An Overflow Of Lyrical Genius | Posted October-04-2016
For the guys in Tenth Avenue North, releasing albums has never been about just throwing together a random collection of songs. Instead, each project is carefully planned around a central theme, all tracks representing a new season for the band both in the things God is teaching them and in the lessons they strive to share with their listeners.
Their debut album Over And Underneath introduced the world to their now-signature style of blending Scriptural truths with pop elements and catchy hooks. Next came The Light Meets The Dark, which kept impressing fans with this new band's near-flawless ability to deliver emotionally compelling lyrics drenched in profound depth and maturity. The emotional and honest third studio album The Struggle continued the pattern of packing a lyrical punch, much like Cathedrals, an album that focused on the truth that Christ lives within us and since we are His cathedrals, all the earth is holy ground.
Now we find ourselves waiting for the October 14th release of their fifth record Followers-- a lesson in the truth that God doesn't need leaders, He only asks for followers who will mirror the image of Christ Himself who was the servant of all. While the sound of Tenth Avenue North continues to evolve and mature with each album, the lyrical depth and Biblical truth has never once wavered. That is still absolutely present in every song they recorded for Followers, maybe more here than ever before.
Previously released "Afraid" begins the album with a vulnerable cry of honesty. Within the opening lines we get a taste of the sonic growth since the last album, still infused with the poignant and thought-provoking lyricism that seems to come naturally for the group: "Who will I listen to? Fear never told the truth / so I'll wait on You tonight / worry's only wasting time."
Lead single "What You Want" comes with an infectiously joyful sound, playing on frontman Mike Donehey's uniquely gritty falsetto vocals to make a powerful point: "You're changing my heart to want what You want, to love how You love and that is enough / there's no greater plan that I need to follow / You only ask me to follow." It proves challenging to sit still while listening to this one, much like with "Overflow," another pop gem that shows the sonic evolution and maturity of Tenth Ave with a melody that will quickly get stuck in your head (bonus points if you caught the lyrical nod to their debut album in the second verse).
There are many reasons I'm a fan of Tenth Avenue North, but above them all is the way they creatively weave words together, giving listeners a good punch in the emotions. It's often joked about that they're known for their ability to make people cry with their music ("Worn" anyone?), but as much as it's funny, it's also true. From the first live clip of "I Have This Hope" that made its way around YouTube earlier this year, fans were drawn in and yes, tears were present. In what I would venture to call "Worn Vol. 2," Mike's steady and passionate vocals sing out these redemptive lyrics of bold faith in the midst of a struggle: "I have this hope in the depth of my soul / in the flood or the fire You're with me and You won't let go." In the same vein, I would describe "Fighting For You" as Tenth's response to "Worn." Personally, it's a standout moment on the album as the lyrics take on the ever-encouraging voice of God, reminding us that He sees all our heartache and is always fighting on our behalf.
More of the authentically raw songwriting we find inside Followers, "One Thing" is a beautiful track wrapped in the truth that He is more than enough for us even if we lose everything else, similar to how "No One Can Steal Our Joy" speaks of the endless source of joy we find in Christ regardless of our circumstances. "Sparrows (Under Heaven's Eyes)" is a hopeful moment of reassurance for our future that plays on the classic song of the same name. Another introspective offering, "Control (Somehow You Want Me)" is a powerful track that talks of God's love for us: "God, You don't need me but somehow You want me / oh how You love me / somehow that frees me to open my hands up and give You control."
The Bottom Line:
Simply put, Followers is lyrical genius. Just like we've come to expect from Tenth Avenue North, the album is overflowing with authentic emotions and raw, vulnerable, encouraging songwriting. Every line feels honest and saturated in the truth of Scripture. Sonically, the band's signature pop sensibilities hold true within these songs while also showcasing the maturity and creativity that continues to evolve with each album. Coming from 2014's Cathedrals that didn't see as many radio-accessible songs, this album holds songs promise to put Tenth back on top of the airwaves and absolutely proves why they're one of the most beloved mainstays in CCM.
