Experience and encounter Jesus | Posted March-13-2014
From the first listen, I was totally captivated by the compelling live worship album Majestic by Kari Jobe, available everywhere March 25. Songs like “Hands to the Heavens,” “Only Your Love” and “How Majestic” each feature an engaging Brit-rock musical style while phrasing biblical truth in a creative, corporate, and also personal way. “Come like the Rushing Wind, Come like the Fire again, Come like a Burning Flame, Have Your Way, Have Your Way” is the Spirit-cry of the moving bridge of stirring eight minute opener, “Hands to the Heavens.” The song is a wonderful way to open your hearts and lift your hands in awe of the Presence of God, and ask for a fresh filling of His resurrection power in us.
That theme continues with the upbeat and exciting “Only Your Love” which proclaims, “Your love is overwhelming, brought me to life again, Your love it will last forever, In You there will be no end.” The song expresses the heart cry and hope of the believer in a similar fashion to “One Thing Remains.” I heartily recommend that the global church can add this expression of faith to our Sunday morning sets.
Many of the songs, like lead single “Forever,” co-written with Bethel Music’s Brian and Jenn Johnson, have me pondering God’s Majesty and eternity as the song boldly sings: “Now death where is your sting, our resurrected King has rendered you defeated, forever He is glorified, forever He is lifted high, forever He is risen, He is alive, He is alive!” The song is an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. The enemy is real and our best defense against his desire to destroy us is to cry out the victorious words of songs like “Forever” at the top of our lungs and know that our Redeemer has saved us from death, forever. We will be singing “Hallelujah, the Lamb has Overcome,” forever. This song is a foretaste of that beautiful ending that we are all running towards as we finish the race set before us.
“I Am Not Alone” is a gorgeous ballad. You’ll be worshipping our King Jesus right along with Kari as she sings “I am not alone, I am not alone, You will go before me, You will never leave me.” What a great way to profess your desire and ask the Lord to be in His Presence. If you feel alone, know that you can sincerely pray these words along with Kari “You amaze me, Redeem me, You call me as Your own.”
I can’t get enough of the stand-out song “Look upon the Lord” which also appeared on The Same Love by Paul Baloche. Kari’s tender, emotive and powerful vocals take listeners on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song. The chorus is very stirring, “You are good and Your mercy will endure, You are good and forever we are Yours, Hallelujah.” I’m a fan of a great bridge, and this song’s incredible bridge invites listeners to sing and reflect on these profound words amidst Coldplay-esque swelling guitars: “Holy, Holy with one voice Heaven and Earth are singing, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty.”
The closing track “Let the Heavens Open” is an epic Brit-rock tinged anthem for worshippers everywhere calling out for a fresh filling of God’s anointing and presence. I’m really engaged by Jobe’s emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. “Let the Heavens open, let Your Kingdom move, all our faith and hope in, Our Great God!” is the phrasing of the abandon of praise to close the album.
Closing Thoughts:
These excellent songs are all prayers, adorations and declarations about our Great God. There are only a few other live recordings of songs I can even try to compare this spine-tingling experience with. “God I Look to You” by Jenn Johnson and “Closer” by Steffany Frizzell-Gretzinger are the closest comparisons. If you like those Bethel Music artists, then you are in for a treat with this stellar worship offering. All of these songs invite you to express your own desire for God’s presence. I love how expressive these songs get such as in the emotive bridge, “We sing Hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome!” from guaranteed hit song “Forever.”
Majestic is about proclaiming the majesty of God and crying out for His presence throughout this incredible worship experience, which stirs my heart, mind and soul to bow before Jesus, our Majestic King. He alone is worthy. Kari’s powerful and gorgeous vocals keep me hanging on every word she sings. The songs completely focus me as a listener on joining her in praise, worship and adoration. You will experience and encounter Jesus in these captivating songs.
Bold, Artful Celebration | Posted March-12-2014
"A thousand years, A thousand tongues, are not enough to sing His praise, Boldly I approach Your Throne, blameless now I'm running home, by Your blood I come, welcomed as Your own, into the arms of Majesty" sings the stellar title track "Boldly I Approach (The Art of Celebration)" of the most incredible worship album I've ever heard, The Art of Celebration by Rend Collective, available everywhere March 17. The theme of the album is embodied by the truth of Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV): "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
You'll find yourself instantly worshipping along with the band during this album. "Joy" appropriately kicks off the celebration of what God has done as expressed in Philippians 2:2 (The Voice): "here is one thing that would complete my joy--come together as one in mind and spirit and purpose, sharing in the same love." That's exactly what this collective of believers is about who named their band based on the Scripture, "Rend your hearts, not your garments."
