The Long Surrender
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NEEDTOBREATHE The Long Surrender is NEEDTOBREATHE’s tenth studio album, and the follow-up to 2023’s Caves. The album has a mostly stripped-down acoustic sound – with the exception...
Songs of The Saints (Deluxe Edition)
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Phil Song of the Saints by Phil Wickham was one of my favorite albums of 2025. Wickham is back with a massive 18 song Deluxe edition, bringing the entire Song of the Saints project to 34 songs....
Jamie MacDonald
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Jamie I first heard of Jamie MacDonald when she recorded a version of “God Did It” with TobyMac. She then appeared on “My Father’s World” on Chris Tomlin’s The King is...
Get in the Mood with Social Club Misfits | Posted April-07-2019
Social Club Misfits (Marty and Fern) follow up their excellent 2018 album Into the Night with Mood, a new five-song EP, which will whet your appetite for Social Club Misfits music until the next full-length album is released. Below are a few comments about each of the songs on the EP:
Everytime – This song was written by Young Sidetrain, Marty and Fern and produced by Young Sidechain. It was the lead single for the EP. The song addresses the loss of a few friends, their childhood, and living out their dreams doing what they love.
Que lo Que – This song was written by Daniel Young Kim, Dirty Rice, Fern and Marty, and produced by Dirty Rice. GAWVI provides additional vocals. The song begins with an acoustic guitar and quickly transitions into a likeable Latin beat, with the vocals alternating between Spanish and English.
Key lyric:
All I know is that God is sovereign
He’s in control
I’m letting go, I went from pit to palace.
Up – This song was written by Cardec, Marty and Fern and produced by Cardec. They came from the bottom and things are going well now. They are rapping for applause and their numbers are going up.
Chinatown Freestyle – This song was written by Ben Lopez, Marty and Fern and produced by Lopez. The intro is from Chris Durso “Why would we concern ourselves with words from men when we got ourselves a word from God. We’re misfits”. Themes in the song include touring, childhood and a death threat.
Key lyric:
If you hate on Social Club then you’re dead inside.
So Our God Came to Us – This song was written by Dirty Rice, Jung Youth, Fern and Marty and produced by Dirty Rice. Jung Youth sings the chorus. We were all alone, but our God came to us. Marty and Fern rap hard on their verses. They achieved their goals and wrote more, but God had His own plan. Without His guidance theirs has no purpose. Joy comes in serving Him.
Deep Roots Meets Deeper Roots | Posted March-22-2019 In 2013, five-time Grammy winner Steven Curtis Chapman released Deep Roots, an album which featured 12 songs, 5 of which are available on the new Deeper Roots: Where The Bluegrass Grows, released on Chapman’s own New Day distributed-SCSee label. Both albums represent a return to bluegrass, Chapman’s musical roots.
In addition to the 5 songs from Deep Roots, the new album contains eight other songs. The album is comprised of a mixture of well-loved hymns, new versions of Chapman favorites and two new songs. Chapman is joined by Ricky Skaggs, Rascal Flatt’s Gary LeVox and family members on the album, which was produced by Chapman and Brent Milligan.
Below are a few comments about each of the songs:
Where the Bluegrass Grows – This upbeat new song features banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitar and backing vocals. He comes from a place where the bluegrass grows. He can’t believe all the places he and his guitar have been – from the Grand Old Opry stage to Carnegie Hall. He comes right back home when he hears a banjo.
Dive – This Chapman classic is revitalized with the help of Ricky Skaggs. Skaggs had also joined Chapman on “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” on Deep Roots. The song features some excellent banjo and backing vocals.
‘Til The Blue – This is a new song written by Chapman, Lori McKenna and Barry Dean. It features Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts on vocals. This is a beautiful song, featuring acoustic guitar. It’s a song about helping someone going through a difficult time. There are no words to say or answers to give to the questions they are asking. But the friend is there to help carry them through the difficult time.
Key lyric:
‘Til the blue returns to your sky
‘Til the laughter returns to your eyes
I’ll be right here to cry with you
And right here to give you a song
To help you go on
Until you’re strong
Cinderella – This Chapman classic was previously available on Deep Roots.
Victory in Jesus – This hymn features Chapman’s father, Herb Chapman Sr., and brother, Herb Chapman Jr.