Unified Worship | Posted October-01-2016
From a Southern Baptist church located in Dallas that is changing lives both locally and online, Prestonwood Worship is made up of a dynamic and culturally diverse congregation. With a global mindset, the church reaches thousands of individuals and families in need.
Lead by Michael Neale, Prestonwood's worship team is 500 strong in the hope of conveying the power of a unified army. Their new album Songs Of The People features 13 new tracks led by the massive choir with special guest appearances by Paul Baloche and Michael W. Smith. As part of their journey to reflect the move of God in their community, these songs are a resource for worshippers around the world in hopes that they too would unite and shatter the darkness with their praise.
The upbeat title track opens the album with an atmosphere of congregational worship that would also fit well in the beginning of a service. The huge Prestonwood choir shines on "Your Love Is Our Favorite Song," another praise-filled melody that carries a catchy hook. A slower moment, "Still My Soul Sings" is a beautiful anthem of faith in the hard seasons of life and God's provision in those times: "You revive me / You restore me / You are faithful through and through." Picking up the tempo again, "Our Story Our Song" lyrically plays on the old hymn "Blessed Assurance" while getting stuck in your head with its catchy beats and Gospel-soaked verses.
"Here In The Holy" begins with a gorgeous piano melody and takes listeners into an intimate time of worship, much like "You Can Have It All" opens with a moving string section and offers lyrics that speak to His grace and mercy that draws us in. Hymn-like "Grace So Marvelous" and "Waves Of Grace" both lyrically stem from the praise that comes in response to His overwhelming grace. Led by a bold yet soft female vocal, "You Cover Me" is a powerful reminder of how Christ protects us daily. With features from Paul Baloche ("We Turn Our Eyes") and Michael W. Smith ("We Are Alive"), the album closes on a high note of worship.
The Bottom Line:Songs Of The People proves to be a powerful worship album with its steady leadership and creative collaborations. What the album lacks in sonic diversity (with the exception of a few tracks), it makes up for in lyrical skills. Lines of Scripture-based truth flow through each song, producing bold anthems for the church to enjoy and sing along with.
Song To Download Now:
"Your Love Is Our Favorite Song" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Not Your Typical CCM Album | Posted September-27-2016
The night before she was set to begin recording her third independent album, singer/songwriter/worship leader Tanya Godsey was awakened by sobs-- the desperate sobs of her husband, who was beginning to walk through the harsh darkness of depression and anxiety. Battling the heartache and fear that comes from watching someone you love struggle so deeply, Tanya stepped into the studio and began to work on Love Lines The Last Horizon.
Through that long, unexpected season, these songs of redemption and hope were born, and with a mix of beautiful sincerity and passion, Tanya recorded them from a place of faith. Love Lines The Last Horizon is a project built on the unwavering belief that there is a "beautiful chorus of hope being sung over us because of the Gospel, and we're invited to join in and sing redemption's song."
Tanya's raw and emotional voice opens the album with the hauntingly beautiful "Wild Love," a powerful track that will keep the listener engaged from start to finish. Poppy "All Things Right" is as lyrically strong as it is sonically, bringing Tanya's vocal to life through lines of redemption and encouragement. Hopeful "Watchmen" is a standout track here, speaking of faith in the midst of waiting on the Lord: "Oh saving light, You'll come for me / here I will wait, here You will be." Sonically creative pop tunes thrown into this pack of worship anthems, "We Are Your Song" and "Beautiful World" are fun listens.
Beginning with a gorgeous piano melody, "Quiet Street" is another lyrically stunning and thoughtful moment that displays Tanya's versatile vocal range well. "Worth The War" is a timely call to lay down our disagreements and focus on coming together in unity and love. With a beautiful string section in the background, "Anywhere You Are" is a moving piece, followed by the worshipful "Foundation," a Scripture-drenched track that focuses on His unshakable character alive in us. Closing out the album, "Open Hands" features more flawless piano melody against poetic lyrics.
