Without Words: Synesthesia

Without Words: Synesthesia
Studio album by Bethel Music
Released July 31, 2015 (2015-07-31)
Genre CCM, praise & worship
Length 69:05
Label Bethel Music
Bethel Music chronology
We Will Not Be Shaken (Live)
(2015)		 Without Words: Synesthesia
(2015)		 Have It All
(2016)

Without Words: Synesthesia is the third studio album by Bethel Music, the second release in their Without Words series, and their nineteenth album, overall. The album was released on July 31, 2015.[1]

Background

Keeping with the nature of the previous Without Words album, Synesthesia recreates previous songs released by Bethel Music, as well as songs released by other artists, into instrumental tracks. Prior to the release of the album, "vignette"-type videos were released onto YouTube with previews of "You Make Me Brave," "For the Cross," and "It Is Well." Synesthesia, however, took its own clear direction with the new electronica-infused variations, compared to the first Without Words album.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
CCM Magazine[2]
The Christian Beat4.6/5[3]
New Release Today[4]

Awarding the album four stars from CCM Magazine, Kevin Sparkman states, "The instrumentation, orchestration, and overall arranging on Synesthesia prove the level of depth and talent behind this organization."[2] Mark Ryan, giving the album four and a half stars for New Release Today, writes, "The album calms the soul and brings you to a perfect place of quietness so that you can hear the only words that truly matter".[4] Lauren McLean, rating the album a 4.6 out of five at The Christian Beat, writes, "Without Words: Synesthesia...sure is an eye opener."[3]

Initial critical responses to the album have been positive. New Release Tuesday stated that the album "is at times reminiscent of the more organic Without Words...this sophomore project takes a distinctly new direction, incorporating electronic elements and ethereal vocal layering." AllAboutWorship.com suggests that the "fantastic arrangements" be used "for pre-service music, transitional tunes and ministry music" and lauds "the musicality and creativity of Bethel Music." HollywoodJesus.com notes that "with unique instruments filling in for the vocals...you can almost concentrate and ‘feel' the music even more."[5]

Track listing

Track listing[1]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Chroma (Intro)"  Bobby Strand1:30
2."It Is Well"  Kristene DiMarco5:13
3."This Is Amazing Grace"  
3:50
4."For the Cross"  
4:47
5."Isabelline (Interlude)"  Strand1:19
6."Oceans"  
5:44
7."Eminence (Interlude)"  Strand1:38
8."Seas of Crimson"  
4:25
9."Jesus We Love You"  
  • Paul McClure
  • Hannah McClure
  • Kalley Heiligenthal
5:55
10."Atramentous (Interlude)"  Strand1:34
11."You Make Me Brave"  Amanda Cook4:40
12."Luminosity (Interlude)"  
  • Strand
  • Michael Spear
4:08
13."Closer"  Cook4:37
14."Ultramarine (Interlude)"  
  • Strand
  • Chris Greely
1:44
15."Ever Be"  
  • Strand
  • Wilson
  • Heiligenthal
  • Greely
4:36
16."Viridian (Interlude)"  
  • Greely
  • Eric Lemiere
  • Josiah Sherman
1:49
17."Heaven's Song"  Riddle4:55
18."In Over My Head"  
  • Johnson
  • John-Paul Gentile
5:07
19."Synesthesia (Outro)"  Strand1:34

Charts

Chart (2015) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[6] 60
US Billboard 200[7] 112

References

  1. 1 2 "iTunes (U.S.) - Music - Bethel Music - Without Words: Synesthesia". iTunes (U.S.). July 31, 2015. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
  2. 1 2 Sparkman, Kevin (August 1, 2015). "Bethel Music: Without Words: Synesthesia". CCM Magazine. p. 31. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  3. 1 2 McLean, Lauren (July 17, 2015). "Bethel Music' "Without Words: Synesthesia" : An Eye Opener". The Christian Beat. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  4. 1 2 Ryan, Mark (July 29, 2015). "Ethereal Eternity". New Release Today. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
  5. ↑ "Without Words: Synesthesia". New Release Today. New Release Today. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
  6. ↑ Ryan, Gavin (August 8, 2015). "Meghan Trainor 'Title' Is No 1". Noise11. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
  7. ↑ "Bethel Music - Chart history (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2015.
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