heart" ringing particularly true when one learns of the travails and challenges through which this particular songsmith has recently passed. Considering Shust's winning ways with melody and lyric it's surprising that the Pittsburgh-based songsmith has included several covers on his latest set though his versions of Hillsongs' "Cornerstone" and the Steve Fee-penned North Point anthem "No One Higher" are top rate with the former gaining greatly from a nagging keyboard riff. "Rushing Waters", originally recorded by worship leader Dustin Smith, is equally impacting and the five-minute rendition here is passionate and uplifting while the Jeremy Camp-styled rock praise anthem "God Is For Us" is the kind of song that would electrify a stadium of young worshippers. But probably the best track of all is "Mighty Fortress", co-written with worship veteran Paul Baloche. It's a song that sums up the central theme of the album - the faithfulness of God. Another outstanding album from the consistent Mr Shust.
Hardships generally produce sorrow and heartache, but sometimes there's unexpected joy in life's trials for those who are willing to look. Just ask Aaron Shust. The past few years have been an emotional rollercoaster for the father of three young sons, yet amongst the challenges there have been miracles with each trial and tribulation. Each crisis led the Centricity Music recording artist to lean more firmly into his faith and the result is Aaron's new album, Morning Rises, a potent collection of songs that are worshipful, life-affirming and absolutely celebratory.
"It's therapeutic to my soul to sing these words when life is tumultuous," Aaron says. "I need to write and find songs that I want to sing, songs that proclaim God as faithful, songs that proclaim God as larger than our situation and our circumstance. I want to sing songs that glorify Him and lift His name up."