Great is Thy Faithfulness – This hymn features Chapman’s father, Herb Chapman Sr., and brother Herb Chapman Jr.
My Redeemer is Faithful and True – This Chapman classic was previously available on Deep Roots.
How Great Thou Art – This hymn, featuring Chapman’s daughter in law Jillian Edwards Chapman, was previously available on Deep Roots.
Life is Like a Mountain Railroad – This classic hymn, featuring Chapman’s father, Herb Chapman Sr., and brother, Herb Chapman Jr., was previously available on Deep Roots.
I’ll Fly Away – This classic hymn features good backing vocals, banjo and fiddle.
Without Him – This classic hymn features Chapman’s father, Herb Chapman Sr., and brother Herb Chapman Jr.
Be Still and Know – This Chapman classic, featuring Chapman’s son Caleb Chapman, was previously available on Deep Roots.
I’d Rather Have Jesus – This classic hymn features Chapman’s father, Herb Chapman Sr.
Live Worship from Chris Tomlin | Posted March-20-2019
I’ve enjoyed Chris Tomlin’s music for several years. For years, I would look forward to the new songs he introduced each January at the Passion conference in Atlanta (and following live album), and also his own solo albums. His 2016 studio album Never Lose Sight was my favorite album of that year. His latest studio album, Holy Roar, was released last October. The album was good, but not great, and I found that it was one that I didn’t go back to listen to a lot after it’s initial release. It was also his first album since 2004’s Arriving to not hit the top of the Christian charts, topping out at #3 and only #103 on Billboard’s Top 200 Album chart (2013’s Burning Lights hit #1 on both).
So, I found it surprising that Tomlin would release a live album comprised of seven songs from Holy Roar, plus one from Pat Barrett (who is signed to Tomlin’s label, and who is also with Tomlin on the current Holy Roar tour), recorded in front of 200 worship leaders at a small church in east Nashville. Tomlin’s music is best heard live in a worship setting (concert or church) and that’s probably why he wanted these songs to be heard in that context. The album is also a nice tie-in with the tour, which kicked off a week before the album was released.
For the most part however, the performances here are not different enough from the studio versions for most listeners to purchase this new live album. The exceptions would be Tomlin’s live version of Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive’s “Is He Worthy?”, which was released as part of a three song EP ahead of the full album and his “Goodness, Love and Mercy”, which brings more energy than the studio version.
Worth the Wait | Posted March-09-2019 Never Fold is the fifth studio album from Tedashii. The 17-song, 54-minute album is his follow-up to his excellent 2016 EP This Time Around and is his first full-length album since 2014’s Below Paradise. He did release a few songs in 2017 and 2018 that are not included here (“Way Up”, “Messenger” and “Splash”, though a revised version of the latter song is included), and two that are, “Gotta Live” (featuring Jordan Feliz) and “Smile”. It’s been way too long since we got a new full-length album from Tedashii, but the wait has definitely been worth it. The album features a number of special guests, among them Lecrae, Trip Lee and Crowder, and he uses multiple songwriters and producers. Never fold and the pain of losing his son Chase are themes that shows up throughout the album.
My favorite songs are “God Flex”, “Get Out My Way” and “Gotta Live”. Here are a few comments about each song on the album.
There’s a Heaven – This song is written by Justin Lay, Sean Hamilton, Jimi Cravity and Tedashii, and produced by Hamilton and Cravity. This short opener features distorted vocals over keys.
God Flex - This song was produced by Daramola and Cardec and written by Daramola, Cardec, Jacob “Biz” Morris, WHATUPRG, Ace Harris, Trip Lee and Tedashii. It features Lee and Daramola on vocals and Swoope on orchestra. This is a hard-hitting song that will pull you in right away. The song was based on a real moment in Tedashii’s life when God showed up less than a year after his son Chased died. He had to let go of pride and humble himself to see God as good. Trust God, he is going to show up in your moment.
Key lyric:
But he gonna swing low in the chariot and carry me home
Get Out My Way – This song is written by Cardec, Wes Writer, Lecrae and Tedashii, and produced by Cardec. This song features a great collaboration with Lecrae. It’s a hard-hitting song. Every day is a struggle. People are throwing stones and trying to make them stumble. They’ve taken a lot of hits but they are getting through it.
