Awesome God

"Awesome God" is a contemporary worship song written by Rich Mullins and first recorded on his 1988 album, Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth. It was the first single from the album and rose to the number one spot on Christian radio and subsequently became a popular congregational song.[1] Its title is inspired by a biblical expression (Nehemiah 1:5, Nehemiah 9:32, Psalm 47, Daniel 9:4, etc.), variously translated as "Awesome God", (JPS, in the old-fashioned meaning "awe-inspiring"), "great" (KJV), among other alternatives. Due to the popularity of the song it became Mullins' signature song.[2]

"Awesome God"
Single by Rich Mullins
from the album Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth
GenreContemporary worship
Length3:05
LabelReunion
Songwriter(s)Rich Mullins
Producer(s)Reed Arvin

Commentary

Mullins did not consider the song to be one of his best. In an interview with The Lighthouse Electronic Magazine in April 1996, he said:

You know, the thing I like about Awesome God is that it's one of the worst-written songs that I ever wrote; it's just poorly crafted. But the thing is that sometimes, I think, that when you become too conscientious about being a songwriter, the message becomes a vehicle for the medium. This is a temptation that I think all songwriters have. I think a great songwriter is someone who is able to take a very meaningful piece of wisdom - or of folly or whatever - and say it in a way that is most likely to make people respond. But, what you want them to respond to is not how cleverly you did that; what you want them to respond to is your message.[3]

Cover versions

Over a year after Mullins' death (in September 1997)[2] the song was covered on a tribute album for Mullins entitled Awesome God: A Tribute to Rich Mullins by Contemporary Christian musician, Michael W. Smith.[4][5] Numerous other Christian artists have performed versions in numerous styles, from ska to swing to straight rock and traditional worship style, even hardcore punk and heavy metal bands, such as, Unashamed and Pantokrator.[6]

Congregational and other use

The song may be used as a hymn and can be sung using only the chorus, alone or in medley.

References
  1. Selleck, Linda (April 1998). "A Ragamuffin Music Man: Rich Mullins". Friends United Meeting. Archived from the original on July 8, 2010. Retrieved August 7, 2010.
  2. Bush, John. "Rich Mullins - Music Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  3. Brent Waters. "The Lighthouse Electronic Magazine Interview". Kidbrothers.net. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  4. "Awesome God: A Tribute To Rich Mullins: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  5. Phares, Heather (September 15, 1998). "Awesome God: A Tribute to Rich Mullins - Various Artists : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  6. "Listen to "Pantokrator" Version of "Awesome God"". The Metal Resource. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
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