Kingdom focused worship | Posted May-30-2014
Husband and wife duo Jordan and Kristin Rippy are worship artists from Lakeland, Florida. Seek You First is their debut worship EP available on June 3rd. The album was recorded in Redding, California and produced by Gabriel Wilson.
Similar to recent projects by husband/wife artists, Bryan & Katie Torwalt and Kim Walker-Smith and Skyler Smith, I’m really engaged by Jordan and Kristin with their emotional vocals and deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album.
The opening title track “Seek You First” features Kristin’s tender and powerful vocals and takes listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey with every lyric sung directly to our Lord and Savior, Jesus. The chorus is very stirring and convicting, “Lord, I yearn for You, I hunger for Your presence, Lord, I crave You, My soul is thirsty for You, I seek You first.” The song is a great call to worship and is a fresh offering of praise for the Church to sing out with passion the Word of God from Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
A sincere desire for the presence of God and to see His Kingdom on earth is found in every song, especially “Glorious Sound” and “Come Like the Wind” which are both instantly sing-able prayer songs led by Jordan featuring biblically inspired phrases like “We wanna see Your Kingdom,” “We pray for Your Kingdom come” and “Come have Your way, Lord.”
I would love to sing “I Will Dwell” and “Spirit of God” with fellow believers. They are ethereal vertical worship ballads sung with a stirring passion by Kristin directly to our Triune God, with the declarations: “You are my secret place to get away, I will dwell in the center of Your will, I will dwell with You” and “Spirit of God move in our hearts, change how we think and who we are, Spirit of God, make us like You, in all we say, in all we do. Jesus come like You promised…pour out Your Spirit, come make us new.” Amen to that!
“Come and Drink” was co-written with Michael Farren (Pocket Full of Rocks) and closes out this excellent album with a corporate worship declaration led by Jordan, accompanied by Kristin in perfect harmony, “Here is water from the spring of life, Ever flowing it will not run dry, And all who taste it will be satisfied, nevermore to thirst, come and drink.”
Closing Thoughts:
If you want to experience a fresh, biblically inspired and Kingdom focused worship album, look no further than Seek You First. If you like the Jesus Culture artists Bryan & Katie Torwalt and Kim Walker-Smith and Skyler Smith, you need to check out Jordan & Kristin Rippy. I’m drawn to the stirring emotional vocals and deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. This is a great album of new songs for the Church filled with a sincere desire to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.”
Running to follow Jesus | Posted May-12-2014
Fellowship Creative is the music ministry of Fellowship Church in Dallas, Texas. They have previously recorded songs for their church community and they are launching their first major label national release, Running to Follow, available everywhere May 13. The album was produced by CJ Eiriksson (U2, Matchbox Twenty).
Right from the opening song "Glory in the Highest," the band displays uplifting reverence and a joy of worship to our King, Jesus. I really like the song and find myself frequently singing the chorus: "Glory, glory, glory in the highest, highest / My heart and soul will sing / Shout out with everything / Glory in the highest." The song has a great melody and I could imagine singing it with fellow believers, especially the worshipful chorus. I love the biblical truth of the song and Derric Bonnet's sincere and emotive vocal style laced with an indie alt-rock vibe which reminds me of the Mars Hill Church-based band, Citizens.
My favorite moments on this solid album are the glimpses into the band members walks as Christians in the fresh sounding songs "Running to follow" and "Future Back." I find myself really praying along with the band when they cry out: "Here we go / We're running to follow / We've got our eyes fixed forward and we're not looking back / We're following the Son with the wind at our back." It's that type of "gourmet" songwriting that sets this album apart from most of what I've heard this year.
"Never Be Without It" continues with an engaging electronic pop musical style. The differing musical feels is just one of the many attractions to savor about this standout worship album. In many of the songs we have the opportunity to echo the singer's prayerful exclamations as the female singer prays, "My old life is dead and gone because I met You, my new life is my real life, thank You Jesus 'cause all I need is in You, Your love, Your love, I'll never be without it." Amen!
"Jesus My King" reminds me of contemplative worship songs like "Scandal of Grace" by Hillsong UNITED and "Jesus, Son of God" by Chris Tomlin. "Great is Your glory, Great is Your love for us, let my heart be Your throne, Jesus My King" sings the vertical refrain which continues the focus on God's glory and Lordship over our lives.
Many of the songs are arranged in a very sing-able and catchy style. "Desperate For You," "The Everlasting" and "Beautiful" are all gorgeous and worshipful ballads. Every verse of "Desperate For You" ends with a faith statement for believers, "Jesus You are Lord."
