The Long Surrender
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NEEDTOBREATHE The Long Surrender is NEEDTOBREATHE’s tenth studio album, and the follow-up to 2023’s Caves. The album has a mostly stripped-down acoustic sound – with the exception...
Songs of The Saints (Deluxe Edition)
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Phil Song of the Saints by Phil Wickham was one of my favorite albums of 2025. Wickham is back with a massive 18 song Deluxe edition, bringing the entire Song of the Saints project to 34 songs....
Jamie MacDonald
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Jamie I first heard of Jamie MacDonald when she recorded a version of “God Did It” with TobyMac. She then appeared on “My Father’s World” on Chris Tomlin’s The King is...
4th EP from the Getty's Life of Christ Project | Posted June-29-2020 Sing! The Life of Christ: Quintology is the fourth album to be released from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s Sing! worship music conferences, following 2018’s Sing! Live at The Getty Music Worship Conference and 2019’s Sing! Psalms: Ancient + Modern (Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference) and Sing! An Irish Christmas – Live At The Grand Ole Opry House.
The new album is being released in five separate EPs over a period of several months. The project will follow the five main themes of the 2019 Sing! conference – the Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, Commission, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, and include approximately 30 songs. To find out more about my takeaways from the 2019 conference, held in Nashville, read my article “Reflections From the 2019 Sing! Getty Worship Conference here.
The album was recorded at the Gaylord Hotel Convention Center, the Grand Ole Opry House and the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Everything that the Gettys and their musical friends do is with excellence. Throughout, the songwriting, singing and musical performances are of a very high quality, especially noteworthy for a live recording.
The fourth EP to be released is on the Great Commission. Below are a few comments about each song:
Facing a Task Unfinished – The original words to this song were written by Frank Houghton, with music by Samuel Wesley. New words and music were written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ed Cash and Fionan De Barra. This missions hymn originally appeared on the Facing a Task Unfinished album. Lead vocals are handled by Kristyn Getty, backed the conference choir and the incredible Getty band. The drums really stood out on this song.
Key lyric:
We go to all the world
With kingdom hope unfurled
No other name has power to save
But Jesus Christ The Lord
May the Peoples Praise You – This joyful song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, David Zimmer, Stuart Townend and Ed Cash, and originally appeared on the Facing a Task Unfinished album. The song is a call to worship and mission. Lead vocals are handled by Kristyn Getty, backed by the conference choir and the Getty band.
Key lyric:
May the peoples praise You
Let the nations be glad
All Your blessing comes
That we may praise
May praise the Name of Jesus
Let the Nations Be Glad – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Aaron Boswell. The song features Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and originally appeared on their album His Mercy is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, my favorite album of 2019. The song features drums, guitar, bass and the conference choir.
Key lyric:
Let the nations be glad
Let the people rejoice
For salvation belongs to our God
Let the whole earth be filled
With the praises of the Lord
For salvation belongs to our God
Let the nations be glad
For the Cause – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend and originally appeared on the Facing a Task Unfinished album. The song is on the call to missions and the cause of the Kingdom around the world. Lead vocals are handled by Kristyn Getty, backed by the conference choir and the Getty band. The drums stand out on this song.
Key lyric:
Let it be my life’s refrain:
To live is Christ, to die is gain;
Deny myself, take up my cross
And follow the Son
O Church Arise – This song, a call to the church, was written by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend and Andrew Christopher, and originally appeared on the In Christ Alone album. Lead vocals are handled by Shane and Shane, backed by the conference choir and the Getty band.
Key lyric:
And as the stone is rolled away,
And Christ emerges from the grave,
This victory march continues till the day
Ev’ry eye and heart shall see Him.
By Faith – This song, inspired by Hebrews 11, was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend, and originally appeared on the Awaken the Dawn album. Lead vocals are handled by Kristyn Getty, backed by the conference choir and the Getty band.
Solo EP from Marty of Social Club Misfits | Posted June-24-2020 Marty takes a break from the Social Club Misfits for a solo outing. Marty For President 2 is the follow-up to his 2015 EP Marty for President. The seven song EP features a number of guest artists, song writers and producers, and will be enjoyed by fans of Social Club Misfits.
