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...
NEEDTOBREATHE As You've Never Heard Them Before | Posted November-16-2018
In the fall of 2017, NEEDTOBREATHE did something they had not done before – a fully acoustic tour. Acoustic Live, Vol. 1 features twelve songs from that tour. It is their second live album in just three years. Live From The Woods was released in April, 2015, and the band has released just one full-length album 2016’s Hard Love, and two EPs 2017’s HARD CUTS: Songs from the H A R D L O V E Sessions and 2018’s Forever On Your Side Niles City Sound Sessions EP since then. Five of the twelve songs included on the new live project were also included on Live From The Woods.
The twelve songs are pulled from five of the band’s albums, plus an EP, and one, “Stand By Me”, has not previously been recorded by the band, so there is good representation from the band’s career. The album, like Live From The Woods, shows just how good a live band NEEDTOBREATHE is. The album also includes some of the band’s comments from the stage.
Below are brief comments about each of the songs:
Let’s Stay Home Tonight – This song was written by Bo Rinehart, Bear Rinehart and Luke Laird. It first appeared on Hard Love. The song opens with synth and then builds with acoustic guitar, drums and piano. The backing vocals and piano solos are a highlight on this song.
Drive All Night – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on The Reckoning, and was also included on Live from the Woods. Bear delivers a strong vocal over acoustic guitar, drums, backing vocals and some incredible banjo. This was the song that got me hooked on the band.
Key lyric:
I need somewhere I can drive all night
Out into the darkness
Follow the headlights down
I need to know if they can take me
I gotta to know if they can save me
No Excuses – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on Hard Love. The song opens with acoustic guitar, and backing vocals, and features an excellent organ solo. Mid-song the band includes part of “The House of the Rising Sun”, made popular by the Animals in 1964, featuring some acapella vocals.
State I’m In – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on Rivers in the Wasteland and was also included on Live From The Woods. The upbeat song opens with acoustic guitar and then builds with backing vocals, drums and piano. The song features a nice piano solo.
Washed By The Water – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on The Heat, and was also included on Live From The Woods. The band plays a snippet of “I’m Free” a gospel song before starting this song. Bear offers a strong vocal over piano backing. He won’t fall as long as the Lord is around him.
Key lyric:
Even when the rain falls
Even when the flood starts rising
‘Cause even when the storm comes
I am washing by the water
Testify – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on Hard Love. This worship song opens with acoustic guitar, then builds with backing vocals, light percussion and piano. The song features a nice piano solo and some nice “Beach Boys” vocals near the end.
Key lyrics:
There is a peace, there is a love
You can get lost inside
Come to the fountain and let me hear you testify
Oh, Carolina – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on Rivers in the Wasteland and was also included on Live From The Woods. The song opens with acoustic guitar and then builds with drums, backing vocals, guitar and piano. The song features a nice harmonica solo. As the band plays an extended version of the song, they play a snippet from the Who’s “Squeeze Box”.
Stand By Me – This song was written by Ben King, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It was a hit by Ben E. King in 1961. This is the first time it has appeared on an NEEDTOBREATHE album. The song opens with acoustic guitar, and builds with backing vocals, a brief lead vocal from Seth Bolt, and drums. It features a nice guitar solo and a powerful ending.
Stones Under Rushing Water – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart and features Drew and Ellie Holcomb. It first appeared on The Outsiders.
The song opens with acoustic guitar and builds with drums. The song features a nice harmonica solo and acapella vocals.
Key lyrics:
Yeah, the years go by
Like stones under rushing water
We only know
We only know when it's gone
White Fences – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on The Reckoning. The song begins with acoustic guitar, then drums and backing vocals are added. The keys stood out for me on this track.
Key lyric:
You leave me in the dark
Recounting all my sins
You put words in my mouth
But who is gonna mend
These white fences
Cages – This song was written by Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart. It first appeared on HARD CUTS: Songs from the H A R D L O V E Sessions. The song opens with piano, acoustic guitar, and different band members alternate on lead vocals. The song features a nice guitar solo.
Key lyrics:
I went looking for attention
In all the wrong places
I was needing a redemption
And all I got was just cages
Brother – This song was written by Bo Rinehart, Bear Rinehart and Gavin DeGraw. It first appeared on Rivers in the Wasteland and was also included on Live From The Woods. This song begins with acoustic guitar and light percussion. It builds with some excellent vocals, and eventually an audience singalong.
A Holy Ghost Party with Crowder | Posted November-10-2018
This is Crowder’s third solo album, and his follow-up to 2016’s American Prodigal. The sixteen songs include a diverse blend of musical styles - modern bluegrass, hip-hop, swamp rock, pop and EDM (electric dance music). Crowder worked with a number of producers and songwriters on the album. A recurring theme on the album is the Holy Ghost, also known as the Holy Spirit. It is a strong album, one of the better ones of 2018, though it is short on songs that will translate well to worship services.
