Story Songs | Posted August-17-2015
Josh Wilson had me at "3 Minute Song." It is a clever song about the challenge as a Christian songwriter to bring Gospel truth into song lyrics, which he accurately describes as "Trying to fit the ocean in a cup." With his most recent albums See You and Carry Me both ranking in my top 10 albums of the year, this album once again delivers songs that are refreshingly honest and emotional while also lyrically and spiritually profound. The album shows the complete breadth of Josh's songwriting from the celebratory pop-driven track "Blown Away" to the intimate and reflective ballads "No More" and "Coming Home."
In the hit title track, Wilson lays out his need for Jesus similar to "Before the Morning" and "Fall Apart," two of my favorite prayer-songs by Josh. "That Was Then, This Is Now" is Wilson's tenth radio single, and the song is a bold declaration of the transformation that takes place in the hearts and lives of people who encounter the love of Christ. The old has gone, and the new has come.
That's what the song is all about, a prayer of thanksgiving for what God has done. It is a testament to Wilson the songwriter that he can make that concept so accessible as a moving "3 minute song." Josh lays out the theme of this excellent album in the title track with the 1st John 1:19 bridge: "If we turn and confess every unrighteousness, He is faithful and just to forgive."
In the musical style of his songs "I Refuse" and "Pushing Back the Dark," the theme of God showing His light in your life are found in the stand-out songs "This is the Day" and "Blown Away." They are prayerful songs reminding listeners to live life to the fullest. I love the exhortation in "Blown Away:" "When did we get so serious? Can we just all stop acting unimpressed? I wanna be blown away! By Your extraordinary grace every ordinary day."
Josh's excellent musicianship and poignant lyrics continues with "No More," another standout hit song in my opinion with more words that connect with me personally: "No more guilt, no more shame, no more thinking I can't change. Who I was is dead and gone, who I am is moving on, You pulled away the prison doors, Hallelujah God, I am condemned no more."
In "Coming Home," Christians can all relate to the unending second chances offered by God, captured in Josh's vulnerable and sincere crying out: "I'm a wandering soul, Who's found the truth, A restless heart can only rest in You."
Closing song "Grace Upon Grace" ties the album's theme of God's never-ending faithfulness and grace that runs through the album together with the vertical lyrics "Seems impossible, a love unstoppable that just won't give up on me. You left the 99 to find a heart like mine, that's all the proof that I need. You are so faithful and I am so grateful God." Josh manages to "fit the ocean in a cup" with that perfect reflection of Gospel truth.
Closing Thoughts:
With a probing spiritual curiosity and imaginative, self-examining lyrics, this album solidifies Wilson's place among the finest song-crafters of his day. Josh's poignant songwriting is coupled with musical excellence as each song urges me to better see God. This album is sure to connect with all listeners who like catchy songs filled with truth and yearning for God. Josh invites you into his life in such an authentic and relatable way, you'll feel like you are a lifelong friend after you hear this album.
Wilson writes about themes that cause me to hang on every word he sings, and this album is no exception. It once again exhibits Wilson's gift of relating the challenges of life and the need for a Savior like no one else, found in the standout songs "That Was Then, This Is Now," "This is the Day," "No More," "Blown Away," "Coming Home" and "Grace Upon Grace."
The very relatable and transparent words of these songs depict our daily walks as believers wrapped around catchy songs. The mix of tempos from song to song are just right, and the emotive vocals, biblical lyrics and tight musical arrangements are layered over one memorable and meaningful song after another. Josh writes catchy folk-pop style melodies and story-songs, and if you like Matthew West and Jason Gray, then you should really enjoy Josh Wilson. I can't get enough of this album. This is Wilson's best overall album, and it is sure to be one of my top albums of the year.
Song to Download Now:
"That Was Then, This is Now" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Stunning and Soul-stirring | Posted August-13-2015
This long awaited solo project Wanderer by Between the Trees' frontman Ryan Kirkland has captivated my spirit. The album includes standout recordings like the sing at the top of your lungs anthems "Thirst" and "Among Lions" alongside the reflective and worshipful vibe of "Take Me Now," "Let Me In," "Somehow He Does," "Never Leave You" and "Abide (Breathe Me In)."
From my first listen, I wanted to tell others about this great new album which immediately reminded me of some of my favorite emotional alternative rock artists like The Fray, Lifehouse and The Rocket Summer.