Closing Thoughts:
To be honest, I wasn't familiar with Tanya's music before I started this review, but only halfway through my first listen of the album I was baffled that more people don't know about her yet. Mature, deep, poetic lyrics flow from every track (and even into the album's hopeful title), only made better by her powerhouse vocals and the creative sonic diversity we find throughout the whole album. No two songs sound the same, yet Tanya weaves a uniquely unified feel into each one by covering them with a genuine spirit and unmistakable passion. These songs come straight from the heart, and you can hear it in every note. Love Lines The Last Horizon is not your typical CCM album, but in the best way possible. If you've never heard of Tanya before, I suggest you go get this album and enjoy it--it just may be one of the best this year.
Sonically Creative Worship | Posted September-20-2016
Hailing from the UK, worship leader Ian Yates is passionate about sharing the Gospel with the world. Also part of Elim Sound, Ian's first album released in 2010 and succeeded as an engaging and challenging group of songs. Three albums later, he now returns with Awaken To Love.
This is an album that almost didn't happen. Ian was ready to be done with his solo projects, until summer of last year God began to give Ian many divine encounters and plenty of songs for a new album. Convinced this was a God-given calling, Ian's Awaken To Love was born. With recurring themes of trust, hope and the love of Christ, these 12 new songs were written with the goal of depth and not just noise, to help listeners encounter God.
With "High Wire," a track that starts soft before blasting into a rock anthem of faith, we get the standout moment of this album right off the bat. Another energetic track, "Great Is The Lord" mixes Ian's strong vocals with passionate lyrics of praise that would make the perfect opener for any worship service. A somewhat surprising entry on a worship album, a cover of The Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" makes its way into this collection of songs and pulls through as an enjoyable remake that stays true to the original version while still leaving room for originality.
Sonically captivating "Dream Again" produces a powerful moment of encouragement to weary hearts, followed by the title track, which also has much to offer sonically and lyrically. Previously appearing on Matt Redman's most recent album, "No Longer I" was co-written by Yates and plays on the classic hymn "At The Cross" to create a truly moving time of worship: "I will bow in the place where Your death became my life / I will run to the cross."
"He Has Never Left You" finds Ian being vulnerable with his lyrics and masterful in the way he shifts his voice to craft a softer track of redemption. "My Hope" feels like a big song, blaring to life with its anthemic chorus and verses packed by pleas of faith: "Your presence goes before me / I know You are with me still," the bridge sings out to create yet another standout track. "Deeper" and "Safe" bring the album to a close by giving listeners reminders of God's faithfulness.
Closing Thoughts:
Awaken To Love began on a high note and pleasantly surprised me by keeping that same quality of creativity throughout the rest of the album. Sonically, Ian kept changing things around in every song, which made it stand out from your typical group of worship songs. Lyrically and vocally, he steps up his game and shows true artistry. The record feels genuine from start to finish and holds the attention of the listener while still inviting them to get lost in well-crafted moments of worship. For an album that almost didn't happen, Awaken To Love turned out extremely well and is sure to be a hit with fans and worship music lovers alike.
Powerful Worship Anthems | Posted September-15-2016
"Open The Eyes Of My Heart," "Above All," "Hosanna:" 3 time Dove Award-winning worship leader/songwriter Paul Baloche has had a few big hits in his career. Artists such as Kari Jobe, Michael W. Smith and Lincoln Brewster have recorded these songs, making them some of the most popular worship anthems around the world. So how does an artist with that kind of history keep up? He simply continues to faithfully create powerful worship music for the local and global Church.
Paul's last worship project, Live, released in 2014. Now two years later, he returns with Your Mercy, an organic worship experience recorded in New York City created to draw listeners closer to God. Your Mercy was also recorded as a tool for the local church, with songs that are a beautiful addition to any worship service and feature guest vocals from local worship leaders.
