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Posted by: uhsting May 2 2020, 10:56 AM

Page CXVI "All"

Ambient and glistening, All is here to redefine Christian music with a different musical style.

Welcome to the series of "Great songs you have never heard before" (April edition). Here I post different forum posts, introducing songs that have reached high positions in my chart (check out Uhsting's Top 50 from my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/uhsting !). I hope you enjoy the selection!

Statistics of the song (as of May 2):
Youtube views: 38,000
Spotify plays: 44,000

About the artist

Credit: Official artist website

Page CXVI is a solo project led by American Latifah Alattas. She aims to present new interpretations of ancient wisdoms, hymns and spiritual songs. Her musical influences include Sigur Rós, Aqualung, Coldplay… Her songs are frequently featured on television and movies. They were planning to do an “EDEN TOUR” but it was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

More: https://www.pagecxvi.com/

About the song


All is a song from the album of the same name. Contrary to her previous albums, she includes 6 original songs plus 2 re-produced hymns. All centres around “the divine, compassionate source who loves all people”. With a style reminiscent of M83’s Outro through the use of long pedal chords from the ambient choir and keyboard as well as the slow resolving of dissonance, Page CXVI aims to bring peace through All that brings her new vision and provides room for reflection and meditation.

Personal comments
This approach to typical Christian contemporary music is considerably different as the song focuses more on the music rather than the lyrics. A special musical style has evolved using long-held notes that give amazing harmony and an Eric Whitacre-like approach in resolving dissonance, reminiscent to what you would imagine as the white but subtle lights shining from above. The lyrics are effective and well-connected: notice every line ends with the word “all”. I particularly like the dynamic build-up and then the sweet ending. All in all (pun maybe intended), it is truly a special and amusing experience.

Staging potential
Since everything in All propagates slowly, it needs a staging where the camera pans in or out slowly. The focus should be mainly on Page CXVI and there needs something to happen on the screen behind, yet minimal. A background choir is advised. Transferring the experience from the song to the stage will not be easy but could potentially wow the audience from a memorable package.