Take Heart | Posted August-30-2013 I've been saved since 1999, and my testimony is that Jars of Clay's debut album rocked my world and changed my perspective of thinking I was good enough to go to heaven, and that my theology was Jesus plus works, going to church, and good behavior. I recognized in the song "Worlds Apart" that I needed to strip that away and allow my Savior to come into my heart and take root of what was in the way and ask Jesus to indwell me with His love, His Spirit, and His "bleeding Heart." What I love about Heart by The City Harmonic is that since I've been saved, I don't often hear an album that foundationally brings me back to when I wasn't a Christian, what am I thinking now and what do I need to strip away from my religiosity, and from my use of "Christianese" language. This album challenges me to think about how I'm living out my faith.
The orchestral musical flow of "Here and There" sets the tone brilliantly, including a light percussion heart beat as front man Elias Dummer achingly sings "heartbeat little heart, there you are, there you are / I come kicking I come screaming / I was used to the dark, You whispered light and lit a spark / there You are, there You are….You were, You are, You are, to come!" Brit-rock guitars swell with the orchestra adding stringed instruments, and my spine tingles during this moving song.
In another goose bump inducing song complete with harmonic gang-vocals, "Praise the Lord" proclaims "Praise the Lord, because in every moment, Jesus Christ is Lord!" "Strong" asks the question "what love is this that loves no matter what?" based on 1 John 3:1 (NKJV) "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us,because it did not know Him." That type of "gourmet" biblical phrasing sets this album on a higher plane than most of what I hear in any genre of music.
In my opinion, "Take Heart" is the signature song by this incredible band. It includes all of the elements of what I love about them in a musical build and emotionally moving lyrics rooted in Scripture, and like "Manifesto," when Eli sings "moments come, and moments fade…Your heart oh God is what I need, You've overcome the world, take heart," I sing along loudly and say Amen!
"Alive, Alive" is another sing-along with Eli displaying an incredible vocal range wrapped around a hook-filled melody. I literally shout to the Lord the rousing chorus "My God saves, I'm up from the grave, I'm alive, that's what He's done for me, alive, alive, O My God, that's what You've done for me!" The phrase "now it's alright, alright, it's alright" ends the song. That leads to an incredible reminder sung by Eric that in this broken world or in sickness we can all cry out to God "Love, Heal Me."
The Church can all sing to God be the "Glory" with the words "Shine a light for all to see, singing glory glory" which flows beautifully into lead single "A City on a Hill," based on the Beatitudes. Jesus really loves us just as we are, not who we pretend to be. Not only does He love our weaknesses, He blesses us because of them. Being poor in spirit, meek, persecuted, and insulted bring blessings from God, which is all we need. I can't help but break down every time I listen to the song. This song encourages me and is one of the most inspirational songs I've ever heard. The City Harmonic really captures what it means to be loved unconditionally by Jesus.
I love knowing that in my brokenness, I am actually closer to God. It is so wonderful to know that failing by the world's standards is what we are called to be as devoted followers of Jesus. "A City on a Hill" is a great message and song for us to celebrate our freedom from sin based on our faith in Christ Jesus. Also, 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. Sometimes we forget to give Jesus credit for our freedom and accomplishments. 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, "like a City on a Hill." Amen.
"Live Love" includes more "gourmet" phrasing: "Love it has a bleeding heart, love it doesn't count the cost… live love, because you're the love letter." When asked about the song, Elias says "It's a popular Christian thing to say that the Bible is God's love letter to the world, but Paul paints us as the love letter (2 Corinthians 3:2). We can't miss this." The album closes as strong as it starts, with a trio of gorgeous reflective and prayerful songs about living as image bearers of Christ: "Long Walk Home," "Brand New" and "My Jesus I Love Thee."
Closing Thoughts:
This album causes me to think about what kind of a "love letter" my life story is writing for Jesus. It is my belief that every single believer needs to hear this album. If you're only going to buy one album this year, I strongly suggest Heart. I'm both challenged and entertained, and I love hearing Scripture proclaimed in fresh and exciting ways. Every song is emotionally stirring and rooted in the Truth of God's Word. The only other musically emotional experience I've had that is comparable, "Fix You" by Coldplay, isn't rooted in biblical Truth.