"Burn Like A Star" will certainly "light a fire in your heart" as the song prays "send us out in Resurrection Power" capturing the energy and sentiment of hit song "Build Your Kingdom Here" from their amazing live album, Campfire. The Mumford & Sons-like exciting music only further increases my joy in Christ.
"You are the peace in my troubled sea, My Lighthouse, shining in the darkness, I will follow You, My Lighthouse, I will trust the promise, You will carry me safe to shore" is the beautifully poetic and catchy refrain of the lead single "My Lighthouse," a guaranteed hit. Anyone looking for the words to express their desire and need for God to guide them can cling to the truth of this song for the Church.
"More than Conquerors" fires me up about my faith and God's "resurrection power in my veins" as the song weaves the empowering Truth of Scripture in the verses: "When waters rise, I lift my eyes" (Psalm 69), and "Greater is He living in me than in the world" (1 John 4:4) and mobilizes the Church to know that "nothing is impossible, every chain is breakable, with You we are victorious," and "we are more than conquerors in Christ / You have overcome this world, this life, we will not bow to sin or to shame, we are defiant in Your name, You are the Fire that can't be tamed, You are the power in our veins, our Lord our God our Conqueror." This is one of the best songs I've ever heard.
"Immeasurably More" has another faith statement that stirs my heart causing me to sing along loudly, "My heart cannot contain, You are immeasurably more, there's nothing greater than Your love, there's nothing sweeter on this earth...You are more than we can imagine." "Finally Free" causes me to pray along: "My soul cries out, holy, holy, my heart is lost in Your beauty, all hope is found in Your mercy, You paid the price, now I am finally free." You can hear the excitement of the band as they spontaneously celebrate their freedom in Christ in the song.
The continuous celebration of freedom in Christ flows into "Create in Me" as the band cries out "You're not finished with me yet." No, Rend Collective, God is not finished and desires to pour out His resurrection power in His followers. That's the reason to boldly approach the Throne, "worship You in Spirit and Truth" and offer up to God, "You're the reason I sing, yes my heart will sing how I love You, how I love You, my first love" as expressed in the gorgeous song "Simplicity."
Closing Thoughts:
I was completely captivated by this band the first time I heard "Movements" and then they took it up a notch with "Second Chance" and "Build Your Kingdom Here." I didn't think they could reach another level, but somehow they have surpassed their previous excellence and delivered an absolutely flawless work of art as a worthy offering of praise and devotion to our amazing God. Every single song celebrates God's resurrection power in us, and urges followers of Jesus to "boldly approach the Throne." As beautifully stated in "Boldly I Approach," "This is the art of celebration, knowing we're free from condemnation, praise the One who made an end to all my sin."
The musical and lyrical excitement of the band's engaging live performance is perfectly captured in these recordings. The album celebrates the truth of Ephesians 2:19-21 (NKJV): "to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." The Art of Celebration is the most engaging and exciting worship album I've ever heard, a bold, artful celebration.
Gourmet lyrical phrasing filled with truth | Posted February-25-2014
Ever since I first heard "Blessed Be" by Jason Gray from his album All the Lovely Losers I was hooked by the emotional and biblical messages of his songs. Jason is an anointed songwriter and he has a profound way of affecting me deeply with his poignant words, tender singing, and inspirational truths.
For Jason's newer listeners, this album is loaded with the type of musical hooks that have made him a radio fixture from his string of hit songs, "More like Falling in Love," "I Am New," "Remind Me Who I Am," "Good to Be Alive" and "Nothing is Wasted." For his longtime fans of his entire body of singer-songwriter work, you'll be thrilled to add this album to your collection, his best overall album in my opinion.
This album opens with the radio-friendly and fun song "Laugh out Loud." which showcases Jason's gifts as a songwriter. The song features an upbeat musical bed and opens with the lyrical word pictures, "I shake my head at my good fortune, As I shake the dust off my boots, Yesterday I was an orphan, somehow today I belong to You, Don't it make you want to laugh out loud and shout Hallelujah!" The album is loaded with that type of worshipful truth as Jason praises God for His goodness in every song.
Jason is a gifted storyteller, and like in his previous offerings, the highlights are found in his vulnerable prayer-songs, including lead single, "With Every Act of Love." It is commanded by Jesus in Matthew 5:16 to "let your light shine" so that others may praise God based on seeing the power of His life in us. We need to celebrate that freedom with our hands reaching out to others in Christ and show His light in us and let Him shine in us. That's what this song is about.