Below are a few comments on each song:
The One about the Misfit, Pt. 2 – This song was written by Dave James, DJ Pez and Marty. It was produced by Dave James and DJ Pez. The song starts with a slow pace, a talk-rap over synth, and then builds slightly with percussion and guitar. He states that during the Misfits best year he was depressed the whole time and that sometimes you’ve gotta go through hell on the way to heaven. The song includes a mild “adult language” word that I’m disappointed hearing on a faith-based project. Leave the language to the mainstream rappers.
The One Where I Talk to God – This song about needing to talk to God during difficult times, was written by Daniel Chrisman, Israel Hindman, Juice Bangers, Andy Mineo and Marty. It was produced by Marty and Juice Bangers. The song has an easygoing beat and features Andy Mineo and Tree Giants. The song is driven by percussion, synth and bass.
The One Where I Hate You - This song was written by Joshua Toala, Marty, Jung Youth, Ray Castro and Luis Calderon. It was produced by Luis Calderon and Ray Castro. The song, has an easygoing beat, and features drums, bass and keys. It’s about dating someone who is wrong for you. He’s so happy that she’s gone.
The One with the Presidential Freestyle - This song was written by Israel Steven Mercedes, Derek Minor and Marty. It was produced by Chino Dollaz and Derek Minor. The confident song has a hard driving beat driven by synth, percussion and bass. He’s trying to run the race of life without wrecking, while Satan is waiting for his downfall.
The One with the Emo TRL Sound – This song was written by Dave James, Hollyn and Marty. It was produced by Dave James and Marty. The song, which is very different from the others on the EP, features Hollyn. The song is driven by acoustic guitar and is about missing a loved on.
Key lyric:
What does it really mean to be in love?
It's a choice you make every day even when you've had enough
The One with No Discounts – This song was written by DJ Pez, Israel Steven Mercedes, Gravez, Dmitry Lavender, GAWVI, Marty and Tommy Royale. It was produced by Dmitry Lavender and DJ Pez. The song, driven by percussion, synth and bass, features GAWVI and Tommy Royale. God’s everlasting grace is on him and he can’t waste any time.
The Last One – This song was written by Luis Calderon, Ray Castro, Marty and Wande. It was produced by Marty, Luis Calderon and Ray Castro. The upbeat song, with a memorable chorus, features Wande and is driven by drums and guitar. He just wants to shine his light, play his part, sing his songs because the talent he has he received from God.
Switchfoot Covers Project | Posted June-22-2020
This side project from Switchfoot was recorded during the COVID-19 quarantine period. The band covers six diverse songs, about which Jon Foreman has stated: “There is a commonality in melody, and rhythm, and lyric, and truth that speaks to me even from someone who might look different than myself. This is the beauty of music: it can take us around the world, even when we’re quarantined at home.”
I was not familiar with any of these songs, nor had I heard any music from the artists that are covered here. I approached each song on its lyrical merits and Switchfoot’s performance, which was up to their high standards. Here are a few brief comments about each of the songs:
Swim Good – This is a cover of a 2011 song by Frank Ocean. This dark song about a suicide was written by Waynne Nugent, Kevin Risto, Charlie Gambetta and Frank Ocean. It was produced by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The song features bass, keys, guitar and is driven by some exceptional drums from Chad Butler.
Key lyric:
I'm about to drive in the ocean
I'ma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes and swim good, and swim good
Take off this suit and swim good, and swim good, good
Harmony Hall – This is a cover of a 2019 song by Vampire Weekend. The song was written by Ezra Koenig. The song features acoustic and electric guitar, hand claps, backing vocals, and drums. The song, which has themes of power, resistance, and anti-Semitism, is musically more upbeat than the lyrics are.
Key lyric:
And the stone walls of Harmony Hall bear witness
Anybody with a worried mind would never forgive the sight
Of wicked snakes inside a place you thought was dignified
I don't wanna live like this, but I don't wanna die
Stupid Deep – This is a cover of a 2018 song by Jon Bellion. The song was written by Travis Mendes, Raul Cubina, Mark Williams, Jon Bellion and Christianne Jensen. It was produced by the Freeman Brothers. The song features guitar, backing vocals, drums and bass. The song speaks to the hole in our hearts, our attempts to fill it, and our continual failure to do so.