A thread woven throughout the album is found in that song as the singer sincerely offers: "Standing at the end of all of me, Jesus I am desperate for You, laying everything down at Your feet, Jesus I am desperate for You." "The Everlasting" has the female-led faith statement, "The Lord is my life and salvation, whom shall I fear, of whom shall I be afraid? I'm calling out at the top of my lungs, Lord, I will wait for You."
Closing Thoughts:
Fellowship Creative's passion is to make creative music that inspires the worship of Jesus Christ and to point listeners to Him. The theme of emptying ourselves in order to be filled by "The Everlasting," "Jesus My King" for wholeness and holiness is worth "Running to follow" and singing at the top of our lungs, "Glory in the Highest." I greatly enjoy the musical vibe of this album and the melodies and lyrics are all catchy and rooted in Scripture. The creative use of biblical language is a highlight and there are no ambiguous lyrics, which is refreshing and great for the Church to boldly proclaim praises to Jesus. Fans of Hillsong, Citizens and Passion should enjoy this solid gourmet worship album, one of the year's best.
Worship Album of the Year? | Posted May-02-2014
This entire self-titled project by All Sons & Daughters feels seamless and intentional. The album includes standout recordings like the hauntingly accessible "Christ Be All around Me" and "You Will Remain" and the lose yourself-in-the-moment sing-ability of "God with Us," "Tonight" and "Great Are You Lord."
From my first listen, I was totally captivated by this album. The opening track "You Will Remain" has an ambient sound, building with strings, drum, guitar in a steady worshipful flow and beautifully setting the tone with Leslie's distinctive and emotive vocals. It is such a fresh song. I'm really engaged by David Leonard's and Leslie Jordan's emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful and vertical lyrics throughout the album. This song has a Gospel proclamation: "You are the Great I AM, so unchanging Your promise is sure, Never Ending, Your love will endure, You were, You will be, You always are the Great I AM." Amen.
The next songs "Tonight" and "God with Us" continue with an engaging ambient rock musical style. The soothing musical feel is just one of the many attractions to savor about this ambient and introspective worship album. The band co-wrote "Tonight" with Francesca Battistelli.
"Your love is deep, Your love is wide, I will rest in Your arms tonight, Your love is deep, Your love is wide, I will rest tonight" is the Christ dependent refrain of "Tonight," applying Jesus's promise in Matthew 11:28: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
I find many of the songs have me pondering eternity such as: "You are here and You are holy / We are standing / In Your glory (Lord)" in "God with Us."
"Christ Be All around Me" was co-written with Leeland Mooring and is an emotional description of our calling as Christians: "Above and below me, Before and behind me, in every eye that sees me, Christ be all around me." I'm drawn to the song's sincerity, gorgeous musical bed and the profound songwriting. The song also appears on Michael W. Smith's album, Sovereign.
"For Your Glory & My Good," co-written with Derek Webb, switches to more of an acoustic folk musical style and we get to join in the band's prayer: "I would be a fool, If I could be made new, Come ruin, come ridicule, Recklessly I come, I run to You." This is a great song to pray along with Leslie and David.
"King of Glory (You Restore My Soul)" and "The Victory" are also standout songs which I would love to sing with fellow believers. They are vertical worship songs sung directly to God, with the declarations: "You restore my soul, I'm Yours alone, Oh King of Glory" and "Yours is the Victory, Lord."
"Great Are You Lord" takes you on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear the song. You'll be blessed by this powerful song which is a stand-out anthem with a convicting declaration: "All the earth will shout Your praise / Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing / Great are You, Lord." We live in a fallen and sinful world. One day we will have a new heaven and a new earth and until then we need to all pray: "It's Your breath in our lungs / So we pour out our praise to You only."
"Almighty God" features Sandra McCracken and is a gorgeous vocal offering of this vulnerable Lord's Table expression: "Almighty God, to You our hearts are open, You take away our sickness and our sin, Oh Lamb of God we gather at Your table, In bread and wine, You have supplied our needs, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah."
Closing Thoughts:
More than just a collection of great songs, this album is a deep meaningful worship experience unlike any other I've heard this year. If you feel like many worship albums sound the same and you want to experience a fresh, deep, introspective and completely worshipful album, look no further than this album. The standout songs are "You Will Remain," "Tonight," "God with Us," "Christ Be All around Me," "The Victory" "King of Glory," "Almighty God" and "Great Are You Lord," which has quickly become one of my all-time favorite worship songs. This is a very emotional album, loaded with hook-filled vertical expressions with catchy melodies wrapped around introspective, worshipful and emotional lyrics. My favorite albums grow deeper with each listen. All Sons & Daughters is the worship album of the year.
Wondrous Gift | Posted April-25-2014
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 Onething Live: Sing Your Praises, recorded at Onething 2013. This compilation highlights some new songs and powerful performances of Laura Hackett singing Matt Redman’s “Holy” and Misty Edwards singing an incredible rendition of Kevin Prosch’s “The Gift.”
High energy electronic dance worship song "Sing Your Praises” by Matt Gilman opens the compilation with a call to worship with an exciting foretaste of what followers of Jesus will be singing for eternity: “You are great, and greatly to be praised, I will dance around Your throne, and Your presence is my home, and the rocks will not cry out, I will shout…I will sing Your praises, You are holy, You are holy, You alone are worthy of the glory.” Some recent examples of worship songs you can sing and dance along with are "Alive" and "Wake" by Hillsong Young & Free. If you like those songs, you’ll love this song.
“I Am Yours (First Love)” by Jonas Park introduces a theme found throughout this album, that Jesus is our first love and only One we need to be whole and holy. You’ll be raising your heart and hands in worship along with the song, “I am Yours, Yes, I am, wholly Yours, You are my first love, You are my only One Lord, there is nothing else for me.”
“For I was Far” by Anna Blanc celebrates her story and testimony: “For I was far away and dead in sin, I had no hope at all to live again, and then You came and drew me close in love, You washed away my guilt and filthy stains.” That is one of the truths we can cling to as believers. In our fallen and sinful tendencies, God still thinks of us as His children. Once you’ve accepted Jesus as our substitute and Savior, God views us white as snow through the blood of His son instead of in our dirty states. That alone is cause for celebration.
That idea of finding our peace, joy and identity in Christ is beautifully captured in Laura Hackett’s “The Love Inside.” The song compels me to worship Jesus and profess my own appreciation for the pure love of Jesus that “fills all of heaven with its light.” As Laura profoundly sings, “when we know Jesus sees us here now, this changes everything, Jesus Your love is so amazing, and this joy I can’t explain it, I’m caught up in the fellowship.” The song is a gorgeous profession of Laura’s sincere desire to serve Jesus.
“Let Me See Your Face,” led by Jon Thurlow, takes my breath away. He beautifully captures how Jesus feels about each of us with the extremely moving depiction sung in the Person of Jesus preparing a place for us in Heaven and assuring us: “I see it in your heart to finish the race with Me, I know if you just say yes again, together we can make the longing reality.” What a gorgeous description of the heart of Jesus.
“Worth it All” led by Justin Rizzo gives another glimpse of Heaven and what followers of Jesus will be singing for eternity. If you have put all of your hope and trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation, you'll be singing along: "Thank You Lord that I am free, Your blood washes me, Your blood makes me clean.”
“The Gift” led by Misty Edwards closes the compilation with a stunning song about the “wondrous gift” and “aching longing to see Him face to face” given to us by the Bridegroom Jesus, Who takes us in His arms and makes us pure by His love. The song captures the Truth expressed in John 3:28-29 (NKJV): “You yourselves bear me witness that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.” You’ll feel the aching for Jesus in your soul as you sing along with Misty, “It’s the joy of being lovesick…the pleasures of loving You,” along with “We are not another, we are Your beloved” and “Let love flow now.” Amen.
Closing Thoughts:
This is a completely worshipful album, in the style of Jesus Culture, 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 “Sing Your Praises,” “I Am Yours (First Love),” “For I was Far,” “The Love Inside,” “Let Me See Your Face,” “Holy,” “Worth it All” and the gorgeous closer, “The Gift.” 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 Jesus is beautifully expressed in these compelling songs.
Perfect gift for families | Posted April-23-2014
JJ Heller has admitted that she struggled with anxiety issues in the past and parenthood has really shown her how the love she has for her daughters is selfless. Fans requested JJ to record an album of lullabies, and she and her husband Dave Heller also wrote a children’s bedtime story, “The Golden Feather” which was supported with a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Although JJ’s album I Dream of You is a collection of sweet and loving songs from a parent to a child, they are also profound pictures of how God feels about us as His children. Children also love us unconditionally, and God wants us to be a picture of His love back to them. Remember that God loves you and there is nothing that we can do to make Him love us more. This album displays JJ's signature acoustic folk music style that paved the way for her current success, which is well-deserved.
What’s so relatable is how JJ Heller’s “relationship” songs are relevant for everyone. If you know Jesus, then you especially know the ultimate answer to the quest for love can only be found in Him. Our sins have been washed away by the blood of Jesus and all of these songs reflect the joy that JJ Heller has in Christ, including her relationship focused songs “Big World, Baby,” “I Know You Will,” “The Sun Will Rise,” “Keep You Safe,” “Daydream,” “Take It With Me,” “Sailing the Sugar Sea” and "Boat Song," which includes the great chorus "do you know we belong together, do you know my heart is yours?"