Son of Sam – This song is written by Zach Paradis, GAWVI, Chad Gardner, Daniel Steel, Derek Minor, Andy Mineo and Tedashii, and produced by Minor. The song features a brief intro from Mineo. On this song Tedashii shares his struggles after losing his son Chase. He’s trying to figure out who he is. He’s all alone and struggling, but encouraged by friends. He feels like he’s dying from grief, suffering panic attacks. His heart is getting harder to heal.
Home - This song is written by Alex “Juice” Hitchens, Mashell, Zach Paradis, Ace Harris, Tedashii and Crowder. The song is produced by Paradis, Mashell and Harris, and features Crowder on the chorus. In a passionate vocal, Tedashii sings of hurt and grief. He did his best, but confesses that he needs God’s help, who gave him love that he didn’t deserve. He refuses to waste a day. The electronic drums shine on this track.
Key lyric:
Looking for the shade where the trees are dead
Trying to find my way to the peace inside
Splash II - This song is written by Zach Paradis, Mashell, Ace Harris, Iggy Music, Wes Writer, Parris Chariz, Jarry Manna and 1K Phew. It is produced by Paradis, Harris, Iggy Music and Mashell. The song uses the same chorus as “Splash” featuring 1K Phew that was released in early 2018. Other vocals are provided by Jarry Manna and Parris Chariz. This upbeat song is about making a splash for God.
Water – This song is written by Zach Paradis, Tumeh Gailor, Royce Munroe, Lloyd Musa, Ace Harris, Jeremiah “Sick Pen” Bethea and Tedashii. The song is produced by Paradis and Harris. He sings of being cleaned by the water and how Houston made it through the flooding from Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Diamonds – This song is written by Steve Tirogene, Sean Minor, Jamal Wesley James, Dustin “DAB” Bowie, Desmond Jamal Rasberry and Tedashii. It is produced by Tirogene, Minor, and Desmond South. The sound features a good beat driven by the percussion. He’s got a lot of pain his heart, trouble in his soul and feels like he has the whole world on his shoulders. He has a lot of pressure on his body but diamonds are made just like that. Life will test him each day but he’ll never fold, he’ll get through.
Key lyric:
I got blessings on the way
I can see a better day
Step into Love – This song is written by Jordan Sapp, Sarah Reeves and Tedashii. It is produced by Sapp and features Reeves on the chorus. Life has been hard and he almost gave up. People may change but God is always the same, so why should he quit. We need to step into love like you've never been hurt before. The song features keys and a good beat driven by electric drums.
My Lifestyle – On this song Tedashii sings of battling depression and grief. The devil put him through hell, but the Lord helped him through it and gave him a reason for living. He’s still unashamed and with the people he came with.
Gotta Live – This song was written by Chris Howland, Zach Paradis, Jordan Feliz and Tedashii, and produced by Ace Harris. The song, which features a memorable chorus, features Feliz on vocals, and reached number one on Billboard’s Christian Hot AC/CHR chart. Tedashii has said that this song is about perseverance and encouragement. Life is meant to be lived as the gift from God that it is and we should see that as a reason to keep going and never fold.
Key lyric:
Everybody has their doubts but you can't stop now
Hold Me Down – On this song Tedashii expresses appreciation for those who stick by his side. He sings of doing what he does for his family and a cousin in prison. He tries to love his enemies and use their energy. The song ends with a young rapper on the last verse.
Smile – This song was written by SAK PASE, Philip Green, Marquis Rachad, Ace Harris and Tedashii and produced by SAK PASE. It was first released in early 2018. Tedashii has said that the song, with its easy going and uplifting rhythms and singing, fits the mood of what he wanted to create to help people smile and have joy. DJ Blak offers additional vocals.
Key lyric:
Life is hard, but it's getting better
We all harmed, but the scars, they not here forever
All In Love – This song is written by Kelvin Wooten, Kameron Glasper, Chris Owens and Tedashii. It is produced by Chris King and features Kam Parker on the chorus. This is a song to Tedashii’s wife who has been with him through it all. With her he been blessed, feeling like he hit the lottery.