Upbeat "Psalm 92 (It Is Good)" comes straight out of Scripture and opens the album with an elegant piano melody against the background of a strong guitar riff. "Once For All" and "We Come To You Jesus" both speak of the beauty and grace found in the sacrifice Jesus made for us at the cross, similar to how "Found In You" and "More Than I Deserve" center on the fullness of Christ that allows us to find everything we need in Him alone.
A highlight on the album, hopeful "I Will Worship You," praises God for His faithfulness in both our sorrows and joys. Another strong point, the worshipful title track is a moment of heartfelt adoration for the mercy that meets us where we are and rescues us: "You saw my steps / You felt my fears / You heard my cries / You caught my tears / arms open wide You ran to me with Your mercy."
A powerful call to worship, "Songs Of The People" and "God Evermore" would both fit well in any church service. "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (We Turn)" nods to the classic hymn of the same name, much like "To The Cross I Come," which features a gorgeous female vocal and incorporates parts of the hymn "Just As I Am." "Peace On Earth" brings the album to a close with a timely prayer: "Blind to injustice, we've turned our eyes / Lord hear our brokenness, raise us to life."
The Bottom Line:Your Mercy comes through as a powerful album from start to finish, keeping Paul's place as one of the best worship leaders in the industry secure. Lyrically Your Mercy has quite a few gems that, mixed with Paul's steady voice and worshipful melodies, create a gift for listeners to sing along with in passionate praise.
A Lyrical Light In The Darkness | Posted September-05-2016 Selah founding member and vocalist Todd Smith has been making music that points listeners to Jesus since 1999. With over 4 million albums and singles sold, 11 number one records and 13 Dove Awards, the successful trio has become quite the mainstay in Christian music.
Todd released his first project apart from the group, Alive, in 2004. Now over a decade later, he's back at it with his sophomore solo release There's A Light. Presenting a batch of 11 brand new songs, the album takes listeners on a captivating and encouraging musical journey led by Todd's strong and emotional vocal. Stylistically in the same vein as what fans have come to know from Selah's music while still different in the sense that we get to hear a bit more of a pop sound than is found in his previous work, There's A Light is a personally deep offering from the heart of an artist passionate about leading people to the only true Light in our darkness.
With a slight twinge of country style, the acoustic-driven title track opens the album with lyrics of faith: "There's a light at the end of the troubles / there is hope for those who believe / there is peace that flows like a river / Jesus Christ has set us free." Introducing catchy upbeat pop elements, "Jesus Is" is a bold anthem written during Todd's dad's battle with Leukemia that shines as the highlight track on this record. Beginning in a modern hymn fashion before the chorus kicks in, "I Sing The Mighty Power Of Jesus" is another powerful cut.
Softer "Be Still" is a calming track that encourages listeners to slow down and rest in Christ alone while "Right Where I Belong," a mellow worship duet with the soulful and sweet voice of Ellie Holcomb, features beautiful harmonies and speaks of the home we find in Christ. Telling the moving story of a Russian pastor who was imprisoned for 17 years, "Dimitri's Song (Jesus Is Alive)" is a captivating lyrical moment on the album. "What Are We Living For" poses a series of powerful question to listeners, challenging them to take action and rise up to fight against the darkness, much like vulnerable "Revive Us" asks God to pour out His power on us again. "Forgive us for being okay with where our hearts have been," the verse pleads.
Piano-led "We Will Rise" acts as a mid-tempo ballad that reminds those who hear it of the truth that because Christ lives on the inside of us, we can rise above any hardship that comes against us. Todd's powerful challenge to dads everywhere, "Calling All Fathers," ends the album with a call to action for fathers to wake up and be the men of God they were created to be.
The Bottom Line:There's A Light is a definite success for Todd Smith, combining his steady vocals with powerful pop gems and calm worship ballads. Passionate melodies mix with lyrics of bold faith to create anthems for listeners to sing along with in times of struggle. Both sonically and lyrically, Todd's sophomore album is absolutely a light in the darkness and will without a doubt encourage anyone who hears it.
