Artists come together for world charities

In a project called CompassionArt, several of the world's best worship leaders and song writers collaborated on 15 songs and all of the proceeds from record sales, royalties and even church performances will go to charities. Coming from a variety of styles and backgrounds, the writers met up in Scotland in 2008 for one week to hammer out the songs. The group was Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu G, Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin and Anna Smith, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin and Darlene Zschech.

Check out this CNN piece where they interviewed Houghton about his experience:

CompassionArt is truly a unique album in that it mixes worship and social injustice. It's a perfect blend, as they make the case that since there is no poverty in Heaven, there shouldn't be any here. Not all of the tunes talk about poverty or social issues but even when you are singing along with a straight up worship song off this album, you can't help but think about it.

Another unique thing is the DVD that accompanies the album. It features a documentary on the process of writing the songs, and seeing all these people working together is quite amazing. Also, chord sheets and lyric sheets are included so you can perform the songs in your church. Remember, all proceeds from that also go to the selected charities so you can't go wrong there.

Additional artists came in for the recordings including Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, Cece Winans and Amy Grant.

All the songs are great but my personal faves are the first 4 tracks, "Come to the Water", "Shout Praise", "King of Wonders" and "Lead Me to the Rock".

This is one where you need to get the physical album to get the full deal! And give one to your worship pastor!