Full Effect – This song was written by Wesley E. Smith Jr., SAK PASE, Ace Harris and Tedashii and produced by SAK PASE. Tedashii brings a confident vocal on this song. He’s in his element, at his best. He sings that life is curtains, drawn back, but God came to open the blinds and let the sun in.
Won’t Bring Me Down - This song was written by Tyron, Boosen, Joshua Toala, Cardec, Evan Ford and Tedashii. It was produced by Tee-Wyla, Cardec and Ford. The song features a female vocalist on the chorus. God never told him that it would be easy, just that He would be with him through the nightmares and broken dreams. His help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121.2)
It is Well – The closing song is a short version of Horatio G. Spafford’s 1873 hymn “It is Well With My Soul”. The song is sung in another language by a female vocalist. It is a beautiful, piano driven, song.
Live Worship from Smitty | Posted February-24-2019
Over the course of his 35-year career, the multi-talented Michael W. Smith has provided the church with excellent music in a number of different genres – pop, Christmas, instrumental and worship. At age 61, he is going stronger than ever, having released three albums in 2018, a live worship album Surrounded, a studio album A Million Lights, and a children’s album Lullaby. In addition, he honored Billy Graham and George W. H. Bush by singing at their funerals. He is back to start 2019 off with the new live worship album Awaken: The Surrounded Experience. The album was recorded at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, on August 30, 2018 at the free Surrounded: A Night to Pray, Worship and Be Awakened concert. The event was a multi-racial, multi-denominational and multi-generational gathering of 14,000 people, which was later broadcast on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) to 175 countries worldwide as the special Surrounded: A Night of Worship, Prayer, and Awakening. The evening began with a time of prayer for the city of Nashville, surrounding communities, and the nation, led by area pastors.
The new album includes 13 songs from that concert, 6 of which were included on the Surrounded album. Also included are Will Reagan’s “Set a Fire”, the opening song, Jennie Lee Riddle’s “Revelation Song” and three songs included on previous Smith albums - “Let it Rain”, “Healing Rain” and “Agnus Dei”. Smith turns over lead vocals on Todd Dulaney’s “King of Glory” to CeCe Winans, and on Sinach’s “Waymaker”, the album’s initial single, to Vanessa Campagna and Madelyn Berry.
The production quality of the recording is excellent, which is especially
noteworthy for a live album. Although the album captures the worship experience well, and I enjoyed it, with nearly half of the album being comprised of songs that appeared on the live album Surrounded just a year earlier, some buyers may feel like they have to choose between Surrounded and AWAKEN: The Surrounded Experience.
Michael Card on God's Lovingkindness | Posted February-23-2019
It’s hard for me to put into words what the ministry of Michael Card has meant to my spiritual growth. For 35 years, his music, books, and Biblical Imagination Conferences have had a profound impact on me. The first album of his that I bought was 1984’s Known by the Scars when I was a relatively new believer. Many of his books have also had an accompanying album, as is the case here. The new album is about the wonderful concept of hesed, which Card refers to as an “untranslatable, three-letter, two-syllable word”. He does help us with a working definition of hesed - “when the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything”. The album is a companion to his excellent book Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness (see my review here), may be his final full-length album. Let’s hope that we continue to be blessed by the biblically based music of Michael Card, in whatever format, for many years to come.
Cards has described the album as a “very acoustic, classical-sounding record” with no drums. There are six new songs, a new live version of a previously released Card song, and three covers. Below are a few comments about each song on the album:
Come as You Are - This beautiful opener is driven by piano, with backing vocals and light percussion added at the chorus, which is from Psalm 100:5:
For the Lord is good and his love is everlasting.
Oh, the Lord is good and his mercy never ending
Won’t you come
A female vocalist joins in at the second verse.
Hymn to the Kindness of God – On this song, Card sings of many attributes of God (beauty, kindness, gentleness, tenderness, endless, graciousness, patient, etc.) of God over piano and an impressive string arrangement.
The Shelter of the Shadow – This song features strings, and a female vocalist backed by a classical choir. The song is about Exodus 34 and Moses’ encounter with God, which Card has described as the defining moment of hesed in the Hebrew Bible. Moses has asked to see God’s glory. The Lord has responded by revealing the true nature of that glory: compassion, mercy, truth, kindness, hesed. He references Exodus 34:6:
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
That Kind of Love – This is a cover of Pierce Pettis’ song, a song I wasn’t previously aware of. It’s a beautiful piano driven song with a nice string arrangement. The lyrics fit nicely with the hesed theme. That kind of love can’t be bought, sold or faked. It always gives itself away. May we be remembered by that kind of love.
