"Come to Me" Released: December 13, 2011 (2011-12-13)[1]
The Loft Sessions is the third album from California-based worship collective Bethel Music. The album was released on January 24, 2012 by Kingsway Music.[2]Brian Johnson, Daniel James Mackenzie and Rick McDonald produced the album.[3]
Prior to the release of the album, Kingsway Music released "Come to Me" which featured the vocals of Jenn Johnson on December 13, 2011 as the lead single of the album.[1]
The album was recorded live over the course of several nights in a refurbished loft in the historic Sherven Square building.[citation needed] The Bethel Music collective gathered with friends and family for the duration of the recordings.[2][4]
Kingsway Music released "Come to Me" which featured the vocals of Jenn Johnson in 2011 as the lead single of the album. The song reached number one on the U.S. iTunes Christian Chart.[1]
Jessica Morris of Jesus Freak Hideout rated the album four stars out of a possible five, citing "the musicality and restraint Bethel displays in stripping back the smoke and mirrors is what makes The Loft Sessions a phenomenal release." and concluded that "each track of this striking album draws the listener deeper into the presence of God and leaves them wanting more of Bethel music, and of Jesus."[7]AllMusic's Jon O'Brien, affixing a three star rating of the album, believes that Bethel's album was showcasing "a new, organic sound which veers more toward the contemporary nu-folk scene than their usual soft rock fare."[2] The album managed to attain a four star rating average from New Release Today reviewers Kevin Davis and Kelly Sheads.[9] New Release Today's Kevin Davis rated the album four-and-a-half stars, stating that "Every song on this album has quickly become a staple in my playlist of my favorite worship anthems. Every song is worshipful and catchy."[9] Kelly Sheads rated the album three-and-a-half stars, saying "With an eclectic sound and a variety of musical styles, no song is the same, keeping the listener focused on the message within."[9] Elliot Rose of Cross Rhythms rated the album seven out of ten squares, noting the lack of "passion and atmosphere of previous releases".[5] In a review for Louder Than The Music, Jono Davies bestowed the album four-and-a-half stars, recommending "If you're looking for a bunch of songs to use in a time of reflectiveness with God, with a few upbeat happy and non cheesy acoustic songs thrown in, then look no further than The Loft Sessions."[8]