Key lyric:
What if who I hoped to be was always me?
And the love I fought to feel was always free?
What if all the things I've done
Were just attempts at earning love? Yeah
'Cause the hole inside my heart is stupid deep, oh, stupid deep
Lucky Man – This is a cover of a 1997 song by the Verve. It was written by Richard Ashcroft. The song begins with acoustic guitar and then builds with drums, electric guitar, bass and backing vocals. The song, which was inspired by Ashcroft’s relationship with his wife, is one that U2’s Bono has said that he wished he would have written.
Key lyric:
Happiness
More or less
It's just a change in me
Something in my liberty
Lights Up – This is a cover of a 2019 song by Harry Styles. It was written by Kid Harpoon, Tyler Johnson and Harry Styles. The song has a dance beat, featuring guitar, keys, backing vocals, and drums. The song, about freedom, self-reflection and self-discovery, is musically more upbeat than the lyrics are.
Key lyric:
Shine, step into the light
Shine, so bright sometimes
Shine, I'm not ever going back
Sick Boy – This is a cover of a 2018 song by the Chainsmokers. It was written by Tony Ann, Emily Warren, Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. The song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, drums, guitar and bass. The dark song addresses what if feels like to be alive right now, the struggle of self-identity in a crazy world, and about dealing with anxiety.
Key lyric:
Welcome to the narcissism
Where we're united under our indifference
My overall assessment is that Switchfoot continues to surprise, not rest on their laurels, be creative, and remain relevant. Jon Foreman’s expressive vocals lead this incredible high energy band. Unfortunately, the songs here didn’t move me like Switchfoot songs would. Although I enjoyed the performances, this is not a project that I will be going back to often.
Much More Than Demos | Posted May-09-2020
This surprise EP is the result of TobyMac digging through old laptops and hard drives during this Covid-19 quarantine period, and realizing that he had some good songs there that had not been released. These were songs that had not been included on previous albums for one reason or another.
Don’t let the “Demos” in the album’s title scare you away. These are excellent songs, with the level of writing, performance and production you would expect from TobyMac.
Below are a few comments about each song:
On Your Own – This song from 2017 was written and produced by Christopher Stevens and TobyMac. The song is about the fact that we will never be on own our own, as God will always be there with us. The song has a good beat, driven by keys, finger snaps, drums and backing vocals.
Drivin’ Me – This song from 2016 was written by David Garcia, Mat Kearney, Robert Marvin and TobyMac. The song was produced by Garcia and TobyMac. The song is about God being in control of his life through every twist and turn that the world brings. The easy-going song, which begins with a Mat Kearney feel guitar, features keys, finger snaps, bass, percussion, backing vocals and a catchy chorus.
The Real You – This 2018 song was written and produced by Christopher Stevens and TobyMac. The passionate song is about Toby’s relationship with his son Truett (who died October 23, 2019). He’d not been himself, the pain had him acting like someone else. The song features bass, drums and keys.
Rich – This upbeat 2016 song was written by Bryan Fowler, Mr. Talkbox and TobyMac. It was produced by Fowler and TobyMac and features Mr. Talkbox. Rather than the riches of this world, he wants to be rich in love, loaded with friends and family. The easy-going beat features keys, finger snaps, bass, drums, horns, backing vocals and a memorable chorus.
Home – This 2017 song was written and produced by Dave Lubben and TobyMac. This song is about Toby being lost without God’s love, so he’s coming home. The song has a good beat, driven by keys, finger snaps, bass and percussion.
Key lyric:
I don't know how You've been so patient
With this one-sided arrangement
Woulda washed my hands and called it history
But You pursue with such intention
It's beyond my comprehension
To see the love I took for granted come after me
Love of My Life – This 2014 song (the oldest on the EP), was written by Cary Barlowe, David Garcia, Jesse Frasure and TobyMac and produced by Garcia and TobyMac. This upbeat song is about his total dependence on God, though it is also one of those songs that could be a song to his wife instead. (“I-I-I remember the first time I met You (Met You), My heart raged, jumped out my Earth suit”). The driving beat is driven by guitar, bass, percussion and backing vocals.