“I Dream of You” includes JJ’s signature “gourmet” stamp with the lyrical phrasing, “My love may you dream of beautiful things, ‘til the dawn of the day, bright and new, wherever you go, I want you to know, that when I dream, I dream of you.” It also includes harmonica interludes, which I love. “Darling you are my dream come true” is exactly the sentiment I want to pass on to my three daughters who I love beyond what words can express. This song is a wonderful way to let your children know how you feel about them.
“When I’m With You” really makes me smile, especially during the bridge where JJ tenderly sings “Beautiful, baby, you're sweeter than strawberry pie, just like the morning, your smile brings the sun that shines.” Although this is a sweet and loving song from a mother or father to a child, it is also a profound picture of how God feels about us as His children. The lyrics in the song that wreck me are “When I hear you, and you're cryin', it resonates, dear, in a place I didn't know was there.” God hears us crying and He wants us to know that He’s always listening and He’s with us always.
“I Get to Be the One” has a catchy melody and reflects how I feel as a father of three little girls. I love when JJ sincerely sings the chorus: “I get to be the one to hold your hand, I get to be the one, through birthdays and broken bones, I’ll be there to watch you grow, I get to be the one.” “I Get to Be the One” was written to JJ’s second baby daughter Nora just like “When I’m With You” was written to her first baby daughter, Lucy. Interestingly, both girls’ names are references to light. Lucy means “bringer of light.” Nora means “light.”
Closing Thoughts:
As a Christian father, I can really relate to JJ’s songs about parenthood. Being a parent is truly a blessing from God. It’s not a right to be a parent, it’s a privilege. It also requires a selfless attitude and we need to put our children’s welfare ahead of our own desires and interests. JJ and Dave Heller are two of my favorite people in all of Christian music because they write songs that are so emotional, vulnerable and authentic. These songs come right from their hearts and express how many of us feel with their gift of songwriting that in turn blesses us as listeners. Thank you, JJ and Dave, for continuing to provide gourmet songs that uplift, challenge and move me. I am also grateful to God for the gift of parenthood. God bless you JJ, Dave, Lucy and Nora.
I Dream of You is a soothing and emotionally moving listening experience. All twelve songs are catchy, and focused on higher truths that we all need to hear and pass on to loved ones. If you like JJ’s songs “Boat Song,” “When I’m With You,” “What Love Really Means” and “Your Hands,” then you absolutely must have this album. JJ is an anointed songwriter and singer, and she has a profound way of piercing my soul with her poignant words, tender singing, and inspirational truths. I get welled up singing along with several of these emotion laden songs, especially “I Dream of You,” “When I’m With You,” “I Know You Will,” “Keep You Safe,” “I Get to Be the One,” and “Boat Song.” If you are looking for the perfect gift for families, look no further.
Yearning for Jesus | Posted April-22-2014 “How I love You, How I love You, You have not forsaken me, How I love You, How I love You, Here is where I want to be” sings the gorgeous bridge of “Shepherd,” led by Amanda Cook. It is one of the standout songs on this compelling collection of songs, You Make Me Brave by Bethel Music, available everywhere April 22. This compilation is unique from the Redding, California based Bethel Church in that it is comprised of songs led by the female worship leaders at a women’s conference, including Jenn Johnson, Amanda Cook, Steffany Gretzinger, Kari Jobe, Kristene DiMarco, and Leah Valenzuela.
“You Make Me Brave” led by Amanda Cook is truly an anointed and inspiring song filled with biblical language, “As Your love, in wave after wave, crashes over me, crashes over me, for You are for us, You are not against us, Champion of Heaven, You made a way for all to enter in.” You’ll be singing the bridge at the top of your lungs along with Amanda, “You make me brave, You make me brave, You call me out beyond the shore into the waves, no fear can hinder now the promises You made.”
“I Belong to You” is led by Amanda Cook and reflects her Biblical yearning to know Jesus with these compelling lyrics, “When this life is over, and I stand to see You face to face, There’s nothing that I will have wanted, but to be with the One I belong to, Always.”
“A Little Longer” and “Come to Me” are beautiful songs led by Jenn Johnson. “I’m in love with You, Jesus my heart burns for You” are the emotional vertical expressions in “A Little Longer.” These women all clearly love our Lord and Savior Jesus with all of their hearts, a fact that they are excited to sing about in every song, which is very inspiring.