Below are a few comments about each song on the album:
I Know A Ghost – The opening song was written by Crowder and he produced it with Tommee Profitt (NF). This song begins with guitar and then builds with drums, synth and a foot stomping beat. He knows the Holy Spirit, but he still feels darkness and heaviness. But he knows that God paid the debt for him.
Wildfire – This song was written by Crowder, Lauren Olds and Solomon Olds. It was produced by Tommee Profitt. The song was released as a two-sided single ahead of the album and features a swamp rock sound, complete with sounds of crickets and frogs, drum machine and banjo. He sings of the joy of experiencing the Holy Ghost in revival.
Golgotha Hill (King Of Love) – This song was written by Crowder, Ed Cash and Tommee Profitt, with Cash and Profitt producing. The powerful song tells the story of Jesus’ death on the cross on Golgotha Hill and his rising on resurrection Sunday. The song features guitar, drum machine, strings, backing vocals, and foot-stomping beats.
Key lyric:
There ain’t no stopping love
Crushing Snakes – This song was written by Crowder, Ed Cash, Martin Cash and Cole Dye. It was produced by Ed Cash and features vocals from Taya Gaukrodger. The song opens with piano and quickly moves to drum machine and foot-stomping beat. We’ve not afraid. A promise of God can never be torn away. The song ends powerfully with a vision of the resurrected Christ from Revelation.
Key lyric:
We're taking back our freedom
Our battle has been won
We have been liberated
Back from the dead we've come
Red Letters – This song was written by Crowder and Ed Cash, and produced by Cash and Tommee Profitt. The song was released as a two-sided single ahead of the album and has the sound of a great Crowder radio song. The joyful song tells of him reading Jesus words in the Bible (“red letters”), and being awakened by the Holy Ghost. The song begins with piano, light guitar and then builds, with drums and backing vocals. A highlight.
Key lyric:
When I read the red letters
And the ground began to shake
The prison walls started falling
And I became a free man that day
Let It Rain (Is There Anybody) – This song was written by Crowder and Ed Cash and produced by Cash. It features vocals from Mandisa. It was the third and final song released ahead of the album. The song begins with piano, drums, and then goes into a foot tapping beat that is a prayer to the Lord. He is able.
Key lyric:
So let it rain, let it pour
Lord, I need You more and more
Let it rain, rain down on me
Every day, whatever You want
Not my will but Yours, Lord
Let it rain, rain down on me
Everyday I’m Blessed – This song was written by Crowder and Solomon Olds and produced by Olds. This song has an instantly likeable swamp rock sound, featuring banjo and backing vocals. A highlight.
Key lyric:
My God is able, my God is good
My God is able, He’ll pull me through
My God is able, my God is good
He'll pull me through, yeah, that's what He do
I’m Leaning On You – This song was written by Brenton Brown, Chris McClarney, Hank Bentley and Crowder. It was produced by Tommee Profitt and features vocals from Riley Clemmons. This R&B flavored song begins with piano and then light drum machine. It is a prayer to the Lord about leaning on Him. Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8: 38-39).
No Rival – This song was written by Chad Mattson, Hank Bentley, Jonathan Lowry and JR Collins. It was produced by Tommee Profitt. It features a rap, and call and response vocals from JR Collins. It also features drum machine and is about the all sufficiency of Jesus. There is a no one like Jesus. He has no equal.
Key lyric:
He is gentle
But you can't tame Him
Child Of God – This song was written by Crowder, Ed Cash and Solomon Olds and produced by Olds. It is an upbeat foot-stomping joyful song featuring fiddle, drums and banjo about being a child of God.
Happy Day – This was written by Crowder, Ed Cash and Solomon Olds and produced by Cash. This is a foot-stomping song, featuring banjo, fiddle and backing vocals about the joy of being saved, having our sins washed away by the sacrifice of Christ.
Night Like This – This song was written by Crowder and produced by Solomon Olds. The song has a joyful foot-stomping country sound with hand claps and background crowd noises. There ain’t nothing better than a night like this with his friends.
Key lyric:
And it's only gonna get better than this
I can only imagine what comes next
La Luz – This song was written by written by Crowder, Ed Cash, B-Coe, Fern and Marty. It was produced by Ed Cash and B-Coe and features the Social Club Misfits.
“La Luz” is Spanish for “The Light”. This “Holy Ghost party song” opens with banjo, drum machine, harmonica and a foot-stomping beat. The song includes some hip-hop and Latin beats.
Key lyric:
Break the bread, pour the wine
The Father's arms are open wide
Break the bread, pour the wine
Ain't nobody gonna sleep tonight, come on
The Sinner’s Cure – This song was written by Crowder and produced by Tommee Profitt. It opens with keys and drum machine. The song asks probing questions. The answer, the sinner’s cure, is the blood and sacrifice of Christ.
Hundred Miles – This was the only song on the album not written, or co-written, by Crowder. The song was written by Brian MacDonald, Judah Akers and Nathan Zuercher and produced by Hank Bentley. The first line of this worship song is from Psalm 103. The song opens with acoustic guitar, then builds with full band (drums, guitar, piano, banjo and backing vocals).