The project opens with "Awake," which has a worshipful flow building to an exciting refrain that stirs my soul to cry out loudly "Wake up, fully alive, blazing with fire... for the one that you wanted, the love that I needed... wake up, wake up, He's calling."
I'm really engaged by Ryan's emotional vocals and the sincere, enthusiastic and biblical lyrics throughout the album. "Thirst" is layered with an upbeat alt-rock musical style reminiscent of "The Way She Feels." The song will have you singing along in one listen.
"Take me now, show me more, deeper now, come show me more, Father, deeper now, come show me more" is the refrain of the beautiful and prayerful song "Take Me Now," which is in essence the thesis statement of this stellar, Christ-centered album.
"Let Me In" has a beautiful melody and is sung from God's perspective: "I'll heal your wounds my love, give your darkest sins, O child if you'll just let me in." It is a gorgeous song of comfort. I can't get enough of the stand-out song "Among Lions." Ryan's emotive vocals and the exciting rock musical bed takes me on an emotional journey that causes me to excitedly worship along with the stirring lyrics every time I hear the song.
From the beginning notes of "Somehow He Does," I was hooked by the reflective musical vibe and prayerful message. The song declares bold confessional and faith statements: "I'm unclean, I'm unclean, I'm a liar, I'm a thief, How could He ever love me? Well, I don't know but somehow He does. I'm a drunk, I'm a cheat, how could He ever wash me clean? I don't know, but somehow He does." The song is a gorgeous offering in the style of David's Psalms.
All of these songs are poignant and powerful with earnest worshipful lyrics. "Never Leave You" has a beautiful calling out from God with Ryan displaying The Fray's Isaac Slade's style of emotive vocals with the comforting refrain, "Call on Me if you're upset... I'll never leave you." It is another prayerful expression of God's faithfulness and includes another catchy guitar riff.
During the incredible song "Abide (Breathe Me In)," you'll sing along with Ryan at the top of your lungs "Take my heart and make it Yours, let my eyes see all You are, I want to dance with You, God."
Catchy Brit-rock style guitar and piano riffs are found throughout this substantive album, especially in the rock-tinged "Thirst," "Among Lions" and "Abide (Breathe Me In)," which will all remind you of vintage Between the Trees songs like "White Lines & Red Lights," "Words," "We Can Try" and "Spain," with very prayerful lyrics.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a great collection of confessional and authentic expressions of faith. The songs are poignant and powerful. 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 than Ryan Kirkland. My favorite songs are "Thirst," "Let Me In," "Among Lions," "Somehow He Does," "Never Leave You" and "Abide (Breathe Me In)," which has quickly become one of my favorite worship songs.
If you like the alternative rock artists The Fray, Lifehouse, The Rocket Summer and Between the Trees, you need to check out Wanderer by Ryan Kirkland. These songs will certainly connect with listeners as they showcase the multi-talented singer/songwriter's trademark balance of vocal tenderness and intensity, his energetic piano playing and, above all, a sense of hope and inspiration. This album is all about finding our true identity in Christ. He is the answer. This is an incredibly deep, worshipful and emotional Christian alternative rock album. Wanderer is one of my top albums of the year.
A Stellar Offering of Praise | Posted August-06-2015
From my first listen, I was totally captivated by the compelling live worship album Mighty by Kristene DiMarco, who is known for her work with Jesus Culture ("Break Every Chain") and Bethel Music ("It Is Well"). This album's standout songs "Jesus, Your Love," "Eyes on You," "Mighty," "I Will Follow You," "It Is Well," "Carry Me" and "Over and Over" each feature an engaging and emotive musical style while phrasing biblical truth in a creative, corporate and also personal way, making it one of my top worship albums of the year.
"So let my heart tell You again, when seasons change and stories end, Your steady love, it will sustain me through it all, Jesus, Your love" is the Spirit-cry of the moving chorus of stirring seven minute opener "Jesus, Your Love." The song is a wonderful way to open your heart and lift your hands in awe of the Presence of God, asking for a fresh filling of His resurrection power in us. The song expresses the heart cry and hope of the believer in a similar fashion to "One Thing Remains." I heartily recommend that the global church add this expression of faith to our Sunday morning sets.
That theme continues with "Eyes of Love," based on the hymn of the faith "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus," and "Carry Me," which features lyrics from "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." Those songs and their dependence on God have perfectly poetic biblical descriptions 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 Kristene's walk as a fellow believer.