Fighting for Your Life - This 2017 song was written and produced by Bryan Fowler and TobyMac. This is a song to his wife. He will be the last man standing by her, fighting for her heart. The chorus features a memorable beat, driven by keys, percussion, horns and backing vocals.
Excellent Release from GAWVI | Posted April-29-2020
Heathen is the third studio album by Christian hip-hop artist GAWVI. The 17-song album was produced by GAWVI and inspired by the letters of the Apostle Paul. The concept of a heathen is prevalent throughout the album, a word that GAWVI states has gotten lost in translation from how it was used in the Bible. He applies that to us, as we let labels influence and shape our identity.
GAWVI worked with a number of producers and co-writers on the album. There are also some special guests who make appearances. This is an excellent album, featuring some excellent beats.
Below are a few brief comments about each song:
Difficult – This song was written by WHATUPRG and features vocals from GAWVI’s daughter Giana. The song was produced by Jonathan Barahona and GAWVI. The vocals come over keys and synth. If we knew him and we would hate him and disown him. He’s just trying to be different for his wife and children.
Jit – This song was written by Aklesso, Wxlf, Rhomar Jessy, Andy Mineo and GAWVI. The song was produced by BEAM and GAWVI, and features vocals from Mineo. This song has a great beat. It was wonderful hearing Andy Mineo on this track about GAWVI’s story of coming to faith in Broward County, Florida.
Skull – This song was written by Wxlf, Jon Jon, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI, and produced by Jonathan Barahona and GAWVI. The song has a driving, hard-hitting beat. This is his version of the Psalms. He brings in the concept of heathen at the end of the song.
Climate Change – This song was written by Aklesso, Wordsplayed and GAWVI, and produced by Kilawatts and GAWVI. The song features Aklesso and Wordsplayed. He doesn’t need lanes; he just needs God. He makes his music to the glory of God.
Not Too Far - This song was written by Aklesso, Dalton Diehl and GAWVI, and produced by GAWVI. The song has an easy-going beat. No matter how far away one gets, when a heathen comes running home, God is going to love them (Romans 8: 38-39).
Sin – This song was written by Daramola, Tray Haggerty, Ace Harris and GAWVI, and produced by Matt Cohen and GAWVI. The song features Daramola and Haggerty. The song features and easy-going beat, keys and backing vocals. He has sinned, and the devil wants him to think he won’t win, but through Christ’s victory on the cross, he has persevered.
Girl – This song was written by Aklesso and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI.
This is an upbeat, R&B flavored love song with a good bass beat. He loves it when he sees his girl praise the Lord that way.
So Alive – This mid-tempo song was written by Daramola, Konata Small, Ace Harris, Aklesso and GAWVI, and produced by Harris and GAWVI. The song features keys, percussion and bass. The song which at first appears to be a horizontal love song, is actually addressed to God.
All of Me – This short song was written by Aklesso, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI. The song features the vocal over keys. All that he asks is that God sees him as His own when he sins.
Who You Gon’ Be – This song was written by WHATUPRG, Rhomar Jessy, GAWVI, Israel Houghton and Trip Lee, and produced by Matt Cohen, BEAM and GAWVI. The song features Houghton, Lee and Cassandra Jolie. He asks “'Til you let go, 'til you let go, Who you gon' be inside?” Vanity – This song was written by Jonathan Barahona, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI, and produced by Barahona and GAWVI and features Cassandra Jolie. The song has an excellent groove/beat with percussion and bass. His biggest fear is losing his wife. Many of his heroes have cheated. He references his words at the Dove Awards, saying he’s trying to find his way, dodging the flames. Criminal – This song was written by Daramola and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI. The song features Daramola, and keys, bass, percussion, backing vocals and an infectious beat. He doesn’t take it personal when people take shots at him. He’ll still show mercy to those who hurt him.Jesus You Are – This song was written by Aklesso, Konata Small and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI. The song, about his complete dependence on God, has an easy-going vibe. He doesn’t know where he would be without God, who saved him from himself.
