Many bands stay together but release solo projects while also performing their group duties. The Bethel Music collective is a prime example of this model. With some of Bethel's artists, you'll notice the band's signature sound impacting their individual work. Who are these artists and what are their solo efforts? I'll introduce you to them below.

Josh Baldwin: "Get Your Hopes Up"
If you don't know Josh Baldwin yet, get to know him and his music. The talented musician joined the Bethel Music collective in 2014. Since then, he's been part of escalating Bethel to an all new level. Now the singer has dropped his debut solo album, The War is Over. The project features the heartfelt anthem "Get Your Hopes Up," which gives hope to those in the midst of hardship. The message emphasizes that God is for us and to look into the light, even when you're drowning in the dark. It really resonated with me and gave me hope that we have a good father.

Lyrical standout: "I find the wind on my back with promise / Reminding me there's a garment of praise for heaviness / There's a song burning inside my chest / I'm living in the goodness that he brings / Get your hopes up / Lift your head up / Let your faith arise."

Amanda Cook: "Pieces"
Bethel Music featured "Pieces" on their 2016 album Have It All, but prior to that, Canadian-born Amanda Cook included her own longer version of this song on her solo album Brave New World. Cook builds the song's progressive sound, singing of God's true nature, and then emotionally cries out to the Savior during the song's climax. For myself, I like when a lead or supporting vocalist recreates or covers a previously recorded song from his or her band. You get to hear the vocalist's talents as a stand-alone.

Lyrical standout: "You don't give Your heart in pieces / You don't hide Yourself to tease us / Your love's not fractured / It's not a troubled mind / It isn't anxious / It's not the restless kind / Your love's not passive / It's never disengaged / It's always present."

Steffany Gretzinger: "Out of Hiding"
Gretzinger's talents really stand out on her debut solo effort The Undoing. If you have ever heard a Bethel album, you can recognize Gretzinger's distinct vocals shine through in the band's music.

"Out of Hiding" is definitely my favorite piece from this very talented singer. NRT's Kevin Davis spoke with Gretzinger in one of his devotions, where she said that "Out of Hiding" speaks to those who distance themselves from God instead of running recklessly into His arms. The takeaway message for me: what are you waiting for?

Lyrical standout: "Come out of hiding / You're safe here with Me / There's no need to cover / What I already see."

Jeremy Riddle: "More Than a Friend"
Jeremy Riddle is a familiar face to longtime CCM fans. Leaving behind his solo career, Riddle joined Bethel in 2011. Unlike his fellow members, Riddle hasn't released any solo albums since joining the group. "More than A Friend" is a single from Riddle's 2007 album Full Attention. This soft, soothing ballad moves the listener into worship with its reverent lyrics to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lyrical standout: "Jesus, You're more than a friend / Jesus, You're more than my heart / Could ever express."

Brian & Jenn Johnson: "Mention of Your Name"
Noticeably, you won't find many married duos releasing albums in the mainstream music market. The Christian music, however, has a number of musical duos releasing music together, and Jenn and Brian Johnson are a great example. 

Collectively, this talented couple have penned some of the most influential modern-day worship songs. The list includes "God I Look to You," "Chasing You," "One Thing Remains" and my personal favorite, the anthem "No Longer Slaves." On the duo's solo efforts, you can definitely pick up traces of the Bethel sound.

From their most recent album After All These Years, "The Mention of Your Name" opens the quality collection with its cleverly composed sound and reverent lyrics, making it definitely a pleasure to the ears. Jenn Johnson's powerful voice, paired with a soft sound used to blanket the background, sets a safe atmosphere to amplify the song's lyrical message. You won't find this song played during Sunday morning worship, but it will no doubt bring you closer to our loving savior. 

Lyrical standout: "At the mention of Your Name / Every chain will break / I know everything will change / Jesus, just the whisper of Your Name / Will silence wind and waves."

Jonathan David & Melissa Helser: "No Longer Slaves"
Brian Johnson is not the only songwriter who penned "No Longer Slaves." Jonathan David Helser also gets credit for penning this inspirational piece. Jonathan David, along with his wife Melissa, sings the anthem on Bethel Music's 2015 album We Will Not Be Shaken. The couple also included the radio version of this song on their 2016 album Beautiful Surrender as a bonus track. Beautiful Surrender also features other songs that clearly distinguish the Helsers' sound from Bethel Music's: "Find Me" and "Beautiful Jesus" are good examples of their more folk-driven vibe.

Lyrical standout: "You unravel me with a melody / You surround me with a song / Of deliverance from my enemies / Till all my fears are gone / I'm no longer a slave to fear / I am a child of God."

Leeland Mooring: "Christ Be All Around Me"
 
Leeland Mooring, while not a part of the Bethel band, is a recent addition to the Bethel Music artist collective, a group of musicians (mostly members of the main band) releasing material using the Bethel name. Since joining their roster, Mooring and his already established band Leeland has released one full-length studio album, Invisible.

Besides his Leeland duties, Mooring has loaned his abilities to writing and composing music for other artists. One recent piece that showcases Mooring's talent, particularly his vocals and songwriting abilities, is "Christ Be All around Me." This song has multiple versions available. All Sons & Daughters covered the piece on their self-titled album; CCM legend Michael W. Smith released a cover on his 2014 album, Sovereign; and the Leeland band released their own version on the Christ Be All Around Me EP. The song is an epic piece that echoes praise for Christ from the mountain tops. Listen to the song, get motivated and start worshiping with authority.

Lyrical standout: "Above and below me, before and behind me, in every eye that sees me, Christ be all around me."