"Mighty" is a powerful worship anthem. You'll be worshipping our King Jesus right along with Kristene as she sings "Your death made a Way, You overcome by Your name, we're free in Your grace, You are mighty to save." What a great way to profess your desire and ask the Lord to be in His Presence. If you feel alone, know that you can sincerely pray these words along with Kristene: "Our God is Mighty, our God is Mighty, our God is Mighty to Save."
"I Will Follow You" is a sincere offering of praise back to the Lord to decide to follow Him and go anywhere just to see His face. This song reminds me to have resolve and be steadfast as a follower of Jesus, remembering to keep my eyes wide open and find ways to serve Him and His children for our good and His glory, seeking His face. My resolve from this song is to pray more fervent prayers, have more faith, have joy to the fullest, and sincerely cry out to God "I will follow You, I belong to You." We know from Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV): "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart."
My personal devotional prayer this year has been to have more faith, and "It is Well" is my heart's cry and anthem to sing daily in praise to the Lord, regardless of my circumstances, doubts or worry: "through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You, through it all, through it all, it is well with me." This song is poignant and powerful with earnest, worshipful lyrics reflecting the yearning for Jesus that I pray for my daughters to feel in their hearts as well. This song is a modern day psalm singing about God's attributes and how much He loves us, a powerful reminder that we are not meant for this world but to live with God eternally in Heaven. Commit your life to Jesus and offer Him your heart and your life as you sing along with this great song: "So let go my soul and trust in Him, the waves and wind still know His name."
Closing Thoughts:
These excellent songs are all prayers, adorations and declarations about our great God, who is mighty to save. There are only a few other live recordings of songs I can even try to compare this spine-tingling experience with. The closest comparisons are "Your Name is Glorious" by Kim Walker-Smith, "God, I Look to You" by Jenn Johnson and "You Make Me Brave" by Amanda Cook. If you like those Jesus Culture and Bethel Music artists, then you are in for a treat with this stellar worship offering. All of these songs invite you to express your own desire for God's presence and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. I love how expressive these songs get, such as in the emotive bridge from "I Will Follow You," which says "I have decided and I have resolved in my heart that I will go anywhere, anywhere just to see Your face."
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. Mighty is about proclaiming the mightiness of God and crying out for His presence throughout this incredible worship experience, which stirs my heart, mind and soul to bow before Jesus, our mighty King. He alone is worthy. Kristene's powerful and gorgeous vocals keep me hanging on every word she sings. The songs completely focus me as a listener on joining Kristene, whose name means "be steadfast for God" and "follower of Jesus," in praise, worship and adoration of our mighty Lord and Savior Jesus.
Feeling the Love | Posted July-09-2015
Owl City is back with a new full-length studio album, Mobile Orchestra, due out July 10th worldwide on Universal Republic. Owl City's Adam Young burst onto the music scene with one of the all-time best selling debut singles, the incredibly infectious "Fireflies," where Adam mused "I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly... everything is never as it seems... when I fall asleep."
Owl City's dreamy songs and hook-filled melodies have consistently been a draw for me. Unlike his previous offerings such as in "The Real World" where Young sings "reality is a lovely place, but I wouldn't want to live there," this album is filled with Young's musings about love, faith and life, and his personality can be heard in every song.
Young has a unique gift to make catchy and optimistic songs while still challenging me intellectually. My best way to summarize the theme of the album is found in the fun nod: "and I could feel the love" in referencing "The Lion King's" hit song, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?" in the incredibly catchy and fun reminiscing song, "Unbelievable" featuring "MMMBop" artist Hanson. Young and Hanson trade-off sharing their favorite childhood memories, including the creative rhyming of "when I was a kid I saved up all my dough so I could buy C3-PO," and "when I was a kid I lived for climbing trees, and Dr. Pepper jelly beans."
That theme of "and I could feel the love" weaves its way throughout all ten amazing songs, each hitting an aspect of Owl City's music that all of his existing fans have come to love with rave-style dance tempo song "Verge" featuring guest vocals from Aloe Blacc (who vaulted Avicii's "Wake Me Up" into a mega-hit). I expect a similar outcome for this melody which I can't get out of my head. You'll be singing along "from this day forward I will make a promise, to be true to myself and always be honest. For the rest of my life, I will do what's right when I step out on the verge of the rest of my life tonight." Those lyrics set the tone for Young's commitment to be true to himself and always be honest, which can best be found in his personal expressions of love and faith, "I Found Love," "My Everything," "Can't Live Without You," and "You're Not Alone" (which features Britt Nicole).