I'm Fine – This song was written by Konata Small, WHATUPRG, Rhomar Jessy and GAWVI, and produced by Matt Cohen and GAWVI. He has been hurt by those in the church. People don’t really want to know how he is doing, so he’ll just say that he’s fine. Forgiveness is key to moving forward. Feed Dah Gang – This song was written by Rhomar Jessy, BEAM, GAWVI and Wxlf and produced by Jon Jon and GAWVI. The song features Wxlf. The confident lyrics come over a driving beat. He knows the devil is scheming, but he has an army of heathens.Forty5 – This song was written by Wxlf, Rhomar Jessy, GAWVI, Parris Chariz and Tommy Royale, and produced by GAWVI. The song features Parris Chariz and Tommy Royale. The song has a driving beat, one PG-13 word and a number of basketball references. He’s been calling on Jesus for mercy.
Sinners Chaos – This song was written by Wxlf and GAWVI, and produced by Matt Cohen and GAWVI. The song is driven by guitar. The chaos is all around us. Key lyric:
Excellent Debut from Grace Worship | Posted April-28-2020
Grace Worship is the worship ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois, where Kevin King is the worship leader and Bryan Chapell has served as senior pastor since 2013. The songs feature theologically rich lyrics with soaring melodies. Chris Zobac produced this EP. This EP is one of my favorite releases of 2020 thus far. Here are a few brief comments about each song:
Unlimited Grace – In 2016, Bryan Chapell wrote an excellent book Unlimited Grace: The Heart Chemistry That Frees from Sin and Fuels the Christian Life (see my review here). For this song, Chapell wrote verse lyrics that went along with the theme of the book, and King wrote the chorus and music. King sings the lead vocal. The song features piano, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Glory, glory hallelujah!
Jesus Christ has saved my soul;
Though I once stood as a sinner,
For me, blood was shed,
Yes his love has bled,
Now I stand in unlimited grace.
Psalm of Thanksgiving – This song was written by Kevin King. It has a Crowder-like electronic/pop feel. The song is joyful and about thankfulness. The song features guitar, finger snaps, backing vocals and some nice drums.
Key lyric:
Whom have I in heaven but You?
Nothing on earth can out shine You.
Bones may break and spirits crumble,
But God remains my strength and I am His forever.
Christ Be All (studio) – This song was written and sung by Kevin King. The song incorporates words from Andrew Murray’s classic book Humility. The song is meant to help worshippers express, along with the Apostle Paul, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20), as they sing, "May Christ be all and I be nothing." King has said that with the song, he was seeking to have the worshiper understand through song that it is to our joy to 'become nothing' (Philippians 2:7) as Jesus did; to lose our lives so we can find them in Him.
A great song, both lyrically and musically, and one of my favorites of 2020.
Key lyric:
May Christ be all, and I be nothing,
His glory shines in vessels weak;
May Christ be all, and I be nothing,
This is my hope:
Not I, but Christ in me.
The Love of God – This hymn was written by Frederick Lehman in 1917. Bryan Chapell wrote a new verse for the song, the second verse. This new arrangement by Kevin King brings a somewhat somber feel to the song, with the female vocal over drums and excellent piano and strings.
Calvary’s Anthem – This song was written by Bryan Chapell and Kevin King, incorporating lyrics from Robert Lowry’s hymn “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” on the chorus. The song, sung by King, invites worshippers to celebrate Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross of Calvary. This is a beautiful hymn for congregational singing. The song features piano, strings, drums, horns, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
At the cross You opened fully,
Heaven’s heart poured out completely,
Angels singing, hell now fleeing,
Roars of saints shout, “Christ, our vic-t’ry!”
Christ Be All (live) – This is a nice live version of the title song.
Excellent Modern Worship | Posted April-26-2020
The latest release from the Worship Initiative features a pleasing combination of excellent songs and performances. Shane and Shane handle lead vocals on four of the songs, with Davy Flowers and Robbie Seay each handling vocals on two songs. I really enjoyed this release. Here are a few brief comments on each song:
Behold the Lamb – This triumphant song was written by Kristian Stanfill, Melodie Malone and Phil Wickham. The lead vocal is performed by Shane and Shane, and the song features piano, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, bass and light drums. The song builds powerfully at the chorus.
