It’s fitting that Roosevelt Stewart’s introductory album is a live project. The Florida-bred singer is not just a gifted vocalist and songwriter, he’s also a talented multi-instrumentalist, a deft producer and a passionate ministry leader. His debut effort, “Memory (Live),” offers a well-rounded self-portrait.
Recorded in Atlanta, Georgia, the 14-track endeavor serves up nearly two hours of live music, plenty of spontaneous moments and an array of collaborations. Stewart co-wrote each of the songs alongside a strong roster of lyricists that includes Mitch Wong, Krissy Nordhoff, Dylan Thomas and Joe L Barnes, among others.
The fresh collection chronicles the emerging artist’s storied history with God, who Stewart has found to be faithful in every season. “Every song on this album is an exercise in remembering who God is, what He has done and what He will always continue to do,” he shares. “I call it a ‘history in the mind.’ The only reason I know God will make a way tomorrow is because I have too many memories of Him doing it yesterday. From top to bottom, this album is a timeline of how He redeemed me, covered me and brought me back to life.”
Launching with buzzworthy debut single “Redeemed,” “Memory” weaves its way through Stewart’s past, present and future via anthems that affirm God’s goodness and steadfast love. While the tender title cut underscores the project’s overarching theme, emphasizing that no matter what life brings, praise will always be on his lips; anchor track “Make It Good,” with Todd Galberth, supports the Scripture inscribed on the sepia cover art, which illuminates Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” The pastor in Stewart comes out toward the end with a spontaneous burst as he tells listeners there’s no mistake, embarrassment or disappointment too big for God to redeem.
Caribbean-flavored “I Know Too Much” emphasizes a similar sentiment, with Stewart remembering that he knows too much about the character of Christ to ever doubt His trustworthiness. Acoustic-driven “Who You Say You Are” further testifies to His integrity by magnifying specific instances in the Bible when God chose to do the impossible in the lives of ordinary people time and time again. The selection namechecks examples of faith lived out by Moses, David and Mary.
The newcomer enlists Naomi Raine for a powerful rendition of “What A God,” a song he co-wrote and originally recorded with SEU Worship. The well-known atmospheric anthem provides ample proof of Stewart’s singular talent as both a vocalist and a songwriter in one take, turning the congregational-friendly original into a zealous duet. The expansive track overflows into spontaneous praise on the next selection, titled “Never Be Another,” also featuring Raine.
Elsewhere, gospel-pop vocalist Anna Golden appears on “Heaven Collide,” a crescendoing twist on the Lord’s Prayer; and South Carolina-based worship leader Brooke Tyner accompanies Stewart on soothing ballad “Loved Me Back To Life.”
Stewart concludes “Memory” with a solo write on “Waves.” He walks in the timid shoes of Peter as he steps into the deep, his eyes on Jesus, across a personal declaration of faith that simultaneously showcases an earnest vocal and an extraordinary range.
Although he’s previously partnered with SEU Worship, Transformation Worship, ONE HOUSE and Maverick City Music, Stewart proves he’s equipped to step out wholly on his own. But that doesn’t mean he has to do it by himself. Instead, on “Memory,” he intentionally chooses to stay rooted in community, understanding that our own experiences with God only take us so far. Sometimes, we also need trusted friends to remind us of His enduring legacy of faithfulness.
Fans just discovering Stewart’s multidimensional artistry can catch him on this fall’s “Air1 Worship Now Tour” alongside Tauren Wells, Gateway Worship, Seph Schlueter and Sarai Rivera.
