Take a look at the Top 5 most-read album reviews by the NRT staff from the past year on NewReleaseTuesday.com.
The year 2014 quickly is coming to a close, and as always, we're taking a look back at the stories, videos, articles and news that impacted the NRT audience the most in 2014.
In this article, we're taking a look at the original NRT video content you watched the most on NewReleaseTuesday.com.
Here are the Top 5 most-viewed album reviews on NRT, and the closing thoughts portion from each:
#5 - Hallelujah for the Cross by Newsboys Full disclosure: I walked into the idea of a Newsboys hymns album without much optimism. In fact, I was almost certain I wouldn't enjoy it. Little did I realize that Hallelujah For The Cross might just be 2014's biggest surprise.
Not only does the band pull off these timeless tracks remarkably well, they manage to infuse their solid signature sound into each and every crevasse.
Let's touch on that signature sound for a moment. Born Again is arguably the strongest sonically of the Tait era, and while Restartwas solid for what it was, it wasn't the Newsboys fans were used to.
This hymns project reintroduces the whimsical pop vibe the band spent years perfecting. I'm happy to see that quasi-quirkiness return, and with each member of the band in perfect form, these songs display the perfect blend of old and new in more ways than one. #4 - The Song Soundtrack by Various Artists The Song soundtrack is an incredible album in its own right. When it's not presenting dramatic, moving songs from the plot of the film, it's showcasing some heavy hitters in country/bluegrass/folk lore. The album is a beautiful union of and tribute to the wisdom poetry of the Bible and the Americana musical genre. The songs are delivered with such honesty and raw emotion that you can believe what's being sung, and in many cases can relate to it.
Truth is truth, and The Song has found a way to communicate the wisdom of scripture without necessarily doing the thinking FOR the audience. That's a feat within Christian music, and even more so within a Christian film. We understand the message because we can feel it. It rings true in our human experience.
We already knew Alan Powell could sing. He's fantastic with Anthem Lights. But with The Song, we're treated to a range and a depth as an artist we hadn't seen before. And I'm probably not alone in hoping we see a solo project of some form is in his future. (Americana would be nice, but not likely given his personal musical tastes.)
If you haven't seen The Song, you'll enjoy this album, and probably be moved by it. It still tells a story, as you can hear in the music and in Powell's delivery a searching, a smittenness, confusion, hopelessness and humility. I'd still recommend that you go see the film, though, because in a way, these songs get unlocked, and bring back all sorts of emotions the movie draws out of people who see it. #3 - You Make Me Brave by Bethel Music Although the songs were written at different times, the theme of relying on God’s strength to make us brave weaves through all of the songs and spontaneous worship moments that all believers need to hear, women and men alike. This album is best described as a worship experience with an ethereal worshipful tone, similar to Kim Walker-Smith and Jesus Culture. These anointed women have consistently impressed me with mature faith and sincere desires to serve Jesus. Being a Christian father of three young daughters, these songs all reflect the yearning for Jesus to make us brave that I pray for my daughters’ to feel in their hearts as well. Every song completely focuses me as a listener on joining in praise, worship and adoration of our beautiful King Jesus, with reminders that the “waves and wind know His Name.” Don’t miss “You Make Me Brave,” “It is Well,” “Forever,” “Anchor,” “Shepherd,” “We Dance” and “Come to Me.” These stellar songs are excellent reminders to cling to our Anchor, Jesus. #2 - The Art of Celebration by Rend Collective I was completely captivated by this band the first time I heard "Movements" and then they took it up a notch with "Second Chance" and "Build Your Kingdom Here." I didn't think they could reach another level, but somehow they have surpassed their previous excellence and delivered an absolutely flawless work of art as a worthy offering of praise and devotion to our amazing God. Every single song celebrates God's resurrection power in us, and urges followers of Jesus to "boldly approach the Throne." As beautifully stated in "Boldly I Approach," "This is the art of celebration, knowing we're free from condemnation, praise the One who made an end to all my sin."
The musical and lyrical excitement of the band's engaging live performance is perfectly captured in these recordings. The album celebrates the truth of Ephesians 2:19-21 (NKJV): "to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The Art of Celebration is the most engaging and exciting worship album I've ever heard, a bold, artful celebration. #1 - Ready to Fly by Jamie-Grace Ready To Fly is a self-portrait of sorts, impeccably highlighting just how much Jamie Grace has grown in the two and a half years since her debut, both as an artist (her vocals have grown notably stronger) and as a songwriter. While her lyrics still sound youthful and maybe even a tad girlish at times, it's hard not to notice many of the more matured themes being touched on here, namely in songs like "The Waiting" and "Fighter."
Don't go thinking this means doom and gloom is the forecast. Far from it! Clearly on another level lyrically, Jamie's upbeat and diverse sonic sensibilities provide enough fun to appeal to all ages, especially her teenaged audience. In a market saturated with promiscuity and controversy, Jamie's brazen themes of hope, love, and purity serve as a breath of fresh air, becoming something both youth and their parents can enjoy.
It looks as if another successful chapter in the story of Jamie Grace's overnight career is about to take flight. Let's hope this is only the beginning.
Executive Editor Marcus Hathcock pursues worship and words. He has been a newspaper reporter/editor a church communications director and small groups guy. He's also been involved in opera, acappella, a CCM group and now is a songwriter and the worship leader at his church in the Portland, Ore. area. Follow his journey at www.mheternal.com.
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