The song reminds me to make Jesus the Lord of my life and for every activity and thought in my life to point to His complete Lordship. When you sing the words, "God put a million, million doors in the world / For His love to walk through / One of those doors is you" the devotional thought we should all be thinking is whether we are submitting our lives to that truth or just singing the words. The sentiment of this song represents something that the global Church can all sing loudly, "Oh - we bring the Kingdom come / Oh - with every act of love / Jesus help us carry You / Alive in us, Your light shines through."
A soft guitar melody frames the transparent, vulnerable and moving track, "Not Right Now." God promises us in His Word that His mercies are new every morning. Whatever situation you are facing you can know that God is with you, always. That truth is tenderly portrayed in the song as Jason he achingly sings, "I know someday, I know somehow, I'll be okay, but not right now, not right now."
"Love will have the final Word" ties all of the other songs together, anchored down by the hopeful refrain, "Of all the things I've ever heard, let me remember when it hurts that Love will have the final Word, As long as God is on His Throne, I am carried by the hope that Love will have the final Word."
Right from the opening notes you'll be mesmerized by the melody and message of "Begin Again." He sings about God's faithfulness with his unique brand of gourmet lyrical phrasing filled with the truth of the Gospel for those "with ears to hear." He emotionally belts out "This one goes out to you...When everything sad isn't coming untrue, and every dream you've chased got away from you...It's never too late for a new start, if you give God the pieces of a broken heart, He makes all things beautiful in time...When you come to the end, you can begin again."
"I Don't Know How" is a powerful song which praises the loving and merciful attributes of our Savior as he achingly sings, "I have no choice but to cry out to You, Please help, 'Cause I'm helpless now, You hear my prayer when my whole world comes unglued, I know You can fix it but I don't know how. I don't know how." God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, and that biblical truth is perfectly portrayed throughout this album.
Closing Thoughts:
Love Will Have the Final Word is an emotional listening experience. All eleven songs are catchy, personal and biblically focused. If you liked A Way to See in the Dark then you absolutely must have this album. With each album, I hear maturation in the subject matter with lyrical depth and musical layers that have made Jason among my favorite male artists, along with Bebo Norman, Shaun Groves and Josh Wilson.
If you like a singer-songwriter who lays their heart on their sleeve and sings about the truth of what it means to walk with God and work out their salvation with fear and trembling, then don't miss out on one of Christian music's most treasured artists. I get welled up singing along with several of the emotion-laden songs, especially "Not Right Now," "Love will Have the final Word," "Begin Again," "I Don't Know How" and "If You Want to Love Someone." If you are looking for the top male singer-songwriter album of the year, look no further than this stellar offering.
Good News and Great Truth | Posted February-18-2014
I first heard Ellie Holcomb sing with her husband's band Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors when they opened for NEEDTOBREATHE on their tour last year. Ellie is the daughter of legendary Christian music producer, Brown Bannister. Having released two solo EP's, Magnolia and With You Now, Holcomb's full-length album, As Sure As the Sun is available everywhere February 18. She raised the funds needed to make the album with her Kickstarter campaign, resulting in one of the most funded music projects to date. Having previously enjoyed her songs with Drew like "Hung the Moon" and her duet with Christa Wells, "Have Your Eyes Open," I was excited to hear these songs which are all based on Scripture.
Piano based opening title track "As Sure As the Sun" is an unashamed declaration of faith based on Hosea 6:3. Ellie belts out the sincere words, "There is Good News, there is great Truth, that you can never change / no matter what you do, you are loved, more than you know, more than you could hope for / after everything you've done, as sure as the sun will rise and chase away the night / as sure the sun will rise, His mercy will not end." The album is loaded with that type of profound lyrical truth as Ellie tenderly sings about her source of hope, Jesus. Throughout the song she achingly sings "His mercy will not end," which is a worshipful response reflecting the blessed hope of someone who understands the Good News of grace.
Her next song "Marvelous Light"is a great reminder of our "royal priesthood" as believers, and how Scripture urges us to"walk out of the darkness and into the light." The song celebrates the promise of 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV): "you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
Ellie begins the song "The Broken Beautiful" with the prayerful words"I know that I don't bring a lot to the table, just little pieces of a broken heart." Right from the opening notes, you'll be captivated by the melody and message of this amazing song. The strong biblical message "Your love will never change, there's healing in Your name, You'll take broken things and make them beautiful" is based on Isaiah 61:10 (The Voice) which celebrates: "It's as though I'm dressed for my wedding day, in the very best: a bridegroom's garland and a bride's jewels."