Key lyric:
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Sing praise to Him and Him alone
Bless the Lord, oh my soul
Sing praise with me, you heavenly hosts
Ghost – This song was first released on the 2018 Passion Whole Heart. This song was written by Crowder and Ed Cash and produced by Cash. The song opens with some EDM and then builds to a powerful chorus. We’re ready like a waiting bride.
A Strong Return for Russ Taff | Posted November-03-2018
I’m a long-time Russ Taff fan, having seen him in concert several times and following his music since his days with the Imperials. Amazingly, he has been inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times – as a member of the Imperials, a member of the Gather Vocal Band and as a solo artist. This is his first worship album and the first new album in seven years for the soon to be 65-year-old singer. The album sounds great, being well-produced by Phil Naish and Mark Hornsby. It comes on the heals of the documentary Russ Taff: I Still Believe, and ahead of a book titled I Still Believe: A Memoir of Wreckage, Recovery, and Relentless Love, to be published February 26, 2019.
This album is a welcome return for Taff, who is one of contemporary Christian music’s great vocalists, who sounds better than ever. Below are a few comments about each song:
Your Love Never Fails – The opening song is an excellent cover of the Jesus Culture song written by Anthony Skinner and Chris McClarney. The song has high energy from the beginning note with Taff bringing his strong vocals over a driving beat led by guitar, organ, drums and backing vocals.
I Still Believe – This song was written and originally recorded by The Call, and was included on Taff’s excellent 1990 self-titled album. On this new version Taff sings his heart out, backed by an excellent accompanying band, featuring a good guitar solo and backing vocals. About the song, Taff said “It meant the world to me back when I was struggling trying to find my way and I was screaming at the sky, but today it's a joyous anthem. I'm up here singing again for Jesus. I survived."
Key lyric:
But I still believe
I still believe
Through the pain,
And through the grief,
Through the lives,
Through the storms,
Through the cries,
And through the wars.
Oh, I still believe!
Don’t Try So Hard – On this beautiful midtempo song, Taff is joined by Amy Grant, who herself was accompanied by James Taylor when she originally recorded the song. I enjoyed the organ on this track, with also features a nice guitar solo.
Key lyric:
Don’t try so hard
God gives you grace and you can’t earn it
Don’t think that you’re not worth it
Because you are
He gave you His love and He’s not leaving
Gave you His Son so you’d believe it
You’re lonely even with your scars
Don’t try so hard
Same Power – This is an excellent cover of the joyful Jeremy Camp song. Taff brings a powerful vocal to the song over organ, guitar, piano, drums and backing vocals. There is victory in singing that we will not be overtaken, we will not be overcome.
Key lyric:
The same power that rose Jesus from the grave
The same power that commands the dead to wake
Lives in us, lives in us.
I Am – This is a cover of Crowder’s song which appeared on his 2014 debut album Neon Steeple. Crowder joins Taff on this excellent version. A guitar solo replaces the banjo on Crowder’s version. The song also features some excellent drums. Crowder has said “Standing and singing ‘I Am holding onto you in the middle of the storm’ alongside Russ is one of life’s greatest memories.”
Key lyric:
I am
Holding on to You
In the middle of the storm
I am Holding on
Be Still My Soul – This is a song that Taff originally recorded with the Imperials on their 1980 album Priority. It was a song, written with his wife Tori, during a time when he was making the difficult decision to leave the Imperials. The beautiful song features piano, strings and some excellent backing choir vocals.
Key lyric:
Be still my soul and know that He is God
Stand quietly - He is the Lord
If God is for me who can be against me?
Be still my soul, He is the Lord
No Longer Slaves – This is a cover of the Bethel Music song written by Brian Johnson, Joel Case and Jonathan David Helser. It opens with a brief female vocal. The joyful song builds with a powerful vocal from Taff, drums and strong backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I’m no longer a slave to fear
I am a child of God
When I Hear Your Name – This beautiful song features strings, piano acoustic guitar and backing vocals. It is about the impact of God’s name. His whole world is changed and he is changed when he hears God’s precious and beautiful name. There Is a Fountain – This is a cover of William Cowper’s classic 1772 hymn. Taff delivers a passionate vocal over piano, drums and some excellent strings.
Key lyric:
Redeeming love has been my theme
And shall be till I die
There’s a Hallelujah – This song features a driving beat from the beginning, featuring guitar, bass, drum and some excellent guitar. No matter what happens, he will worship Him the same. Hallelujah when I rise, hallelujah when I fall, Yes, there’s a hallelujah in it all.
Isn’t the Name – This is a cover of the Bethany Worship song written by Jonathan Stockstill. This song features piano, as well as some excellent strings that were recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studio in London. The name of Jesus is all we need.
We Will Stand – This song was originally recorded on Taff’s classic 1983 album Walls of Glass. The song features guitar, organ and builds powerfully with Taff’s vocal and a backing choir. Taff has said about the song "It's a message that is important to the Church, especially today. Politics are tearing the body of Christ apart. People are losing friends and walking away from each other because of who they voted for. We've got to rise above that, love one another and allow another person to have their own feelings and beliefs.”
