The Best for Last | Posted April-18-2015
Children 18:3 is a Christian punk band from Morris, Minnesota. The band is composed of home-schooled siblings David, Lee Marie and Seth Hostetter. The lead vocals are shared by David and Lee Marie with their brother Seth on the drums. Their band's name refers to the Bible verse Matthew 18:3: "and He said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
The band has announced that their fourth album Come In is their final one, available everywhere April 21. Listening to the opening tracks "Come In," "Bethlehem" and lead single "Hold Your Breath," it's clear that the themes of the duality of mankind, our journey of life and people coming together to do good regardless of our differences runs throughout this excellent album, the best overall album by one of my favorite bands in any genre.
This album will have you hooked right from the opening notes of "Come In," which really sets the tone for this album. It is an incredibly catchy song with weighty lyrics about how a "white-haired Man with a fiddle and a bow" accepts us no matter where we "come in" from. I love the story-song lyrics, personifying God telling us "don't worry about your troubles, son, just remember what they're for... come in."
"Bethlehem" features Lee Marie's stellar vocals, and "Arkansas Gold" shredding guitar riffs. The song has another infectious melody and lyrics that stick with me as I am challenged to think about whether there's "no room at the inn" in my heart for Jesus, as Lee Marie poetically describes: "salvation lies in a baby's cries in Bethlehem."
In "Don't Stop Moving," Christians can all relate to our unending second chances offered by God captured in David's vulnerable and sincere crying out: "I believe in freedom, I believe in a second try. You're never too far if you don't stop moving, so don't stop moving now... you can choose to follow now."
"Because of You" is sung by Lee Marie, and it is a rock-tinged worship song. I get choked up when I pray along with the prayerful lyrics: "Everything I am is because of You. Shed Your grace, shed Your grace on me, everything I am is because of You." The bridge, "America, America, God mend thine every flaw, confirm thy soul, in self-control, Thy liberty in law" enhances the song's sincere vertical message.
The alt-rock edge of "Let There Be Light" frames an incredible song with energy and urgency. I love the emotional chorus: "at the edges of the shadow, close my eyes, close them tight, let there be light."
Lee Marie's vocals in "Watch Over Me" are emotive, prayerful and honest, which makes the words she's singing all the more powerful and moving. It connects to Proverbs 3:24: "When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Similar to "Why Are You Afraid of the Dark?" Lee Marie cries out, "Do you ever close your eyes for a moment to find safety? In the middle of the night, watch over me."
The last tracks really display the musical and lyrical excellence and intentionality of Children 18:3. As if the album wasn't amazing enough, the ending songs are as strong as the beginning with the standout autobiographical anthems "Great Big World" and "Long Ride Home." Both songs address the siblings' 13 year journey together as a band.
"Long Ride Home" is sung by Lee Marie, and it is achingly beautiful both musically and perhaps even more so lyrically. The song poignantly addresses listeners: "A little faith maybe you can sing along, if you're worried that some day's come and gone." The beautiful melody and lyrics are sincere and moving: "We've got a long ride, are you coming? We've got a long drive home... it's never goodbye, though summer is here and gone, we've got a long last song." I can't think of a better way to cap off an incredible album.
Closing Thoughts:
Come In is one of the most meaningful albums I've ever heard. Every song is absolutely amazing. I can't get the catchy melodies of many of these songs out of my head. The project is perfectly produced, and the song order brilliantly invites listeners to join in with the band on their journey. This album includes a strong mix of punk rock tinged music with inspirational and challenging lyrics. Don't miss the standout songs "Come In," "Bethlehem," "Hold Your Breath," "Don't Stop Moving," "Because of You," "Watch over Me," "Great Big World" and "Long Ride Home."
The very relatable and transparent words of these songs remind me of House of Heroes, who also use poetic imagery to depict our daily walks as believers wrapped around catchy songs. This album is loaded with incredibly tight guitar riffs. The mix of tempos is pure perfection, and the drum, guitar and bass syncopation is a thing of beauty. With this being their last album, I am going to miss the blend of David and Lee Marie's emotive vocals and harmonies layered over one catchy and meaningful song after another. This album is by far the most energetic and emotionally engaging alternative rock album I've heard this year. With Come In, in my opinion, Children 18:3 saved their best for last.
