Album of the Year Material | Posted July-01-2016
South Carolina's Grammy Nominated band NEEDTOBREATHE hooked me ten years ago with their major label debut Daylight, which featured the single "Shine On." My takeaway review comments were: "Great album. Even better group." Since then, the band has somehow managed to improve with each album, garner an opening slot for Taylor Swift, play on late night television and collaborate with Gavin DeGraw on their biggest hit to date, "Brother," from my Top Album of 2014Rivers in the Wasteland (which also earned a Grammy nomination for "Multiplied").
Something I take immense joy in discovering with each new NEEDTOBREATHE release is the incredible songwriting and musical excellence with nuggets of lyrical connection weaving their way throughout the tracks. From The Reckoning, I was struck how brothers Bear and Bo Rinehart continued the "outsider" theme with the clever use of the term "victim" and keeping our eyes open in a few songs.
In this album, the band subtly includes the reference to the "dance" of life in a few contexts, taking us on the journey of life lessons learned in "HARD LOVE"-- including the lyric "Hold on tight, what don't kill you will make you stronger, get back up, cause it's a hard love."
"Money & Fame" is in the style of "Maybe They're Onto Us" and "Where the Money Is," with the wisdom: "What do you kids want to know about now? I've made enough to make a young gun proud / Money and fame bring a man shame, ain't no doubt about it."
I've been married 22 years, and like "Stones Under Rushing Water," the band has again captured my heart's sentiments with the emotive relationship focused song "No Excuses," with Bear's emotive vocals taking us a on journey, and in "Be Here Long" with the lyrics "I gave you the best of me, loved you more than anything / but we don't get to be here long." "Let's Stay Home Tonight" contines the theme with the refrain, "Baby, let's stay home tonight / we can put a couple records on / we can build a fire alright / maybe we can dance 'til dawn."
"Happiness" and "When I Sing" have become personal anthems for me with life lessons for all of us in the vertical focus: "I've got dreams that keep me up in the dead of night / telling me I wasn't made for the simple life... / I'm asking You to show me some forgiveness, it's all for You in my pursuit of happiness" and "When I sing, You're the song that I'm singing / in my moment of weakness, when I sing, it's just my way to tell You I need You."
Don't miss the worshipful "Testify" in the vein of "Lay 'Em Down" and "Multiplied," which sings, "Come to the fountain and you can be satisfied... / wave after wave, as deep calls to deep. / I will reveal my mystery, as soon as you start to let go."
The album closes with "Clear," a gorgeous track celebrating what is clear in the dance of life: "feels like Heaven is coming down... / once was so lost but now I'm found, when I'm with you. / No one's watching the way you move, bodies dancing under the moon / you always know what to do when I'm with you."
Closing Thoughts:
HARD LOVE is one of the most meaningful albums I've ever heard. I can't get the catchy melodies of many of these songs out of my head, with the perfectly produced tracks and the song order brilliantly inviting listeners to join the band on their journey.
I honestly didn't think my favorite band could take it up another notch, but after repeated listens, HARD LOVE is my Album of the Year. This project has something for fans of everything the band has ever done, and the pure and exceptional quality of the release should earn them new fans alongside likely Grammy and Dove Award nominations for the standout songs "HARD LOVE," "Money & Fame," No Excuses," "Happiness," "When I Sing," "Be Here Long" and "Testify."
The very relatable and transparent words of these songs perfectly depict our daily walks wrapped around catchy songs. All of the tracks really display the musical and lyrical excellence and intentionality of NEEDTOBREATHE. You'll enjoy the emotive vocals, musical excellence and harmonies layered over one catchy and meaningful song after another. The musical and lyrical excitement of the band's engaging live performance is perfectly captured in these recordings. This album is by far the most energetic and emotionally engaging album I've heard this year, maybe ever.
Soul Stirring and Stunning | Posted February-05-2016
Audrey Assad is a critically lauded singer, songwriter and musician, as well as an author, speaker, producer and daughter of a Syrian refugee. Assad releases her second independent album, Inheritance, on February 12. This is a collection of hymns and original songs that both pay homage to her childhood heritage and to her Catholic faith and charismatic spirituality. From my first listen, I was totally captivated by this worship album by Audrey Assad. I'm really engaged by Audrey's emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. For me, Audrey brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen.
"Ubi Caritas" is sung in Latin and is a gorgeous offering to God, setting a reverent tone for the album. The album includes new recordings of some of Audrey's favorite songs of the faith. Don't miss her gorgeous renditions of "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Be Thou My Vision." Both songs are absolutely incredible prayers, flawlessly delivered by Audrey's sweet and sincere vocals layered over textured and powerful musical arrangements.