When Dinah Held My Hand/Jesus on the Mainline – This song refers to a story that Card tells in the book about a time when Dinah demonstrated hesed to him when he visited an African American church. The song is driven by banjo and other string instruments. The song then merges into a Black gospel version of the traditional song “Jesus on the Mainline” driven by piano and female vocals.
Gomer’s Song - This is a new live version of “The Song of Gomer”, originally recorded on Card’s 1992 album The Word: Capturing the Imagination. It is about the adulteress wife of the prophet Hosea. The song features a nice acoustic guitar solo. Hosea showed hesed to Gomer, who had no right to expect anything.
Simply more than I can see
How he keeps on forgiving me
The wife of adultery
Gomer is my name
This is My Father’s World – This song was written by C. Barny Robertson and Maltbie Babcock. It features acoustic guitar and beautiful strings by Alan Moore, who came out of retirement to do the arrangement. This is a beautiful recording, but I didn’t see the connection to the subject of hesed that the other songs on the album have.
I Will Be Kind – This beautiful song, featuring piano, strings and backing vocals, is about one of the fundamental facets of hesed, reciprocity. In his book, Cards tells us that once a relationship or covenant of hesed is established, there is an unspoken mutuality. The one who was initially shown hesed naturally demonstrates hesed in return. He tells us that reciprocity is an indication that you have internalized the truth of hesed. In light of all He has done for us, what should we do? We will become His hands and feet, forgiving, loving as we have been forgiven, being gracious and kind.
Why Not Change the World - This song aligns with Card’s final challenge to the reader of the book - to take the understanding we have in our heads of hesed and allow the Spirit to move it into our hearts. In the book, he tells us that we must enter into the world of the word hesed and then take that world into our world, back to our families, to our churches and towns—to our enemies. The upbeat song is driven by piano and light percussion and features a Korean choir singing in their native tongue.
A Foretaste of Heaven | Posted February-22-2019
This album was recorded live at the second annual Getty Music Worship Sing! Conference at the Nashville Music City Center and historic Ryman Auditorium, September 10-12, 2018. I attended this conference, and can attest that the singing of the 7,500 attendees, along with a 300-person choir, was a foretaste of Heaven. Keith Getty and his incredible songwriting partners had written several new songs on the Psalms for the conference, many of which were included on the Getty’s EP The North Coast Sessions, which was released just prior to the conference. Five songs from The North Coast Sessions are included on the new live album. This recording features Keith and Kristyn Getty, their amazing band and several special guests.
Among the many musical highlights from the conference that are included here is Matt Redman leading the attendees in his “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”, Andrew Peterson singing his incredible “Is He Worthy?” backed by the 300-person Sing! choir, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa singing “His Mercy is More”, and Shane and Shane joining Kristyn Getty on vocals for “The Lord is My Salvation”. The great Phil Keaggy adds acoustic guitar to “My Dwelling Place (Psalm 91).” Other special guests included on the album are Cindy Morgan and Stuart Townsend, a frequent writing partner with Keith Getty, and co-writer of the classic “In Christ Alone”.
The production quality is excellent, especially impressive for a live album.
Switchfoot Takes Some Chances on Native Tongue | Posted January-18-2019 Native Tongue is San Diego based Switchfoot’s eleventh studio album and first since 2016’s Where The Light Shines Through. The ambitious fourteen songs (out of nearly a hundred written for the album), is diverse, featuring a variety of music styles as the band takes some chances. They wanted to pursue joy and let it happen after taking some time off. The album was produced primarily by the band, along with OneRepublic bassist and multi-instrumentalist Brent Kutzle. Jon Foreman has said that the album was an attempt to be a loving embrace of all the human souls who have been weighed down by the times, and that hatred is not our language, love is our native tongue.
Below are a few comments about each of the songs on the album:
Let It Happen – This song was written by Jon Foreman and produced by Tim Foreman, Jon Foreman and Tyler Chester. The song features crashing guitars and driving drums, over Jon’s lead vocal. Backing vocals join him for the chorus and there is a nice guitar solo mid-song. This life seems hollow, he doesn’t know the meaning and his body is aching. He doesn’t know what is going to happen tomorrow but he trusts God with his future.