A Classic In Every Way | Posted April-14-2015
I've been listening to Amy Grant for over 25 years, as I first heard "El-Shaddai," "Thy Word" and "Tennessee Christmas" when I was in high school. Like many avid Christian music collectors, I agree that 1988's Lead Me On was one of the most influential albums in the history of Christian music. Amy truly paved the way for all female artists and today I hear her influence in some of my favorite artists, including Sara Groves, Britt Nicole and Francesca Battistelli.
Be Still and Know -- Hymns & Faith is a fresh take on the timeless hymns of the church. Modern arrangements, new choruses and sometimes-complete re-imaginations help these deep and meaningful songs shine.
Featuring new recordings "Power in the Blood" and "Be Still and Know" in addition to other classics "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," "Holy, Holy, Holy" and the heartfelt anthems "Carry You," "El Shaddai" and "Deep as it is Wide," Amy's soaring yet intimate voice take us on a journey to "Be Still and Know" that He is God.
Whatever struggle or depression you are facing, you can know that God is with you always. The comfort and rest offered by Jesus is beautifully captured in "Carry You," where Amy softly and tenderly sings "lay down your burdens, I will carry you, I will carry you, my child, my child."
I know that many of us struggle with the idea that our past and present mistakes are unforgivable, yet the Bible tells us that isn't true. Read the great translation in The Message of Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus tells us "Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest." What an amazing comfort to know that when we struggle with our pain, pride and unloving natures, we can all lay it at the feet of Jesus.
"Deep as it is Wide" was written by Eric Paslay, and he and Sheryl Crow sing with Amy on this standout song about the depth of God's amazing love. James 4:8 promises that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.
Reverent recordings of "Softly and Tenderly" and "Holy, Holy, Holy" close out this powerful worship album.
Closing Thoughts:
I greatly enjoyed hearing one of my favorite female vocalists sing these amazing hymns. I feel a calling as a father of 3 young daughters to teach them diligently the Word of God and to pass on the biblical truths woven throughout the classic hymns of the faith. Amy does an amazing job in making these songs sound fresh and contemporary. Some highlights for me are "Power in the Blood," "Be Still and Know," "Jesus Take All of Me (Just as I Am)," "Carry You," "El Shaddai," "Deep as it is Wide" and "It Is Well with My Soul." If (like me) you've always enjoyed Amy's vocals and you want to hear great recordings of hymns, get Be Still and Know -- Hymns & Faith. You won't regret it. This album is what Christian music is all about: Jesus.
This debut full-length album How Can it Be has been preceded by Lauren Daigle's worshipful and powerful title track which has resonated with me since I first heard the song. The song is an excellent depiction of the sacrifice and unmerited grace of our Advocate and Redeemer, and it serves as a gorgeous offering to our Savior Jesus. What's especially cool about this album is how Lauren Daigle invites listeners into her life by sharing what's on her heart and worshiping God with every single note.
"First" beautifully sets the tone for this masterpiece with Lauren's signature powerful and emotive singing style. You'll be raising your heart and hands in worship along with the song. This can be gorgeous background music, but don't miss out on what Lauren has to say as well. I can't get enough of the Matthew 6:33 inspired lyrics: "Before I lift my cares, I will lift my arms, I want to know You, I want to find You in every moment, Before I bring my need, I will bring my heart and seek You first."
"How Can it Be" has quickly become one of my personal worship anthems, and I hear in her stellar vocals a sincere yearning for Jesus and thankfulness in her heart for God's mercy and grace. This is one of the best worship songs I've ever heard. I'm completely convicted by the strong lyrics and find immense comfort in this song filled with biblical truth. Lauren's tender vocals take you on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song. I am especially comforted by the truth of the lyrics: "You gave Your life, to give me mine, You say that I am free, how can it be?"
The message behind this song is the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Though we are all guilty and deserve judgment, like the woman caught in adultery we need to know this truth: "I've been hiding, afraid I've let You down, inside I doubt, That You could love me, But in Your eyes there's only grace now." If you've been holding on to guilt and shame, the truth of this song portrays the heart of our Advocate, Jesus, who stands before God.
Settle in and really allow yourself to experience these songs, especially the next song "Trust in You." The song compels me to worship God and profess my own appreciation for sitting at the feet of Jesus and trusting in Him completely. It connects to Proverbs 3 and is such a joyful and hopeful prayer.
The idea of finding our peace, joy and identity in Christ is beautifully captured in "Loyal." The song compels me to worship and profess my own appreciation for the pure love of Jesus. You'll join in with Lauren as she profoundly sings, "More faithful than the rising sun, this grace for me, I can't outrun-- Your love is Loyal." The song is a gorgeous profession of Lauren's sincere desire to lift up Jesus in every song.