The themes of this album are about trusting God and loving Him and loving others as He loved us. All of the songs are catchy, exciting and worshipful. After listening to the album, I am stirred with compassion to love people as Jesus loves us. That's the "heart" behind this album, and thank you The City Harmonic for blessing us with your music and for singing the Truth of the Gospel for the Kingdom of God.
A fresh offering of praise I can’t get out of my head | Posted August-29-2013 A native of rural Virginia, Independent artist Morgann McClanahan grew up exposed to a rich, eclectic musical mashup of backwoods church music and Top 40 icons like Alanis Morissette and Jason Mraz. Morgann aims to create songs that inspire listeners and refresh the soul. What I Dois a great new collection of very heart-felt and introspective songs. What's great is how the album sounds very original and yet familiar at the same time.
The opening track "What You Have To Say," is an engaging song with Morgann's passionate vocals setting the tone for this solid effort with the confessional lyrics, "What You have to say, what You have to say / Speak the words, God, I want to hear what You have to say.. " Like her musical influence Jason Mraz, the reflective opener has a super-catchy musical vibe and is a wonderful prayer-song about finding regular strength and courage in God's faithful kindness and listening to “what God has to say.” Every song is a great reminder for followers of Jesus trying to live out their faith.
Ukulele led “Perfect Will” has a “One Drop” by Plumb musical feel, and Morgann trusts in the Lord throughout the song and offers herself as a living sacrifice as she prays, “Gray skies, blue skies— my sun’s shining / When I’m in Your perfect will.”“Share” features gorgeous harmonies by Jimmy Needham, and expresses the prayerful truth of Ecclesiastes 3:1—“Life is only temporary / So I’ll enjoy it while it’s there /It’s a season of blessing that You lend me, Thank You for, thank You for letting me share.”
“What I Do (Hallelujah)” keeps the upbeat musical flow going and firmly establishes the thesis statement of the album—“You love praise and that’s what I do, give a little, lift a little up to You, singing hallelujah, hallelujah!You love praise, so that’s what I do / Give a little, lift a little up to You / Singing hallelujah, hallelujah (to the Lamb of God).” Psalm 102:18 (NKJV) is the biblical inspiration for the song, which proclaims “This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.” This song truly is a fresh offering of praise that I can’t get out of my head (a good thing.) Morgann brings home the infectious message of the song in the bridge, “I can’t contain it, God, Can’t hold Your greatness, God, Under a bushel, got to proclaim it every chance I’ve got / 'Cause You’re amazing, God / So call me crazy, but that’s what I was born to do—To be a little crazy about You.”
I can't get enough of the prayerful and vulnerable Adele-like musical style song of surrender to Christ in "That’s All" which has already become one of my personal worship anthems with the piercing words: "That’s all, that’s all / I’ve got nothing to dread /‘Cause You have carved out each step /Tell me what in the world could I ask more than that? That’s all, that’s all." The upbeat and melodically-soaring track "That’s All" is a poignant statement about finding God's transcendence and is a reminder to “not worry” in daily difficulties. You’ll feel the emotion so poignantly expressed by Morgann as she passionately cries out "Yesterday is over now / Tomorrow takes care of itself /The only thing I’m worried ‘bout Is me and You today…."
Morgann's vocals and heartfelt sincerity in many of the songs including "Calling For You" cause me to hang on every word she brilliantly sings. The lyrics based on Psalm 139 reflect God calling out to us, closing out this mesmerizing album with the reflective chorus—"I’m calling for you / And I’m not letting go until I know I’m breaking through / ‘Cause I love you too much to ever give up on you." Morgann pours her heart out in every single song which allows listeners to eavesdrop on her expressing her deep feelings, insecurities, and desires for holiness directly to God. I really enjoy how this album tells the story of redemption as each song gives a glimpse of how Morgann offers her Psalm-like prayers to God in the style of David dancing before the Lord.
Closing Thoughts:
If you are looking for the words to express your feelings to God, these songs are a wonderful companion. These are the most transparent, vulnerable and authentic songs I've heard in quite a while. If you like indie-pop style "gourmet" singer-songwriters Adele, Ingrid Michaelson, JJ Heller and Audrey Assad, you need to check out Morgann McClanahan. This entire album is loaded with relatable lyrics, incredible singing and prayerful themes about what it means to be a child of God.Musically, the album features a great mix of laid-back indie-pop and singer-songwriter folk style music. Give What I Do a few deep listens and you'll love it. I hang on every single word and the stirring vocals, prayerful lyrics and musical arrangements are breath-taking.
