The Noise We Make cover

The Noise We Make

Chris Tomlin · 2001

50 min · 11 tracks · Christian rock

Uplifting melodies and heartfelt lyrics intertwine, creating anthems of faith that resonate with congregations and personal reflection alike.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Noise We Make Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Forever — This powerful anthem emphasizes God's eternal nature, featuring a memorable chorus that has made it a central piece in many worship settings.
  • →
    The Wonderful Cross — A fresh take on Isaac Watts' classic hymn, this track beautifully merges tradition with contemporary sound, highlighting Tomlin's skill in reimagining worship music.
  • →
    This Is Our God — With its stirring lyrics and grand melody, this song serves as a declaration of faith and unity for congregations, emphasizing collective worship experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features accessible melodies and congregational themes, solidifying its place in contemporary Christian music.

What we noticed

  • The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the sixth track introduces a more subdued arrangement with softer instrumentation.
  • Several songs feature repetitive choruses designed for congregational singing, emphasizing accessibility and memorability.
  • The album closes with a live recording that shifts the energy, providing a contrast to the studio tracks and creating a sense of community.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • uplifting anthems for worship
  • steady flow with emotional peaks
  • group sing-along participation
  • reflective moments of gratitude

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album established Tomlin's prominence in contemporary Christian music.
Themes
contemporary worship· collective devotion
Career context
Released in 2001, The Noise We Make marked Chris Tomlin's rise as a prominent figure in contemporary Christian music following his earlier work. This album followed his debut, Adore: A Worship Album, and solidified his presence in the genre, showcasing his ability to blend worship with accessible rock elements.

Tracklist

  • 1 The Noise We Make Start here 4:23
  • 2 Forever 5:14
  • 3 Kindness 4:21
  • 4 America 4:48
  • 5 The Wonderful Cross 7:07
  • 6 Captured 4:26
  • 7 Be Glorified 3:53
  • 8 Happy Song 3:19
  • 9 Need You Now 4:06
  • 10 This Is Our God 5:48
  • 11 We Fall Down (Live in Botswana) 3:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata