Mac Powell, former frontman of the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning band Third Day, will release his solo Christian full-length album, New Creation, on October 15th on his new label home Capitol Christian Music Group.
"After the Third Day farewell tour, I took some time to pursue being an independent artist, and I think it was really helpful in getting me to this moment," shares Mac Powell. "I truly can say that I'm not only excited about announcing my debut solo Christian album, but I am inspired and grateful to be re-connecting with my friends at radio and fans on the road these last few months. I believe this collection of songs have come from God and I can't wait to hear stories of how they connect with and help people through the days we're in living in."
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Mac Powell's Solo Christian Music Debut| Posted October 17, 2021
I’ve long enjoyed Mac Powell’s music, mostly from his time as lead singer of four-time Grammy winners Third Day. I also enjoyed his 2019 album Back Again with Mac Powell and the Family Reunion. In fact, my wife Tammy and I saw aPowell with his band the Family Reunion in November 2019, which was the last concert we saw before concerts were shut down due to the pandemic.
Powell has also released two country music solo albums, but this is his first solo album of Christian music, and it’s a good one. He brings his distinctive baritone voice – one of the best in music - to these songs with a bit of a country/southern flavor. The album is produced by Jonathan Smith, Hank Bentley, Jeff Pardo, Seth Mosely, Colby Wedgeworth, and Ed Cash. Powell collaborated with some of Nashville’s top songwriters for the album. He co-wrote each song, collaborating with Jonathan Smith, Ethan Hulse, Seth Mosley, Jeff Pardo, Brenton Brown, Hank Bentley, Matt Maher, Benji Cowart, Casey Beathard and Tommy Iceland.
Below are a few comments about each song: River of Life – This upbeat anthem features organ, hand claps, backing vocals, guitar, bass and drums. There is healing in the river of life.
Key lyrics: Brothers, sisters, come on down to that river Guaranteed you'll never be the same
There's a fountain flowing from the heart of the Savior
Bring your sins and all your guilty stains
Let that river of life wash it all away New Creation – This joyful song tells how God changed Powell (2 Corinthians 5:17). The song features backing vocals, hand claps, guitar, bass and drums.
Key lyrics: You brought me blessings out of tragedy You turned my old song into a symphony And with your Spirit living inside of me I’m a new creation I’m a new creation Love is the Reason – In this song, which Powell has said is his favorite on the album, Powell looks at three situations (his mom taking him to church, his brother fighting in the war, and Jesus dying for our sins), and says love was the reason for all three. The song features guitar, percussion, piano, organ, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyrics: Love is the reason, love is the reason Oh, love is the reason that I go
Standing up for what I believe in
That's where my heart is leading
And love is the reason that I go Be Praised – This song is about the name of the Lord being praised. The song features piano, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics: From the rising of the sun To going down of the same Let the name of the Lord be praised Both now and forever more All of heaven and earth proclaim The name of the Lord be praised 1991 – This joyful song is about Powell being saved in 1991 at the age of 18. The song features guitar, drums, organ, hand claps, bass, piano, backing vocals and keys.
Key lyric: By April 21st, 1991 I was worn out tired from all the miles that I had run Saw an old church and walked right in Same old truth but it felt new then On April 21st, 1991 The Center of It All – This song features guitar, drums, organ, piano, and bass. The song is about how from the beginning to the ending of Scripture Jesus is the center of it all.
Key lyrics: From the beginning to the ending, You're the center of it all It's for You and it's from You, You and You alone
The Author of our story, let it all be for Your glory
From the beginning to the ending, You're the center of it all Joy of the Lord – This upbeat song about the joy of the Lord, based on Psalm 118:14, features keys, guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics: The joy of the Lord is my strength and my song That sweet melody in my soul all day long No matter what comes I’ll just keep going on Cause’ the joy of the Lord is my strength and my song Jesus You Are – The song about Jesus being whatever we need, features piano, hand claps, organ, backing vocals, and drums.
Key lyrics: When I need rescue You are my ransom When I need shelter You are my home When I am weak Lord You’re what I reach for Lord I believe, whatever I need, Jesus you are Everlasting Arms – This song about the everlasting arms of God, samples “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” by Anthony J. Showalter and Elisha Hoffman. The song features piano, organ, backing vocals, guitar, bass, drums,
Key lyrics: In the morning I am met with Your mercy In the evening I am wrapped in Your love
There's no end to Your reach
There's no place I'd rather be
I'm leaning on Your everlasting arms Baptized – This song about being baptized, features Matt Maher on vocals, and piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. The song references the hymn “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” by Robert Lowry.
Key lyrics: Tell me how deep and wide is the love of Jesus My soul will testify to the water’s edges I’ve been born again Had to die to find new life In the water, in the fire I’ve been baptized
All of the songs are strong musically and lyrically. My favorites are:
River of Life
Be Praised
1991
Everlasting Arms
Baptized
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