From my first listen, I was totally captivated by this studio album Tides by Bethel Music, a ministry of Bethel Church in Redding, California. The opening track "Chasing You" by Jenn Johnson has an upbeat electronic dance music worshipful flow and is such a fresh song. I'm really engaged by Jenn's emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. "I want to know You, I'm after Your heart…/ I'm chasing You, I'm so in love, captivated, I just can't get enough, I'll spend my days running after Your heart" are her cries of submission, phrasing biblical truth in a creative and personal way.
"Breaking Through" and "Heaven's Song" by Jeremy Riddle along with "Forever" and "Strong in Us" by Brian Johnson each feature an engaging Brit-rock musical style. The exciting musical feel is just one of the many attractions to savor about this fresh and moving worship album, one of the best of the year.
I find many of the songs, like "Forever," have me pondering eternity, such as: "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!" Amen to that! "Heaven's Song" includes the refrain believers will be singing for eternity, "Holy, Holy, Holy, all of Heaven cries, worthy, worthy, worthy, ‘cause You were crucified."
"Forever" is an emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us. Just like Brian's and Jeremy's previous songs for the Church, "One Thing Remains" and "Love Came Down," you'll want to join fellow believers in singing these words: "We sing hallelujah, the Lamb has overcome. Now death where is your sting? Our resurrected King has overcome."
"Letting Go" by Steffany Frizzell-Gretzinger is a gorgeous offering to Jesus, proclaiming, "You've brought me to the end of myself / just when my hallelujah was tired, You gave me a new song / I'm letting go…falling into You." Like her great songs "You Know Me" and "Closer," you'll be worshipping our King Jesus right along with Steffany. She also sings on "Be Still," which is a great prayer based on Psalm 46:10: "Be still my heart and know that You are God alone. / You alone are God, there will be no other, You have won my heart more than any other, so I will give it all, ‘cause You gave it all for me." What a great way profess and ask the Lord to "be still my heart." You can sincerely pray these words along with Steffany, and "Be still and know that He is God."
I can't get enough of the stand-out song "I Can Feel You" by Jenn Johnson. Jenn's tender, emotive and powerful vocals take listeners on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song. The lyrics are very stirring: "In the chaos of the storm I had drifted far, far away, but I called out Your Name, and You were just a breath…a breath away / then through the shadows Your light appears, I know You're with me, but now it is clear / I can feel You, Jesus all around. Like sun on my skin, warm to the touch… I can feel You, Jesus all around." There's even an incredible saxophone solo in the song. Jenn has quickly become my favorite female worship leader, and you'll be belting out the bridge with her— "There is nothing in this world that will satisfy my soul like You do!"
"For The Cross" by Brian and Jenn Johnson is my favorite new worship anthem of the past year, which I hope I'll be singing with fellow believers "soon and very soon." The song has a great worshipful chorus, with Brian singing: "Hallelujah You are the Savior… / Hallelujah, You are the King forever, we thank You for the Cross." Then, amidst Coldplay-esque swelling guitars, Jenn belts out: "Hallelujah, it is finished, Hallelujah it is done / Hallelujah King forever, we thank You for the Cross… / Though our sins are scarlet, You've made us white as snow." Amen to that!
Closing Thoughts:
These excellent studio recordings on Tides are all prayers and personal confessions of submission to God. These are great songs to pray along with these anointed worship leaders and express your own yearnings for holiness and God's presence. I really love how expressive these songs are, and they allow listeners to reflect on profound words like "This life, this love was always meant to be a wild crazy adventure, discovering the thrill, the rush, the more of You I see, the more it leaves me wanting everything, You're everything" from guaranteed hit song "Chasing You."
I'm impressed by the consistent quality and fresh worshipful songs that come from Bethel Music. This album is no exception. Tides is about proclaiming the majesty of God and crying out for His Presence throughout this incredible worship experience. This album is a must-have for your praise and worship collection.
A Deeper Experience | Posted August-28-2013
This entire self-titled project by independent Brady Toops produced by David Leonard (All Sons & Daughters) feels seamless and intentional. The album includes standout recordings like the hauntingly accessible "By the River" and "Come On Home," and the lose yourself-in-the-moment sing-ability of "Reckless Love," "Lord Have Mercy" and "Glorious Name."
From my first listen, I was totally hooked by this album. The opening track "By the River" has an ambient, folk music worshipful flow and is such a fresh song. I’m really engaged by Brady’s emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album.