You can't help but pray and sing along with Lauren. "My Revival," "Power to Redeem" and "Here's My Heart" are all in the same style declaring personal responses to biblical truths in each song.
"O Lord" features another worshipful refrain and Lauren's strong vocal delivery. When Lauren 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 Lauren once again isn't performing the song; she is lifting the worshipful and heartfelt words back to our Savior.
That idea of finding our peace, joy and identity in Christ is beautifully captured in "I Am Yours," which is a statement of trust and dependence on God in the midst of trials. Lauren declares, "So I rest in Your promises, I'm sure of this, I'm Yours, Let the waters rise, I will stand as the oceans roar, let the earth shake beneath me, let the mountains fall, You are God over the storm and I am Yours."
Her powerful vocals lift this song to its highest point in the bridge: "Even the thunder and the wind obey, at the command of my Father, I set my feet upon Your mighty Name, so let the rain fall harder, So take my everything my flesh and blood, I lay me down at the altar, I am forever covered in Your love, so let the rain fall." The song is a gorgeous profession of Lauren's sincere desire to serve God, and it is my favorite track on this incredible album.
Lauren's stellar vocals in "Come Alive (Dry Bones)" take you on an emotional journey and I am especially comforted by the truth of the lyrics: "Oh God of endless mercy, God of unrelenting love, Rescue every daughter, Bring us back the wayward son, By Your spirit breathe upon them, show that You alone can save."
The song also reflects the conviction and strength we can all have as God's army of dry bones who are filled with God's breath, and then we can breathe out as prophesied in Ezekiel 37. 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: "We call out to dry bones... come alive. Come up out of the ashes, Let us see an army rise, we call out to dry bones come alive."
The album closes with the worshipful songs "Salt and Light" and "Once and For All." They feature Lauren's vocal sincerity and prayerful offerings of comfort in the lyrics.
Closing Thoughts:
Every song will have you hanging on each word that Lauren 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. Lauren has blessed listeners by writing and singing such piercing and moving songs. This is a completely worshipful album, in the style of recent studio albums by Kim Walker-Smith, Laura Hackett Park and Misty Edwards. Don't miss these offerings of Spirit-led praise and worship directly to our King and Savior, Jesus.
Lauren writes and sings songs with an amazing passion and with unashamed praise and gratitude to our Savior that is very inspiring and emotionally moving. The eternal Love of Jesus is beautifully expressed in these compelling songs that seep into your heart, soul and mind. This album soothes, moves and challenges listeners. Don't miss this profound worship experience. How Can it Be is a masterpiece with compelling music and lyrics and stellar singing and it is my worship album of the year.
Album of the Year? | Posted March-29-2015
Matt Maher has quickly become my favorite worship leader. His sincere singing and songwriting style and biblically inspired lyrics have made me a huge fan. He is best known for writing and singing the worship anthems “Your Grace is Enough,” “Christ is Risen,” “Hold Us Together,” “Alive Again” and “Lord, I Need You.”
The first three songs, “A Future Not My Own,” “Deliverer” and “Glory Road” all flow together with a Brit-rock musical style and plenty of energy and excitement about our relationship with Christ and that His grace is worthy of praise, such as in “A Future Not My Own” with the confessional proclamation: “Lord Help my unbelieving, my poverty, I’m incomplete, this is the great unknown, Love is a long and narrow road…this world is not my home, I still have miles and miles to go…I need a future not my own!” Matt is a brilliant lyricist, and he pours his heart out in every single song.
“Deliverer” is exactly the type of catchy worship song I’ve come to love from Matt Maher. The song features instantly sing-able vertical and prayerful lyrics. I sing along with the top of my lungs when Matt belts out, “God You’re my Deliverer, the One, the One who carries us, God You’re my Deliverer.” This song has my favorite bridge of the year which builds to a crescendo, “we’re free to love and live and die, and there’s no need to justify…from the flood, from the fire…with a faith, just like a child, I’m not afraid, I’m running wild, I am Yours and You are my Deliverer!”
“Glory Bound” has a “Turn Around” style musical vibe with an infectious chorus: “Well I don’t which way you’re going, I don’t know if you’re lost or found, all that I know is you’ve been forgiven, I’ll tell you this train is glory bound.” I can’t get enough of this great worship anthem and the emotion and biblical truth that Matt brings to the song, particularly in the bridge, “Come on, make some room in your heart for mercy, come on make some room for a little grace. Come on make some room for the sinners and the saints.” Jesus tells us throughout the Bible that love is all we need and commands us to “love one another.” He loved us so much that He came to die for our sins and yet even as Christians, we create so much conflict and strife amongst ourselves.