"My Portion and My Strength" is a standout song, written in the style of David's Psalm 73:26 (NIV) where David cries out: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Ellie's worshipful refrain throughout the song is "Help me believe, You will be my portion and my strength." The song could be added to church worship services with the vertical lyrics.
"Night Song" features Ellie singing this vulnerable Psalm 42:8 inspired expression, "The Truth that sings into my darkness, the melody of love that leads me on / the voice that comforts all of my sadness, even when the suffering is long / be my night song." God promises that His mercies are new every morning.
"Love Never Fails" is an upbeat song paraphrasing 1 Corinthians 13, declaring the truth that "love never fails, and that's a promise, love never fails, help me believe it…Oh Lord, help me to live like love never fails.""Love Broke Through"is a Psalm 30:11 (The Voice) inspired faith statement reflecting David's joy before the Lord, "You turned my deepest pains into joyful dancing; You stripped off my dark clothing and covered me with joyful light." The song crescendo's to Ellie celebrating, "There on the Cross, Your Love Broke Through." It is a beautiful expression of faith in Jesus's promise, "It is finished."
"Only Hope I've Got" is a Psalm 71 based prayer song that proclaims "I don't want to be a thief who's stealing Your glory will You help remind me what is true…the only hope I've got is You." The gorgeous and moving Psalms 23 and 69 inspired song "The Valley" also appears on Magnolia. The song expresses a theme of the album as expressed by Ellie's vulnerable prayer: "I'm dying for You to make me whole."
Closing Thoughts:
As expressed in Luke 7:47 (NKJV): "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." Ellie loves a lot, and that is evident throughout this stellar "gourmet" offering."As Sure As the Sun," "Marvelous Light," "The Broken Beautiful," "Night Song," "Love Never Fails," "Love Broke Through," "The Valley" and "I Want to Be Free" are all stand-out tracks filled with overwhelming biblical truth and are companions in my personal prayer and worship time. Ellie has captivating and catchy songs filled with inspirational lyrics. Ellie brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. As Sure As the Sun is one of the top albums of the year. This is truly a great album and a moving and prayerful worship experience.
John Waller is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and storyteller with chart-topping hits like "The Blessing," "While I'm Waiting"(featured in the movie "Fireproof") and "As for Me and My House."
Now with Life is a Gift, his fourth solo project, Waller opens up his heart more than ever. Sharing songs that are all inspired by Scripture, his new songs ultimately spread the message that even in trials and what the world considers failure, "life is a gift."
John writes about themes that cause me to hang on every word he sings, especially "Life is a Gift,"which is a prayerful song that moves me with the lyrics "Every breath is a gift from above, every rising song is an act of love / life is a gift / every laugh from a child at play, every breeze of a summer day is of Him / life is a gift."In typical John Waller fashion, he has written another track that completely expresses his gratefulness for God's gifts, just like "The Blessing." The song really sets the tone for the album with the prayerful response— "I do not deserve it, but I receive it, life is a gift."
"I Know My God"takes it up a notch musically and is a celebration of the Lord's grace and Sovereignty with the worshipful refrain—"I know my God, and He will save, I know my God will not delay, / Hallelujah, oh what a Savior / I know my God will hold me up, He's my Rock, and I will trust / I know my God, and oh what a Savior."The song causes me to lift my hands and voice along with John's powerful words.
"Crazy Faith"strikes me in a deep and convicting way with the truth of how God calls all of us to "walk by faith, and not by sight." I love how John sincerely proclaims, "Wherever You lead, I will go, It's gonna take, crazy faith, what if it costs me everything, I'm stepping out, I'm taking the leap of crazy faith."Like John, I'm clinging to The Bible's promise: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV)."
"Forgive Me"is a tender prayer that captures Waller's heart of prayer and supplication as after he confesses and asks for forgiveness he lifts up these gut wrenching words, "Jesus, I'm glad."If you are looking for words to pray to the Lord, this song is a sweet aroma of praise.
Among the album's many highlights is "Orphan,"which is a direct appeal to listeners referencing God as the "Father of adoption and compassion" as Waller belts out lyrics about caring for orphans directly and with conviction, singing "Jesus hears the orphans, He is moving Heaven and Earth / for little boys, little girls, when you hear Jesus calling, will you go and rescue them? / Little boys, little girls, little do they know we are coming / little do they know Mom and Dad are coming."
Closing Thoughts:
Waiting on the Lord has been a theme in all of John's albums. His faithfulness and commitment to write and sing songs based on his personal experiences makes him one of the most relatable artists I've ever heard. This is a great adult contemporary worship album perfect for fans of Steven Curtis Chapman, Josh Wilson and Casting Crowns. If you like John's hit songs, "The Blessing," "While I'm Waiting" and "As for Me and My House," then you're in for a real treat with Life is a Gift.