The next songs "Golden Bell" and "Reckless Love" continue with an engaging ambient rock style. The soothing musical feel is just one of the many attractions to savor about this ambient and introspective worship album. I find many of the lyrics have me pondering eternity, such as: "Just beyond that shiny river, when they ring that golden bell for me and you."
"Reckless Love" reminds me of "Death in his Grave" by John Mark McMillan with the story-telling style and emotive and poetic description of a beautiful picture of what Jesus did for us: "He stole the keys from hell and from the grave." I’m drawn to Brady’s sincerity and profound songwriting.
"Lord Have Mercy" switches to more of an acoustic folk ballad style, and we get to join in Brady’s prayer time as he prays, "when I come to You in prayer, Lord have mercy… / when I falter, when I fail, Lord have mercy… / ’ til I breathe my very last, Lord have mercy… / How great is Your faithfulness." This is a great song to pray along with Brady.
"Glorious Name" keeps the worshipful flow going with the proclamation "You are the Lord, the Lord God so merciful / You are the Lord, full of grace and full of Truth, oh You never change, what a glorious Name." Amen.
The stand-out song "Come On Home" is next. I can’t get enough of this song. Brady’s tender vocals take you on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song. The lyrics are very stirring: "Can you feel His eyes, they look for you, / Can you feel His cries, they long for you / Come on home, though you’ve left, He couldn’t forget, just come on home."
Next are prayerful, introspective versions of the hymns of the faith, "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" and "Soon and Very Soon."
My other favorite songs are "Blessed Savior" and "Make Your Home," which I would love to sing with fellow believers. They are vertical worship songs sung directly to our Triune God, with the declarations "O Father,O Spirit, Holy Blessed Savior, in You we’ll find a home" and "May I never lose the wonder of my Savior crucified, O hear this humble prayer, from a heart laid bare, and all I ask of Thee, make Your home in me." Amen to that! "O For Grace" closes out this excellent album with another personal prayer directly to God.
Closing Thoughts:
More than just a collection of great songs, Brady Toopsis a deep, meaningful worship experience unlike any other I’ve heard this year. If you feel like most of what you hear on the radio sounds the same and want to experience a fresh, deep, introspective and completely worshipful album, look no further than Brady Toops. My favorite songs are "By the River," "Reckless Love," "Lord Have Mercy," "Glorious Name," "Blessed Savior," "Make Your Home" and "Come On Home," which has quickly become one of my favorite worship songs.
If you like Josh White, John Mark McMillan or Robbie Seay Band, you need to check out Brady Toops. This is a very emotional album and if you’re not familiar with Brady’s passionate vocal style, this album is hook-filled with catchy melodies wrapped around very introspective, worshipful and emotional lyrics. My favorite types of albums grow deeper with each listen, and Brady Toops is the deepest album I’ve heard all year.
Positive grace-filled messages of hope | Posted August-22-2013 Mandisa continues to be a voice of encouragement and truth to women facing life's challenges. She returns with her new album Overcomer on August 27th. Featuring the new single “Overcomer,” the album's theme centers on the idea that there is hope in the midst of life’s battles. That theme is a continuation of the empowering message from her hit song “Stronger.” I've been married for 19 years and have 3 young daughters and this entire album really ministers to me and my family. I’ve seen how women in particular tend to beat themselves up about mistakes and feeling overwhelmed by life.
The opening songs, "Overcomer" and “Back To You” are very upbeat and catchy songs and Mandisa is a surefire GMA Dove Award nominee for female vocalist.I can't get enough of the biblical and worshipful chorus of "Overcomer"—"You're an overcomer / Stay in the fight ‘til the final round / You're not going under / ‘Cause God is holding you right now / You might be down for a moment / Feeling like it's hopeless / That's when He reminds You / That you're an overcomer." The song is such a great reminder that there is hope in Jesus, who tells us in John 16:33 (NIV): “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Amen to that!
"The Distance," "Press On" and “What Scars Are For” are all very vulnerable songs about accepting God's grace and forgiveness in the face of self-doubt. Stand out moments of this very solid album include the ultra-catchy dance tempo songs, “Face 2 Face” and "At All Times." These are relevant and catchy songs in any music format. I don't listen to much electronic dance music, as I'm more of a rock, contemporary and worship music listener, however the beats on this album are so engaging; this album is already in heavy rotation for me. One of Mandisa’s strengths in addition to her soothing and strong vocals are her infectious and engaging lyrics.