Johnson proclaims “Let your faith arise, lift up your weary head, I am with you, wherever you go, Come to Me, ‘cause I’m all you need, Come to Me, I’m everything” sung in the Person of Jesus in “Come to Me.” The theme of Jesus being our Anchor and strength is once again captured. I love how Jenn switches to first person and emotionally sings to our Lord, “You are my Anchor in the wind and the rains, You are my steadfast, and I won’t be afraid, if my heart and flesh fail me, You’re my faithful strength…we come to You, You’re everything.” The collection closes with a gorgeous spontaneous prayer, “We step into freedom.”
Closing Thoughts:
Although the songs were written at different times, the theme of relying on God’s strength to make us brave weaves through all of the songs and spontaneous worship moments that all believers need to hear, women and men alike. This album is best described as a worship experience with an ethereal worshipful tone, similar to Kim Walker-Smith and Jesus Culture. These anointed women have consistently impressed me with mature faith and sincere desires to serve Jesus.
Being a Christian father of three young daughters, these songs all reflect the yearning for Jesus to make us brave that I pray for my daughters’ to feel in their hearts as well. Every song completely focuses me as a listener on joining in praise, worship and adoration of our beautiful King Jesus, with reminders that the “waves and wind know His Name.” Don’t miss “You Make Me Brave,” “It is Well,” “Forever,” “Anchor,” “Shepherd,” “We Dance” and “Come to Me.” These stellar songs are excellent reminders to cling to our Anchor, Jesus.
NEEDTOBREATHE's best album | Posted April-09-2014
NEEDTOBREATHE has very quickly become one of my all-time favorite bands because of how they are able to move me with such amazing and spiritual lyrics that truly reflect how I feel as a Christian. This album is all about the restoration of the band when their drummer Joe Stillwell quit, a response to the overwhelming tension brought on by touring and being thrust into the limelight with his fellow South Carolina natives and lifelong friends, Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart and Seth Bolt.
Their story is chronicled in the documentary film, Prove the Poets Wrong, drawn from the lyrics of their song "Drive All Night." NEEDTOBREATHE is getting back to their roots with Rivers in the Wasteland, based on Isaiah 43:19 (NLT): "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."
Listening to "Wasteland" to open the 11-song collection, it's clear that the themes of relying on God's grace and mercy and seeking and speaking truth flows throughout this excellent album, highlighted by several of my new favorite songs, "Wasteland," "Difference Maker," "Rise Again" "The Heart," and "Multiplied." You'll be hooked right from the opening notes of "Wasteland," which really sets the tone for this album. As Christians, we can all relate to the vulnerable and sincere crying out: "In this wasteland where I'm livin', there's a crack in the door and it's filled with light, and it's all that I need to get by." That prayerful sentiment is punctuated in the chorus: "Oh if God, is on my side, Who could be against me?"
Fans of the band's trademark high energy live shows will flock to "State I'm In," "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," "Oh Carolina" and "The Heart." "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" is an incredible ZZ Top-style catchy song, with the band's trademark high octane musical pacing, and the message of the song is an autobiographical expression of the band's musical journey.
"Difference Maker" is a gorgeous, moving and encouraging song about knowing that God's plan is far greater than any success or failure. It is about the beauty of grace and having faith. Christians are called to be difference makers and friends of God. I get choked up singing: "Isn't it amazing how God can take a broken man, and let him find a fortune and then ruin it with his own two hands, and he climbs on up the hill on the Rock on which he stands, He looks back at the crowd he looks down at his hands and he says I am a Difference Maker, I am the only one who speaks to Him, and I am the friendliest of friends of God."
The emotional and uplifting "Rise Again" frames an incredible song of hope. I love the chorus: "I know I'm on the rise again, set my sights on where I'm going, and my goodbyes to where I've been, Oh, I know, I know I'm going to rise again, saying farewell to the king of the broken, so long my friend." Bear's vocals are emotive and honest, which makes the words he's singing all the more powerful and moving.
"The Heart" is a wonderful foot-stomping, show stopping anthem, where the band's full on ability to write a hook and sing about deep meaningful topics is on full display. You'll be belting out the words with the band, "Long live the heart, long live the soul, that knows what it wants, that piece you can find, that part is the whole, it never lets go." What's so cool about the song is how "piece you can find" sounds like "peace you can find" and depending on your situation you can apply either homonym into the chorus which is pure songwriting genius.
Closing tracks "Multiplied," "Brother" and "More Heart, Less Attack" are all beautiful songs, musically and perhaps even more so lyrically, reflecting the album's wide range of sounds and emotional expressions. The lyrics to "Multiplied" are prayerful and moving: "Your love is like radiant diamonds, Your love will surely come find us, like raging wild fire, singing your name, God of mercy, sweet Love of mine, I have surrendered to Your design...these Hallelujahs, be multiplied." The takeaway message of unity to the band and for all of us is found in the moving refrain, "Be more heart, and less attack." It's that range of songwriting that sets this album on the highest level for me, and is why they are my favorite band.
