Illuminate is the second studio album and fourth album overall by David Crowder Band recorded for sixstepsrecords, released in September 2003.
Contents
Critical reception
Illuminate garnered critical acclaim from music critics. At CCM Magazine, Dan MacIntosh graded the album a B commenting that listeners will discover first and foremost the vulnerable vocalist in David Crowder, and then discover "ultimately it's the diversity of songs and creativity in arrangements that set Illuminate apart as a shining example of modern praise & worship." Tom Lennie of Cross Rhythms gave the album a perfect ten squares noting the "rare combination of passion and sensitivity." At Christianity Today, Russ Breimeier gave it a three-and-a-half stars affirming that "If the success of their last album is any indicator, Illuminate is bound to be a smash."
At Jesus Freak Hideout, founder John DiBiase gave the album four stars highlighting that "Illuminate not only is an excellent worship record and one of the best in the genre released this year, but easily solidifies Crowder's position as one of the foremost leaders in modern worship music today." Jared Johnson of Allmusic gave the album four-and-a-half stars alluding to how the "brilliant innovative sound" making the band ride "a sonic edge that is helping lead modern worship into new, uncharted territory" and that "There's too much in them begging to be heard" for them to stay quiet. At The Phantom Tollbooth, Kevin Mathews noting that "As with Can You Hear Us?, Illuminate is an important milestone for God-centric rock music as it proves that worship music need not be bandwagonesque or impersonal or lacking in artistic depth."
Personnel
David Crowder Band
David Crowder – lead vocals, backing vocals, acoustic piano, acoustic guitars, electric guitars
Jack Parker – Rhodes electric piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, Casio keyboard, Moog synthesizer, electric guitars, backing vocals
Jason Soley – electric guitars, backing vocals
Mike Dodson – programming, electric guitars, bass guitar
Mike Hogan – Casio keyboard, programming, violin, vinyl sounds
Jeremy "B-Wack" Bush – drums, percussion, programming, Casio keyboard, mufflers
Additional musicians
Charlie Peacock – additional keyboards (3, 5), programming (3, 5)
Gary Burnette – additional electric guitars
Jerry McPherson – additional electric guitars (3, 5)
Mitch Watkins – additional electric guitars (6, 16)
Zach Lind – additional drums (5, 7)
Bob Mason – cello (5)
Chris Eaton – additional backing vocals (3, 5)
Nirva Dorsaint – backing vocals (5)
Production
Louie Giglio – executive producer
Brad O'Donnell – executive producer
David Crowder Band – producers (1, 2, 4, 6-16)
Charlie Peacock – producer (3, 5)
Zach Lind – original production (5), producer (7)
Mitch Watkins – producer (6, 16)
Shane D. Wilson – recording, mixing
Chris Henning – recording assistant
Richie Biggs – additional tracking (3, 5)
Jim DeMain – mastering at Yes Master (Nashville, Tennessee)
Leah Payne – budget administrator (3, 5)
Jan Cook – creative director
Benji Peck – art direction, design
Dan Winters – photography