Native Tongue - This song was written and produced by Tim Foreman, Jon Foreman and Brent Kutzle. The song has a great beat. It starts with Jon singing over hand claps and light drums before a driving drum comes in. The song includes some backing vocals. I really appreciated the Chad Butler’s drums on this song. Love is the language, our native tongue. He wonders where we went wrong, we forgot our song. He wants the world to sing in her native tongue and use our lungs for love.
All I Need – This song was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The love song begins with acoustic guitar and finger snaps and then builds. The chorus is memorable as he sings that all he needs is the air he breathes, the time they share and the ground beneath his feet. He wants to know if she believes in him.
Voices – This song was written by Brent Kutzle, Jon Foreman, Ryan Tedder, Tim Foreman and Tyler Spry. It was produced by Kutzle, Jon Foreman, Tim Foreman and Tyler Spry. The song, which was inspired by a homeless man at the beach, begins with keys and then Butler’s drums drive an excellent beat. In the catchy chorus, Jon sings of having an army of voices in his head. Each moment is crowded with choices, which speak to him and drown out the voices. There are also some good backing vocals on the song.
Dig New Streams – This song, which shows the band taking chances, was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The song opens slowly with Jon singing over acoustic guitar and backing vocals. Mid-way through the chorus the band kicks in with guitar, drums and horns as Jon sings “I’ve got thirty voices in my head, they’ve been telling me to quit while I'm ahead.” Mid-way through verse two the song changes again as Jon sings “If you've been hurt by the church of black and white, come unto me, find rest my burden's light “
Joy Invincible – This song was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. It begins with guitar and a nice drum driven beat. An illness has led to shattered dreams and the need to be brave in the midst of suffering. Jon sings “Hallelujah nevertheless, was the song the pain couldn't destroy, hallelujah nevertheless, You're my joy invincible.”
Prodigal Soul – This song was written and produced by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The song is a prayer. It begins with acoustic guitar, before the band joins in at the chorus. He has been wandering and wants to come home, reminiscent of the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32). A highlight.
The Hardest Art – This song was written by Tim and Jon Foreman and produced by Tyler Chester, Tyler Spry, Brent Kutzle, Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The song features Kaela Sinclair of the French electronic band M83. Jon handles the first verse and Sinclair the second. Love is surrender and is the hardest art to earn. The song has a dance beat, with Switchfoot again taking chances with a new sound. Wonderful Feeling – This song was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman and they produced it with Tyler Chester. The mid-tempo song begins with piano and then builds, with a good drum beat, guitar solo and backing vocals. Jon sings how it’s funny how you fight what you need the most. Though he has spent a lot of time chasing his shadow, he has a wonderful feeling and hopes set high. His prayer is to let God’s light be his.
Take My Fire – This song was written and produced by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The song begins with drum machine and then a distorted guitar. Satan is never going to take his fire, his love for God. This is about as hard as Switchfoot has rocked. A highlight.
The Strength to Let Go – This song was written and produced by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The song begins with acoustic guitar and synth and builds at the chorus. Like “The Prodigal Soul”, it’s a prayer asking God to show him the way to come home. He chooses mercy instead of control. He needs the faith to surrender.
Oxygen – This song was written and produced by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman.
The song begins with piano and drums and then settles into an easy going beat with backing vocals and a guitar solo. The song is about a relationship that has gone bad with one partner leaving. It’s probably my least favorite song on the album.
We’re Gonna Be Alright – This song is written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman, and they produced it with Tyler Chester. The catchy easy-going song begins with acoustic guitar, and includes a good beat and backing vocals. It’s OK to doubt, fear, grieve, etc. The joyful and memorable chorus tells us that we’re gonna be alright, just take a look at the sky.
You’re The One I Want – This song was written by Jon Foreman and written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. This is a love song, featuring Jon singing over piano and cello. The song would fit well on one of his solo albums.