“Land of my Father” is filled with Matt’s excellent use of solid theological truth with the biblical lyrics: “we sing Holy, Holy, my eyes have seen the glory of the great God almighty.” Those are Truths that we can all proclaim loudly together as followers of Christ, regardless of denomination or preferences.
For those looking for times of reflective and personal worship, don’t miss “Abide with Me” and “Rest.” “Abide with Me” is a powerful ballad and I love the emotion and biblical truth that Matt brings to the song. The song has Matt’s signature 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.”
“Rest” is an instantly sing-able and worshipful Psalm 23 inspired anthem, “Oh my Lord, You are my Shepherd and I shall not want, I trust in You, I trust in You, Even though I walk through the valley of death, You restore my soul and give me rest.”
Every now and then a song comes along that I can really sing as a daily prayer in response to my Savior, and this album is loaded with that type of song, in particular “Because He Lives (Amen).” As Matt declares in the song, “I believe in the Son, I believe in the risen One, I believe I overcome, by the power of His blood.” Consider those words when you are starting your day and have this sentiment be your daily anthem, “Amen, Amen, I’m alive, I’m alive because He lives, Amen Amen, Let my song join the one that never ends, Because He lives.” The lyrics, “I know He holds my life, my future in His hands” is the type of worshipful sentiment that has always attracted me to Matt’s incredible songwriting. Matt has written several amazing songs for the Church and this song resonates with believers everywhere.
Closing Thoughts:
Highly anticipated after the success of his last album, All the People Said Amen, this compelling, 11-track album Saints and Sinners is an excellent follow-up. The album keeps Matt’s signature holy energy flowing, and has plenty more songs that you’ll soon be singing with fellow believers.
The album perfectly captures the penetrating spirit and charisma Matt Maher’s worship songs have become known for. Maher’s theological, holy and reverent style of writing and singing worship songs has consistently attracted me.
Several of Maher’s new prayerful sentiments should be added to your Sunday morning worship set, especially “A Future Not My Own,” “Deliverer,” “Glory Bound,” “Because He Lives (Amen),” and the gorgeous ballads “Abide with Me” and “Rest.” This album provides listeners with eleven tracks of vertical offerings to God that you can sing in any circumstance, and this is my album of the year.
Song to download now:
“Because He Lives (Amen)” (Get it on iTunes here).
Lord Jesus Come | Posted March-14-2015
Passion's songs are some of the most popular in modern worship music, with many of their songs sung by millions in churches all across the country including recent staples "Whom Shall I Fear," "10,000 Reasons," "Lord, I Need You" and "One Thing Remains." The live releases drawn from each year's conferences have been highly anticipated since the first edition in 1998. The last few years have been the most successful with each release taking it up a notch with 2011's Here for You, 2012's White Flag, 2013's Let the Future Begin and 2014's Passion: Take It All.
2015’s Passion: Even So Come marks the latest edition and features the most balanced lineup yet, with new standout songs by Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, Crowder, Melodie Malone, Brett Younker, Matt Redman and Christy Nockels.
"Even So Come" featuring Chris Tomlin has become my personal worship anthem, and it is my top worship song of the year. Musically similar to hit song "Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)," I'm really engaged by Tomlin's emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. "Like a bride waiting for her Groom, we’ll be a Church ready for You, every heart longing for our King, we’ll sing, even so come, Lord Jesus come" are Tomlin's cries of praise set to a worshipful upbeat Brit-rock musical arrangement that will have you cry out, Lord Jesus come, I’m ready for You!
"Shout Hosanna," "Draw Near" and "You Found Me" are led by Kristian Stanfill and each feature an engaging Brit-rock musical style. "You Found Me" includes the sincere and emotive lyrics of submission in the refrain "Now I have, a song to sing, I was lost then Jesus You found me, now I live forever free, I was lost, and Jesus You found me."
"The Awesome God You Are" by Matt Redman 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."
"My Anchor" is a gorgeous offering by Christy Nockels 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 and thank the Lord directly by telling Him “I hold on to You, and You hold on to me.” You can sincerely pray these words along with Christy, Like her great songs "Healing in Your Hands," "Waiting Here for You" and “Let it be Jesus,” you'll worship our King Jesus right along with Christy.