Worship Songs for the Church | Posted October-26-2018
This is Chris Tomlin’s first album since 2016’s excellent Never Lose Sight, which was my top album of that year. Holy Roar is another gift to the church from Tomlin, containing songs that will be sung in churches around the world.
Below are a few comments about each of the songs:
Holy Roar – This song is written by Jason Ingram and Tomlin, and produced by Bryan Fowler. The song begins with keys and guitar and then builds with full band and backing vocals. This is a worship song to lift God up, to sing Him a song of love, to give God worship, which He is worthy of, a holy roar reaching for Heaven.
Nobody Loves Me Like You – This was the second single released ahead of the album. It was written by Scott Cash and Ed Cash. It begins quietly with soft guitar and then builds with piano, drums, backing vocals and a joyous chorus about the love of Jesus.
Key lyric:
Nobody loves me like You love me, Jesus
I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
I worship You as long as I am breathing
God, You are faithful and true
Nobody loves me like You
Resurrection Power – The first single from the album released way back in January was written by Ed Cash, Ryan Ellis and Tony Brown. This joyful song opens with Tomlin singing over keys, and it then builds with drums, bass, guitars and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Jesus, You have given us freedom
I'm no longer bound by sin and darkness
Living in the light of Your goodness
You have given us freedom
Goodness, Love and Mercy - This song is written by Ed Cash, NEEDTOBREATHE’s Bo Rinehart and Bear Rinehart and Tomlin. The mid-tempo song opens with acoustic guitar and gently builds, featuring some good piano, guitar and backing vocals. It is a worship song based on Psalm 23.
Key lyric:
Surely goodness, love and mercy
Will follow wherever I go
Satisfied - This song is written by Jason Ingram, Ross Copperman and Tomlin. Driven by an excellent drum beat, and hand claps, this upbeat and joyful song will sound great on the radio and in concert. Tomlin sings that as he counts his blessings he couldn’t ask for more. In God he is satisfied. Nothing and no one else will ever satisfy.
Key lyric:
I count my blessings one by one
Your goodness in my life
How could I ask for more
In You, I'm satisfied
Impact - This song is written by Mitch Wong, Tommy Sjostrom and Tomlin. The worship song begins with piano and strings. It gently builds, as Tomlin sings of waiting, surrender and laying down his defenses, to a powerful bridge in which he sings of love like a mighty river and rushing wind.
Key lyric:
As I worship in surrender
I feel heaven drawing closer
As I lay down my defenses
Your love invades
And I brace for the impact
Praise Him Forever – This song has a driving beat from the beginning. It is a joyful worship song that sounds like the best of Tomlin’s worship songs. Let everything that breathes, let all the earth proclaim great is the Lord our God. The song ends with another reference to the album’s title, Hear the holy roar, praise Him forever. A highlight.
Is He Worthy? – This wonderful song based on Revelation 5 was written by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive, and was originally recorded by Peterson for his Resurrection Letters, Vol 1 album. The song opens with Tomlin singing over piano and light guitar and it gradually builds to a powerful ending. It features excellent choir vocals.
Key lyric:
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is
Forever Young – This is not a cover of the Bob Dylan song with the same title. The song begins with keys and guitar and gently builds. He is born again, saved by loved. In God’s presence he is forever young. With his final presence he’ll praise the Lord.
I Stand In Awe – This beautiful worship song features Nicole Serrano on lead vocals, with Tomlin offering some light backing vocals. When we consider all that God has done, we can do nothing but stand in awe. The song begins with Serrano singing over piano and the song builds gently. All glory, all honor, all worship and all praise, all blessing and all power is His.
Praise Is The Highway – This mid-tempo worship song is written by Tomlin, Hillsong’s Ben Fielding, Bethel’s Brian Johnson and Sean Feucht. The song begins with guitar and drums and builds gently. He is our God, He will be praised. Revival will come and the church will awake. He forever reigns. Sing like thunder His praises loud.
Key lyric:
Praise is the highway to the throne of God
Praise is the highway to the heart of God
Praise is the highway to the move of God
How Sweet It Is – The closing song is written by Tomlin, Pat Barrett, Hank Bentley and Jessie Early. This is a slower praise song, which features vocals from Pat Barrett, who co-wrote “Good Good Father”, which Tomlin recorded for his previous album. The song begins with acoustic guitar and keys. Nothing else in history compares with what God has done for us. How sweet it is to be loved by Jesus.
Songs for Advent | Posted October-21-2018
Matt Maher is one of the most respected songwriters of our day. He has released Christmas songs in the past, but this is his first full-length Christmas album. The 13-song collection includes both original songs and traditional favorites that he hopes will help us prepare for and better appreciate the period of Advent, leading up to Christmas day. I really enjoyed this new release from Maher. Below are a few comments about each song:
Gabriel's Message - This song is about the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, the most highly favored lady (Luke 1;26-38). The song features piano, strings, drums, and backing vocals.
