Lion (Elevation Worship album)

On January 21, 2022, Elevation Worship announced that they will release an album titled Lion, the album being slated for release on March 4, 2022.[3] The album follows the release of the band's last solo release Graves into Gardens (2020), and the collaborative album Old Church Basement (2021) alongside Maverick City Music, both albums achieving commercial success and critical acclaim for the band.[4] The album contains fifteen tracks and features Elevation Worship members Chris Brown, Jonsal Barrientes, and Tiffany Hudson, alongside guest appearances from Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett, Joe L Barnes, and Chandler Moore.[5] Chris Brown shared the story behind the album,[6] saying:

This project was written and recorded at different times over the last year and really covers a broad spectrum of moments captured in our church worship. Some of these songs really surprised us in the writing rooms, which led us to some very special moments in recording them - both in the studio and live in church. The process of making this album has been unlike any other we’ve had.

Speaking to American Songwriter, Brown shared that the songwriting process for Lion was marked by challenging their own pre-conceived notions of worship music should sound like in the 18 months leading up to the album's release.[7]

Chris Brown of Elevation Worship shared that the decision process behind choosing the album cover was explorative, saying that as the album took shape and with inspiration from the title track, Steven Furtick suggested taking an unexpected direction the album cover, opting to put a lamb on the cover depicting "the encompassing and paradoxical nature of who God is."[8] Brown expounded on the paradoxical nature of God, saying "So much of God’s kingdom embodies paradox. Jesus himself does: He was servant and master. He was sovereign and he submitted to authority. He’s the beginning and the end. He’s the Lion and the Lamb."[8]

Timothy Yap, reviewing for JubileeCast, concluded in his review of the album: "As expected, it is difficult for such a mammoth album like Lion to hold our attention all the way through. But there are enough gems to serve the church and individuals in worship."[14] In an Afrocritik review, John Augustina said "Each of the tracks come with a depth and unique taste that leaves people submerged in awe as they ponder on the love and commitment of God. The album is a sure conduit of God’s presence. Like dosages, these songs come highly recommended for church folks who are looking for uplifting songs to grease their spirits as they engage in their private devotions."[15]

In the United States, Lion debuted at No. 2 on the Top Christian Albums chart in the United States dated March 19, 2022.[16] The album concurrently registered on the mainstream Billboard 200 chart at No. 80.[17] In the United Kingdom, Lion debuted on the OCC's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart at No. 3.[18] The album also charted on the Swiss Hitparade at No. 83.[19]

• Lyrics and sheet music for the album on PraiseCharts