Funky Pop Infused With Soulful Vibes | Posted July-27-2016
Dove-nominated songstress Beckah Shae has been constantly gaining momentum since her debut in 2006. Most people familiar with her work would agree in saying that she is no doubt one of the most underrated artists in Christian music, with her powerful vocals and bold faith leading the way in everything she does. With no lack of soul or passion present in her artistry, people are still learning just how powerful a force Beckah Shae is in the music scene.
With eight energy-filled studio albums and ten Billboard Christian CHR radio singles already under her belt, she now returns with her ninth project, Mighty. "My prayer is that this project releases living hope into all who hear it," Beckah says of the new album.
The title track, a bubbly opener, shows off Beckah's versatile vocal range and edges into a jazz feel. A captivating listen from the beginning notes, "Source Of Life" keeps with the urban jazz style and encourages listeners to always guard their heart, much like the passionate "Hold On" encourages listeners to keep going when life gets hard. "It's Well" is an upbeat nod to the old hymn, sure to make fans tap their feet and sing along with Beckah as she talks of her assurance in Christ.
Rhythmic cut "I'll Be Alright" produces lyrics of faith as Beckah's strong voice is once again put on display. Maybe the most sonically interesting piece on Mighty, "Wolves" is the highlight on this album. The track is a bit more mellow than the rest, yet still packs a punch with Beckah's powerful voice. Peppy "See Ya Soon" and uplifting "Hope Lives" close out the album on a positive note.
The Bottom Line:
Simply put, Mighty is an album of inspiration. The pairing of Shae's extremely soulful vocals against encouraging and Biblical lyrics with a funky pop sound is one that definitely suits her style. With albums like this one, Beckah is well on her way to leaving her mark on the music scene, reminding listeners of truth and the power of God's love with every step.
Whimsical Wonder | Posted July-21-2016
Belmont alum Katy Kinard is a faith-driven lyricist, singer, guitarist and pianist focused on fully embracing her journey and drawing closer to Christ. Vocally and lyrically channeling artists such as Nichole Nordeman, Katy brings a sweet presence into every song she sings. Since 2005, she has released four albums: Headed Back, You're Still Better, Lullaby Hymns: The Weary Soul, and her latest record God Of Fireflies.
God Of Fireflies combines both the whimsical and deep sides of faith and carefully crafts lyrics that offer different perspectives on subjects such as love and life. The album title suggests a sweet and inventive collection of songs--exactly what Katy delivers with this 11-track project.
"That's Our Home" begins the album by displaying Katy's silvery vocals, sonically resembling the feel of a fun country song and even including a key change near the end. Again opening with her hauntingly beautiful voice, "God's Doorstep" and "Be Like You" tell stories of love and life's journey. The title track comes next, adding the whimsical element to this album: "God made fireflies for days like this / it's all in Your design / they fly for kids to find / praise be the God of fireflies."
Bringing up the tempo, the last half of the album gets a bit peppier in places. "When You Found Me" talks of the beauty that can be seen when God finds us in our messes, while "Sunshine" is a love song of sorts and "Just The Same" is an intense track with a upbeat chorus and vocally strong bridge.
Slower "God Of Hope" is a heartfelt prayer that features Katy softer vocal tones before leading into instrumentally stripped-down and lullaby-like "Human For Me" that focuses on the infant life of Jesus. The album comes to a close with sonically appealing "Revelation 3."
The Bottom Line:God Of Fireflies is a fun listen from beginning to end, focusing on the character of God and injecting whimsical lines into a deep collection of songs. Enhanced by Katy's creative and soulful voice, these tracks take on a beautiful form and create the perfect soundtrack for any listener to enjoy.
A Skillful EDM and Worship Blend | Posted June-22-2016
Colorado Springs based band White Flag is a group of longtime friends who desire to help people experience God's love through music. With their self-titled debut, the band strives to blend different genres on the same album to give listeners the fullest experience. Pulling together EDM, instrumental and worship music, White Flag is an honest and vulnerable journey like that of the ups and downs in life.
