I was watching clips of the new album- Savior King from Hillsong Church Australia. They have great singers and musicians - so it takes something special to stop me cold. I hear a few tracks by this girl -' Brook Fraser'. I was impressed and thanked the Lord for this new talent that we all get to enjoy. I wanted to know more... so I Googled her and found out that she has been signed to Sony BMG for 5 years, and just came out with her 2nd album ' Albertine'. This is not a promo or review of that album - which is very good by the way, but more about how she shatters the preconceived boxes we place ourselves into as Christian artists.

She is from New Zealand - that has a population of just over 4 million. That's smaller than Toronto, Canada - the city I live in. This year alone she was on tour with John Mayer, and Hillsong United... releasing her own album while recording worship albums with Hillsong United and now Hillsong Church. Hillsong Church has a major outreach in Rwanda which is cool - but Brooke went there and was impacted by the story of a girl named Albertine. She was challenged to write a song about Albertine - to highlight the plight of Rwanda - which is still recovering from the genocide. She has taken that message and crafted her album around it - in fact she says her life has been changed and her art put in perspective as a result of the trips she has made to Rawanda.

The song that was number #1 for Brooke in New Zealand was called ' Arithmetic... read the lyrics (below) and you'll know who she is speaking of. And before we judge her for not being more obvious... imagine how many times she gets asked on TV who she is talking about.

The point I want to make is this... you can be a major label artist... in the world... and be a visible and vocal worship leader... tour with the best in the world and church... and not compromise. Beautiful art is ...beautiful art... honesty and sincerity and of course God's calling and purpose will open doors you thought were closed...

Arithmetic - Brooke Fraser

I've been staring at the sky tonight Marvelling and passing time Wondering what to do with daylight Until I can make you mine You are the one I want, you are the one I want I've been thinking of changing my mind (It never stays the same for long) But of all the things I know for sure You're the only certain one You are the one I want, you are the one I want I've been counting up all my wrongs One sorry for each star See I'd apologise my way to you If the heavens stretched that far You are the one I want, you are the one I want I won't find what I am looking for If I only "see" by keeping score 'Cos I know now you are so much more than arithmetic 'Cos if I add, if I subtract If I give it all, try to take some back I've forgotten the freedom that comes from the fact That you are the sum So you are the one I want When the years are showing on my face And my strongest days are gone When my heart and flesh depart this place From a life that sung your song You'll still be the one I want You'll still be the one I want You'll still be the one I want You'll still be the one I want

Hillsong Clip #1: Desert Song


Her Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/brookefraser 

Thank you Brooke, for the great music - but for showing that the new Kingdom artist has no boundaries - only those set by God and ourselves. Its not that being a major label artist is the goal... not at all... but understand that it's not off limits either... lets go for all that God has... No Limits.. No Boundaries.