The Good, The Bad, The Honest | Posted August-23-2016
Few groups in Christian music have found success, encouraging listeners through countless hit albums and chart-topping songs for over a decade, quite like Dove/AMA/Grammy award-winning Casting Crowns. The Georgia-based band, fronted by youth pastor and lead singer Mark Hall, has 10 critically acclaimed albums already behind them, with such #1 songs as "Praise You In This Storm," "Voice Of Truth," "Glorious Day," "East To West" and "Just Be Held" in their discography.
For a band with that many accomplishments, it would be easy to slow down or stop trying new things. Fortunately for fans though, Casting Crowns has done neither of those. With their 11th studio album The Very Next Thing, Casting Crowns gives fans the worship songs that have become a signature for the band, but also introduces more of a southern/bluegrass influenced sound than we're used to hearing from them in the past.
I can imagine the band opening their live shows much like they open this album: with the sonically intriguing, slow crescendo intro of "Hallelujah," a drumbeat-driven song of praise to Christ for His sacrifice on the cross. The title track follows as a song of openness and surrender to whatever God has ahead for us, encouraging listeners to stay present and keep their eyes open for where He will lead us next.
The next two tracks are absolutely the standouts in this album. An upbeat message of the grace and mercy that He always offers, "One Step Away" is a reminder that we can never run so far that we can't freely come back to Him: "Love's never met a lost cause / your shame, lay it down / leave your ghosts in the past cause you know that you can't go back but you can turn around / you've never been more than one step away from surrender / one step away from coming home."
A deeply personal cut inspired by Mark's recent battle with cancer, "Oh My Soul" is a refreshingly honest track that chronicles the fear and doubts he wrestled with after his diagnosis. As the first verse lays out these vulnerable feelings, the rest of the song acts as a beautifully-written reminder of the promises of God to redeem all that is broken and to never leave us in our worst moments: "There will be beauty where beauty was ash and stone / this much I know / Oh my soul, you are not alone / there's a place where fear has to face the God you know."
Another honest piece, "Still Standing Here" takes us into the struggle of someone who intended to do great things yet found themselves held back from the life they were meant to live, sitting in the shallow end instead of crossing into deeper waters. "God Of All My Days," one of the strongest worship moments featured on this album, is a bold declaration of the constant character of God in every season of our lives: "In my worry, God You are my stillness / in my searching, God You are my answers / in my blindness, God You are my vision / in my bondage, God You are my freedom," the bridge proclaims.
Shaking things up, "When The God Man Passes By" and "Song That The Angels Can't Sing" introduce listeners to more of a bluegrass/southern sound than we normally hear from the Crowns crew, with the added bonus of getting to hear Megan Garrett's powerhouse vocals at the helm of these tracks. Backed by the Trevecca Nazarene University National Praise and Worship choir, "Make Me A River" follows with a bit more of that southern style.
Violinist Melodee DeVevo and Mark trade off vocals on "For All You Are," producing another lyrically captivating time of worship: "I'll find my healing in Your scars / all of me for all You are." "No Other Name" and "Loving My Jesus" bring the album to a close with more carefully penned lyrics that bring listeners into an atmosphere of praise for all He is.
Closing Thoughts:
Casting Crowns undeniably has a few musical gems inside The Very Next Thing. Both the upbeat tracks and the softer worship moments succeed in lyrically gathering the good, bad and painfully honest parts of all life's circumstances, while still leaving listeners with firm Biblical truths to stand on despite those circumstances. With records like this that seem to keep flowing from the Crowns team, it's easy to see why so many find comfort and encouragement in their songs, and it's even easier to see that, much to the joy of fans, Casting Crowns is not slowing down anytime soon.
A Homerun Sophomore Album | Posted August-17-2016
Sophomore albums can be a tricky thing to tackle successfully. In most cases, the artist is still getting their feet wet in the industry and trying to figure out how to craft the sound that's just right for them.