I'm emotionally moved by the prayerful songs "I Wonder As I Wander," "How Can I Keep From Singing" and "O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" as they proclaim my heart's cry to worship my King, Jesus. Those songs and their dependence on God have perfectly poetic biblical descriptions of God and are filled with piercingly difficult truths to believe all of the time. When you put yourself under a microscope and examine whether you really believe all of the words of these great songs, you'll find that it will challenge your faith and how closely you are walking with God. These songs also give insight into Audrey's walk as a fellow believer.
I find many of the songs, like "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet" and "New Every Morning" are emotive and poetic descriptions of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. You'll want to join fellow believers in singing these words. You'll be worshipping right along with Audrey. You can sincerely pray these biblical and prayerful words, clinging to the truth of these powerful songs. The word of the Lord doesn't return void, and this song puts God's Word in the mouths of believers, reminding them of the truth of God's promises.
My personal devotional prayer has been to have more faith, and "It is Well with My Soul" is my heart's cry and anthem to sing daily in praise to the Lord, regardless of my circumstances, doubts or worry.
I am very moved by "Even Unto Death," which features Matt Maher. Audrey's tender, emotive and powerful vocals take listeners on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear it. The song is a tribute to Christian martyrdom. The lyrics are very stirring: "Lover of my soul, even unto death, with my every breath, I will love You." The song is poignant and powerful with earnest, worshipful lyrics and reflects the boldness for Jesus to that I pray for my daughters to feel in their hearts as well. Join in with Audrey and proclaim, "Though I lose my life, though my breath be taken, I will wait for You...You are my glory!"
Closing Thoughts:
These excellent songs are all prayers and personal confessions of submission to God. These are great songs to pray along with Audrey and express your own yearnings for holiness and God's presence. There are no filler tracks, and this is easily one of my top "gourmet" albums of the year. If you want to experience an uplifting, soul-stirring, stunning and worshipful album, look no further. This is sure to be one of the top worship albums of the year. I'm sure it will continue to challenge, inspire and move me.
These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. A sincere desire for the presence of God is found in every song. Every song will have you hanging on each word that Audrey tenderly sings. Her vocals will soothe your soul, and the vertical lyrics will direct your attention and focus to Jesus. This is a completely worshipful album. There are several personal songs that melt my heart, especially "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet" and "New Every Morning."
There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set list. I especially recommend "Holy, Holy, Holy," "I Wonder As I Wander," "How Can I Keep From Singing," "O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" and one of my top worship songs of the year, "Even Unto Death." All of the songs are memorable, reverent and worshipful. Inheritance is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. These are truly poignant songs of adoration for the Church.
Faith, Love and Vulnerability | Posted November-02-2015
I was a new believer and I became completely hooked when I first heard Sara Groves sing "The Word." Sara's albums have received well-deserved acclaim for her premier songwriting ability. Fourteen years ago, Sara's major label debut album Conversations led to her nomination for Best New Artist. She has followed up each album with her next "best" album with All Right Here and The Other Side of Something.
With Add to the Beauty, Tell Me What You Know and Fireflies & Songs, Groves focused on a theme and wrote poetic commentary with songs about social justice and the impoverished. Her last album Invisible Empires was my top album of 2011. Floodplain, the newest album from thought-provoking singer/songwriter Sara Groves, is available everywhere on November 6 from Fair Trade Services.
Opening track "This Cup" showcases not only Sara's gifts as a songwriter, but her shimmering, emotion-laden voice. The song opens with the compelling lyrics "How many hours have I spent watching the shining TV? Living adventure and proxy in another person's dream?" The album is loaded with that type of profound lyrical truth as Sara tenderly sings about her source of hope. Throughout the song she achingly sings the refrain "this cup, this cup I want to drink it up, to be right here in the middle of it / right here, right here, this challenging reality is better than fear or fantasy," which reflects the blessed hope of someone who understands how we are bound together as believers in "faith and vulnerability."
Sara begins the song "Expedition" with these hopeful words: "Did you see the invitation to have nothing to prove? There at the end of striving, at the end of something good." Right from the opening notes you'll be captivated by the melody and message of this amazing song. Get swept up in the journey of life expressed in the refrain: "Meet me at the river... we're going on an expedition... looking for lost time."
"Second Guess Girl" is another standout song reflecting on life and faith. Sara's response throughout the song is "It's a hard world for a second guess girl... trying to love my sister and brother." "Floodplain" features Sara singing this vulnerable expression: "Closer to the life in the ebb and flow, closer to edge of I don't know, closer to Lord, please send a boat, some hearts are built on the floodplain." God promises that His mercies are new every morning. Whatever struggle or depression you are facing, you can know that God is with you.