I can't get enough of Crowder's stand-out songs "Lift Your Head Weary Sinner” and “Wonder.” His emotive and distinct vocals take listeners on an emotional journey. The hymn-like adapted lyrics of “Wonder” are very stirring: "O Lord my God, when in awesome wonder, sing my soul Your song again, O Lord My God, when I’m lost in wonder, sing my soul How great Thou art.”
The enthusiastic closer "The Cross of Christ" is another standout song led by Chris Tomlin. 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 no other than Him.
Closing Thoughts:
What's most impressive is how these catchy songs will have you singing along at the top of your lungs after just a couple of listens. After an amazing run of new worship albums to start off the year, along come some of the best new original worship songs I've heard in the past few years. If you want to experience a spine tingling worship experience then you can't go wrong with the biggest names in the business. Tomlin, Stanfill, Crowder, Nockels, Redman, Younker and new worship leader Melodie Malone are all in top form on this excellent album, among the best in this great series.
There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. These passionate worship songs are sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. I especially recommend, "The Awesome God You Are," "My Anchor,” "Wonder,"“You Found Me,”“The Cross of Christ,” and my worship song of the year, "Even So Come." All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Passion: Even So Come is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. More importantly this is an album about submitting to the Lordship of Jesus and declaring the confession of Isaiah 26:8: "Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and renown are the desire of our souls."
Worship Leader Misty Edwards and the worship team at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City, Missouri have breathed several new worship anthems into the Church from their annual Onething Live conferences. "You Won’t Relent," "You Satisfy My Soul," "New Jerusalem," "Baptize My Heart," “Arms Wide Open” and "Pour My Love on You” consistently bless me as a worshiper. I was excited to hear Psalms: Songs of David, a collection of songs written from the Word of God.
“The Entry” by Matt Gilman opens the compilation with a call to worship capturing the essence of Psalm 119: “I will listen to You. For the entry of Your word brings light and understanding to all.” My testimony is that hearing the Word of God sung over me led to me seeking Christ and my salvation, for which I’m eternally grateful. Matt’s alternative and ambient worship vibe sets the proper tone for these songs of contemplative, emotional and vulnerable worship capturing the essence of David, a “man after God’s own heart.”
“Tree” by Justin Rizzo features a theme found throughout this album. The Psalm 1 based song sings about how the Root of our faith and salvation is God and His Word. You’ll be raising your heart and hands in worship along with the song, “I want to be unmovable and unshakable, so let my roots go down deep, Unmovable and unshakable in You."
That idea of finding our peace, joy and identity in Christ is beautifully captured in Laura Hackett Park’s “When I Am Afraid,” which is a statement of trust and dependence on God in the midst of trials. Backed by a soulful choir, Laura declares, “I will not build my life upon the passing sands of how I feel inside from one moment to the next, but I will love You, Lord my rock, my God, my strength, a precious Cornerstone that floods of death could never shake.” The song is a gorgeous profession of Laura’s sincere desire to serve God.
“Door Keeper – One Thing” by Audra Lynn is inspired by Psalm 27 and the song compels me to worship God and profess my own appreciation for the sitting at the feet of Jesus. The song has an urgent musical feel, resembling Jennifer Knapp’s gravelly vocals. You’ll join in as Audra profoundly sings, “One thing have I desired, that will I seek, to behold the King in His glory, to sit at His feet.”
“Psalm 18” by Cory Asbury is compelling music. Asbury’s powerful vocals lift this song to its highest point in the bridge: “You deliver me for You delight in me, I am Your beloved one, Now I give my life—I surrender—come and take me, I am Yours!”
“My Soul Longs For You,” originally from Misty Edwards’ acclaimed 2007 album, Relentless, is a well-known worship anthem that has been covered by Jesus Culture as well as featured on the 2007 Onething Live album. This song also features David Brymer, who echoes King David’s Psalm 63 cry: “My soul longs for You, my soul longs for You, nothing else will do, nothing else will do.”
“Ascribe,” sung by Justin Rizzo and Jill Mahan, is a simple praise song written from Psalm 29 with a soaring, worshipful chorus that provides the perfect finale to the album: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name, all power and all praise, for He is holy and He is worthy of all of the glory and all of our love.”