He Shall Reign Forevermore – This song was written with Chris Tomlin and was originally released on Tomlin’s 2015 album Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship. The song opens with piano and strings and builds powerfully with drums and backing vocals. It uses Isiah 9:6 and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” as a reference.
Key lyric:
Unto us a child is born
The King of kings and Lord of lords
And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore
Born On That Day – This triumph song was written by Maher, Brian Elmquist, Mitch Parks, Jesse Reeves and Chris Tomlin. It opens with strings and builds powerfully. The song features some excellent drums and strings.
Key lyric:
Christmas was born on that day. Oh, what a day, Oh what a day.
Jingle Bells – The lyrics to this holiday standard were written for a local school choir by James S. Pierpoint in 1857 with the title of “One Horse Open Sleigh”. Maher brings a fun, jazzy arrangement to the song, with piano, drums, horns, backing vocals, bass and violin.
The First Noel – This song, which probably goes back to the 18th century, was first published in Some Ancient Christmas Carols in 1823 by Davies Gilbert in London. On this version, to which a new chorus is added, Maher sings over piano, then is joined by bass and drums and backing vocals.
Hope For Everyone – This song features upbeat gospel music with the message of hope that Jesus brings. The song starts with Maher singing backed by acoustic guitar and then builds powerfully with a choir. Hear the angels sing that there is hope for everyone. We are waiting on the promise, Jesus, who bends low to be among us. He is the one who lights the darkness. This is the highlight of the album.
Glory (Let There Be Peace) – A different version of this song was previously released as a single in 2016. This version opens with some gospel organ and finger snaps, and then builds with some powerful drums and backing choir vocals. Do not be afraid, His love is strong enough to save us.
Key lyric:
Let there be peace, let it start in me.
O Come Emmanuel – While this song is often linked with the 12th century, the earliest surviving evidence of the hymn’s text is in a hymnal published in Cologne in 1710. Maher’s beautiful version, which includes a new chorus, features bass, synth and finger snaps. It then builds powerfully.
Always Carry You – This beautiful song features lead vocals by Amy Grant, backed by Maher. In Luke 1:30, the angel tells Mary not to be afraid. She then says in Luke 1:38, “Let it be to me according to your word”. This was beyond her understanding, but she won’t be afraid, every word is true. What would it be like to never be afraid?
Love Came Down – This beautiful song about the coming of Jesus was written by Maher and Jon Guerra. It begins with acoustic guitar, synth, strings, and builds with a choir.
Key lyric:
Born to heal the bonds of men
Born that we be born again
Hark The Herald Angels Sing – The lyrics to this song were written by Charles Wesley, and the music by Felix Mendelssohn. This joyful version, which features some new lyrics, includes Irish penny whistles.
Merry Little Christmas – This fun, upbeat song is about the joy of the Christmas season. It has a good drum-driven beat. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, a wonderful life that we have.
When I Think Of Christmas – This song has Maher sharing his feelings as he thinks of Christmas. There are memories, singing songs, hope, raising a glass, thinking of those not with us. For a moment, the world is at peace. The song features piano and strings.
Mature, Transparent and Honest Release | Posted October-12-2018 The Elements is Toby Mac’s seventh solo album and first since 2015’s excellent This is Not a Test. The album was preceded by the release of four songs, including the chart-topping “I Just Need U”.
This is a mature work dealing with many themes, including family, God being our only hope, seeing God in everything, race relations, new opportunities, new mercies, the church and encouragement. Most of the songs are upbeat musically, containing a good groove. It's one of the best albums of 2018.
Below are a few brief comments on each song:
The Elements – This song was written and produced by Tommee Profitt (NF) and Toby. This was the fourth song released prior to release of the album.
The song begins with Toby singing over keys. This world is trying to steal his heart and rip his family apart. Vocally and musically the song hits it hard in the chorus and he sings that he will be doing down swinging, if he goes down at all. The bridge is a prayer to God. He’s willing to fight the elements.
Key lyric: I might bend but I won't break
I just need U – This song was written by Bryan Fowler, Blake NeeSmith and Toby and produced by Fowler and Toby. It was the first single released from the album and topped the Christian music charts for an incredible 12 weeks. The song starts with keys, bass and light backing vocals. The song really takes off with the chorus and the memorable beat will stay in your head long after the song is over. The song includes a few lines from Psalm 23.
Key lyric: 'Cause all I know, all I know is You're my only hope
Scars – This song was written by and produced by Bryan Fowler, Cole Walowac and Toby and was produced by Fowler and Walowac. It was the third song released in advance of the album. Toby wrote the song for his 20-year-old son Truett about what life was throwing at him. The song is a bit more laid back though it builds powerfully towards the end. This is a touching song from a father to a son, encouraging him. He tells him that when life cuts so deep try and remember that you’re not alone. We’ve all been there and scars come with living. Lift your head to where your help comes from. The song features some light backing vocals.