The songs are a welcome companion in my quiet times of reflection and prayer, in particular with the songs "Life is a Gift," "I Know My God," "Crazy Faith," "Forgive Me"and "Your Word, My Life,"which are my favorite songs on the album in addition to the single "Orphan,"an amazing song. Waller's poignant song writing is coupled with his vulnerability as each song urges me pray more along with him. This album is sure to connect with all listeners who like sincere and catchy songs filled with truth and yearning for God.
"Take my doubt and weakness and turn them into hope, I'll run and not grow weary, You're my highway home"sings the chorus of the infectious new worship song "Your Love Moves"by the worship collective Luminous CITY from their debut eponymous album, released February 4.
The band was formed out of Rolling Hills Community Church in Tennessee featuring former Centricity artist Lanae' Hale, worship leader Chad Jarnagin (Among Thorns), David Curtis (Run Kid Run), drummer Andy Williams (Casting Crowns), guitarist Cody Bender (VOTA), vocalist Jennifer Akers, and others.
You'll find yourself instantly worshipping along with the band during this album. After the musical "Intro,""Your Love Moves"features the stellar and ethereal vocals of Lanae'. I am a huge fan of her Centricity album Back & Forth and her heartfelt and deep lyrics married to her emotive vocals. Like that album, her songs on this project have a worshipful spirit, causing me to get lost in the abandon of the songs.
I'm really engaged by Lanae's emotional and sweet vocals and her prayerful lyrics throughout the album. Her other contribution is another stellar original track, "Psalm 23."You can hear her yearning for the truth of God's Word as found in the vertically minded chorus "When valleys come and mountains go, I'm alive and this I know / You won't let go, You won't let go / and You repair my broken soul, and give a peace to guide through the unknown / You won't let go, You won't let go."
The original song "Kingdom Come"and cover of Twila Paris's church anthem "He is Exalted"also maintain a worshipful and alt-rock-infused musical style. Those are both super catchy songs loaded with biblical truth as Chad Jarnagin sings "Lift your hands all you people of this church, He's coming through the gates" in "Kingdom Come."The song excitedly brings to life the sincere yearning, "We will prepare the way, We will prepare the way for You, Lord / we will sing, we will be, Your Kingdom Come in this world."The song has an enthusiastic vibe including an exciting recitation of the Lord's Prayer.
The alt-rock musical feel is just one of the many attractions to savor about this upbeat and sincere vertically-focused worship album. The standout song "The Silence"causes me to pray along with worship leader Jennifer Akers these lyrics sung in the person of Jesus: "Stay with Me, why do you fear the silence? / Close your eyes, let your worries go / trust in Me, give up control / turn your ear, clear out the noise / Hear My voice, I'm with you in the silence."The song has a soothing reminder that Jesus calls us to come to Him with all of our worries, burdens and fears and know that He will give us rest. Jennifer's soaring vocals only make the promises even more emotionally moving.
After"Interlude"and "Doxology,"this solid nine track worship collection closes with the incredible Benediction "Stand Tall,"sung out as a building emotive proclaiming of the bridge of Bellarive's song "Heartbeat."By the end of the song, you'll be singing at the top of your lungs, "Stand tall, for we are daughters, we are sons, step straight into this love, we bear the mark of our Creator!"Amen!
Closing Thoughts:
Luminous CITY is a completely worshipful album, loaded with biblical truth and sincere, ethereal, soothing and exciting vocals from this anointed group of worship leaders. My favorite songs are "Your Love Moves," "Kingdom Come," "Psalm 23," "The Silence"and "Stand Tall,"which is an amazing rendition of the bridge of Bellarive's song "Heartbeat."If you like alternative rock worship resembling artists like Hillsong UNITED, VOTA, Bellarive and Tree63, then you need to check out Luminous CITY. These are truly excellent songs in times of personal devotion.
Made to Thrive | Posted January-13-2014
Atlanta-based Casting Crowns has consistently delivered music that points believers back to what truly matters, and the band does so yet again with Thrive. The album includes twelve new songs that connect to lead singer Mark Hall's new devotional book of the same title, which is divided into sections exploring the themes of digging deep and reaching out.
The energetic and infectious title track "Thrive" establishes the thesis statements of the album with the lyrics "Into Your Word we're digging deep to know our Father's heart / into the world we're reaching out to show them who You are." The entire album and book is inspired by Psalm 1, which states: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season…"
"To Know You," which is based on Philippians 3:8, has a similar theme. The song celebrates what it means to know Jesus: it's to know His Word and have a personal relationship with Him, as sung with the words "Just to know You and make You known we lift Your name on high." That's a great way of expressing what it means to thrive.