Closing Thoughts:
This is a completely worshipful album, in the style of Bethel Music, and Misty Edwards’ previous offerings of Spirit-led praise and worship directly to our King and Savior, Jesus. Every single song could be added to your Sunday morning worship set. My favorites are “The Entry,” “You Love Me Forever,” “You Are My Hope,” “Tree,” “When I Am Afraid,” “Doorkeeper,” “Psalm 18,” “My Soul Longs for You,” and “Ascribe,” which also appears on New Life Worship’s “Strong God” album. These twelve songs are now together on one album for the first time—on Anthology Volume 2, Psalms: Songs of David. The worship leaders at IHOP-KC all write and sing songs with an amazing passion and with unashamed praise and gratitude to our Savior that is very inspiring and emotionally moving. The eternal Love of God is beautifully expressed in these compelling worship songs.
Nobody does tours like NewSong. When the group introduced its annual "Winter Jam Tour Spectacular" in 1995, NewSong started to change the public face of Christian music. The mega-event on wheels has become one of the Gospel music world's biggest annual tours, with some history-making moments along the way. To this day, NewSong's multi-artist, ticketless concerts give thousands the opportunity not only to hear incredible music but, of course, to also hear the Gospel message.
Known for their live shows, NewSong has delivered their first live worship album in ten years, Faithful (Live), an intimate recording focusing on their acoustic concerts captured in the round. This collection brought the band back to the heart of what they do, leading people in worship.
“Angels” is inspired by 1 Peter 1:12 and was written by NewSong’s Eddie Carswell and Seth Mosley. “The whole idea that there are things angels long to see and know that God shows to us,” Carswell explains, “that He loves us to the point of coming to us because we couldn’t get to Him, it was just an exciting concept to try to write about.”
The song features Russ Lee’s tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God Almighty, our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The bridge of “Angels” is very stirring and convicting. I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album.
The standout track for me personally is title track “Faithful,” featuring Russ Lee and co-written with All Sons and Daughters. The song is an upbeat worship declaration in the style of "Psalm 40" sung with a stirring passion and filled with prayerful lyrics. This is an incredible song for the Church. You'll worship our King Jesus right along with Russ, in particular the proclamation in the bridge: “When the whole earth shakes and the mountains quake, I won't be afraid because You are faithful, Falling on my knees, still You’re holding me.”
Other ‘new song’ highlights include “Hallelujah (Bride in White),” co-written with Elias Dummer of The City Harmonic with an open invitation to sing hallelujah and “Keep Me Close,” a soaring prayer of surrender, co-written by Matthew West.
Matt Butler sings a worshipful rendition of Hillsong’s “This I Believe (The Creed)” which features tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God Almighty, our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The 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.
NewSong’s cover of Desperation Band’s “Make a Way” is a gorgeous offering of praise to the only One who has power to save. It is a very sing-able song for the Church, and I love singing about how Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no one comes to Father except through Him. That’s cause to stir your heart to sing at the top of your lungs, “Jesus, it’s always been You, Jesus, It always will be You.”
The beauty and majesty of our King Jesus is reverently captured throughout the album with anthem after anthem, including “This Beating Heart,” “Yours,” “Always” and “Give Me Faith."
Closing Thoughts:
Like NewSong’s last live worship album, Rescue, which featured a mix of a couple of original tracks and mostly worship covers, including “Arise My Love,” “Blessed Be Your Name” and “Rescue,” this album is a wonderful return and offers a more balanced mix of originals and fresh new renditions of songs for the Church. These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics.
There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend “Hallelujah (Bride in White),” “This Beating Heart,” “Keep Me Close,” “Yours,” “Always,” “Rock of Ages” and one of my top worship songs of the year, "Faithful." All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Faithful is a must-have for your praise and worship collection providing multiple ways to “sing to the Lord a new song.”
From my first listen, I was totally captivated by this studio album Response by Woodside Worship, a ministry of Woodside Bible Church in the Detroit, Michigan area. The opening track "Can’t Be Broken" by Jonathan Seller has a worshipful alt-rock vibe, and captures the enthusiastic and worshipful tone of this solid debut worship album, all centered on songs in response to and adoration of God.
“Alive” by Cathryn Mankiewicz has an upbeat worshipful flow comparable to Hillsong Young & Free’s song by the same name, and it is such a fresh song. I'm really engaged by Cathryn’s emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album.
This is a great upbeat electronic dance tempo prayer song with Cathryn belting out, "God You looked at me and You saw my need, awaken me, awaken me," are her cries of submission, phrasing biblical truth in a creative and personal way. You can sincerely pray these words along with Cathryn, and along with the up tempo song proclaim: "You breathed in life, now I’m alive in You, You called my name and You took my shame, You made me new, now I’m alive in You."