Key lyric: It doesn't matter who you are, this world gonna leave some battle scars
Everything – This was the second single released from the album. It was written produced by David Garcia and Toby. The song has an instantly likeable groove that will stick in your head.
Key lyric: I see You in everything, all day, and every beat of my heart keeps reminding me
Starts With Me – This song was written by Dave Lubben, Cole Walowac, Aaron Cole and Toby. It was produced by Lubben and Walowac and features 19-year-old Christian hip-hop artist Aaron Cole on vocals. The song addresses race relations from both perspectives. They sing about the homes they were raised in and what was passed down to them from generation to generation. The song has a good beat and includes some samples from a Martin Luther King Jr. speech.
Key lyric: With a history that’s filled with hate, have we ever been united states?
Edge Of My Seat – This is an upbeat song both musically and lyrically. It has a great dance beat, driven by drum, and features some backing vocals. The Lord is opening up his eyes to new opportunities. The song quotes Isaiah 43:19, Behold, I am doing a new thing in the land.
Key lyric: Ain't no one ever gonna steal the mystery You put right in front of me
It’s You – This song slows down the pace a bit. The song is about the Lord. Life doesn’t make sense without Him. The song features some backing vocals, keys and percussion.
Key lyric: It’s You, then everything else just falls in line
Horizon (A New Day) – This is an upbeat song about the body of Christ, the church. He references 1 Corinthians 12, that the church, the body, the family has different parts but is one and the same. The song opens with keys and has a good driving beat. A new day is on the horizon and nothing is going to stand in the way of the church.
Hello Future – On this song, Toby sings of nothing sweeter than welcoming new mercies every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Over a good beat, he sings of going through a difficult time but now the troubles have washed away and he’s home again. The future is going to be OK.
Overflow – This joyful song, features a good beat and some horns. When he’s running empty, the Lord fills up his cup till it overflows.
Key lyric: You are the sweetest love, sweetest love that I've ever known
See The Light – In this song Toby is encouraging to those who are going through a hard season of life. Life is hard, there are doubts, uphill climbs and battles. But just hang on a little longer, burdens will fade. He points us to Psalm 121, where we see that our help comes from the LORD. The song has a good beat, and will be a particularly encouraging song in concert, with many hands held high.
Solid, Transparent Release from Mineo | Posted October-04-2018
Andy Mineo follows up his I: The Arrow EP with this seven-song release. It’s the second of four EPs we can expect from him. It’s another solid and transparent effort from Mineo.
Below are a few brief comments on each of the songs:
Almost… – This short opener is produced by, and features soulful vocals from David James. The song is written by James and Mineo. He sings “What if you’re almost there?”
...There – The opening song leads quickly into this song produced and written by David James, Ace Harris and Mineo. The song, which features a good beat, finds Mineo dealing with his demons and reconstructing everything he once believed in. He raps “Igot angels flyin' all around, I pray they take me off the ground, I know I got One lookin' down on me”.
Key lyric:
Every sword got two edges.
Friends – This song was produced by GSP, Chad Gardener and Daniel Steele. It was written by Jon Bellion and Mineo. Mineo brings passion to this sad song which is about what friends are not. They don’t think about him, or call him unless they need something. Where does he go when his soul is hurting?
Key lyric:
When the last time you think 'bout me? Hey
Probably the last time the drinks on me, hey
None of My Business – This song is produced by Vikaden and written by Mineo. It features background vocals from Elhae and Xavier Omar. On this musically upbeat song Mineo states that if you don’t like him, that’s your problem. When he lets it bother him, well, that’s his problem. He raps about gossip and hypocrisy.
Crazy – This song is produced by Chad Gardner and Daniel Steele. It is written by Gardner, Steele and Mineo, and features vocals from Gardner and backing vocals from Willow Stephens. The song opens with percussion, and a vocal from Gardner. He raps about responding to haters on social medial. The song uses some verses from the African-American spiritual “Standing in the Need of Prayer”, Not my momma, not my daddy, not my uncle, but it’s me oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer.
Donuts – This song was produced by Chad Gardner and Daniel Steele and written by Phonte, Gardner, Christon Gray, Steele and Mineo. It features vocals from Phonte and Gray. Mineo and Phonte trade verses while Gardner handles the chorus. The song features some excellent percussion and a good beat. Mineo reminds himself that it’s not about sales and that they have planted a church. Unfortunately, the song uses the word “damn”. Not a huge thing, but you must wonder why he felt that was necessary.
Shame – This song is produced by GSP, Chad Gardner and Daniel Steele. It is written by Josh Garrells, Jon Bellion, Gardner, Steele and Mineo, and features Garrells on vocals. I particularly liked the bridge as he sings “Jesus, He washes away all of my sin, washes away all my sin”. The song is an honest and transparent look at Mineo’s struggles with porn. It builds near the end with horns and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Everybody's crooked, some just do a better job at hiding it
Wonderful New Versions of New and Traditional Hymns | Posted September-18-2018
Shane and Shane are a contemporary worship duo comprised of Shane Barnard and Shane Everett. I recently got to enjoy their music at the Sing 2018 conference in Nashville. Prior to that, what I knew about the duo was primarily through the ministry of Desiring God.