Key lyric:
Behold the Lamb
The story of redemption written on His hands
Jesus, You will reign forevermore
The victory is Yours
We sing Your praise
Endless hallelujahs to Your holy name
Jesus, You will reign forevermore
The victory is Yours
The Passion – This praise song was written by Brooke Lingertwood, Chris Davenport and Scott Ligertwood. The lead vocal is performed by Dinah Wright and the song features guitar, drums, bass, piano and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Our chains are gone, our debt is paid
The cross has overthrown the grave
For Jesus' blood that sets us free
Means death to death and life for me
You Cannot Be Stopped – This joyful song was written by Chris Quilala, Hank Bentley and Phil Wickham. The lead vocal is performed by Davy Flowers, and the song features synth, keys, acoustic guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. Jesus has triumphed over the grave and the battle is won.
Key lyric:
Mover of mountains
Breaker of chains
Jesus has triumphed
Over the grave
Sing hallelujah
The battle is won
Nothing can stand
Against our God
His Heart Beats – This triumphant song was written by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive. The lead vocal is performed by Shane and Shane and the song features acoustic guitar, bass, drums, keys and backing vocals. The song is about Jesus’s heart beginning to beat as he is resurrected. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Key lyric:
He took one breath
And put death to death
Where is your sting, O grave?
How grave is your defeat
I know, I know His heart beats
Jesus, Only Jesus – This song about the sufficiency of Christ was written by Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Nathan Nockels and Tony Wood. The lead vocal is performed by Bethany Barnard and the song features synth, piano, drum, and backing vocals, building powerfully.
Key lyric:
Holy, King almighty Lord
Saints and angels all adore
I join with them and bow before
Jesus, only Jesus
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – This new Easter hymn was written by Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Keith Getty. The lead vocal is performed by Shane and Shane and the song features acoustic guitar, piano, drums, backing vocals, violin, and is about Christ, our only hope.
Key lyric:
O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death.
My Victory – This triumphant song was written by Crowder, Darren Mulligan, Ed Cash and Hank Bentley. The lead vocal is performed by Robbie Seay and the song features drums, piano, bass, guitar, and backing vocals, building powerfully. The song is about the victory of Jesus on the cross.
Key lyric:
Oh, Your love bled for me
Oh, Your blood in crimson streams
Oh, Your death is hell's defeat
A cross meant to kill is my victory
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) – This triumphant song was written by Mark Hall and Michael Bleecker. The lead vocals are performed by Shane and Shane, and the song features acoustic guitar, piano, bass, drums, strings, and backing vocals, building powerfully at the chorus. One day Jesus is coming, and what a glorious day that will be.
Key lyric:
Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He's coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day
Overcome – This triumphant song about Jesus overcoming the grave, was written by Chris Brown, Mack Brock and Steven Furtick. The lead vocal is performed by Davy Flowers and the song features, guitar, bass, drums, piano and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
We will not be moved
When the earth gives way
For the risen One has overcome
And for every fear
There's an empty grave
For the risen One has overcome
Christ is Risen – This victorious song was written by Brian Johnson, Mack Brock and Phil Wickham. The lead vocal is performed by Robbie Seay and the song features acoustic guitar, bass, drums and piano and backing vocals, building powerfully toward the end of the song.
Live Newsboys | Posted April-26-2020
In the spring of 2018, former Newsboys lead singer Peter Furler and former bassist Phil Joel joined the then current Newsboy lineup of Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis for a Newsboys reunion tour. That resulted in the album United, one of my top albums of 2019. Since reuniting, the Newsboys “United” lineup has played more than 250 concerts to date. Now, less than a year since the release of United, the band recently has released an EP of five songs (and accompanying videos) from the album recorded on their recent Greatness of Our God tour.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Greatness of Our God – This worship song about the greatness of God, was written by Bryan Fowler, Colby Wedgeworth and Ethan Hulse. Furler and Tait share lead vocals on the song, which was the biggest hit from United. Phillips drums stand out on the upbeat song.
Symphony – This upbeat song was written by Bryan Fowler, Colby Wedgeworth and Ethan Hulse. The voices of Furler and Tait blend well on this prayer, and Phillips’ drums particularly stand out.