I love the joyfulness of “Joy Unspeakable,” which is another fun and worshipful song, with Mandisa belting outa super-infectious songwith an electronic/dub-step/pop arrangement, and more prayerful and sincere lyrics. As God’s children, it brings comfort to think of Him smiling down on us dancing before the Lord with a joy unspeakable. That’s what Mandisa is all about, loving God with all of her heart, expressed in one catchy song after another.
A song that stops me in my tracks is the evangelistic Gospel message song, “Dear John,” co-written with Plumb. Thank you, Mandisa for including such a bold message on this album. The album ends with another personal declaration and prayer, "Where You Begin." Lord, thank You for amazing Christian music artists like Mandisa who love You and want to glorify Your Name through their songs. Thank You for giving Mandisa the gift of singing so that she can give her offerings of praise and worship “Back to You.”
Closing Thoughts
Mandisa is a great role model for girls struggling with identity issues and has a great platform from her success on American Idol, appearances on Good Morning America, and GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award nominations. This album is loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope from someone who has struggled with the pressures of life and understands that true happiness and empowerment only comes from her relationship with God. You'll won't be able to help but dance and sing along with the stand-out songs, "Overcomer,” “Back To You,” “Face 2 Face,” “Press On” and the ultra-catchy, “Joy Unspeakable.” This album is all about knowing for a fact the Truth of 1 John 4:4 (NKJV): “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Inland is “All it was meant to be” | Posted August-18-2013 Jars of Clay broke into the music scene with one of the all-time best selling debut albums, in 1995. The self-titled landmark release featured the biblically profound songs, "Flood," "Love Song for a Savior," and "Worlds Apart, " the messages of which I credit for leading me to Christ.
Over the past decade, arguably the band has released their best overall "Work," with each album topping the previous from "Good Monsters" to "The Long Fall Back to Earth," to Jars of Clay presents "The Shelter." Where does that rank the highly anticipated new release Inland, available everywhere August 27th?
That's the question I've been asking since I purchased opening track and lead single “After the Fight,” which is in the same lyrical style as the confessional and poignant songs "Forgive Me" and "Safe to Land." That type of transparency continues with the next songs, “Age of Immature Mistakes,” “Reckless Forgiver” and “Human Race.”
For me, examples of the highlights on this stellar release can be found in some of the "gourmet" phrases in these infectious songs, such as "My favorite shows have all canceled" in “Human Race.” Another standout song is “Love in Hard Times” where Dan affectionately sings "sometimes I just want to feel your hand in mine, still love in the hard times." The musical bed is very layered and ambient and most of the songs have a blend of "There Might Be a Light" meets "Light Gives Heat" to them, which is fantastic as they all allow listeners to really focus on these poignant and relevant words.
The song that stops me in my tracks is the haunting “Fall Asleep” which channels the vibe of R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts" and "Nightswimming" and I hang on every word. "Stay up with me, don't fall asleep, cause we only have this moment once in our lives...Let's make it all it was meant to be" is the hook and is somewhat the main theme of the album. “Skin & Bones,” “Left Undone” and “Inland” phrase the "Benediction" call to action "Go into the world showing how much He loves you" with songs about being in community. While celebrated for its music and writing, Jars of Clay is most concerned with the needs of others and about being in community. Compelled to make a difference, the group successfully launched the Blood:Water Mission, a non-profit organization promoting clean blood and water in Africa.
Closing Thoughts:
Jars of Clay has long been my favorite faith based band, and although they haven't been regularly played on practically any radio format in quite some time, their impact on today's best-selling Christian music artists is quite evident. Listen to hit songs by Sidewalk Prophets, Tenth Avenue North and Citizen Way, and you'll hear the alt-rock influence of Jars of Clay. Ideally the trend of sharing songs about real life issues such as "After the Fight,""Human Race" and "Loneliness and Alcohol" will spill over into mainstream Christian contemporary music as listeners know truth when they hear it and say Amen, even if they aren't followers of Jesus. That's the beauty and transparency of Inland.The stand-out songs for me on this brilliant album are "After the Fight,” “Age of Immature Mistakes,” “Reckless Forgiver,” “Human Race,” “Love in Hard Times,” “Fall Asleep” and “Inland.” Once again, Jars of Clay has released their newest "best" album and are at the top of their profession right now in my opinion.Inland is “All it was meant to be.”