"Enough" is another instant classic, featuring Sara's breathtaking lyrics: "really we don't need much, just strength to believe it / there's honey in the rock, there's more than we see / these patches of joy, these stretches of sorrow / there's enough for today, there will be enough tomorrow." If you are looking for words to express the prayerful yearnings of your heart, these songs are excellent companions.
"I've Been Here Before" is a reflection on God's hand of grace, and the voice inside that says "I'll be free" celebrates the victory she has felt over a period of intense anxiety that has plagued her. "I've been here before, quiet in a pasture, honey on my tongue, resting by still waters... saying I'll never doubt, never doubt again." The song is such a vulnerable and sincere prayer. You can't help but pray and sing along with Sara.
"I Feel the Love Between" is a beautiful song about love, like "Roll to the Middle" and "Miracle." The song crescendos to Sara celebrating with the words "Love is a diamond, hidden in mountains... I've seen and I know what it's worth." It is a beautiful expression of faith in love.
"Signal" expresses the parallel of Sara's love for her children to God's love for us as His children, similar to her great song "You Cannot Lose My Love," with the vulnerable expression "All the clichés about how much I love you are true, as big as the sky, up to the moon, a million zillion, infinity plus one." The refrain celebrates God's love for us: "There's no cliché when I hear Your song, Your signal is getting stronger, Your signal is getting strong."
Closing Thoughts:
I have the opportunity to listen to literally everything released in Christian music, and Floodplain is a standout, profound listening experience. This album dramatically affects me personally and spiritually, and is my top "gourmet" album of the year. Sara Groves is an incredibly anointed singer-songwriter in the style of Ellie Holcomb, Christa Wells and JJ Heller. It is the ultimate privilege for me to experience her gift of music making with all of my senses "in Spirit and in Truth." The songs are all captivating, and if you like Sara's emotional songs "Miracle," "Obsolete" and "It's Me," then you absolutely must have this album.
Sara has always had a knack for hitting me where I am spiritually and expressing the prayerful yearnings of my heart. This album is no exception as I get welled up praying along with several of the songs, especially "This Cup," "Expedition," "Floodplain," "Enough," "I've Been Here Before," "I Feel the Love Between" and "Signal." They are all stand-out tracks filled with overwhelming biblical truth and are companions in my personal prayer and worship time. Sara has captivating and catchy songs filled with inspirational lyrics. Sara brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. Floodplain is one of the top albums of the year. This is truly a great album and a moving and prayerful listening experience which reflects how we are bound together as believers in faith, love and vulnerability.
Casting Minds To Calvary | Posted October-14-2015 Open Heaven / River Wild is the latest live worship album from Hillsong Worship, available everywhere October 16. As the writers and singers of "Mighty to Save," "Stronger," "Forever Reign," "Cornerstone" and "This I Believe (The Creed)," worshippers worldwide have been consistently blessed by Hillsong's music ministry. Hillsong Worship's Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding, Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Annie Garratt and others are all featured on this stellar collection of Jesus-focused songs for the Church, which is not to be missed.
"O Praise the Name (Anástasis)," which opens with "I cast my mind to Calvary, where Jesus bled and died for me," is a reminder that our worship of God should not be based on our circumstances, but based on who God is. Commit your life to Jesus and offer Him your heart and your life as you sing along with this great song "O Praise His Name forevermore, for endless days we will sing Your praise, O Lord our God." Looking up the origin of the word "Anástasis," it means resurrection. The song is a perfect way to cast your mind to Calvary.
Many of the songs are arranged in a very sing-able and catchy style, such as the female-led gorgeous song "Love on the Line," which is filled with great statements of faith, proclaiming Him as the Lord of our lives: "With arms held high, Lord I give my life... with all I am, In Your grace I stand." You'll be singing along loudly, "To the One who has rescued my soul...to the One who is Savior of all, I sing forever!"
I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. "All I know is everything I have means nothing, Jesus, if You' re not my one thing. Everything I need right now, all I need is You right now" are the biblical cries of worship in the heartfelt and soul-stirring song "One Thing."
A sincere desire for the presence of God and to see His Kingdom on earth is found in every song, especially "Open Heaven / River Wild" and "What A Savior," which are both instantly sing-able prayer songs featuring declarations about Jesus. In this era of electronic music, it is refreshing to hear Hillsong's signature rock style in full effect on these songs.
I hope to be singing "Heart like Heaven" with fellow believers. The song is also featured on UNITED's studio album Empires. You'll sing along loudly with the reverent chorus "Singing Holy, Heart like Heaven, singing Holy, God Almighty, singing Holy is Your Name."
"Here With You" is yet another gorgeous female-led ballad for the Church. The song has a great worshipful chorus: "Always with You, through Your Spirit in me, everything's changing, I will never be without You."