For Unspoken though, it's quite a different story. The pop group exploded onto the Christian music scene with their 2014 debut album and hasn't slowed down since. With two EPs (Get To Me and The World Is Waking) already behind them at the time their full-length album released, it seemed that Unspoken had found their signature sound and was settling in for the long haul. Unspoken produced fan favorites/radio hits "Who You Are," "Good Fight," "Start A Fire," "Lift My Life Up" and most recently "Call It Grace."
Their follow up album, aptly titled Follow Through, comes two years later and stays true to their previous soulful pop vibes while also displaying a sonic evolution from their past work. With the band finding a new freedom to push the boundaries of their original sound, Follow Through is everything we could hope for in a sophomore record and more. It's also worth noting that Follow Through is just another part of the home-run-hitting year Centricity Music has had. Between labelmates Jordan Feliz smashing expectations with his debut album and Lauren Daigle's huge and still growing success, it only makes sense that this next release from the Centricity tribe would be a winner as well.
From the very first song I heard, I knew Chad Mattson's raspy, heartfelt and extremely versatile vocals would be a key part of Unspoken's success. Providing a strong display of each of those vocal elements, previously released "Higher" opens the album with the spunky energy we've come to expect from the band. Add an equally fun music video (watch here) to that, and you'll have a hard time sitting still while listening. Another creative moment of genius, "The Cure" continues to follow the theme of high-energy melodies and catchy hooks. Chad's unique voice will no doubt grab the listener's attention within in the first few lines, only to have the song get even better when the chorus kicks in.
While Chad's smooth vocals are a plus to every song, it'd be a mistake to not also recognize the exceptional musicianship found in the rest of the band: guitarists Jon Lowry and Mike Gomez, keyboardist Don Eanes and drummer Ariel Munoz. Their musicianship shines in moments like the lively "Open The Clouds" and soulful "So Good To Me."
Slowing down the tempo just a bit, "Miracle" shows off skillful harmonies from the band and gives fans the bold, faith-packed lyrics that have become a staple in the crew's work: "You gotta pray till your breakthrough breaks through the ceiling / keep on believing / don't you give up on a miracle." One of many highlights on Follow Through, "Life In The Death Of Me" blends the pop and soul elements Unspoken thrives in, creating an upbeat moment that speaks of the redemption found in giving our lives to Christ. "Soldier" is an encouragement to listeners to not give up in another mid-tempo track that puts their flawless harmonies on display,
The title track is a slower yet powerful moment of surrender and trust, talking about the situation we often find ourselves in when we halfheartedly lay our lives down at His feet then quickly try to take things back into our own control: "More than a one-time, this is a lifetime of chasing You / I feel Your spirit move / a love I cannot refuse / help me surrender once and forever and follow through." Uplifting "We Are The Light," which motivates listeners to not fear the darkness in this world because we have the Light in us, and worshipful "Wait On You," a bold proclamation of the faith we have in Christ despite sickness, pain, trials, war and loss, bring the standard version of this album to a close.
If you choose to go for the deluxe edition though, which I definitely recommend doing, there's still a bit more to the musical journey that is Follow Through. "Sleep In The Storm" is strong enough that I wish it had made the standard version of the album. "Let the thunder be my comfort / let the lighting be my guide / let the waves that rise around me hold me gently through the night / for the winds that seem against me push me right into Your arms / teach me how to sleep in the storm," the hopeful chorus sings out. Eclectic "Can't Deny Your Love" is another cut that will have you dancing around as you listen, much like rhythmic "Roots," an encouraging pop track about the way we are anchored in Christ through our faith. An acoustic version of "Solid Rock," previously found on their Unplugged record, appears here as well to end the deluxe version of the album with a beautiful and sincere praise to God for His faithfulness in the storms we face.