Most upbeat and fun album of the year | Posted August-15-2013 The mainstream music charts have been dominated by Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Pink and others who make the subject matter of their songs as edgy as possible to draw in listeners. Unfortunately as a father of three young daughters who love dance-pop style music, there haven’t been many edifying songs I can offer as wholesome alternatives to those artists, until now. I literally dance in my chair, my car, or while I’m walking around when I play these catchy songs by 1 Girl Nation.
Electronic pop music has made a big mark on the music scene and 1 Girl Nation’s Kayli, Lindsey, Carmen, Lauryn and Kelsey bring a vocal sincerity to these ultra-catchy pop songs which could easily be featured in mainstream music alongside those top-selling mainstream artists. Fans of mainstream pop singers like Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and Bridgit Mendler looking for a faith-based alternative will enjoy these catchy songs.
“While We’re Young” has catchy dance beats and in the song 1 Girl Nation wants to remind us that while standing up for your faith isn’t always easy, we are told in the Bible to be full of joy: here, now, while we’re young. I love the idea of our youth singing out: “We’re going to save ourselves the heartache, we’re not looking back on what we wish we’d done, we’re going to risk it all for one thing, and live for Jesus while we’re young.”
The evangelistic messages of “Vertical,” “Live For You,” “Invade” and “1 Girl Nation” are great for young girls and boys who struggle with the idea of how to be salt and light. In “Vertical” they boldly proclaim, “We’re going vertical, praying for miracles, want to see Heaven here on Earth…help us be Your feet and hands.” The songs are all super-catchy and have solid lyrics as in “Invade” they belt out, “We will invade this world for You, a sparkling generation with the Truth, we will invade this world for You, with all that we do!”Amen.
The message of finding love and identity from the true source of pure love is found in the songs “In The Eyes” and “Daddy’s Girl.” The songs intimately share the idea that nothing can fill the void of wanting to feel loved and accepted other than the true love from God, such as “The love that you gave me, came from another, Tossed down to me from a Heavenly Father, who chose me as His daughter…You say that I’m the center of your whole wide world, I’ll always be my daddy’s girl.” The songs are both beautiful ballads and confessional love songs to God.
These are great anthems for girls and guys to express what it means to know the biblical truth from 1 John 4:8-“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.“ You can hear the band’s yearning and sincerity in every word.
Closing Thoughts
Recently, Christian music artists Britt Nicole, Group 1 Crew and Press Play also released “dance” style albums and overall this album has several songs that also fit that category, along with standout pop ballads. 1 Girl Nation lists OneDirection, Demi Lovato and TobyMac as their musical influences and those pop musical styles can be found throughout this album. This album is loaded with positive grace-filled messages of hope. The upbeat and heavily produced musical arrangements on this album perfectly accentuate these songs.
You won’t be able to help but dance and sing along with this album. In particular, there are the super catchy “dance” songs, “While We’re Young,” “Vertical,” “Live For You,” “Count Your Rainbows,” “Love Like Crazy,” “Invade” and “1 Girl Nation,” along with the pop ballads, “In The Eyes,” “Turn Around” and “Daddy’s Girl.” 1 Girl Nation features strong vocals, relevant and biblical messages and this is a solid debut album from a talented young band. Don’t miss out on the most upbeat and fun album of the year.
Yearnings for holiness and God’s presence | Posted August-08-2013
Audrey Assad has captivated listeners with her artistry and emotionally stirring recordings. In 2010, she released her debut album, For Love of You which spawned the hit songs “For Love of You” and “Restless.” It was one of the best-selling albums by a new artist that year, and she was nominated for Best Female Vocalist. She returned in 2012 with Heart, which featured the standout songs, “Sparrow,” “Blessed are the Ones,” and “O My Soul.” Her album was flawlessly produced by Marshall Altman and received overwhelming praise from critics and fans. As it goes in the world of music-making, Audrey lost her recording contract, and right away launched a successful Kickstarter campaign, returning with her first independent album, Fortunate Fall, released on August 13th.