Beginning the album with a beautiful instrumental intro, "Moment By Moment" eventually gives way to a passionate female vocalist leading this powerful moment of worship: "moment by moment You're leading me through / trial by trial I'm trusting in You / moment by moment Your faithfulness proved." Next enters a strong male vocal and a EDM/Hillsong Young & Free vibe for "You Are Enough" before leading into similarly upbeat track "Let There Be Love." Instantly worshipful "Forever As One" puts on display the skillful harmony between the male and female vocals.
"Uncover" proves to be the standout moment of intimate worship on the album, softly led by a beautiful string section and featuring stunningly deep lyrics that speak of Christ bringing to light the things we hide. With vocals reminiscent of Kari Jobe, "Holy" and "You Are More" continue bringing listeners powerful moments of worship to get lost in. Coming back to the uptempo side of things, "We Are" again features the strong harmony present in this group before closing with slower "No Fear In Love."
The Bottom Line: With this debut, White Flag proves they are indeed a band to watch. Stunning vocals and powerful lyrics help bridge the gap between EDM and worship, making the blend on this album work extremely well. White Flag is heading in the right direction to become a successful praise and worship group.
If you were to look at the work of all songwriters in Christian music, Jason Gray's would definitely stand out. His lyrics have always been deep and profound, striking listeners with a rare honesty that few writers have accomplished. Shown best in his last album Love Will Have The Final Word, Jason is a master at writing songs about grief, intertwining hope and redemption in every lyric. That quality has made him one of the most respected songwriters in the business and has also made his songs a go-to for anyone who finds themselves needing musical comfort in a hard season.
Jason's newest project Where The Light Gets Infollows suit with incredibly well-written lines of faith in the midst of difficulty. Sparked from personal situations in Jason's own life that produced hard-earned priceless lessons, these songs were birthed from vulnerable places in the writer's heart.
Peppy opener "Learning" was a step outside of Jason's comfort zone, proving that he really can tackle any type of song with his songwriting skills. More pop-driven than most of Jason's previous work, the song serves as an empowerment anthem (which Jason says usually annoy him given their self-reliance), but with a twist to focus more on Christ's power in and through us.
Current radio single "Sparrows" is striking a chord with fans, sending a message of hope and using Biblical truths to remind listeners that they are constantly cared for. Hopeful "I Will Rise Again" displays Jason's versatile voice as he sings out encouraging lyrics of coming through a hard time and being stronger and better in the end, much like redemptive "Stolen" tells the story of how God often has to break us to bring us to the place He wants us.
Another peppier addition, "Resurrection" is a bubbly track that shows Gray's signature grace-centered songwriting: "I believe in resurrection / I believe in second chances / Love's just beginning to rewrite the ending." One of several highlights on the album, "More Yours" showcases a deep message of surrender underneath an upbeat chorus that will easily get stuck in your head. Standout ballad "Death Without A Funeral" is sonically and even lyrically reminiscent of "Not Right Now" on his last album. A song that equates grieving the silent death of things inside the heart to the visible death of a person, this is Jason's profound, vulnerable and emotionally moving songwriting at its very best.
"The Wound Is Where The Light Gets In" follows in the same fashion, a deep ballad about redemption through loss, pain and grieving-- perhaps the topics Jason writes most passionately about. "Where We Go From Here," another remarkable track, once again puts Jason's creative lyrics on the forefront: "You love to use the broken things to put together broken things, just like it was always in Your plan / as broken as I say I am, You see me like broken crayons / they still color beauty in Your hands." "Learning To Be Found" also proves to be a strong moment, giving a slight nod to the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace" and speaking on the importance of learning that we don't have to do life alone.
"Celebrate" and previously released single "Glow In The Dark" find the album coming to a close with a much more pop-driven sound than we often hear from Jason before slowing down a bit with "Thank You For Everything." The song feels fitting to end with as it serves as gratitude for each moment of life: "when I look at the world around me and breathe in the breath You gave / every beat of my heart is singing 'thank You for everything' / if You lead me to still waters / if I'm caught in the hurricane / wherever You lead, I'm singing 'thank You for everything.'"
The Bottom Line:Where The Light Gets In further solidifies Jason Gray's place in my opinion as the most gifted songwriter in the industry. His profound, deep, catchy and meaningful lyrics are often comfort to hurting hearts, proving why music is the powerful force we've come to appreciate it as. With truly not a single bad song in the mix, Jason has crafted yet another memorable album. His talent continues to grow as he puts the most vulnerable pieces of his heart into his music. That vulnerability is indeed paying off as I'm sure this will be an album fans quickly come to love and find hope through.