“Overcome,” “Love Has Won” and “Only in You” by Jonathan Seller along with “With Me” by Marque Cryderman each feature an engaging Brit-rock musical style. The exciting musical feel is just one of the many attractions to savor about this fresh and moving worship album, one of the best of the year.
“Psalm 130 (My Soul Waits)” by Cathryn Mankiewicz is a gorgeous offering to God, confessing, "Out of the depths I cry to You, Lord, hear my voice, Lord, turn Your ear toward me, I'm full of sin, but You are mercy."
Reminding me of songs like “Strong God” and “Not for a Moment (After All)” by Meredith Andrews, you'll be worshipping our King Jesus right along with Cathryn. You can sincerely pray these biblical and prayerful words along with Cathryn, and cling to the truth: “In Your Word I have hope, My soul waits. My soul waits on You, More than a watchman waits for the morning, I will wait on the Lord, My soul waits, My soul waits on You."
The Word of the Lord doesn’t return void, and this song puts God’s Word in the mouths of believers reminding them of the truth of God’s promises, “Unfailing Love, full of redemption, He will redeem us.” Amen to that!
I find many of the songs, like “Hallelujah (Our God Saves)” by Eric Fritts have me pondering eternity, with lyrics such as: "Christ is risen from the grave, Heaven and earth will rise to sing, death’s been defeated, sing Hallelujah,” and the biblical truth, “Praise God the empty tomb means our God saves."
“Mercy (On a Hill)” by Franky Krasinski is an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. Reminding me of Bethel Music’s songs for the Church like "One Thing Remains" and "Forever” you'll want to join fellow believers in singing these words.
I can't get enough of the stand-out song “Presence” by Jen Krasinski. Jen’s tender, emotive and powerful vocals take listeners on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song, filled with truth. God is always present even when we don’t realize it. The lyrics are very stirring: "Make us aware of You, Beautiful, Your glory Lord, Holy, Holy, Holy, Who can behold Your glory, glory, Lord, You are Holy, Holy Lord." It is a gorgeous offering of praise to Jesus, rising to a crescendo with the bridge, “No song we sing, no offering, can ever compare to Your glory, Your majesty has captured me, You are worthy, worthy worthy.” Amen.
Closing Thoughts:
These excellent studio recordings are all prayers and personal confessions of submission to God. These are great songs to pray along with these anointed worship leaders and express your own yearnings for holiness and God's presence. These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. A sincere desire for the presence of God and to see His Kingdom on earth is found in every song. There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend “Can’t Be Broken,” “Alive,” “Hallelujah (Our God Saves),” “Mercy (On a Hill),” “Presence” and one of my top worship songs of the year, “Psalm 130 (My Soul Waits).” All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Response is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. These are truly fresh and catchy songs of adoration for the Church.
Bethel Music has introduced and developed several amazing worship leaders, including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Amanda Cook, Steffany Gretzinger, William Matthews, Matt Stinton and Hunter Thompson. We Will Not Be Shaken has eleven original worship songs, all beautifully produced for the Church.
This compilation is unique from the Redding, California based Bethel Church in that it is comprised of songs led by worship leaders recorded at a scenic mountaintop setting, including Brian and Jenn Johnson, Amanda Cook, Matt Stinton and Hunter Thompson. The project introduces several new emerging worship leaders, Paul and Hannah McClure, Kalley Heiligenthal, and Jonathan and Melissa Helser.
Bethel Music is known for such worldwide worship anthems as "I Will Exalt," "God I Look to You," "One Thing Remains," "You Make Me Brave," “Forever” and many more modern worship anthems sung by tens of millions every week in worship services around the world. If you are looking for new worship songs to sing with fellow believers, this album is chock-full of congregational songs, especially the female led worship songs, "Ever Be," “You Don’t Miss a Thing,” "Nearness," “You Are My One Thing” and “In Over My Head.”
The opening track “We Will Not Be Shaken” featuring Brian Johnson has tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God Almighty, our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The chorus is very stirring and convicting. I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album.
Being a Christian father of three young daughters, “Ever Be” reflects the yearning for Jesus to that I pray for my daughters’ to feel in their hearts as well. The song is a beautiful reminder of our eternal promise and convicts us to remember that His praise should ever be on our lips now as wait for the blessed hope of living forever with Him. This song does give us a foretaste of eternity where in Heaven followers of Jesus will sing, “You will be praised, You will be praised, with angels and saints we sing worthy are You Lord.”