As Christians, our daily walk is about knowing Jesus and making Him known. The song "You Are The Only One" expresses this truth in its lyrics: "I want to know You more / I want to make You known / I want this world to see that You're alive in me." We are all the hands and feet of Jesus, and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Lead singer Mark Hall writes and sings some of the best lyrics in the business. Often, he sings about not being content with where we are but getting to be where we should be as displayed in previously released song "Somewhere in the Middle."
That theme continues with the excellent song "All You've Ever Wanted," which has a clever inclusion of classic Crowns song titles "The Altar and the Door" and "Here I Go Again" in the lyrics. Like those songs, this song deals with our struggle with failure, the Enemy's biggest trick. On page 115 of the book Thrive, Mark Hall says "We fail because we take a God-given need and try to fill it with the world's answer. That's what sin is." The song answers that struggle with the declaration: "So I'll stop living off of how I feel / And start standing on Your truth revealed / Jesus is my strength, my shield / And He will never fail me."
"Love You With the Truth," co-written with Bernie Herms, is another stand-out song with a challenging and uplifting refrain: "Jesus is the Truth, the Life, the Way / When we love, we earn the right to speak the Truth / when we speak Truth we show the world we truly love… / let my life and my words be the proof / I'm gonna love you with the Truth."
"This Is Now" was co-written with Matthew West, and is another biblically based song with a yearning, prayerful chorus reflecting believers and Peter's doubt. "This is now, I wish I could go back but I don't know how / I remember when I stood my ground, I swore I'd never let You down / I want to be that man again, but that was then, this is now," the lyrics admit. The song switches to the Person of Jesus reassuring us that "My child I bore your Cross, I wore your crown / When you couldn't come to Me, My Love came down, so take My hand, I'll lead you out, that was then, this is now."
There are a few soul-stirring ballads on the album, including "Broken Together," "Follow Me" (sung by Megan Garrett and one of my all-time favorite Crowns songs) and "House of Their Dreams." Mark Hall grew up with dyslexia and God called him to write and sing songs, which led to "Voice of Truth." Hall's personal story and stirring songs challenge listeners in times of self-doubt to listen to "the voice of Truth."
Each song displays the signature tenderness and sensitivity that listeners have come to love about this band with lyrics including the poignant "Maybe you and I were never meant to be complete, could we just be broken together?" I lose it at the end of "House of Their Dreams" when Hall sings "As Daddy prays we're trapped in our own worlds, with our own wars, with our cell phones and our closed doors / God only You can save our family, and on this Rock we'll build / on this Rock we'll build, the house of our dreams." That's one of the best family restoration songs I've ever heard, born from Casting Crowns' commitment to families.
Closing Thoughts:
The Christian walk is a balance of knowing God's Word and being the hands and feet of Jesus, which is what the band has demonstrated in an unwavering commitment to singing songs about. I've always greatly respected their music ministry and have come to cherish that focus. In this era of lyrical ambiguity, it is refreshing when an artist wears their heart on their sleeves. Every song points to the goals of the devotional book and album Thrive, which is to encourage Christians to have a faith grounded in the Truth of the Bible and to live out the words of James 4:17 (NKJV): "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
This album is all about encouraging listeners that we can do more than just survive, we were made to thrive. These songs are an excellent companion for those looking to go deeper than just consuming music and instead want to experience the Truth of God's Word washing over you. Once you allow that indwelling, you can't help but want to "speak the Truth in love," which has been a hallmark of this award-winning band.
These are some of the best songs I've heard from this anointed band, and you'll want to replay this album over and over. All of the songs display excellent examples of digging deep into the Bible and then reaching out and sharing the love of Jesus. Thrive is sure to be one of the year's best.
What Christmas is all about | Posted November-22-2013
I've been a fan of Dove Award-winning band Sidewalk Prophets since they emerged on the CCM scene with their hit songs "The Words I Would Say" and "You Love Me Anyway" from their debut major label release, These Simple Truths. The band took it up a notch in my opinion with their follow-up album Live Like That, which features the hit songs "Live Like That" and "Help Me Find It." (Stay tuned for the next single "Keep Making Me" as it is my favorite song they've ever recorded.)
While we are waiting for the New Year to usher in new tunes, we have the traditional Fall release of new Christmas albums from several new and established artists, including Sidewalk Prophets' Merry Christmas to You. After a few listens, I've decided that there are a few special moments on the album that deserve particular attention.