Like everyone else, I was hooked by "Fireflies," "Umbrella Beach" and "Vanilla Twilight" from Ocean Eyes. At the time, I didn't even know Adam was a Christian and then he recorded a brilliant cover of "In Christ Alone," and I've been a huge fan ever since. Some of the vertical Christian focused lyrics are found in my favorite song, "My Everything" where Adam expresses his faith directly to God: "Hallelujah, by the grace of God above, Hallelujah, I will shine a light 'cause I am loved, This is all I know how to say."
"You're Not Alone" features Britt Nicole and the biblical confession: "In the face of my depravity
For God so loved the world He died for me, My fire burns 'till He returns, And takes me home beyond the galaxy, You rescued me and I believe, That God is love and He is all I need, From this day forth for all eternity."
The nod to "Galaxies" where Adam credits God as "the saving grace of the Galaxies" found in the "galaxy" reference in the bridge of "You're Not Alone" is matched in the song "Back Home" featuring Jake Owen, with the musing of Young and Owen about "fireflies" also providing a throwback in the country-tinged back porch song. That is one of the many highlights of this brilliant offering by Owl City, his best album and easily one of the best alternative music albums of the decade.
Closing Thoughts:
Something about Owl City's music that I've consistently enjoyed is the ability to escape daily stress and pressures while listening to the songs. Knowing Adam's faith as a Christian allows me as listener to share his optimism that we weren't made for this world. Mobile Orchestra is easily the best alternative music album of the year. I love that this album is chock-full of optimistic messages about love, faith and life wrapped around some incredibly hooky beats and dance floor tempos. If you liked Ocean Eyes and All Things Bright and Beautiful, you'll be thrilled by Mobile Orchestra. Do yourself a favor and get this album immediately.
A Foretaste of Eternal Unbroken Praise | Posted June-10-2015
Unbroken Praise is the latest live worship album by our generation's most influential worship leader, Matt Redman, available everywhere June 16. As the writer and singer of "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)," "Holy," "Never Once," "Blessed Be Your Name," "Better is One Day" and "You Never Let Go," along with Passion's "Our God," "Here For You," "Lay Me Down" and "Jesus, Only Jesus," worshippers worldwide have been consistently blessed by Matt's "Heart of Worship." This new album is not to be missed, with 11 new and fresh Spirit-filled songs for the Church. The album is centered on our unbroken praise of Jesus.
The exciting opener "Louder" sets the tone with its upbeat electronic musical arrangement and the crowd clapping along. There's a Hillsong Young & Free vibe, with the opening lyrics "There's a song that cannot be contained, / There's a shout that breaks through every chain, / God, we won't be silent!" I really like the call to worship and find myself frequently singing the catchy chorus: "We lift our voices, lift our voices, make your praise so glorious, so glorious, we'll never stop singing." The song has a great melody, and I would love to sing it "louder" with fellow believers.
Matt's update of the hymn "It is Well With My Soul" takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey. The Horatio Spafford-penned chorus is very stirring and convicting. Like Matt's classic song "Blessed Be Your Name," the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" 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.
I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. "Unbroken Praise be Yours God forever, take this life, let it become Your home, unbroken praise be Yours" are the biblical cries of worship in the heartfelt and soul-stirring title track "Unbroken Praise."
"Abide with Me" was co-written with Matt Maher and also appears on Saints and Sinners. The song is a powerful ballad, and I love the emotion and biblical truth that Matt brings to the song. The song features Redman's soothing vocals as he prayerfully sings "Abide with me, abide with me, don't let me fall, and don't let go, walk with me, and never leave, ever close God abide with me."
I find myself singing along loudly with Matt in "King of My Soul" when he cries out "Forever You are seated on the Throne, / Forever You are good above it all, / King of My Soul." The song builds to an emotional crescendo in the bridge: "this will be our joyful surrender, this will be our anthem forever!" That's a wonderful truth that all followers of Jesus can adopt as their anthem of faith.
Many of the songs are arranged in a very sing-able and catchy style, such as "No One like Our God," which is filled with great statements of faith proclaiming Him as the Lord of our lives: "There is no One like our God, never has there been, / never will there be a greater hope than this, there is no One like our God."