Song To Download Now:
"The Wound Is Where The Light Gets In" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Blending Gospel And Pop | Posted June-09-2016
Singer, producer and songwriter Deon Kipping worked with a number of successful artists until 2012, when he went solo and released his first project. Now following up his EP A Place Called Victory, Deon is returning in 2016 with his second full length album Something To Talk About. With this album Deon combines a mix of gospel and pop to add a new twist to the style. In addition to the singer's smooth vocals and praise-centered lyrics of faith, the high-energy style of worship makes Something To Talk About a strong offering.
Deon's unique, soulful voice bursts on the scene with opening track "I Want It All" and immediately captures the listener's attention. "Aye Yo Chant (Victory Chant)" is one of the peppiest cuts we get to hear on this album, making you want to dance and sing along. Previously successful single "By Myself" is a vulnerable song that speaks of the dependency we have on Christ. A track with a modern gospel feel, "Where He Found Me" lyrically praises God for His goodness to bring us out of dark places.
"No Matter What" and "The Blessing Is Yours" prove to be highlights on the album, showcasing Deon's passionate vocals in a powerful way. The title track is a lyrically and melodically intriguing moment, much like "Something Following Me," which is an encouraging message to listeners to not let their past define them.
The title of his last EP, "Place Called Victory," continues in the theme of seeking to inspire faith in those who hear the song. Gospel "The Light" and "Your Love" wind down the 15-track album before closing with the lyrically powerful "Pray For The World."
The Bottom Line: Deon Kipping is a powerful artist who is learning to mix genres well. With Something To Talk About, he successfully blends the gospel and pop styles in a collection of songs that showcase his soulful voice with powerful lyrics that both challenge and encourage listeners.
Walking In The Light | Posted June-08-2016
Canadian worship artist Jon Bauer has quite the history of achievements: a number one single in Canada, five Covenant Award wins, one Juno Award nomination, tours with acts like MercyMe and Newsboys and six independent studio albums. Now with his seventh release The Light In Us, Jon has set out to chronicle a season of healing and restoration. Influenced by pop, worship and country roots, Jon says his prayer for this album is that the songs would draw people walking through a hard time closer to Jesus.
Peppy opener "Your Love Is Beautiful" is the perfect addition to a worship set, introducing the album with an upbeat time of praise. Keeping with the upbeat theme, the drum-driven title track follows with a catchy chorus that speaks of Christ's light shining in us. Slower-paced "You Just Want My Heart" proves to be a lyrically strong cut with a vulnerable spirit: "I give you everything I am / I give You everything I'm not / You just want my heart. I give You all that's left of me / I lay it down because I believe / You just want my heart."
"Where The Sidewalk Ends" is a mission-centered track, telling the story of people in need and challenging listeners to do their part in reaching out to them. "Say Something" acts as a prayer to hear God speak in a silent season-- a plea many listeners can likely relate to. Worshipful "Come Alive" praises God for His breath inside our hearts: "You are the breath that's making my soul come alive."
Featuring a hauntingly beautiful beginning melody, "Even If (No One Can Separate)" pulls lyrics straight from Scripture to create a standout track. "Great Is Your Faithfulness" boasts confidence of faith from the very first line: "In the story of my life You are present on every page."
Back to the peppier side of things and led by a strong string section, "You Are My Everything" is another highlight on the album. "Starts With Us" closes The Light In Us with an encouraging challenge to listeners: "Let's come together / light it up tonight / cause if the world needs love, it's gotta start with us."
The Bottom Line: With The Light In Us, Jon Bauer offers a strong project full of encouraging worship songs. Lyrics straight from scripture mixed with Jon's soulful voice make for a successful seventh release and leave us expecting great things from Jon's next album.
Genuine Worship | Posted May-19-2016
Greek for "Glory To God," Doxa Theo is the new worship band founded by solo artist Will Retherford. As a group of friends who desire to seek God's presence in everything they do and say, Doxa Theo strives to draw from His promises and truths to tell of the love and grace we receive through Jesus Christ.
