Stephen Hurd and Corporate Worship come again with a pure offering unto the Lord.

If I wanted to, this review could stop there, and it would be complete. But there’s so much more that one could say about In The Overflow Vol. II, Hurd’s second release on Hurd the Word Music (see album review of first project).

As worship leader, the D.C.-based Hurd ushers us through the project and right into His presence. In the Overflow flows like a virtual worship service —just the right amount of celebration and just the right amount of intimate time with God.

On Don Moen’s “Zion Is Calling”, Hurd proclaims that He is calling us higher. A sweeping arrangement of strings and keys, the song segues easily into a majestic hymn, "Here in Zion", penned by Hurd. The choir shifts transparently from one voice to the next. The delectable leads of BAndrea McCargo and Brian Hurst lift the powerful praise anthem to higher heights.

The male voices on "Be Strong" metaphorically illustrate the strength of God. The shift tonally from the rest of the project gives the song extra power.

Hurd says of this song, "I wrote [it] for men to be encouraged and to stay in worship. Men generally have a problem with being free to worship and when a man finds freedom in worship then the family is made free. Also, because the devil’s plan has intensified to destroy the seed of the man —which is the life-giving agent that makes a family —and I know that God honors the union of family. So, I encourage all men of every race to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.”

Corporate Worship previously recorded Hurd’s mid-tempo groove "Todah". Revisited here, it explains God’s call for a sacrificial praise. And the refrain of Lynn Keesecker’s “Yes, Lord Yes” is a welcomed, familiar sound.

Calvin Bernard Rhone makes a guest appearance on "It’s Already Done In The Spirit", where the choir serves it up first with a Latin and then a traditional flava. Hurd proves a point that worship is worship as he delivers each with the same fervor. McCargo and Hurd team up on the soaring ballad “The Overflow” —the title cut.

This project is about worship. While illustrated in many forms and fashions, it is ultimately about extolling God’s worthiness of our praise, through our praise.

Stephen Hurd and Corporate Worship take the opportunity to give Him his due, and invite you to come along. In The Overflow Vol. II is unadulterated worship packaged sweetly with some great musicianship, powerful songs, and purity at heart.