Closing Thoughts:
These great new worship songs really set me in the proper mindset to praise God for loving me so much that He gave His life away for all that was lost. I really enjoy the exciting musical vibe of this album, and the melodies and lyrics are all catchy and biblical. Open Heaven / River Wild is loaded with great rock beats, catchy melodies and solid lyrics reflecting unashamed faith in Jesus. Don't miss out on this incredible worship album, one of the best of the year for sure. If you want to experience a fresh, biblically-inspired and Jesus focused worship album, look no further.
These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend "Love on the Line," "One Thing," "Open Heaven / River Wild," "Heart like Heaven," "Here with You," "In God We Trust" and one of my top worship songs of the year, "O Praise the Name (Anástasis)." All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Open Heaven / River Wild is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. This album invites listeners to cast our minds to Calvary.
Song to Download Now:
"O Praise the Name (Anástasis)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Exceptional Offerings of Praise | Posted September-16-2015
Big Daddy Weave formed in 1998 in Mobile, Alabama, where the band members Mike Weaver (guitar, lead vocals), Jay Weaver (bass, vocals), Jeremy Redmon (guitar, vocals), Jeff Jones (drums), and Joe Shirk (saxophone, keyboards) were all attending school. Known for their energetic and worshipful live shows and their recent hit songs, "Redeemed," "The Only Name (Yours Will Be)," and "Overwhelmed," Big Daddy Weave returns this year with a new worshipful project, Beautiful Offerings. Every song on this stellar collection displays the band's heart behind what they do, leading people in worship.
"Beautiful Offering" features Mike Weaver's tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God Almighty, our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The song is a great call to worship and a fresh offering of praise for the Church. The final refrain is very stirring and convicting: "Take this broken life I bring, make it a beautiful offering, a beautiful offering. Your love changes everything, I am a beautiful offering to You."
I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album, especially the bridge in the opener, which says "You have ransomed all I have, now all I have is Yours, You have ransomed all I am, now all I am is Yours." Those prayerful words set the tone for these exceptional, beautiful offerings to God.
This band can really write a hooky and truth-filled chorus, and lead single "My Story" is catchy, relevant and worshipful like their previous hit songs "Overwhelmed," "Redeemed," "What Life Would Be Like" and "Every Time I Breathe." "My Story" is a modern adaptation of the hymn "Blessed Assurance." The song is an upbeat worship declaration sung with a stirring passion and filled with prayerful lyrics. You'll worship our King Jesus right along with Mike, in particular the proclamation in the chorus: "Of the grace that is greater than all my sin, of when justice was served and where mercy wins, of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in, to tell you my story is to tell of Him."
Other highlights include "I Belong to God," "Come Sit Down," "The Lion and the Lamb" and "It's Already Done." The upbeat "I Belong to God" is a surefire hit song with an exciting declaration: "Here we are now, children of a mighty God, I belong to God, I belong to Jesus. Saved by Your power, bought with Your blood, I'll say to the darkness, 'you do not own me anymore, oh I belong to God.'"
"The Lion and The Lamb" is a gorgeous offering of praise to the only One who has power to save. It is a very sing-able song for the Church, and I love declaring "Our God is The Lion, The Lion of Judah. He's roaring with power, every knee will bow before You. Our God is the Lamb, the Lamb that was slain, for the sin of the world. His blood breaks the chains, and every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb." That's cause to stir your heart and sing at the top of your lungs "who can stop the Lord almighty?"
The beauty and majesty of our King Jesus is reverently captured throughout the album with anthem after anthem, including "Praise You," "Glory Unspeakable," "You're Gonna Love Him" and "When You Love Somebody." "Welcome" is a gorgeous string-laced worship ballad in the style of "Completely Free" and "Overwhelmed." I find myself singing the worshipful refrain throughout the day: "You are welcome here, have Your way, come and glorify Your name."
The piano ballad "Jesus I Believe" is an especially beautiful offering. The faith anthem is the cry of my heart: "even the impossible is Your reality, Jesus I believe... Help my unbelief, God."
Closing Thoughts:
This new album demonstrates once again the passion and energy that have made Big Daddy Weave one of Christian music's most compelling acts. True to form, this new project Beautiful Offerings reflects real life and emotion, from longing and struggle to breakthrough and gratitude, with front man Mike Weaver's forthright songwriting and intimate and unmistakable vocals backed by powerful arrangements and stellar musicianship. It derives its power from the fact that life and music intertwine so fully.
These are very passionate worship songs with biblically based lyrics sung with vocal sincerity and reverence. There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements. I especially recommend "Beautiful Offerings," "I Belong to God," "Come Sit Down," "The Lion and the Lamb," "It's Already Done," "Praise You," "You're Gonna Love Him," "Welcome," "When You Love Somebody," "Jesus I Believe" and one of my favorite songs of the year, "My Story." All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Beautiful Offerings is a must-have for your praise and worship collection, providing multiple ways of "praising my Savior all the day long." This album is Big Daddy Weave's crowning achievement and one of my top albums of the year.