Hymns Vol. 1 is a new album featuring new arrangements of ten modern and traditional hymns, totaling in excess of 57 minutes of music. This is an album that I thoroughly enjoyed. At first listen, it can appear like a simple and basic covering of these wonderful hymns. However, each repeated listening brings out something new about these extended arrangements, which are connected, with no breaks between the songs. The lead and harmony vocals are excellent throughout, as is the musical accompaniment, which never gets in the way of the words of these wonderful hymns. I can’t wait for Vol. 2.
Below are a few brief comments about each song:
Tis So Sweet – The lyrics to this hymn were written by Louisa M.R. Stead in 1882, and the music by William J. Kirkpatrick. This version, which clocks in just under seven minutes, features, guitar, light percussion, and violin, and builds powerfully.
How Great Thou Art – This hymn, which is my favorite, was based on a poem written by Carl Boberg in 1885. It was translated into English by the missionary Stuart K. Hine, who also added two additional verses. The hymn was set to a Russian melody. The song features guitar, piano, drums and builds powerfully.
Give Me Jesus – This hymn is an African American spiritual. I first became aware of this song through Fernando Ortega’s wonderful version. This beautiful version features acoustic guitar, piano, and some effective drum work.
Come Thou Found (Above All Else) – “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” was written in 1757 by pastor and hymn writer Robert Robinson at age 22. This version features acoustic guitar, piano and violin. It also includes a brief worship chorus “Above All Else”.
The Lord is My Salvation – This modern hymn was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Nathan Nockels and Jonas Myrin. This excellent version features some good drum work, guitar and piano.
Key lyric:
Who is like the Lord our God?
Strong to save, faithful in love
My debt is paid and the vict’ry won
The Lord is my salvation
Holy, Holy, Holy (We Bow Before Thee) – “Holy, Holy, Holy” was written by Reginald Heber in 1826. This hymn opens with acoustic guitar and light percussion. It builds with violin and includes the worship chorus “We Bow Before Thee”.
He Will Hold Me Fast – This hymn was written by Ada Habershonnew and Matt Merker. It’s one of my favorite “new” hymns. It features acoustic guitar, piano, light percussion and keys.
Key lyric:
For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last
My Worth is Not in What I Own – This modern hymn was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Graham Kendrick. This is another of my favorite new hymns. It features keys, guitar, violin and light drums.
Key lyric:
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest Treasure,
Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other.
My soul is satisfied in Him alone.
In Christ Alone – This modern hymn was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. It’s one of our church’s favorites to sing in our worship service. This version features piano, acoustic guitar, drums, and violin, as it builds powerfully.
Key lyric:
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the pow'r of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand
There is a Fountain (Full of Love) – This hymn was written by William Cowper in 1772. This version features guitar, light percussion and violin. It also includes the worship chorus “Full of Love”.
New Getty Music Inspired by the Psalms | Posted September-13-2018
This EP of new hymns and songs, inspired by the book of Psalms and created with the Sing! 2018 conference in mind, was recorded by Keith and Kristyn Getty with their band in the little harbor of Portbradden along the North Antrim coast near the Getty’s home in Northern Ireland. I enjoyed hearing many of these songs at the Sing! 2018 conference.
Below are a few comments about each song:
I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130) – This song is written by Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. The song features Kristyn Getty singing over piano and Irish instruments (perhaps Uilleann pipes, the traditional bagpipe of Ireland). The beautiful song slowly builds powerfully with backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I will wait for You
Surely wait for you
Till my soul is satisfied
Magnificent, Marvelous, Matchless Love – This song, which we sang three times at the Sing! 2018 conference, was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa, Aaron Keyes and Luke Brown. This wonderful song could very well be the next Getty song to be sung in churches around the world. It’s one of my favorite songs of the year. The upbeat worship song really shows off the band as it opens with guitar, drums and pipes. Kristyn’s vocal leads to the memorable chorus with backing vocals.
Key lyric:
How great, how sure; His Love endures forevermore
Magnificent, marvelous, matchless love
The Lord Is My Shepherd (Psalm 23) – This song is written by Keith Getty, Kristy Getty and Tom Douglas. This worshipful song begins with Kristyn singing accompanied by some excellent acoustic guitar. The band then joins in with piano, drums, bass and some wonderful backing vocals for Dana Masters, who has sung with Van Morrison.
My Dwelling Place (Psalm 91) – This song is written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Kelly Minter, Stuart Townend and Chris Eaton. This song has Kristyn singing over piano accompaniment. The song features a nice violin work.
Key lyric:
Wonderful, powerful
My hope and my defender
Mighty God, Emmanuel
My dwelling place forever
I Lift My Eyes (Psalm 121) - I couldn’t find writing credits for this song. The song opens quietly with Kristyn singing over pipes and a stringed instrument, and then the band really kicks in with a driving drum, along with some backing vocals.