Closing Thoughts:
No matter your situation, this band has songs that can really bring healing and reflect the cry of your heart such as their Dove Award-winning songs, "Washed by the Water," "Lay 'Em Down" "Something Beautiful," "Slumber" and "Keep Your Eyes Open." As "Something Beautiful" reflects, sometimes we need to be on our knees in prayer and submission before God and cry out "Hey now, this is my desire, consume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautiful." The band consistently makes songs that remind us to get to that place where we are in humble submission to God and don't play it safe but take a chance and ask for God to be real in our lives. You'll never see true beauty if you don't fully submit to God.
Rivers in the Wasteland is the best album I've heard this year. Every song is absolutely amazing. I can't get the catchy melodies of many of these songs out of my head. The album includes a solid mix of Southern rock tinged music with inspirational lyrics. Don't miss the standout songs "Wasteland," "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," "Difference Maker," "Rise Again," "The Heart," "Multiplied" and "More Heart, Less Attack." The very relatable and transparent words of these songs use poetic descriptions and biblical language throughout eleven stellar tracks, resulting in NEEDTOBREATHE's best album.
Made Whole by His love | Posted April-03-2014
If you like the singer-songwriters Sara Groves, Audrey Assad, Nichole Nordeman and Ginny Owens, you probably like female singers who have an enjoyable, sweet vocal style and make catchy, worshipful songs that make you think. Drawing from that influential pool of strong female songwriters, Jessa Anderson's music reflects a wrestling with the unknown and daily struggles alongside catchy and worshipful refrains.
Her last release Not Myself Anymore was one of the most captivating albums I've ever heard, and one of my Top 5 Albums of 2011. Jessa's albums are also great for fans of mainstream pop singer-songwriters like Kate Voegele, Taylor Swift and Colbie Caillat. Thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, Jessa returns with her independent offering, Whole, available everywhere April 8.
The opening track and lead single, “Idols,” is an engaging song with Jessa's passionate vocals setting the tone for this solid effort as each song asks and answers the question of what makes us “whole” with ten stand-out tracks. “Idols” opens with the confessional lyrics,"I am so like a bird in flight, I try to build my home, I set my eyes on anything that shines and tells me it will make me whole, I stack the walls surrounding me with promises and pretty things, But when I see what winter brings, I fly." The reflective opener has a super-catchy musical vibe and is a wonderful prayer-song about finding regular strength and courage in God's faithful kindness and listening to His still small voice. Every song is a great reminder for followers of Jesus wrestling with doubts and trying to live out their faith.
My new favorite Jessa Anderson song is “Giving Your Heart Away.” She released an amazing music video, highlighted by great production, introspective lyrics and of course, Jessa's great singing. Jessa's an artist in every sense of the word. I'm captivated by how her new song moves me emotionally and connects me spiritually to the truth behind the song. Check out the music video here.
The relationship songs “Stay,”“Caught me by Surprise,” and “Breakdown” each poignantly provide a portrayal of the “crazy cycle” dynamic of marriage addressing the disappointments and dissatisfactions that we face in a relationship that can only be held together by God’s grace. All of the songs capture the importance of compromise and asking for forgiveness, while expressing gratitude.
“Everything” establishes a prayerful flow with the lyrics—“This is grace, nothing that I could make but that You took my place, To conquer sin and shame, and to return our hearts to You for whom we're made, And when I think about all You've done, Jesus I am overcome.” Psalm 92:4 (NLT) connects to the song and album: “You thrill me, LORD, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done.” Jessa brings home the infectious message of the song in the bridge, “Perfect Son of God, how You love us, how You love us, So thank You for the blood that has covered and reclaimed us, To restore us, to remake us.”
I can't get enough of the upbeat “Fireflies”-like song of commitment to Christ, “Never the Same.” I sing along with the piercing words: "More than a little bit, this passion overwhelms, My very soul within and I’ve got to let it out, I want to make You known with every breath in my lungs, Until there’s nothing more, until the work is done.” You’ll feel the emotion so poignantly expressed by Jessa as she passionately cries out: “Your love has overcome the deepest of my needs and I could never quite express the way that You’ve changed me now, but I will do my best, yes I will do my best.”
Jessa’s vocals and heartfelt sincerity in many of the songs including “Whole” cause me to hang on every word she brilliantly sings. Jessa trusts in the Lord throughout the emotional ballad thanking Jesus for giving us what we don’t deserve and for paving the way for righteousness. She pours her heart out in every single song which allows listeners to hear her expressing her deep feelings, insecurities, and desire to be “whole” directly to God. I really enjoy how this album tells the story of redemption as each song displays how Jessa offers her Psalm-like prayers to God.
