Prime Cuts: "Still," "God Is Able," "Doorkeeper"
Overall Grade: 5/5
When modern worship music often leans toward arena-sized production and polished sonic landscapes, CXMMXNS takes a deliberate step in the opposite direction with The Commons Chapel (Deluxe) - a project designed for ordinary congregations and smaller rooms where sincerity matters more than spectacle. Rather than chasing scale, the album embraces simplicity, devotion, and the quiet power of believers singing together, creating an experience that feels less like a performance and more like a gathered church service.
Building on the original The Commons Chapel, the Deluxe edition expands the vision with four additional live chapel versions, reinforcing its role as a resource for local churches. The stripped-back arrangements place congregational singing at the center, allowing lyrics and theology to carry the weight rather than production layers. Acoustic textures, intimate vocals, and live-room ambience create an authenticity that feels intentionally unpolished - in the best possible way.
Many beloved worship classics are revived here with fresh perspective. "Still" emerges as the album's strongest moment, feeling almost like a spiritual prequel to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," carrying a quiet call to trust Jesus through life's storms. "God Is Able" receives a more intimate treatment, transforming what was once a large-scale anthem into something deeply personal and reflective. "Cornerstone" is given a more cinematic approach, creating an ethereal atmosphere that feels both expansive and stunning while remaining rooted in congregational worship.
Not every reinterpretation lands equally. "What a Beautiful Name," while heartfelt, feels slightly draggy at times, with slower pacing that softens the emotional momentum listeners might expect. Yet even here, the intention is clear - these songs are shaped to create space for reflection rather than to maximize energy.
Songs such as "Stand Firm" and "His Glory & My Good," featuring collaborators from CityAlight, feel intentionally singable and grounded, designed for real congregational participation rather than passive listening. The emphasis throughout the album is not on individual performance but on the gathered church singing as one body.
There is a clear pastoral heartbeat behind the project. Founded by songwriters Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan - both known for their longstanding contributions through Hillsong Worship - CXMMXNS frames this album as worship for the "common church," and that mission is reflected in every arrangement. This is music designed to serve worship teams in intimate settings, proving that worship's power isn't tied to production value but to surrendered hearts.
Ultimately, The Commons Chapel (Deluxe) stands out not because it tries to reinvent worship music, but because it refuses to overcomplicate it. It highlights the beauty of simplicity and reminds listeners that worship flourishes wherever believers gather - whether in a packed auditorium or a small chapel with a single keyboard.