Rather than record these songs with one musical vibe for the album, such as the country-rock tinged sound of "Just Might Change Your Life" or the alt-rock flavor of "Lay Down My Life," this album features a blend of musical genres. There are jazz-infused songs, "Give Me Christmas," which channels a Michael Buble-like vocal and musical feel, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," featuring Francesca Battistelli, the classic "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" appropriately substituting "if the Lord allows," and the Ray Charles cover, "That Spirit of Christmas." Although I like the sound of those songs, and they all have the word Christmas in the title, there is not a whole lot of singing about Christ in any of those songs. That's the only detraction I have from an otherwise solid collection of songs.
The highlights of the album are found in four special original Christ-centered songs, the fun upbeat NEEDTOBREATHE-style "What a Glorious Night," the gorgeous and poetic ballad, "Hey Moon," and the previously released originals which close the album, "Hope was Born this Night" and "Because It's Christmas." The thread that is woven through those songs better represents what I've come to expect from this talented band, which is an unashamed presentation of Gospel truths.
In "Hey Moon," Dave Frey sincerely croons a biblically and Jesus-focused song from a heavenly perspective: "I remember that newborn Baby, and the wise men that traveled so far, it's when I knew I was made for a reason, I feel like the luckiest star / Hey Moon, I wish they could see the things I've seen before the colored lights and the Christmas tree / Hey Moon."
The song transforms from the star shining brightly over Bethlehem to shining the Light of the World Jesus to the world that is still searching for a Savior. That's a fantastic original song, as are "What a Glorious Night," "Hope was Born this Night" and "Because It's Christmas."
Closing Thoughts:
The exciting opener, "What a Glorious Night," opens with the classic reading of Luke 2:8-14 by Linus from the Charlie Brown Christmas special, closing with, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." The song is sung from the perspective of the lowly shepherds celebrating the Good News of Great Joy with hand claps and a super catchy melody.
After one listen you'll be singing along loudly, "I hear the angels singing, Hallelujah, let the earth receive Her King, I know that Love has come, sing it out, Jesus Christ is born, Jesus Christ is born!" That is an incredible offering of praise to our King and Savior, Jesus. Yes, Sidewalk Prophets, "that's what Christmas is all about." The songs that highlight that Truth are the gorgeous and poetic ballad, "Hey Moon" and the previously released originals which close the album, "Hope was Born this Night" and "Because It's Christmas." There are also reverent recordings of the Christmas hymns, "What Child Is This" and "Silent Night."
Another Realm of Holiness | Posted November-18-2013
Phil Wickham has breathed several new worship anthems into the Church, like "Always Forever," "You're Beautiful," "Cannons," "Because of Your Love" and "At Your Name (Yahweh, Yahweh)." We sing all of those songs at my church on a regular basis, and I was excited to hear Phil's latest offering, The Ascension.
The lead single from the album is "This Is Amazing Grace," which is another song for the Church. The song references that we are God's sons and daughters. That is one of the truths we can cling to as believers. That's an example of God's amazing grace. In our fallen and sinful tendencies, He still thinks of us as His children, His sons and His daughters if we'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. The bridge is a 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, one day you'll be singing with a loud, celebratory voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Worthy is the King who conquered the grave!" Amen to that!
I've been listening to the song leading up to hearing the whole album The Ascension, and I love where the song is placed in the order of songs on the album. I feel like the preceding songs, "The Ascension," "Holy Light" and "Carry My Soul" build up to this celebratory moment on the album. The song "This Is Amazing Grace" kind of reaches a crescendo, and anchors down one of the adoration and celebration moments in the context of the other songs.
The album is based on the Psalms of Ascent. As I discussed with Wickham, "Many believe is that these Psalms were saved for the moment when the people of Israel were gathered together at the temple in Jerusalem to honor God, for Who He is, and for what He's promised to do. I imagine in my mind families, and towns and communities coming together and singing these songs that are sacred. I love that picture of the people of God being excited to be in His presence. Now we don't need to go to a temple, He is in us. The Church is His body, and every time we gather together and sing to Him we are ascending together."
The second half of the album leans into those Truths, with more of Wickham's signature vocal runs, as found in "When My Heart is Torn Asunder," "Mercy," and the gorgeous and worshipful closer, "Thirst." What stands out for me with this album is that with a similar message and musical vibe as found in "Because of Your Love" on Heaven & Earth, many of the songs feature synth-heavy beats combined with extremely catchy and very sing-able lyrics.
My favorite example is the hymn-like "Torn Asunder," where Phil belts out with passion: "There is Hope beyond the suffering, Joy beyond the tears, Peace in every tragedy, Love that conquers fear, I have found redemption in the blood of Christ, My body might be dying, but I'll always be alive!" Amen to that!