Profound Worship | Posted September-14-2015
Following up her string of recent hit songs "Let Go," "Don't Have Love" and "Through My Father's Eyes" from her album Focus, Holly Starr is releasing her fourth album, Everything I Need. We were introduced to the album through the worshipful and powerful song "God Is," a song which has resonated with me since I first heard the song.
The song and this very worshipful album picks up with Holly's desire to provide words for the Church to sing about our Lord, to edify and build up believers with her anointed voice and transparent faith. In that way, her song "God Is" reflects her heartbeat to sing about the attributes of God and make an offering of praise to Him, as He is "Everything I Need." That is the thread that runs through every song on this album.
"Through Me" beautifully sets the tone for this worshipful offering with Holly's signature powerful and emotive singing style. You'll be raising your heart and hands in worship along with the song. This can be gorgeous background music, but don't miss out on what Holly has to say in each song. I can't get enough of the lyrics in the bridge: "Turn down the noise, in all that I do, let it be about You, Jesus." Amen to that.
"Never Going Back" has quickly become one of my personal worship anthems, and I hear in her stellar vocals a sincere yearning for Jesus and thankfulness in her heart for God's mercy and grace. I'm completely convicted by the strong lyrics and find immense comfort in this song filled with biblical truth. I am especially comforted by the truth of the lyrics: "I'm never going back to the way I was, whatever's in the past is covered in love." The message behind this song is the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Though we are all guilty and deserve judgment, we need to know this truth: "My God You are so good to me, You saved my life, You set me free, Hallelujah I have been redeemed."
The idea of finding our peace, joy and identity in Christ is beautifully captured in "Everything I Need." The song compels me to worship and profess my own appreciation for the pure love of Jesus. You'll join in with Holly as she profoundly sings, "Jesus You are my desire, my Father my Provider, You're everything I need." The song is a gorgeous profession of Holly's sincere desire to lift up Jesus in every song. The song compels me to worship God and profess my own appreciation for Jesus and trusting in Him completely, proclaiming to Him: "Everything I need is in You, Jesus."
You can't help but pray and sing along with Holly. "Sunshine," "Forever Faithful" and "My Father's Love" are in the same style declaring personal responses to biblical truths in each song. The songs feature Holly's vocal sincerity and prayerful offerings of comfort in the lyrics.
Holly's stellar vocals in "God Is" take you on an emotional journey. The song features another worshipful refrain and Holly's strong vocal delivery. When Holly passionately sings the song, I hear in her voice a prayer of gratitude and commitment to lift God's Name high and give her gifts back to Him. We can call out for Jesus, and He will keep us safe. This is a truth for believers to cling to. We're not supposed to just hope it is true, or turn to the Lord as only our last resort, but daily be washed by the Truth of the Word of God. If we learn to build our lives on Scripture, we would all have a Rock as our foundation as we navigate our lives. We can know for a fact that the words of this song are true: "God is greater than the pain."
Closing Thoughts:
Every song will have you hanging on each word that Holly tenderly sings. Her vocals will soothe your soul, and the vertical lyrics will direct your attention and focus on Jesus. This is a completely worshipful album. There are several personal songs that melt my heart. Holly has blessed listeners by writing and singing such piercing and moving songs.
Holly writes and sings songs with an amazing passion and with unashamed praise and gratitude to our Savior that is very inspiring and emotionally moving. This album soothes, moves and challenges listeners. Don't miss this profound worship experience. Everything I Need is a worshipful offering with compelling music and lyrics and stellar singing.
Unified Adoration | Posted September-02-2015
No worship band in recent history has created the kind of reaction The City Harmonic did with their EP Introducing The City Harmonic, which features the standout anthem "Manifesto." They have followed that up with each album being their new best: I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home), which features "Mountaintop" and "Holy (Wedding Day)," and Heart, which features "A City on a Hill" and "Praise the Lord." The band is made of frontman Elias Dummer, bassist Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan, a group of musicians who doesn't have much interest in gathering fans, but rather aims to come alongside other members of the Body of Christ.
The opening four tracks set the tone brilliantly for this exceptional alternative rock worship album, one of the best of the year. The opening track "We Are One" and closing track "One" bookend the theme of the album that weaves through every track: "Make us one as You are One." Once you let the song "We Are One" sink in to your soul, you won't be able to get the uplifting lyrics out of your head. I find myself frequently singing the unifying chorus: "We are one, we are all for One, all for Jesus, One for all, to the glory of the One true God."