Their debut album Future Glory does that well, incorporating a different feel than the typical worship record. Adding to what NRT has previously deemed the "year of worship," this album is a true expression of genuine praise.
Starting things off on a high note, "Doxology" offers hauntingly beautiful harmony as the well-known prayer is sung. "Cover Me" follows as another softer moment, led by an alluring piano melody. Bringing the tempo up, "No Other Fountain" produces bold, raspy vocals and Scripture based lyrics to create a powerful moment on the album. Back on the slower side, "Reliance" also offers engaging lines that tell the character of our faithful God: "You are immovable / You are constant and unchanging / You are incredible / my heart will rest in truth."
Standout track "Grace And Peace" is the most upbeat piece you'll find on this album, carried by a strong drum kick underneath remarkable falsetto vocals and lyrics that have been well written to center on the mercy of Christ. The title track follows, edging back to a more reverent moment of worship and displaying beautifullycrafted instrumentation. "We're longing and waiting for pain to be no more / there's future glory where we'll sit with You / grant me peace and rest and life and hope / grant me faith, faith till You return," the first verse gracefully prays. "Beautifully Broken," a definite highlight on the album, again gives stunning vocals singing out words that take listeners straight to a place of intimate worship before closing with "Hymn," another reverent time of praise led by a steady voice.
The Bottom Line:Future Glory quickly proves to be a genuine offering of worship, filled with creative lyrics and beautiful harmonies and vocals. From beginning to end, Doxa Theo has used this album to invite listeners to join with them both in upbeat moments of praise and softer times of raw and honest worship. As a strong and promising release from what could easily be one of the best new worship groups in an industry that sometimes feels overproduced, this is a project you don't want to miss.
A Worship Group To Watch | Posted May-18-2016
Hailing from Michigan, Modern Day Cure is a worship band formed by Aaron Chipp, Tamar Chipp and Tifani Autry. Inspired by Hebrews 13:8, the group seeks to make Jesus the modern day cure by sharing His truth with the world. After releasing their first EP in 2012, winning Big Ticket Festival's Indie Band Competition in 2013 and releasing their full-length debut album in 2014, the group has spent the better part of last year crafting their new EP Promises. Combining a bit of rock, pop and praise all into this short 4 song project, Modern Day Cure adds something new to the worship genre.
"Hand Of God" is an upbeat opener saturated with Biblical truths in every line: "our Hope / our Help / we're holding the hand of God." Led by a heavy guitar riff, the track begins the album with a promising vibe. "We Are The Brave" comes next, slowing down the tempo a bit while keeping steady with the Scriptural lyrics. The trio's voices are well-displayed on this track in near perfect harmony at times, making it an enjoyable moment of worship.
The title track follows, introduced by a beautiful piano melody and soft vocals. The reverent piece again highlights the girls' harmony and proves to be another powerful moment of worship. Closing out the EP, "Always Good" is back on the up-tempo side of things, led by strong vocals and praise-centered lyrics of faith: "the Lord is good and His mercy is unfailing / He alone, faithful through the generations / at all times He is strong / our God is always good."
The Bottom Line:Truly fitting the phrase "short but sweet," the Promises EP provides beautiful vocals and harmonies, powerful moments of worship and strong lyrics straight out of Scripture. With music like this, Modern Day Cure is onto something promising and proves to be a group you'll want to keep up with.
Lyrically Strong Additions | Posted May-12-2016
Centricity Music's Lauren Daigle is taking over CCM at a ridiculously fast pace. And the most beautiful part? It's all hard-earned and well-deserved.
The powerhouse worshipper became Christian music's breakout artist in 2014 with her hit single "How Can It Be" and has been going strong ever since with the mega success of her debut album in 2015. Touring with the likes of WinterJam, Hillsong United and labelmates Aaron Shust and Jason Gray, Lauren has brought crowds of thousands to a special place of worship with her unique, smoky vocals and reverent stage presence.
As an extension of her debut How Can It Be, Lauren is releasing a Deluxe Edition of the album featuring 2 brand new songs, 2 acoustic versions of favorites and a live recording of the title track.