"The Awesome God You Are" is yet another great song for the Church which I hope I'll be singing with fellow believers. The song has a great worshipful chorus with Redman singing "God let hope arise, and faith become the fortress of my heart, / I will lift my eyes, and see You as the awesome God You are, / Believe You as the awesome God You are, / King Jesus as the awesome God You are."
Closing Thoughts:
The idea of an entire album filled with songs declaring our unbroken praise is a devotional challenge. What's especially cool about this new album is how every song is true to that biblical concept. 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 on Unbroken Praise are all catchy and biblical, reflecting unashamed faith in Jesus. Don't miss out on this incredible worship album, one of the best of the year for sure.
These are very passionate worship songs. There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend "Louder," "It is Well with My Soul," "Unbroken Praise," "Abide with Me," "King of My Soul," "No One like Our God," "No Longer I," "Majesty of the Most High" and one of my top worship songs of the year, "The Awesome God You Are." Unbroken Praise is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. This is a truly fresh and catchy set of excellent songs for the Church, a foretaste of our eternal unbroken praise for followers of Jesus.
Song to Download Now:
"It is Well with My Soul" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Experience and Encounter Jesus | Posted May-25-2015
Released April 20, Daniel Bashta's For Every Curse is truly an anointed album which can best be described as a prophetic worship experience. This album follows Bashta's 2011 debut, The Sounds of Daniel Bashta, which sparked the worship anthem "God's Not Dead (Like A Lion)," also recorded by Newsboys, David Crowder*Band and others. That song continues to circle the globe in church services, on radio and in concert halls everywhere. His next release The Invisible was one of my top 10 worship albums of 2013.
"Seas of Crimson" is one of the best expressions of faith and devotion I've ever experienced and sends tingles down my spine as I lose myself in prayer and adoration of my Savior. The song is my favorite new worship anthem of the year, which I hope I'll be singing with fellow believers. The song is also on Bethel Music's album We Will Not Be Shaken and has a great worshipful bridge: "Where there was sin Your love rushed in, where sin runs deep Your grace runs deeper, for all enslaved the ransom paid, Light of the world, Yours is the power!"
As is typical of Daniel's signature style, both soaring and subdued vocals bear the same provoking, soul-stirring potency. His penchant for cutting through embellishment to reveal the heart of a matter shines through in each track, resonating beautifully in this vast atmosphere of worship.
Daniel has consistently impressed me with his mature faith and his sincere desire to serve Jesus. Song after song, the album gives voice to the faith of a generation willing to open the door for the miraculous, redemptive work of God to infiltrate everything. The worship experience flows seamlessly from track to track, highlighted by "Praise the Lord," "Still I Will Praise You," "I Will Sing" and the powerful closing track "Praise The Invisible."
Closing Thoughts:
Daniel Bashta's songs are all musically layered with his raw vocal interpretation, revelations of God's presence suitable for corporate worship. Savor these anointed songs, allow them to bring a tingling of the Holy Spirit and listen to God's still small voice. They are among the best worship tracks I've heard. I am very impressed by this album, and it is already in heavy rotation for me in my personal time of worship and reflection.
After repeated listens, the songs get deeper into the recesses of your heart with the challenging messages. Whether as an album to set the mood for reflection and worship or for personal times of devotion, I rate For Every Curse highly.
Daniel has taken the next step forward in establishing his unique brand of vulnerable, sincere and gourmet worship songwriting. If you like the charismatic worship artists Jesus Culture and Bethel Music, and if you like Bashta's hit song "God’s Not Dead (Like a Lion)," then don't miss out on For Every Curse. The album is loaded with meaningful and moving songs for the Church. Get ready to experience and encounter Jesus in these captivating songs.
Longing for Jesus | Posted May-03-2015
Australian-based worship band Planetshakers partnered with Grammy nominated producer Ed Cash for Outback Worship Sessions to capture a more acoustic, organic delivery of some of their best-known songs. Known for their high energy sound, this acoustically driven collection also includes the new songs "Spirit of God," "Father" and "My Soul Longs for Jesus."
The opening track "Like a Fire" has tender and powerful vocals, taking listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God Almighty, our Lord and Savior Jesus. The lyrics are very stirring and convicting: "Jesus I'm desperate for You, Jesus I'm hungry for You, Jesus I'm longing for You, Lord You are all I want."