A 116 Christmas | Posted November-24-2018 The Gift is the third overall studio album from 116, and their first Christmas collection. Noticeably missing from the Reach Records group is Andy Mineo and KB, but there are some surprise guests including Derek Minor on the album. Adam Grason did the cover art, which merges the look and feel of vintage Christmas with traditional hip-hop elements. The album debuted at #1 on iTunes Hip-Hop and Rap chart.
I really enjoyed this album and getting exposed to some artists I was not familiar with, as well as hearing some of my favorites such as Lecrae, Trip Lee and Tedashii.
Below are a few brief comments about each song:
O’ Come – The song is written by Dustin “DAB” Bowie, John McNeil, Joel McNeil, Crystal Nicole, Ace Harris, CASS, Tedashii and nobigdyl. It is produced by Weathrman and Ace Harris, and features CASS, nobigdyl and Tedashii. The chorus includes a bit of the Christmas hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful” written by John Francis Wade. The song opens with CASS, with Tedashii taking the first verse, CASS the second, nobigdyl the third, and Tedashii closing things out. The joyful song has a great beat and some hand claps.
Key lyric:
He changed the world, that's a landslide
God meant for all mankind
This Christmas – The song was written by Ace Harris, Epikh Pro, Evan Ford, Abe Parker, Jon Keith and Jaylon Ashaun. It was produced by Ace Harris and Epikh Pro and features Jon Keith, Jaylon Ashaun and Evan and Eris. Evan and Eric handle the chorus, with Jaylon Ashaun on the first verse and Jon Keith on the second on this light-hearted and joyful song with a great beat.
Key lyric:
It's gonna be the best time of the year
Got my hands in the sky 'cause I know that I'm living my best life when you're near
Joy – The song was written by Ace Harris, Epikh Pro, Alex Hitchens, Abe Parker, Trip Lee and Lecrae. It was produced by Ace Harris and Epikh Pro, and features Lecrae, Trip Lee and Abe Parker. Lee and Lecrae each take a verse, and Parker handles the chorus, which includes a bit of the Christmas hymn “Joy to the World” written by Isaac Watts. The song addresses pain, injustice and life’s difficulty, along with God’s faithfulness and spreading the good news. A highlight.
Key lyric:
Why wait for tomorrow?
Joy came and He called us
What A Time – The song was written by Cardec, Ace Harris, Zach Paradis, Jimi Cravity, Dave James, SVRCINA and WHATUPRG. It was produced by Ace Harris, Dave James, Zach Paradis and Cardec, and features WHATUPRG and SVRCINA. The chorus includes a bit of the Christmas hymn “O Holy Night” written by Adolphe Adam. There are also some references to the song “What Child Is This?” written by William Chatterton Dix. The drums really stand out on this track. WHATUPRG’s and SVRCINA voices blend well as they sing together near the end of the song.
Key lyric:
What Child is this?
Whose crown is this?
On the ground I live
Falling on my knees
Giving everything to the King of kings
Silent Night – The song is written by John Smythe, Joel McNeil, John McNeil and Chrystal Nicole. The song is produced by Weathrman and features Chrystal Nicole on vocals. Nicole has worked with Lecrae, Andy Mineo and Tedashii in the past. The chorus includes a bit of lyrics from the Christmas hymn “Silent Night” written by Joseph Mohr. Nicole delivers a powerful vocal over guitar and excellent backing vocals as the song builds.
All Is Bright – The song is written by Derek Johnson, Crystal Johnson, John McNeil, Joel McNeil, Wande and 1K Phew. It was produced by Weathrman and features 1K Phew, Derek Minor & Wande. The chorus includes a bit of the Christmas hymn “Silent Night” written by Joseph Mohr. The vocals from Wande, 1K Phew and Derek Minor are strong. Minor sings in verse three of being saved out of the slums, with dealers, users, scammers and hustlers.
Key lyric:
You got a way of, making me stay
You pull me closer when I push You away
Noel – The song is written by and features Trip Lee and Dave James, and is produced by James. The song includes a bit of the Christmas hymn “The First Noel”. This song is about Jesus. Lee handles the verses. I loved the line “Baby clothes couldn't cloak His divinity”. Includes some nice guitar at the end of the song. A highlight.
Key lyric:
Who would've known that this babe was the King on the throne?