Already released hits "First," "How Can It Be," "Trust In You," "Loyal" and "I Am Yours" occupy the first part of the album before heading into new territory. The first of two brand new songs we get with this project, "Now Is Forever," is a beautifully crafted track. Taking listeners straight into an atmosphere of praise, Lauren's strong and steady vocals soar over stunning lyrics for a truly moving moment. "Wordless," the second brand new song, is an equally gorgeous time of worship. With creatively worded lines centering on the awe of being in Christ's presence, Lauren's tender yet bold voice breathes life into the song and creates another remarkable moment.
Moving on to new versions of old(er) favorites, "First (Deluxe Sessions)" features a engaging string section, slowing down the song a bit and making it a softer moment. Yet again Lauren's vocals really shine here, especially towards the end of the track. Another powerful favorite, "Come Alive (Dry Bones) (Deluxe Sessions)" is also slowed down quite a bit, leaving space for the redemptive lyrics to be better meditated on and for Lauren's graceful voice to be enjoyed more. A live recording of "How Can It Be" ends the album, proving to be a special moment of remembrance for those who got to catch Lauren on tour recently. The song truly is a liberating anthem of freedom, only made stronger here with the live atmosphere.
The Bottom Line:How Can It Be (Deluxe Version) serves as a good space filler until the next full-length release from Lauren, offering both brand new songs and renewed versions of previous favorites. With incredibly moving and well-crafted lyrics presented by Lauren's sincere and bold voice, this is about as good as worship music gets. Good things are indeed ahead for Lauren Daigle as she continues to prove why she's CCM's fastest rising artist in years.
The Perfect Balance Of Pop And Worship | Posted May-03-2016
With a pop sound reminiscent of Hawk Nelson and deep songwriting skills similar to Jason Gray, Urban Rescue jumped onto the Christian music scene this year, appearing at many shows with worship champions Rend Collective. The LA-based band first gave fans a taste of their style with a 5-track EP that left critics wanting more. Now signed to Rend Collective's own label, Rend Family Records, the band's first full length project is answering that request with a stunning offering of praise.
Only a few minutes in to listening, it becomes clear that Wild Heart is more than your typical CCM album. It only makes sense that Urban Rescue would be sonically in the same vein as their mentors in Rend Collective (a mix of fun and intimate worship moments, always captivating fans with their diverse sound), yet here they also display a more pop-driven style. The blend works extremely well for them and secures their place as an act you'll want to be looking out for in the near future.
A pop twist added to Jesus Culture's "Alive In You" begins the album by drawing in listeners with Urban's carefully crafted sound. "Never Stop," one of many highlights you'll find on Wild Heart, has an energy that mimics a Hillsong Young & Free tune while still keeping a unique feel. In keeping with that vibe, the title track offers listeners another standout moment of sonic diversity and creative wording. "Open Hands," a pop-styled prayer, follows next with inspiring lyrics and a fun energy: "empty me of everything until there's nothing left but You / I just want to live for You with open hands."
Slowing down into a more reverent time of worship, "His Name" is an especially powerful track, highlighting all of the things Christ is to us. Staying on the more worshipful side for a bit longer, "Song Of My Father" is another powerfully-written cut: "through the fire and the flood I know that I am loved / I can hear You singing over me / I hear Your meoldy / I hear Your symphony / there's nothing louder than the song of my Father."
"I am ushered in by Your nail-scarred hands to the place where my chains come undone," begins "Magnificent." Yet another incredibly strong track in terms of lyrics, this moment on the album invites listeners in to a powerful time of worship before heading back towards the pop/dance side of things with "Recreate" and "Fling Wide! Fling Wide!" The creative writing keeps coming strong as "Kaleidoscope" offers another Rend-like moment: "I wanna see what You see / come and rearrange me / let Your love be my kaleidoscope." While the whole album has been special up to this point, Urban Rescue truly saved the best for last with "Up From The Ashes." The track pulls out one final surprise in the closing minutes of Wild Heart with an incredibly moving spoken word bridge.
The Bottom Line:Wild Heart totally surpassed my expectations for a first full-length album from Urban Rescue. The newcomers have already mastered their sound, finding the perfectly refreshing balance between fun moments of praise and intimate times of worship. This album is truly an enjoyable listen both sonically and lyrically from beginning to end, making Urban Rescue a band I definitely can't wait to hear more from.
CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