"Spirit of God" is an emotive song crying out for God's Presence and for an indwelling of His Holy Spirit. The standout track for me personally is "My Soul Longs for Jesus," featuring female worship leader Sam Evans. The Ed Cash-penned song is an ethereal vertical worship ballad and modern hymn, sung with a stirring passion and filled with prayerful declarations. This is an incredible song for the Church, and you'll express your longing for Jesus along with Sam.
Another standout moment is the worshipful prayer-song of adoration, "Leave Me Astounded." You'll want to sing these words with fellow believers: "Leave me astounded, leave me amazed, show off Your glory, let heaven invade, we're waiting with worship, we're waiting with praise, for the almighty presence of God to invade."
"Endless Praise" is an example of being obedient to our calling to make God the object of all of our worship. This song is a great answer to that calling. One of the sections that I really enjoy in this song is the bridge: "We lift You up, up, up... We're giving You our love, love, love for everything You've done, done, done." As the Scripture and famous hymn repeat "Holy, Holy, Holy," God often speaks to us three times. Biblical scholars consider the number three as something that is used to get our attention, draw emphasis or show completion, as God is Three in One (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Join in with the angels and saints and sing to God "We give You all the praise."
The beauty and majesty of our King Jesus is reverently captured throughout the album with anthem after anthem, including "Covered," "Father" and "Made for Worship." Every single song could be added to your worship set. More importantly, this is an album about submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and declaring that there is no other name under Heaven by which we are saved than Jesus Christ our God.
A sincere desire for the presence of God and to see His Kingdom on earth is found in every song, especially the closing tracks "This is the Day" and "This is Our Time," which are both instantly singable prayer songs featuring declarations about Jesus, as found in the refrain "This is our time, this is our place, this is our moment to lift Your name."
Closing Thoughts:
One of my favorite aspects of singing a new song to the Lord is the thought of our eternal worship in Heaven, which is an exciting picture for me. We gain glimpses of eternity from this collection of vertical worship songs. Sometimes people think that worship is something they do at an event or at church or only through music. We know from Scripture that worship is what you put your "worth-ship" in, and that a biblical definition of worship is a lifestyle of "Endless Praise."
There are several instantly singable and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend "Like a Fire," "Spirit of God," "Leave Me Astounded," "Father," "Made for Worship," "This is Our Time" and one of my top worship songs of the year, "My Soul Longs for Jesus." I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. All of the songs are catchy and worshipful. Outback Worship Sessions is a truly anointed set of songs for the Church, expressing a longing for Jesus.
An Uplifting Worship Experience | Posted May-05-2015
One of Christian music's most recognizable and prolific female voices, Christy Nockels, was born in Fort Worth, Texas. Together as Watermark, Christy and her husband Nathan recorded five albums, which included the hit songs "My Heart Your Home" and "Glory of Your Name." Christy and Nathan have served at Passion Conferences since 1997.
Christy's desire is to continue serving and pouring into others as Christ pours into her. Creating an atmosphere of worship and a place where her audience is focused to hear God speak to them, Christy is ecstatic to bring her new music, her heart and the message of Grace to the world. Recorded at Passion City Church, her new live worship album Let it Be Jesus is loaded with melodic and worshipful songs speaking the Truth of the Word of God into the hearts of today's culture.
"Freedom Song" is an infectious celebration of God's faithfulness with an uplifting chorus: "I will sing my God of Your great love, telling of the One who has saved my soul, I will shout it out to the mountaintops, You're my freedom song." The upbeat song is a wonderful call to worship, and followers of Jesus will want to join Christy in declaring "you're my freedom song!"
"My Anchor" is a love song to Jesus, proclaiming "You're my Anchor, forever, my Shelter within the storm. You're my Deliverer, You never falter, You're the Rock I stand on." What a great way to profess trust and thank the Lord directly, telling Him "I hold on to You, and You hold on to me." You can sincerely pray these words along with Christy. It is a moving offering of praise to Jesus. His love is never-ending. He is our refuge and our strength. God's ultimate will is not to bring affliction upon people, but to restore us so that we may experience His unfailing love. I love singing these songs back to Jesus and telling Him plainly that I need nothing other than Him.
"Everything is Mine in You" features another worshipful refrain and Christy's strong vocal delivery. When Christy 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. The song has an urgent musical feel, and Christy once again isn't just performing the song; she is lifting the worshipful and heartfelt words back to our Savior.
