This might be on its way to being my favorite worship album ever.

I know that’s a bold statement considering it’s only been out for a few hours, but if you’ve spent any time around The New Wave, you know I’m not afraid to make a bold statement or two.

The journey for this project began only six weeks ago, when two of the most unique and beloved voices in modern worship music walked into a co-writing session for the first time. Neither were strangers to the writing room or the church stage: Abbie Gamboa has been a key writer and voice in the increasingly renowned UPPERROOM, while Aodhán King’s writing and voice have shaped countless songs sung by the global Church, most notably with Hillsong Young & Free.

Despite their experience, they embarked on something totally new: working with a group of writers in Dallas, TX to create an entire album from start to finish in the span of one week.

Abbie and Aodhán had never written together, but in just six days they pulled together a full record they titled THROWING PAINT, a nod to the chaotic, experimental nature of its creation. Aodhán wrote in a recent post:

Well, Aodhán, I like it too. In this review, I’ll walk through each song, share what stood out (or didn’t), and close with a few reflections on the project’s impact. Let’s jump in.

PRIVILEGE

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Benjamin Tan, Gabriel Gamboa, Oscar Gamboa
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

The album opens with a guitar riff — standard for worship — but the tone they chose is muddy/grungy, almost Mk.Gee-esque, or like something off Justin Bieber’s SWAG album. Nerdy detail aside, the song’s vibe and production are unique and soothing, building into a groove that matches its theme: God’s love as a gift we should never take for granted.

OBSESSED

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Benjamin Tan, Gabriel Gamboa, Juan Sebastian Suarez, Oscar Gamboa
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

This one carries the same driven, grungy sound from the opener. Lyrically, it leans into an almost romantic love language with God — personal and passionate. That’s something both artists have done beautifully in their solo projects (pure and Beyond Us). The bridge here goes crazy — especially when it strips down to just the kick drum before building back up.

TESTIMONY

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Benjamin Tan, Julian Gamboa
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

From the opening seconds, this one draws you in. It’s a softer, stripped-back moment after two fuller tracks. Acoustic guitar + duet vocals = simple, beautiful, and effective.

BEHOLD THE KING

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Benjamin Tan, Oscar Gamboa
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

This might be my favorite track on the album. It’s poetic worship at its best: simple adoration set against strings and slow-building production. It’s already on my list to lead in worship soon.

DEEP

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Benjamin Tan, Gabriel Gamboa, Jack Simmons, Oscar Gamboa
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

The synths in this one feel risky for a worship record, but they work. The track leans trance-like, almost EDM, but stays worshipful. The catchy chorus, paired with groovy drums when they kick in, make it surprisingly danceable.

HIGHS AND LOWS

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Benjamin King, Joel Houston
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

This song has been with me since middle school, from Hillsong Y&F’s III (2018). Hearing a new version here — with Abbie’s harmonies elevating the piano-and-vocal simplicity — felt powerful and nostalgic.

HONEST THOUGHTS

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

Simple. Stunning. Abbie and Aodhán are at their best here, writing intimate love songs to God.

FATHER GOD

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Julian Gamboa, Oscar Gamboa
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

A vulnerable cry to God. The arrangement builds beautifully from near-silence to a swirl of instruments and full-force drums — an understated but moving highlight.

LOVE NOTE

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Gabriel Gamboa, Julian Gamboa, Oscar Gamboa, Winston Yellen
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

Originally released on UPPERROOM’s Love Note (2021), this reimagining is sweet — though I prefer the slightly more produced earlier version.

U R EVERYTHING

Written by: Abbie Simmons, Aodhán King, Benjamin Tan, Gabriel Gamboa, Jack Simmons
Produced by: Ben Tan, JOGS

Key line:

The closer mirrors the opener’s energy — big, soaring, even Coldplay-esque at points. It builds huge, then ends quietly with a simple declaration of God’s presence. A fitting sendoff.

Closing Thoughts

This album doesn’t reinvent the wheel. The lyrics are simple, the production creative but not revolutionary. What it does do is combine two gifted worship writers, a team of trusted collaborators, and a six-day challenge to create one of the most adventurous, intentional worship projects I’ve seen in years.

Everything about it — from the quick turnaround to the DIY rollout and analog-style website — felt refreshing. In a world where worship music often feels like a carbon copy of the last hit, THROWING PAINT stands out as an experiment infused with honesty and spirit.

Aodhán summed it up best:

That’s what makes the album work. They surrendered the project to God, and He multiplied it. Just like five loaves and two fish, a single week offered to Him became something far greater than they could have imagined.