In the style of "Mountaintop" and "Manifesto," I can't get enough of "Maranatha." You'll get swept up in the emotion of the bridge, "for the dark and the light at war in me, Maranatha... for the widowed wife, and the orphaned one, Maranatha." You'll want to jump to your feet, raise your hands and sing at the top of your lungs, "Christ has come and Christ is coming, rise and sing, Maranatha!"
"Into Your Arms" takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God Almighty, our Lord and Savior Jesus. The chorus is very stirring and convicting. I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. You'll want to lift your voice to Jesus in singing these words, "Oh How You love me... Oh How I love You now, I found freedom in the fall into Your arms, into Your arms I'm falling."
During "Solid Rock," front man Elias Dummer achingly sings "Christ the Solid Rock, I'm standing on, through the pouring rain, I won't be afraid!" Brit-rock guitars swell with the orchestra adding stringed instruments, and my spine tingles during this moving song.
The Church can all sing to "Let There Be Light" with the words "Oh Word of God, let there be light, cut through the dark, Oh let there be light...Oh Word of God, let there be light." It is a great message and song for us to celebrate our freedom from sin based on our faith in Christ Jesus. Also, it is commanded by Jesus in Matthew 5:16 to "let your light shine" so that others may praise God based on seeing the power of His life in us. We need to celebrate that freedom with our hands reaching out to others in Christ, showing His light in us and letting Him shine in us.
"All of This & More" is a love song to our Savior, which you'll join in singing after one listen: "You are more, You are Who all this is for, You are more, You are more, You are all of this and more." I can't help but break down every time I listen to the song. This song encourages me and is one of the most inspirational songs I've ever heard. The City Harmonic really captures what it means to love Jesus and be loved unconditionally by Him.
"Oh What Love" reflects the yearning for Jesus that I pray for my daughters to feel in their hearts as well. The song is a beautiful reminder of our eternal promise and convicts us to remember our blessed hope of living forever with Him based on His love for us. Followers of Jesus can all sing "Jesus, oh what Love, Jesus, oh what Love. Nothing can separate us from Your love, no mountain high, no valley low. How wide, how deep, how wide the love of God, more love than I have ever known." The beauty and majesty of our King Jesus is reverently captured throughout the album with anthem after anthem, including the reflective closing tracks "Confession (Agnus Dei)," "Still and Small" and "One."
Closing Thoughts:
We Are contains eleven brand new songs that continue the musical journey, with lyrics that point to the wonders of our God combined with sweeping melodies and infectious choruses that will be replayed in your mind over and over again. The album is a collection of modern hymns, psalms and spiritual songs for the Church, born out of churches working together and drawing inspiration from traditions and styles of worship throughout the ages. You'll experience the majestic nature of God in the music of The City Harmonic.
Every song released by The City Harmonic completely focuses me as a listener on joining in praise, worship and adoration of Jesus. These songs were written from a place of reflecting on what it means to be one body of Christ as Christ is One with the Father and Holy Spirit. The project is intended to lead listeners to that place also. I'm both challenged and entertained, and I love hearing Scripture proclaimed in fresh and exciting ways. Every song is emotionally stirring and rooted in the Truth of God's Word.
I eagerly await each new release, and the truly stellar We Are is now my top overall album by The City Harmonic. These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set. All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. After listening to the album, I am stirred with compassion to love people as Jesus loves us.
Making Your Heart Sing | Posted August-24-2015
JJ Heller's new album Sound of a Living Heart is available everywhere August 21. JJ's trademark ability to be transparent and vulnerable resonates throughout this spectacular new album, JJ's best overall album. The 11 new songs will make your heart sing. Painted Red, When I'm With You and Loved have been in heavy rotation for me since they released and they have each featured standout songs like "Your Hands," "What Love Really Means," and "Who You Are."
This album opens with "Let Down Your Guard," which is one of several stand-out songs on this album. You'll be singing along as JJ belts out, "let down your guard, I will never hurt you, let down your guard, no matter what you've been through, I will always love you."
"The Well" is a gospel-tinged and gospel-choir backed prayer song, layered musically in a powerful fashion as the song builds to the emotional and vertical proclamation: "I should have been chasing You! You are, You are the well, You are the well that never runs dry." Amen to that.
"Fully Known" is a transparent, vulnerable and moving prayer-song. JJ's breathtaking lyrics "Does anyone see you? Does anyone care? Does anyone know your name? Could anyone love you if anyone knew who you really are? You are fully known by the Author of space and time, He won't let you go, and you cannot change His mind" brings me to tears as I pray along with her during the song. The bridge, "All of the Words He's spoken are true," is a gorgeous faith-statement to the Author and Perfecter of faith.