Right from the opening notes of "The Wondrous Cross," you'll be captivated by the melody and message, which resonates with believers everywhere. The song is a gorgeous and gentle reminder that if we have Jesus, we have all we need. Join in with this beautiful refrain: "O the wondrous Cross where the Prince of Glory died, O the glorious Cross, where Your mercy bled for us, You overcame the grave, waking to a world to save, O the wondrous Cross." We'll be singing the bridge for eternity in Heaven: "Hallelujah, Worthy is the Lamb!" The song beautifully showcases Christy's shimmering, emotion-laden voice.
That idea of finding our peace, joy and identity in Christ is beautifully captured in "Let it Be Jesus," which is a statement of trust and dependence on God in the midst of trials. The song is a gorgeous offering to Jesus, proclaiming "For me to live is Christ, God I bring Your name above everything, let it be Jesus." Like her great songs "Healing is in Your Hands" and "Waiting Here for You," you'll worship our King Jesus right along with Christy. The song is a gorgeous profession of Christy's sincere desire to serve God, and it is my favorite track on this incredible album.
The album includes new recordings of some of Christy's favorite songs of the faith. Don't miss her gorgeous renditions of "Jesus, Rock of Ages" and "Leaning on You, Jesus." Both songs are absolutely incredible prayers exclaiming how Jesus is our Rock, flawlessly delivered by Christy's sweet and sincere vocals.
I'm emotionally moved by the prayerful songs "Who Can Compare," "Find Me at the Feet of Jesus" and "Wonderful Name" as they proclaim my heart's cry to worship my King, Jesus.
Closing Thoughts:
Christy has pure and strong vocals that are beautifully captured in these live recordings. If you've always wanted an entire album of Christy's standout songs from the Passion conferences, then look no further. She clearly loves our Lord and Savior Jesus with all of her heart and wants to celebrate that fact with every song. Christy brings her walk with Jesus into her songwriting and singing.
Every song will have you hanging on each word that Christy 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, especially "My Anchor," "The Wondrous Cross," "Let it Be Jesus," "Find Me at the Feet of Jesus," and "Wonderful Name."
Let it Be Jesus is filled with overwhelming biblical truth. She has captivating and catchy songs filled with inspirational lyrics. For me, Christy brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. This is sure to be one of the top worship albums of the year, and I'm sure it will continue to challenge, inspire and move me.
Passion and Praise | Posted May-05-2015 The Worship Initiative by Shane & Shane represents more than just a praise and worship album to Shane Barnard and Shane Everett. The two men are not only husbands and fathers now, but they're also on staff at a local church in Dallas where they lead worship each month and teach a class at the church's ministry leadership school. After ten previous editions, this is the latest recorded project for The Worship Initiative.
I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. Opening original track "God of Ages Past" is a beautiful vertical ballad. It is a moving and sincere offering of praise: "O God of ages past, convince my heart at last, come tell me of all I have in You."
"Seas of Crimson" is my favorite new worship anthem of the year, which I hope I'll be singing with fellow believers. The song is also on Bethel Music's album We Will Not Be Shaken and has a great worshipful bridge: "Where there was sin Your love rushed in, where sin runs deep Your grace runs deeper, for all enslaved the ransom paid, Light of the world, Yours is the power!"
Don't miss their worshipful rendition of Hillsong's "This I Believe (The Creed)," featuring tender and powerful vocals and taking 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 believe in God our Father, I believe in Christ the Son... I believe in the resurrection, that we will rise again, I believe in the name of Jesus." The song is a great call to worship, and is a fresh offering of praise for the Church.
I can't get enough of this version of the stand-out Hillsong UNITED song "Scandal of Grace." The song has really held a deep challenge for me personally. There's a line that says "Jesus, there's no One besides You." For me, whether it's my family or the enjoyable things I experience in life, it's easy to put hope in other people or things. But God calls us and desires for us to put all our hope in Him because everything else will let us down. I've been really drawn into worship by this song and at the same time very much challenged by it.
"Forever," co-written by Bethel Music's Brian and Jenn Johnson and Kari Jobe, has me pondering God's Majesty and eternity as the song boldly sings "Now death where is your sting, our resurrected King has rendered you defeated, forever He is glorified, forever He is lifted high, forever He is risen, He is alive, He is alive!" The song is an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. We will be singing "Hallelujah, the Lamb has Overcome," forever.