Key lyric:
He will not slumber
He will not sleep
But all my days He keeps
You Have Searched Me (Psalm 139) – I couldn’t find writing credits for this song. The song begins with a child’s vocal accompanied by acoustic guitar on the first verse. Kristyn picks up the vocal on the second verse. The song features an acoustic guitar solo and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Search me know my heart
Lord, test my anxious thoughts
Save me from where I have strayed
To walk in your everlasting ways
Psalm 150 - This is an instrumental song that shows off the incredible Getty band.
Inishowen – Again, I couldn’t find writing credits for this song. The song is about Inishowen, the largest peninsula on the island of Ireland. The song opens with acoustic guitar and pipes, with light drums and backing vocals added.
Key lyric:
In my heart I am living in Inishowen
Hearing Your voice in the wind
As breath comes from breath as life comes from life
Elvis Gospel with New Instrumentation and Backing Vocals | Posted September-01-2018
This album of 14 of Elvis Presley’s gospel songs with newly recorded instrumentation and backing vocals debuted at number 1 on Billboard magazine’s Top Christian chart, a first for the artist. The project was overseen by Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie Presley, and produced by her, along with Joel Weinshanker and Andy Childs.
Background vocalists on the album include: Darlene Love (who first sang with Elvis on his 1968 NBC “Comeback Special”); Cissy Houston (who, with The Sweet Inspirations, sang with Elvis on-stage beginning in 1969); Terry Blackwood, Armond Morales and Jim Murray (members of The Imperials, who sang on Elvis' How Great Thou Art album); and Donnie Sumner, Bill Baize, Ed Hill and Larry Strickland (members of Presley's longtime backup group, The Stamps). The album also includes a reimagined duet with Elvis and Lisa Marie on the title song.
In the liner notes, Lisa Marie writes “This was his favorite genre – no question about it. He seemed to be at his most passionate, and at peace while singing gospel”.
Though I’m not a huge fan of Elvis’ music, I do enjoy his gospel music, particularly the more upbeat songs, though “How Great Thou Art” is my favorite. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this album sounds, and how much I enjoyed it, though the pacing could have been better, ending with four slower songs.
For those not familiar with Elvis’ gospel music, I would suggest starting with either Elvis: Ultimate Gospel (24 songs), or Amazing Grace: His Greatest Sacred Performances (55 songs).
Below are a few brief comments about each song on the album:
I’ve Got Confidence - This song was written by Andrae Crouch. This upbeat version sounds great and features guitar, organ, drums, horns and backing vocals.
Where No One Stands Alone – This song was written by Mosie Lister. It features a newly recorded vocal by Lisa Marie Presley on this duet with her father. The song builds powerfully.
Saved - This song was written by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller. Elvis sang the song on his 1968 “Comeback Special”. This upbeat song features a strong vocal, drums, piano, horns, organ solo, and backing vocals from Darlene Love, who sang with Elvis on the NBC special.
Crying in the Chapel - This song was written by Artie Glenn. The piano driven song features light percussion and backing vocals.
So High – This song is Elvis’ arrangement of the traditional African American spiritual “My Lord is So High”, which was also known as “My Lord is So High”. This joyful song kicks it right out of the box with piano, organ, drum beat, handclaps, and great backing vocals. There is a nice brief solo (drum, guitar, piano, bass)
Stand by Me – This song was written by the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley in 1905. The song starts out with Elvis singing with the piano and then builds gently, with organ and light drums.
Bosom of Abraham – This song was written by Ted Brooks, Luther Johnson and George McFadden. This joyful song starts right out with a fast drumbeat, and then goes into Elvis delivering a strong vocal with some great backing vocals from the Stamps or Imperials.
How Great Thou Art – This song was written by Stuart K. Hine. The organ stands out on this song, which is a bit more of a laid-back version than the original version, but it builds to a powerful end, though Elvis’ vocal is more restrained. The song features excellent choir vocals.
I, John. This song was written by Ted Brooks, William Luther and George McFadden. The upbeat song features piano, organ, drums, backing vocals and handclaps.
You’ll Never Walk Alone – This song was written by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers. The inspirational song starts slowly with Elvis accompanied by piano. The song then builds powerfully with organ, drums and restrained backing vocals.
He Touched Me. This song was written by Bill Gaither. This song begins with piano, strings, light guitar and percussion, and then gently builds with backing vocals to a powerful ending.
In the Garden – This tender song is written by Charles Austin Miles. It is a piano driven song with light percussion and some restrained backing vocals.
He is My Everything – This song was written by Dallas Frazier. It features some good choir backing vocals, piano, organ, and light percussion.
Amazing Grace. This song was written by John Newton. The song features some excellent piano work. It also features some organ, builds with a powerful choir to a good ending. Excellent version of the song.
Favorite songs: Saved, So High, Bosom of Abraham, I, John,
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