Everyone can really relate to the sincerity and sensitivity of JJ Heller's emotional songs. I can't get enough of the catchy and sincere "Meant to Be" in the style of "Boat Song," sung to her husband Dave. It includes the great lyrics "When God made you, He already knew, that we were meant to be." What's so relatable is how JJ's "relationship" songs are relevant for everyone, but especially if you know Jesus, then you know the ultimate answer to the quest for love can only be found in Him.
No song better displays that emotion than "Father-Daughter Dance" sung as a duet with "Lead Me" singer Matt Hammitt of Sanctus Real. The song includes the extremely moving description of a daughter desiring a dance with her Daddy, who is "not around, because he's locked in a jail on the outskirts of town." Both father and daughter ultimately find redemption in knowing and being known by our Father in Heaven as gorgeously sung by Hammitt in the lyrics: "Dear Jesus, my girl needs her Dad around, not locked in a jail on the outskirts of town... I don't want to let her down, help me turn my life around, because my girl needs her dad around." The song is moving and beautiful.
JJ passionately sings "No more comparisons... When we lay our weapons down, when we speak the truth out loud, when we're slow to judge and quick to love," in "Holy Ground," one of many times this album causes tears to flow as I worship along with JJ in Spirit and in Truth. Have tissues handy as you listen to "Daylight," as JJ beautifully sings "You heal the disease I was dying of, there is an inch of daylight underneath the door, it is enough for me to fill up my canteen... if I want to live, Your love is what I need." No matter what you are going through in life, God's promise to His children is that you are loved. God is love. That biblical truth is profoundly captured on Sound of a Living Heart.
Closing Thoughts:
JJ Heller's vocals will soothe your soul, and several songs have vertical lyrics which will direct your attention and focus on Jesus. This is a very worshipful album. JJ has blessed listeners by writing and singing such piercing and moving songs. There are several personal songs that melt my heart. I have to fight back tears while listening to several of the songs, especially "Let Down Your Guard," "Meant to Be," "Father-Daughter Dance," "Holy Ground," "Daylight" and "Sound of a Living Heart." The new worshipful songs "The Well," "Fully Known," and "Scarlet Thread" are not to be missed.
If you liked the recent "gourmet" worshipful albums by Audrey Assad and Ellie Holcomb, then you must pick up Sound of a Living Heart by JJ Heller. JJ's remarkable singing voice and her interesting music and lyrics are truly captivating. What's especially cool about this album is how JJ invites listeners into her life by sharing what's on her heart and reflecting on life and faith issues with every single note. This album is JJ Heller's crowning achievement. It is flawless, and you'll hang on every word she emotionally sings.
A Family Celebration | Posted August-21-2015
Fresh off the success of Campfire and The Art of Celebration, which featured the hit songs, "Build Your Kingdom Here," and "My Lighthouse," Rend Collective's newest album As Family We Go is available everywhere August 21. Listening to the opening tracks "Celebrate," "Free as a Bird" and lead single "You Will Never Run," it's clear that the themes of our journey of life and people coming together to do good regardless of our differences runs throughout this excellent album. This is easily the best overall album by one of my favorite bands in any genre.
As Family We Go will have you hooked right from the opening notes of "Celebrate," which really sets the tone for this album. The song appropriately kicks off the celebration of what God has done as expressed in Philippians 2:2 (The Voice): "here is one thing that would complete my joy--come together as one in mind and spirit and purpose, sharing in the same love." That's exactly what this collective of believers is about.
"Free as a Bird" captures the same energy and sentiment as hit song "Build Your Kingdom Here." The exciting music only further increases my joy in Christ. You'll find yourself instantly worshipping along with the band during this album. Lyrics "let our praises run wild and free" appropriately capture the joyful essence of this band's incredible music ministry.
In "You Will Never Run," Christians can all relate to our unending second chances offered by God, captured in Chris's vulnerable and sincere crying out throughout the celebratory song: "You will never run away, You're forever mine, You will never run away, You're by my side...You are the joy and fight in me!"
"Every Giant Will Fall" is a surefire hit song. I get choked up when I pray along with the lyrics "Nothing is impossible with You!" The bridge ("No greater name, no higher name, no stronger name than Jesus, You overcame, broke every chain, forever reign King Jesus") enhances the song's sincere vertical message.
Chris's vocals in "One and Only" are emotive, prayerful and honest, which makes the words he's singing all the more powerful and moving. Similar to "Simplicity" and "Immeasurably More," Chris cries out, "Jesus One and only, great and Holy, we are Yours, how our hearts race at Your glory, we are Yours and Yours alone."