Angels – This song was written by Abe Parker, Crystal Johnson, Rhomar Jessy, Joel McNeil and GAWVI. The song was produced by Weathrman and features GAWVI, who delivers his usual strong vocal over a punchy percussion driven beat. The chorus includes backing singers infectiously singing a bit of the Christmas hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” written by James Chadwick.
Key lyric:
I wonder where would I be, I be if You never found me when I needed You
We Three Kings – The song is written by Zach Paradis, Alex Hitchens, Wande Isola, Ace Harris, Epikh Pro, Paul Russell, Lecrae and Abe Parker. It is produced by Zach Paradis, Ace Harris, Epikh Pro and Abe Parker, and features Lecrae, Abe Parker and Paul Russell. The song is based on the Christmas hymn “We Three Kings” written by John Henry Hopkins Jr., and begins “We three kings with the diamond rings, bringing gifts, coming from afar”. The song is upbeat, starting with guitar before it dives into a great percussion driven beat, featuring a memorable chorus. The song also includes a lyric “Long lay the world in sin and error pining” and from the Christmas hymn “O Holy Night” written by Adolphe Adam.
Prepare Your Heart for Christmas | Posted November-24-2018
Shane and Shane (Shane Barnard and Shane Everett) follow 2014’s A Worship Christmas Initiative with this second full-length album of Christmas songs. Last Christmas, they released an EP of five songs titled A Worship Initiative Christmas, Vol. 2. This year, we get an entire album ten song album.
This is my second album from Shane and Shane after seeing them perform at the Sing! Conference early this year. I really enjoyed Hymns Vol. 1 and this new album of worshipful Christmas songs as well.
Below are a few comments about each song on this excellent album:
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus – The lyrics of this hymn were written by Charles Wesley. The song opens with beautiful vocals over piano and strings. It then builds gently with guitar, bass and percussion.
Key lyric:
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne
Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful) – The lyrics of this hymn were written by Isaac Watts. This version includes a verse from Henry Van Dyke’s hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”. The song features Phil Wickham, who Shane and Shane are on the road with on a short Christmas tour. The song begins quietly with piano, chimes, strings and then builds joyfully with drums, bass and guitar as it goes into a new refrain “We will sing, sing, sing, Joy to the World”, which might remind you a bit of Chris Tomlin.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing – The lyrics of this hymn were written by Charles Wesley. The song begins with acoustic guitar and piano and then builds gently with guitar, bass, strings and drums. The song adds a refrain “Glory to the newborn king”.
Key lyric:
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
O Little Town of Bethlehem – The lyrics of this hymn were written by Phillip Brooks. This beautiful rendition begins with acoustic guitar and bass and gently builds with light percussion, backing vocals and some excellent piano.
Key lyric:
Where meek souls will receive Him still
The dear Christ enters in
Breath of Heaven – This song was written by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton. This rendition of the song, made popular by Grant, features Bethany Bernard (formerly known as Bethany Dillon), wife of Shane Barnard. The song opens with piano, then adds light bass, strings and light percussion. The strings and piano stood out on this song, along with an excellent vocal.
Face of God – This song was written by Shane and Shane, and features Phil Wickham. It’s the one song on the album that I was not familiar with. The song opens with acoustic guitar and strings, and then builds joyfully at the chorus with full band.
Key lyric:
Gloria, I hear the angels singing
Gloria, all the heavens are ringing
Gloria, the Savior of the world is in her arms
She’s staring at the face of God
The face of God
What Child is This? – This hymn was written by William Chatterton Dix. This song begins with acoustic guitar, and then builds with bass, drum, strings, piano and backing vocals. The song includes a nice newly added refrain.
Key lyric:
Come, let us adore You
Our hearts with enthrone You
Away in a Manger – This music to this hymn was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick. The author of the lyrics is unknown. The song begins with acoustic guitar and piano. It then builds with bass, percussion and backing vocals.
Winter Snow – This song was written by Audrey Assad and features Dinah Wright. I first heard this beautiful song with Assad singing it on Chris Tomlin’s first Christmas album, 2009’s Glory in The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship. This version opens with piano and acoustic guitar, and then builds with bass, percussion, strings and backing vocals.
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear – This hymn was written by Edmund Sears. The song opens with synth, piano and bass and builds after the first verse with backing vocals, drums, acoustic guitar and keys. A refrain is added at the end of the song.
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