Closing Thoughts:
From beginning to end, Follow Through is absolutely a homerun of a sophomore album. Fun, energetic cuts blend with powerful pop ballads to craft that signature Unspoken sound. The maturity and growth of this band is present in every minute of these songs, proving that Unspoken has a long road ahead if they continue to create music like this, music fans will be able to enjoy and worship with.
Song To Download Now:
"Life In The Death Of Me" (Get it on iTunes here.)
A Gift To The Church | Posted July-29-2016
Gordon Fee once said that you will know a church's theology by the songs they sing--a statement the group of worship leaders in Vertical Church Band strive to live by. With songs like "Open Up The Heavens," "Not For A Moment (After All)" and "Lamb Of God," Vertical has been giving the church powerful moments of praise for years now. A part of Harvest Bible Chapel's ministry, Vertical Church Band is made up of a group of passionate worshippers and musicians, including solo artists Meredith Andrews and Jon Guerra.
Their newest project Frontiers comes on the heels of their 2015 release Church Songs. Introducing a new collection of songs for the church, Frontiers is an investment of love and hard work from a group of leaders with their focus set on the Lord.
Upbeat "1,000 Tongues" begins the album with a fun energy and strong drum kick, much like I could see it opening worship services in churches across the country. Slowing down the tempo a bit while still keeping a strong beat, "I See The Lord" is an expectant cry from a people ready to see God move. "This We Know" moves into a softer time of worship with bold lyrics of faith: "You'll do what You say You'll do / You'll be who You've always been to us, Jesus." Powerful "Exalted Over All" speaks of the beauty of the cross and the majesty of what Christ did for us by conquering death.
With a beautiful piano melody opening the track, Meredith Andrews leads the reverent yet strong "Come Holy Spirit." "Your Mercy" and "More Than I Deserve" serve as lyrical reminders of the grace that makes us His children, proclaiming His goodness with every line. "Let Your joy be greater than my grief," sings "Set My Heart," praising the character of Christ that is faithful and sustaining. The worshipful "Always Have" and title track close the album, greatly displaying the incredible lyrical power Vertical Church Band produces in each song they write.
The Bottom Line:Frontiers is absolutely a labor of love and passion for God. Birthed from a place of genuine worship inside the church, these songs will no doubt encourage and uplift listeners as Vertical Church Band beautifully reminds us of the rock solid truths found in His word. Frontiers is a gift to the church, giving them strong theology wrapped in powerful moments of worship.
Indie Country Meets Gospel | Posted July-28-2016
Husband, dad, registered nurse, singer, songwriter--Weston Skaggs has quite a lot on his plate these days. A church worship leader with a passion for telling stories, Weston's style is indie-country and gospel with a twist of folk. His music incorporates genuine lyrics with stripped-down instrumentation, making it the perfect listen for anyone who enjoys a raw sound.
His first full length release, Joy And Sorrow Meet, puts all of those elements together to make a moving worship release. "I'm passionate to create a fresh and unique musical sound that offers encouragement to the church and hope to lost and hurting people," Skaggs says of the new project.
Introducing the album with an acoustic sound that becomes commonplace in Skaggs' music, "Let A Song Go Out From My Heart" features beautiful instrumentation behind Weston's steady voice, much like the vulnerably-written "Blush." A bit more uptempo, "Lay It Down," "Home Pt. 1" and "Pocket Sized God" all show off the country side of this record.
Telling the story of the cross, "Hammer & Nails" gives listeners a bit of skillful harmony followed by "Greater Than You Know" and "The Reach," which focus on the vast love of Christ. Folk-styled "Down In My Soul" will have listeners tapping their feet along with the music before "Out Of The Wreckage" slides back into the worship portion of this record.
The Bottom Line:Joy And Sorrow Meet gives listeners a good representation of the artist Weston Skaggs is: vulnerable and honest, country and set on worship. Fans of folk music and southern gospel will gravitate toward this unique sound and look forward to seeing what comes from Skaggs in the future.
Song To Download Now:
"Let A Song Go Out From My Heart" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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