TAYA is the solo project of Taya Gaukrodger, a songwriter and worship leader best known as a lead singer of the famous praise team Hillsong UNITED. The voice behind major hits, most notably "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," her awe-inspiring vocals strike a new chord with her debut self-titled album.
When speaking about God's inspiration before beginning this project, Taya shared that it was to be "like honey; sweet, palatable, easy to digest and has healing qualities." She opened the door for God to breathe life into these melodies, and I haven't stopped listening to them since the release date. I hope you gain a fresh understanding of Taya's heart and, through that, the love of Jesus while reading about the two songs we cover below. One of the songs in her recent release is a Christmas song, "O Holy Night," so it might be best to start with the other songs if you're not ready for holiday music.
"Getaway"
"I know where you are
Where you've been, what you've seen
Doesn't matter how you come
Come and get away with Me
Getaway, get away with Me."
I love how simply Taya states the choice to return to Jesus in this song. So often, I find myself straining to feel God's grace or peering hard around the next theoretical corner in life to see what's coming next. "Getaway" reminds me that I don't have to be caught up on those worries of the world; God is the perfect solution. More than just a respite, He's prepared to love you through the hurt, embody a soothing balm through the pain, and hold your hand through every new spark of the fire.
Throughout my relationship with Jesus, I have returned to Him in many different ways. There have been tears in my lowest place as I begged Him to take me then. He reminded me, "I know where you are." There were moments of shame that cut me like a knife, edging its way in deeper and deeper before He solidified my guard, gently speaking over me that "Where you've been, what you've seen" is nothing compared to His power. Through it all, I have learned that it "doesn't matter how you come," God will welcome you with open arms. I encourage you to find some quiet time and rest in the love of your savior. There will never be a better getaway than the one He is offering us right now.
"O Holy Night"
"A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the angel's voices."
Taya gives this classic a new sound, something I was more than ready for after hearing her take on it within the Hillsong Worship album, Christmas: The Peace Project. I won't drag this paragraph of praise on with lyrics we already know, but I certainly encourage everyone reading this to listen. Taya's sweet voice belts out the songs and the trust behind her declarations is evident. "O Holy Night" demonstrates why I love to hear Taya lead worship. Her authenticity transcends even my worst days when I have a rock-solid shell around my face. Somehow, she always brings emotion back to light me up and remind me of God's wonders. I'm so excited to keep this going by leaving her rendition of "O Holy Night" on repeat throughout the Christmas season, and I hope you will, too.
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
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