"Great Are You Lord," originally by All Sons and Daughters, has been speaking to me in my own personal devotional worship time. You'll be blessed by this powerful song which is a stand-out anthem with the convicting declaration: "All the earth will shout Your praise, our hearts will cry, these bones will sing, Great are You, Lord." We live in a fallen and sinful world. One day we will have a new heaven and a new earth and until then we need to all pray: "It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You only."
"All the Poor and Powerless," originally by All Sons and Daughters, has a soaring, worshipful chorus that provides the perfect finale to the album: "And all will sing out, Hallelujah, and we will cry out Hallelujah, God."
Closing Thoughts:
This is a completely worshipful album, in the passionate style that Shane and Shane have become known for. This is a must-own collection for worship leaders looking for congregational friendly arrangements of recent standout songs recorded by Bethel Music, All Sons and Daughters, Hillsong and Chris Tomlin, alongside originals "God of Ages Past" and "So I Can Love." These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. Musically this album is very soothing and the songs are all edifying, challenging and filled with very biblical lyrics. Harmonizing together on every song, Shane & Shane's personal and vulnerable vocals have never sounded better.
There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend "Seas of Crimson," "This I Believe," "Scandal of Grace," "Jesus Loves Me," "Christ Be All Around Me" and "Great Are You Lord." A blend of some of the band's favorite songs, these twelve songs are now together on one album for the first time.
Shane Barnard and Shane Everett write and sing songs with an amazing passion and with unashamed praise and gratitude to our Savior that is very inspiring and emotionally moving. After repeated listens, the songs get deeper into the recesses of your heart with the challenging messages. Whether as an album to set the mood for reflection and worship or for personal times of devotion, I rate The Worship Initiative highly.
A New Spin on Old Favorites | Posted April-20-2015
While remaining true to their contemporary Christian roots, Point of Grace has released Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know), a 10-song collection that features some of their favorite cover songs. Shelley, Denise and Leigh co-produced the album alongside esteemed musician Andy Leftwich.
"Only Love," originally by Wynonna Judd features tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional journey regarding how "Only love sails straight from the harbor, only love will lead us to the other shore, out of all the flags I've flown, one flies high and stands alone, only love." The song is very stirring and convicting. "Directions Home" features Vince Gill and is a gorgeous offering of comfort. The tender message of the song stirs your heart to sing along.
"Something in the Water," originally by Carrie Underwood, features one of my favorite stanzas of the past year: "Couldn't fight back the tears so I fell on my knees, saying, 'God, if you're there come and rescue me.' Felt love pouring down from above, got washed in the water, washed in the blood, and now I'm changed, and now I'm stronger."
"Friend of a Wounded Heart" (originally by Avalon) is a gorgeous worship sung with a stirring passion and filled with prayerful lyrics. This is an incredible song for the Church. You'll worship our King Jesus during the song, in particular the chorus: "Jesus, He meets you where you are. Jesus, He heals your secret scars. All the love you're longing for is Jesus, The Friend of a wounded heart."
The standout track for me personally is their version of Matt Maher's "Lord, I Need You." It's exactly the type of catchy corporate worship song that I've always wanted to hear sung by Point of Grace. The song features instantly sing-able vertical and prayerful lyrics: "Lord, I need You, I need You, every hour I need You, my one Defense, my Righteousness, Oh God how I need You." I sing along at the top of my lungs with the celebratory lyrics "Where You are, Lord I am free, holiness is Christ in me."
My favorite set of songs are this middle section of the album, which is also highlighted by bluegrass style musical arrangements weaving in hymns of the faith as part of the songs. Examples are "Amazing Grace" sung at the end of "Something in the Water," along with "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" tacked on to "Friend of a Wounded Heart" and a reverent musical layering of "My Jesus, I Love Thee" blended with "Lord, I Need You." Another highlight for me is the strong rendition of "Home" by Phillip Phillips.
Closing Thoughts:
Directions Home is the first covers project by Point of Grace, the first project they have co-produced and contains their first collaborations with legendary artists Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs. The first radio single is their version of the song "Something in the Water," a song which was recently a #1 hit for Carrie Underwood.
Since forming at Ouachita Baptist University over twenty years ago, Point of Grace has been established as one of the biggest names in Christian music with their signature chill-inducing harmonies, anthemic choruses and powerful lyrics that poignantly capture life's simple yet vital messages. These are very passionate songs sung with vocal sincerity, allowing the female trio to share their messages of love and positivity with more people than ever. I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the prayerful lyrics found in these sacred songs.
KevinDavis_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