“Jesus We Love You” is an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. You'll want to join fellow believers in singing these words, “For all that You’ve done, we will pour out our love, this will be our anthem song, Jesus we love You.” I can’t get enough of “No Longer Slaves” led by Jonathan and Melissa Helser. You’ll get swept up in the emotion of the bridge, “All my fears were drowned in perfect love, You rescued me, so I could stand and sing I am a child of God.”
A song that moves me in my personal worship time is “You Don’t Miss a Thing,” featuring Amanda Cook. The song is an ethereal vertical worship ballad in the style of "God, I Look to You" sung with a stirring passion and filled with prayerful declarations. This is an incredible song for the Church. Like her great songs, “I Will Exalt” and “You Make Me Brave” you'll worship Jesus right along with Amanda.
“Home” moves me emotionally and physically when I worship along with the talented and emotive vocalist Hunter Thompson and the Bethel Music team. The beauty and majesty of our King Jesus is reverently captured throughout the album with anthem after anthem, including “Seas of Crimson,” “You Are My One Thing,” and “Who Can Compare to You."
Jenn Johnson sings on “Nearness” and “In Over My Head.” Both songs are great ways to profess your faith to Jesus directly by praying for Him to "Crash Over Me." You can sincerely pray these words along with Jenn, and proclaim—"Whether I sink, whether I swim, It makes no difference when, I’m beautifully in over my head."
Closing Thoughts:
Every song released by Bethel Music completely focuses me as a listener on joining in praise, worship and adoration of Jesus. These songs were written from a place of reflecting on what it means to have unshaken faith in God. The project is intended to lead listeners to that place also.
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.
I eagerly await each new release and We Will Not Be Shaken is truly stellar and is now my top overall album by Bethel Music. It has a very warm musical style that will immediately soothe your soul and cause you to worship along with these ultra-talented worship leaders.
Excellent Songs for the Church | Posted January-27-2015
Vertical Church Band’s live worship albums have been highly anticipated since the first edition which included the hit songs “Not for a Moment (After All)” and “Open up the Heavens” featuring worship leader Meredith Andrews. Church Songs is the third full-length worship album by Vertical Church Band. The band is a ministry formed out of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago and features the worship leaders Seth McConkey, Meredith Andrews, Andi Rozier, Tyler Miller, Kyle Fredericks, Tara Rios, Jon Guerra and others.
The opening track “All the Earth” featuring Andi Rozier has tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung about faith in our God Almighty, our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The chorus is very stirring and convicting. I'm really engaged by the emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. "Praise the Lord, all the earth, all the earth, Praise His Name, Only One Name, now and always" are the biblical cries of worship.
The standout track for me personally is “Spirit of the Living God,” featuring my favorite female worship leader, Meredith Andrews. The song is an ethereal vertical worship ballad in the style of "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," sung with a stirring passion and filled with the prayerful declarations. This is an incredible song for the Church. Like her great songs, “Strong God” and “Worthy, Worthy” you'll worship our King Jesus right along with Meredith.
Meredith Andrews also sings on “Do What You Want To,” which is a great upbeat electronic dance tempo prayer song with Meredith belting out "We surrender all to You, Do what You want to, God we love to see You move, Do what You want to." What a great way profess and thank the Lord directly by telling Him "Do what You want to." You can sincerely pray these words along with Meredith, and along with the up tempo song proclaim--"Have Your way here. All Consuming Fire, fall on us."
“Lamb of God” is an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. You'll want to join fellow believers in singing these words, "The Lamb of God in my place, Your blood poured out, my sin erased, it was my death You died, I am raised to life, Hallelujah, the Lamb of God."
The beauty and majesty of our King Jesus is reverently captured throughout the album with anthem after anthem, including “It’s Who You Are,” “If I Have You,” and “None Like You." 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 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 “Restore My Soul” and “Bound For Glory,” which are both instantly sing-able prayer songs featuring declarations about Jesus.
Closing Thoughts:
This is yet another solid entry in this great series. These are very passionate worship songs sung with vocal sincerity and reverence with biblically based lyrics. There are several instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. I especially recommend “All the Earth,” “Do What You Want To,” “Lamb of God,” “Restore My Soul,” “Bound for Glory,” and one of my top worship songs of the year, "Spirit of the Living God." All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. Church Songs is a must-have for your praise and worship collection. This is a truly fresh and catchy set of excellent songs for the Church.
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