"The Joy of the Lord" is an uplifting, catchy and encouraging song. A great outcome of memorizing the words of this song is that you are ultimately singing God's Word. Regardless of our circumstances, we need to truly be free in Christ and be happy and filled with joy. I can't get enough of the Biblical truth of the song, and I love when artists take God's Word from the Bible and turn it into a great and catchy song filled with truth.
"Never Walk Alone" is achingly beautiful both musically and perhaps even more so lyrically. The song poignantly sings "You are my hope and future, I will never walk alone." The beautiful melody and lyrics are sincere and moving: "Surely Your goodness and mercy will light up the way set before me, surely Your grace will pursue me, all my days."
Closing Thoughts:
As Family We Go is one of the most meaningful albums I've ever heard. Every song is absolutely amazing. I can't get the catchy melodies of many of these songs out of my head. The album is perfectly produced, and the song order brilliantly invites listeners to join in with the band on their journey. This album includes a solid mix of folk-style indie worship tinged music with inspirational and worshipful lyrics. Don't miss the standout songs "Celebrate," "Free as a Bird," "Every Giant Will Fall," "One and Only," "Never Walk Alone," "Your Royal Blood" and "The Artist." Get the Deluxe Edition, and you'll love the standout anthem "Ireland's Call."
The very relatable and transparent words of these songs perfectly depict our daily walks as believers, wrapped around catchy songs. All of the tracks really display the musical and lyrical excellence and intentionality of Rend Collective. The musical and lyrical excitement of the band's engaging live performance is perfectly captured in these recordings. This album is by far the most energetic and emotionally engaging worship album I've heard this year.
Stepping Out in Crazy Faith | Posted August-21-2015
John Waller is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and storyteller with chart-topping hits "The Blessing," "While I'm Waiting," featured in the movie Fireproof, and "As for Me and My House."
Now with Crazy Faith, his fourth solo project, Waller opens up his heart more than ever. Sharing songs that are all inspired by Scripture, his new songs ultimately spread the message that even in trials, and what the world considers failure, "life is a gift."
John writes about themes that cause me to hang on every word he sings, especially "Life is a Gift," which is a prayerful song that moves me with these lyrics: "Every breath is a gift from above, every rising song is an act of love, life is a gift, every laugh from a child at play, every breeze of a summer day is of Him, life is a gift." In typical John Waller fashion, he has written another track that completely expresses his gratefulness for God's gifts, just like "The Blessing." The song really sets the tone for the album with the prayerful response-- "I do not deserve it, but I receive it, life is a gift." Amen to that!
"I Know My God" takes it up a notch musically and is a celebration of the Lord's grace and Sovereignty with the worshipful refrain "I know my God, and He will save, I know my God will not delay, Hallelujah, oh what a Savior, I know my God will hold me up, He's my Rock, and I will trust, I know my God, and oh what a Savior." The song causes me to lift my hands and voice along with John's powerful words.
"Crazy Faith," the lead single which is featured in the film The War Room, strikes me in a deep and convicting way with the truth of how God calls all of us to "walk by faith, and not by sight." I love how John sincerely proclaims, "Wherever You lead, I will go, It's gonna take, crazy faith, what if it costs me everything, I'm stepping out, I'm taking the leap of crazy faith." Like John, I'm clinging to The Bible's promise: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV)."
"Forgive Me" is a tender prayer that captures Waller's heart of prayer and supplication as after he confesses and asks for forgiveness he lifts up these gut wrenching words, "Jesus, I'm glad." If you are looking for words to pray to the Lord, this song is a sweet aroma of praise.
Among the album's many highlights is "Orphan," which is a direct appeal to listeners referencing God as the "Father of adoption and compassion" as Waller belts out lyrics about caring for orphans directly and with conviction, singing "Jesus hears the orphans, He is moving Heaven and Earth, for little boys, little girls, when you hear Jesus calling, will you go and rescue them? Little boys, little girls, little do they know we are coming, little do they know Mom and Dad are coming?"
Closing Thoughts:
Waiting on the Lord has been a theme in all of John's albums. His faithfulness and commitment to write and sing songs based on his personal experiences makes him one of the most relatable artists I've ever heard. This is a great adult contemporary worship album perfect for fans of Steven Curtis Chapman, Josh Wilson and Casting Crowns. If you like John's hit songs, "The Blessing," "While I'm Waiting" and "As for Me and My House," then you're in for a real treat with Crazy Faith. The songs are a welcome companion in my quiet times of reflection and prayer, in particular with the songs "Life is a Gift," "I Know My God," "Crazy Faith," "Forgive Me" and "Your Word, My Life" which are my favorite songs on the album in addition to the single "Orphan," an amazing song. Waller's poignant song writing is coupled with his vulnerability as each song urges me pray more along with him. This album is sure to connect with all listeners who like sincere and catchy songs filled with truth and yearning for God.
KevinDavis_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