Closing Thoughts:
If you are looking for the words to express your feelings to God, these songs are a wonderful companion. These are the most honest, vulnerable and moving songs I've heard in a while. If you like the indie-pop style "gourmet" singer-songwriters Kate Voegele, Ingrid Michaelson, and Audrey Assad, you need to check out Jessa Anderson. This entire album is loaded with relatable lyrics, incredible singing and prayerful themes about what it means to be a child of God. Musically, the album features a great mix of confessional ballads and singer-songwriter pop music. Give Whole a few deep listens and you'll love it. I hang on every single word and the stirring vocals, prayerful lyrics and musical arrangements are breath-taking. Jessa has written and sung an exceptional set of songs that deal with the identity struggle we all face of knowing that as children of God we are made in His image and we are made “whole” by His love.
Spirit-filled and Anointed Offering | Posted April-02-2014
Paul Baloche is one of the most acclaimed worship artists and songwriters of our time. Best known for such modern classics as "Open the Eyes of My Heart," "Above All," "Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)," and "Your Name," Baloche's songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Lincoln Brewster, Michael W. Smith, Matt Redman, Kari Jobe, All Sons & Daughters and Phillips, Craig & Dean.
Integrity Music presents Live, an all-new recording of songs that reflect Baloche's heart, and his passion for the Church, available in all formats April 1st. I really like how the songs are recorded live and have audience participation, which is how these songs are meant to be experienced, as corporate worship with other believers. Paul's songwriting ability is really displayed in the familiar songs on the album, "Our God Saves," "Hosanna (Praise is Rising)" and "Today is the Day."
My favorite song on Live is "The Same Love" and I can't get enough of this new live recording which offers a view of our God and our reliance on Him. Baloche sings, "The same God that spread the heavens wide, the same God that was crucified, is calling us all by name, You are calling us all by name." At the end of the song, you can pray along: "Lord, Give us ears to hear, You call our name." The song soothes my soul. We can all take comfort in the Truth expressed in this song which comes directly from God's Word in Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
I love songs that are filled with biblical truth, and several stand-out tracks on the album have biblical references, especially "God My Rock," "You Lift Us Up," "Mighty Fortress," "My Hope," "Today is the Day" and new song "He is Risen." The album is filled with catchy and inspirational songs for the Church. Although traditionally worship songs are written in first person thanking God about what He has done for us, in Old Testament Psalmist style, Baloche has intentionally written and recorded a set of songs based on New Testament Scripture references and theology, with lyrics such as "In the Name of the Father, in the Name of the Son, in the Name of the Spirit, Lord we come" in "Our God Saves" and "Jesus, be my Savior, Jesus be my Lord, Jesus be my Savior, be my all in all" in "Jesus Be My Savior."
This entire collection is Jesus-focused worship, bowing our hearts in worship to the Name above all Names, Jesus. "Mighty Fortress" sings, "You are good, You are good, Mighty Fortress, You are good, You are good, and Your mercy endures, You are good, You are good, Mighty Fortress" which is a wonderful re-write of the Martin Luther penned hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is our God," ending the song with a nod to our "Bulwark never failing."
Likewise, "My Hope" builds on the hymn of the faith "The Solid Rock" singing to our Rock, Jesus: "I don't know where You'll take me, but I know You're always good, My Hope is built on nothing less, than Your Great Love and righteousness" and consistently cries out, "I'm holding on to You, I'm leaning in to You."
There's something about these great songs that immediately ushers in a Spirit-filled and anointed offering and response to Jesus from these vertical lyrics, such as "In Your Presence, all our fears are washed away" in "Hosanna" which proclaims my heart's cry: "You are the God who saves us, worthy of all our praises, Come have Your way among us, we welcome You here Lord, Jesus."
New song "He is Risen" is a wonderful telling of the Easter story: "He is Risen, Hallelujah, Christ is Risen, let the whole world sing, Christ is Risen, from the dead!" The Sovereignty of Jesus is proclaimed in the closing track, "Glorious, my eyes have seen the glory of the Lord, Glorious He stands above the rulers of the earth."
Closing Thoughts:
If you've enjoyed singing Paul Baloche penned songs for the church including "Open the Eyes of My Heart", "Hosanna (Praise is Rising)" and "Your Name", then you'll really enjoy Live. Praise and worship is a heart condition, and an emotional connection to the words that we lift up to God. Our worship is an "Offering," but God is the One who made the way for us to be with Him.