Closing Thoughts:
I've long been a fan of Brit-rock bands like U2, Keane, Snow Patrol and others who make emotional alternative rock music, but don't always have edifying messages. The first time I heard Phil Wickham's song "Grace" from his self-titled major label debut, I was hooked by his enthusiastic and reverent songs, layered with a Brit-rock musical vibe. I've felt that he's improved with each new album and The Ascension takes me to another realm of holiness and thirsting for God's presence.
It is a completely worshipful album, in the style of Phil's previous offerings of enthusiastic praise and worship about our King and Savior, Jesus. Every single song could be added to your Sunday morning worship set. My favorites are "Holy Light," "Carry My Soul," "This is Amazing Grace," "When My Heart is Torn Asunder," "Mercy" and the gorgeous closer, "Thirst." Phil Wickham is one of my favorite worship leaders, and he writes and sings songs with an amazing passion and with unashamed praise and gratitude to our Savior.
Less is More is the newest offering from 20-year old singer/songwriter Christina Falub. The inspiration for the album was Christina's life-changing Mission Trip to Kenya, Africa in 2011.
"I went with the intention of, 'How can I make the lives of these people better? What can I do to change them?' Yet it was quite the contrary. They didn't need any changing! I was the one who had it all wrong," confessed Christina. "What I thought would change them, truly changed me. Although physically they had less, spiritually they had more."
The album includes standout recordings like the radio-friendly and accessible "Africa" and "Another World" and the biblical and catchy songs, "The Other Side," "Second Chance" and "All the Days."
From my first listen, I was totally worshipping along with Christina during this album. The opening track, "Africa," has an upbeat and worshipful flow and is such a fresh song. I'm really engaged by Christina's emotional and sweet vocals and her prayerful lyrics throughout the album, which have been seasoned by her time studying God's Word and songwriting, found in the chorus, "lead me in Africa, I want to show the world Your love, want to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Amen to that!
The next songs "Another World" and "The Other Side" continue with a worshipful and folk pop-infused musical style. These are both super-catchy songs loaded with biblical truth as Christina sings, "I was made for another world, to see You face to face, yeah this heart it yearns for a hiding place, to be found in Your warm embrace" in "Another World." The song achingly brings to life the yearning expressed by Saint Augustine, "You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You."
The folk-infused musical feel is just one of the many attractions to savor about this upbeat and sincere vertically focused worship album. Standout song "The Other Side" causes me to sing along loudly with these lyrics directly to Jesus: "You are the Way the Truth the Life…please come soon…Jesus today, You keep on loving and Your love is kind…I can see the other side."
"Grace Amazing" has an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us: "From the tree You hung became a curse for us for grace." I'm really drawn to Christina's sincerity and biblically mature songwriting.
"Nothing I Can Do" keeps the worshipful flow going with the Jesus-focused prayer: "There's nothing I can do, but You make all things new, One thing that is true, I love You." Amen.
Christina's stand-out cover of the Rend Collective song "Second Chance" is next and I can't get enough of this song. Christina's tender vocals take you on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song. I am especially comforted by the truth of the lyrics of the song: "Oh Your Cross it changes everything, there my world begins again with You, Oh Your Cross it's where my hope re-starts, a second chance is Heaven's Heart."
The song is the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our sinless Savior's "blood offers the chance to rewind to innocence, reborn, perfect as a child." As the song so poetically portrays, "a second chance is Heaven's Heart." Amen to that!
"Cross of Jesus," "All the Days" and a beautifully a cappella "Auld Lang Syne"-melodied modern hymn, "All Glory Be to Christ," close out this excellent album with more personal prayers directly to God.
Closing Thoughts: Christina has decided to donate all the funds garnered from Less is More to give back to the very people who changed her life. The funds raised will help build a school for orphaned children in Kenya, Africa along-side Tumaini International Ministries. "I don't want to limit God," explains Christina. "I want to be completely selfless with the gifts God has given me. I've been learning that the less we have, the more we realize our true dependency on Jesus. LESS IS TRULY MORE."
Less is More is a completely worshipful album, loaded with biblical truth and sincere and soothing vocals from Christina Falub. My favorite songs are "Africa," "Another World," "The Other Side," "All the Days" and a great cover of Rend Collective's "Second Chance." If you like the CCM pop singers Britt Nicole and Jessa Anderson, you need to check out Christina Falub. This is truly soul nourishing worship.
Song to Download Now: "The Other Side" (Get it on iTunes here.)
KevinDavis_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