Key lyrics:
So, let my life be, let my life be
A symphony, a symphony
Every breath that I breathe
Lord I wanna bring You glory, glory
Love One Another – This song, based on Jesus’ words in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another”, was written by Duncan Sparks, Furler and Steve Taylor, and features Tait’s former DC Talk bandmate Kevin Max on vocals. The upbeat song opens with guitar and then moves right into a good driving beat.
Only the Son (Yeshua) – This worship song was written by Seth Mosely, Peter Furler and Summer Furler. An early version of the song (“Yeshua”), appeared on the Peter Furler Band’s 2014 album Sun and Shield. A new chorus “Only the Sun” has been added. The song features some good guitar from Davis. Tait and Furler share vocals and their vocals blend well on the memorable chorus.
Beautiful Story – This song was written by Andrew Holt, Mia Fieldes and Robert Marvin and features Tait on vocals. The power ballad begins with piano and builds with guitars, bass and drums.
The bridge brings in Romans 8:28 “You work all things together for good.”
Key lyrics:
You write a beautiful story
From glory to glory I believe
Like Switchfoot, Chris Tomlin and others, the Newsboys have released a live EP of songs from a recent album. The live performances and production on this project are excellent, but if you have the United album, I’m not sure you’re going to want to purchase United: Live, at least the audio version, as the performances don’t differ that much from the original release.
Third EP from 2019 Sing! Conference | Posted April-10-2020 Sing! The Life of Christ: Quintology is the fourth album to be released from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s Sing! worship music conferences, following 2018’s Sing! Live at The Getty Music Worship Conference and 2019’s Sing! Psalms: Ancient + Modern (Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference) and Sing! An Irish Christmas – Live At The Grand Ole Opry House.
The new album is being released in five separate EPs over a period of several months. The project will follow the five main themes of the 2019 Sing! conference – Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, Commission, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, and include 30 songs. To find out more about my takeaways from the 2019 conference, held in Nashville, read my article “Reflections From the 2019 Sing! Getty Worship Conference here.
The album was recorded at the Gaylord Hotel Convention Center, the Grand Ole Opry House and the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Everything that the Gettys and their musical friends do is with excellence. Throughout, the songwriting, singing and musical performances are of a very high quality, especially noteworthy for a live recording.
The third EP to be released is on the Resurrection. Below are a few comments about each song:
Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed – This joyful song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Ed Cash, and features Shane and Shane on vocals. The song originally appeared on the Hymnsfor the Christian Life album. I enjoyed the backing vocals on the song. This is really outstanding version of the song.
Key lyric:
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!
Oh, sing hallelujah.
Join the chorus, sing with the redeemed;
Christ is risen, He is risen indeed.
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – This wonderful new Easter hymn was written by Keith Getty, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Papa, Matt Boswell and Matt Merker. This song was recently released, and thus is not from the 2019 Sing! conference. Matt Papa handles the lead vocals. The song features piano, drums and backing vocals. This is sure to be a worship classic.
Key lyric:
O sing hallelujah
Our hope springs eternal
O sing hallelujah, now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death
Come People of the Risen King – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend. The song originally appeared on the Awaken the Dawn album. The joyful song features drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Rejoice, rejoice
Let every tongue rejoice
One heart, one voice
Oh, church of Christ rejoice
Magnificent, Marvelous, Matchless Love - This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa, Luke Brown and Aaron Keyes. The song originally appeared on The North Coast Sessions EP. It was a song that I immediately liked with its memorable chorus. The song soars over synth, bagpipe sound, guitar, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Magnificent, marvelous, matchless love
Too vast and astounding to tell
Forever existing in worlds above
Now offered and given to all
I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130) – This song was written by Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Merker and Stuart Townend and features Jordan Kauflin on vocals. The song originally appeared on The North Coast Sessions EP. The song, which is a prayer, opens and closes with singing backed by bagpipe sounds. The main part of the song features piano, backing vocals and drums.
Key lyric:
I will wait for You
I will wait for You
On Your word I will rely
I will wait for You
Surely wait for You
Till my soul is satisfied
Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. The song originally appeared on the Hymns for the Christian Life album.
The song, a prayer, features some beautiful violin, piano and backing vocals.