When you sing along with this album, make sure you are in prayer and submit all of yourself to God. For me, the standout songs are "Our God Saves," "God My Rock," "The Same Love," "My Hope," "He is Risen" and "Glorious." I'm looking forward to singing more new songs by Paul Baloche with fellow believers. If you like the recent live recordings, Your Grace Finds Me by Matt Redman and Majestic by Kari Jobe, you need to add Live to your worship music collection.
Have Your Way in Me | Posted March-30-2014
Unspoken is a 4-member band comprised of lead singer Chad Mattson, bassist Jon Lowry, guitarist Mike Gomez and drummer Ariel Munoz. We were first introduced to original compositions from Unspoken with the group's debut Centricity Music EP Get to Me, which featured the hit song, "Who You Are." They followed that up with their EP The World Is Waking, which featured the hit song, "Lift My Life Up."
This full-length eponymous album includes the aforementioned songs, along with previously digital only releases "Walking Away," "Everything," "Bury the Workman," and the vertical worship song "In Your Hands." There are an additional six new songs for this album, available in all formats April 1. The extended introduction to this great new band is a novel approach, building in some radio airplay and name recognition to propel this very talented musical act forward on their journey of faith.
"Who You Are" is a beautiful reminder that one's past does not have to dictate one's future. That thread of redemption is woven throughout all of the tracks, and is capped off with the poignant ballad "My Recovery" which addresses Mattson's personal connection with Celebrate Recovery. He was freed from the shackles of addiction and celebrates his recovery each year on February 4th. That theme is also in the new songs, "Good Fight" and "Call it Grace." Celebrating God's unmerited favor in the life of a believer is what fuels Christians to finish the race set before us.
"Start a Fire" is the first song and next single from the band. It is an exciting heart cry to live out Matthew 5:16 as the band sings: "Over and over again, I hear Your voice in my head, let Your light shine, let Your light shine for all to see." The song is a perfect example of how the band is committed to "carry the news that You have come to save, only You can save."
In this age of lyrical ambiguity, there is no question that this band is sold-out for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That same torch is carried in their hit song, "Lift My Life Up" which is a beautiful harmonious blend of "Take My Life And Let It Be" and "I Surrender All," sung as a modern chorus for the Church to all proclaim in unison, "Have Your Way in Me!"
New song "Tomorrow" is another guaranteed hit, which is also included as a radio mix. "I can't miss a chance to leave it in Your hands, I don't know what tomorrow holds, I'm learning how to let it go, Jesus You are in control of my tomorrow," sings the chorus which leads to the bridge, "it's only when I seek You first, seek You first, that everything falls into place, It's only when I trust Your Word, trust Your word, that every fear is washed away."
That theme of leaving it "In Your Hands" and finding rest is beautifully phrased in the vertical worship song, "In Jesus my soul finds rest, 'Cause I can leave it in Your hands." The song is the anthem of praise for recovering worriers, addicts and perfectionists who struggle with the unknown. As the song testifies, "Amen, I can leave it in Your hands."
The trio of songs, "Walking Away," "Everything" and "Bury the Workman" are all catchy and biblical refrains about the hope we all have in Christ, praising Jesus for the "peace beyond my understanding, nothing can compare, pressing on forward, looking up towards the prize, fixing my eyes on Paradise" with language straight out of Paul's epistles sung in a catchy and memorable fashion in standout song, "Walking Away."
Possibly my favorite gem on the entire album is "Everything," which sums up the main statement of the album, "By Your stripes I am made whole, I have everything because of what You've done, neither life nor death can take away the power of Your blood, that is everything and it will always be enough, if I only have Your love, I have everything."
Closing Thoughts:
If you want to experience an uplifting soul-stirring and "gourmet" worshipful album, look no further than Unspoken. "You can silence the voices, but you can't stop the song, when the Spirit's moving, His will, will be done, you can bury the workman but the work will go on" is the refrain of the Mark 13:31 inspired sing-along anthem: "Bury the Workman."
With this excellent album, Unspoken is offering a great example of how you can write and sing lyrics that are unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and reach the lost with transparent confessions of faith.
Throughout the album, I love the confessional and biblical lyrics and Mattson's emotive vocals cause me to hang on every word such as: "So let the ashes fall wherever they land / Come back from wherever you've been / To the foot of the cross / To the feet of Jesus / Where you are is never too late, so bad, so much that you can't change / At the foot of the cross you can change who you are."
Unspoken is the best new band to hit the Christian music scene since Sidewalk Prophets in my opinion. The album is chock full of potential radio singles and every song is completely captivating. If you've been desperately waiting for a fresh filling of Christ focused catchy songs about relying completely on God's grace then don't miss out on this incredible album, one of the best of the year.
KevinDavis_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
