2009 to 2010 were a great couple of years for Phil Wickham. He rose to prominence with the songs Cannons and You're Beautiful, and released Heaven & Earth, a worship album noticable for its fresh production and creative electro-folk sound. His Songs For Christmas album in 2010 even managed to sound new and exciting
That's why it's such a shame that Response represents a massive step-back sonically for Phil. Whilst Heaven & Earth sounded like no worship album you've heard before, Response sounds like every worship album you've had before. Pulsating electro baselines, unexpected banjo and handclaps have been replaced with a (American) radio-ready shiny country sound. This retraction from excitement and creativity even extends to the album artwork - neon pink & purple has been replaced with beige. Probably the most disappointing worship album of 2011.