The Incredible Voice of John Schlitt | Posted March-01-2020
I first heard the incredible voice of John Schlitt in 1975 when I was a freshman in college and he was the lead singer of Head East. Their album Flat as a Pancake had two singles that were getting a lot of play on the radio – “Never Been Any Reason” and “Love Me Tonight”. I was excited when I heard that Schlitt had joined the Christian band Petra as lead singer in 1986. During his tenure with the band, Petra earned 10 Dove Awards and four Grammys. Schlitt has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as the lead singer of Petra. Now, 45 years after Flat as a Pancake, and at age 70, he has released Go, his sixth solo album, and his voice still sounds amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed this new album, mostly made up of rockers.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Go – This up-tempo song was written by Schlitt and Mark Lee Townsend, with Townsend producing. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, electric guitar and drums. Petra’s John Lawry is among those adding backing vocals. The song addresses the question of what our path is. There is no time to stop. Take your shot and keep moving on. An excellent opener.
Feel It – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Scott Bernard and Dan Needham, and produced by Needham. The song features electric guitar, drums, backing vocals from Needham, and a nice guitar solo mid-song. When you feel like you are losing control, all you have to do is to have a little faith.
Takin’ It Higher – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Scott Bernard and Dan Needham, and produced by Needham. The song begins with some nice electric guitar and then drums are added. Needham adds backing vocals and Bernard a guitar solo. The song is about holding on with what you’ve got. Keep pressing on, and never stop. You’ll find your way. No matter what they say, take it higher, every day.
Fighting the Fight – This mid-tempo song was written by Schlitt and Ryan Horn, and produced by Petra’s John Lawry, who also adds backing vocals, keyboards and bass. The song features a nice guitar solo by Paul Brannon. The song is about living the Christian life and fighting the fight with the Lord’s help.
Key lyrics:
Looking forward I will run the race
Heading to the finish line
Where I see You face to face
With angels shouting cheers
I’ll run to the light
With all I got, I’ll never stop
I’ll never give in
I’ll keep fighting the fight
Just Let Go – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Jeff King and Dan Needham who also produced the song, in addition to adding backing vocals and drums. The song features guitar, drums, keyboards and some nice guitar from Jeff King. The song addresses that where we go from here isn’t so clear. Are you willing to let go of what is for what might be? Just grab hold of something new and be set free.
Time Keeps Rollin’ – This rocker was written by Schlitt and Mark Lee Townsend who also produced the song. John Lawry plays keyboards is among those providing backing vocals. The song features drums, guitar and backing vocals. The older you get the faster time moves. You need to know where you’re going to spend eternity.
Where Would I Be – This gospel flavored rocker was written by Schlitt and Chuck Anderson and was produced by John Lawry, who also adds keyboards and backing vocals. The song begins with keys and hand claps, and features guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. The song addresses where he would be if the Lord hadn’t saved him. Amazing grace keeps setting him free.
Find a Way – This easy-going song was written by Schlitt, Scott Faircloff and Dan Needham, who also produced the song, in addition to adding backing vocals, drums and guitar. The song opens with acoustic guitar, percussion and features some nice backing vocals. It has taken him so long to see the truth and find the Lord, he doesn’t want to waste any more time in finding the road that leads to Heaven.
Fake News – This rocker was written by Schlitt and John Lawry, who also produced the song and added keyboards and backing vocals. The song features guitar, drums, keyboards and backing vocals. He calls on God to help with the fake news we are exposed to.
Key lyrics:
Where is the truth?
Where has it gone?
Where is the trust?
What’s goin' on?
Let’s Go – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Scott Faircloff and Dan Needham, and was produced by Needham, who also added drums and guitar. It features guitar backing vocals, hand claps and a guitar solo. The song continues the theme of the song “Go”, when he sings that there is no time to hesitate, it’s time to go.
Not Dead Yet – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Jerry McPherson and Dan Needham, who also produces the song and adds backing vocals, keyboards and drums. The song is driven by drums and guitar by McPherson, and features bass and backing vocals. The 70-year-old Schlitt sings that you might think he’s washed up, but he’s still in the game, just getting started. He encourages all of us to live each moment like it was meant for us.
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