“Arriving” stands as an impactful studio album by Chris Tomlin, a prominent figure in contemporary Christian music and worship leadership. Its unveiling dates back to 2004, marking a milestone achievement in Tomlin’s career.
Notably, this album has attained the esteemed “Platinum” status sanctioned by RIAA, indicative of its remarkable sales exceeding one million copies within the United States. A testament to its resonance, the album soared to the noteworthy No. 3 spot on Billboard’s distinguished Top Christian Albums chart, positioning it as one of Tomlin’s most triumphant releases to date.
Featuring an assemblage of 11 tracks, “Arriving” bears the imprint of Tomlin’s compositional prowess as he claims the writing credit for the majority of the songs. The album demonstrates Tomlin’s versatility, encompassing not only original compositions but also covers and adaptations of compositions by fellow artists. Noteworthy adaptations include Laura Story’s “Indescribable,” Matt Maher’s “Your Grace Is Enough,” and Shawn Craig’s “Mighty Is the Power of the Cross.”
The album further gains prominence through collaborations with notable artists including Steven Curtis Chapman, Christy Nockels, Nathan Nockels, Darwin Hobbs, and other luminaries.
At its core, “Arriving” eloquently revolves around the themes of divine magnificence and boundless grace. Tomlin’s musical narrative masterfully captures these themes through compelling tracks such as “Holy Is the Lord,” “How Great Is Our God,” “All Bow Down,” and “King of Glory.”
The album also harmoniously echoes themes of God’s love and unwavering faithfulness, resonating in pieces like “Unfailing Love,” “The Way I Was Made,” and “You Do All Things Well.” Notably, the album derives its appellation from a poignant passage in Isaiah 40, where Tomlin poetically expresses his role as a spiritual conduit, a landing strip for the divine presence to manifest.
Critically acclaimed and fervently embraced by a dedicated fanbase, “Arriving” has garnered laudatory praise for Tomlin’s vocal finesse, lyrical depth, and captivating musical style. Beyond individual acclaim, the album has exercised a profound influence within the realm of Christian music, spawning worship anthems embraced by congregations across the globe.
A testament to its enduring significance, as of October 2008, “How Great Is Our God” claims the top rank, and “Holy Is the Lord” rests at No. 7 on CCLI’s roster of Top 100 songs frequently employed in American churches. Evidently, the album stands as a vivid reflection of Tomlin’s fervent devotion and remarkable aptitude for exalting the divine through his musical artistry.