If you liked her previous vertical focused songs, “Everything Is Yours,” “Show Me” and “O My Soul,” then you are in for a treat with this album, which flows beautifully from song to song, and is set in three movements. The first movement includes the title track, “Help My Unbelief” and “Humble.” The songs are all prayers and personal confessions of submission to God. I really love how expressive these songs are, and they allow listeners to reflect on profound words like “O happy fault, o happy fault, that gained for us so great a Redeemer, fortunate fall, fortunate fall, that gained for us so great a Redeemer.” 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.” Audrey loves a lot, and that is evident in “Help My Unbelief,” where “I know, I know and I believe, You are the Lord, help my unbelief” and “Your burden is light and Your yoke is easy” are her cries of submission phrasing biblical truth in a creative and personal way. The global Church can all sing this song to “My Lord and My God, help me believe.” Amen. “Humble” is a gorgeous offering to Jesus, proclaiming, “You gladly carried Your Cross, never refusing Your life to the weakest of us…Humble, humble, Jesus.” The chorus perfectly captures John 3:30: “we bow our knees, we must decrease, You must increase, we lift You high.”
“O Happy Fault” transitions to the next movement, which includes my three favorite songs, “Lead Me On,” “I Shall Not Want” and the single “Good to Me.” The piano based songs include more comforting and “Restless” biblical refrains such as “I will dwell in Your house forever, lead me on.” Audrey is inspired by Confessions, where Saint Augustine states "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you." “I Shall Not Want” is a moving piano and strings laced ballad. The song includes confessions: “From a need to be accepted…from a fear of humility”— “Deliver me, O God, and I shall not want, when I taste Your goodness, I shall not want.” What a great way to ask the Lord to cleanse us of our iniquities. He is the great Deliverer and you can sincerely pray these words along with Audrey and know that when you “taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8). “Good to Me” is an unashamed adoration proclaiming Psalm 121’s: “I lift my eyes to the hills where my help is found.” I love the refrain “the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy, because You are Good to Me.” Amen to that!
“Felix Culpa” transitions to the final movement, which include expressions of Jesus’ promise to give us another Helper, the Holy Spirit, as He tells us in John 14:16 (NKJV): “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.” “Spirit of the Living God” keeps the worshipful flow including these words: “so shall we know the power of Christ, Who came this world to save, so shall we raise with Him to life, which soars beyond the grave!” Closing song “You Speak” is a wonderful reminder: “You liberate me from my own noise and my own chaos, from the chains of a lesser law, You set me free...in the silence of the heart, You speak.” Amen.
Closing thoughts:
All of the songs on Fortunate Fall are a wonderful companion in my personal prayer and devotion time. “Lead Me On,” “I Shall Not Want” and the single “Good to Me” are among my favorite songs this year, and this is a very soothing album that leads me to the Throne Room of Grace. Audrey has always had an indie artist sound to her music, reminding me of singer-songwriters like Ingrid Michaelson, A Fine Frenzy and Jewel. Unlike those artists, however, this album was written for the Church, which is an absolute blessing and honor for me to savor and pray these songs along with my favorite female singer. Audrey puts her full passion behind everything she sings, and is an avid reader of Scripture and other faith-based influences, which makes her lyrics even more rooted in Truth. I agree with, and say Amen to every single note of every song on Fortunate Fall. These are great songs to pray along with Audrey and express your own yearnings for holiness and God’s presence.
Feed Your Soul: Profound lyrical truth | Posted August-21-2013 Christa Wells is an amazing independent artist from Raleigh, North Carolina who is releasing her newest album, Feed Your Soul. The album contains twelve compelling new vibrant and insightful songs that she penned for her album. Christa won the 2006 Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year for her moving song, “Held” as recorded by Natalie Grant. Most recently she co-wrote “Need You Now (How Many Times)” by Plumb.
This album opens with the standout song “Vanity Vanity” which showcases not only Christa’s gifts as a songwriter, but her gorgeous, emotion-laden voice. The song opens with an upbeat tempo and these confessional lyrics, “When they passed me over like a penny on the sidewalk, I wanted to roll into the gutter, I wanted to listen in case they talked, oh little darling have you got a problem, better treat it before it gets too late.” The album is loaded with that type of profound lyrical truth as Christa exposes her heart in every single song.
Her next song “Have Your Eyes Open” features Ellie Holcomb and is a great healing song for any one dealing with depression or anxiety. Like all of Christa’s songs, there is a lyrical nugget for Christians, “with ears to hear” the Truth of the Gospel. In this song, Ellie and Christa vocally blend beautifully as they sing, “you have heard of the strange figure who visited the poor, He gave His own body to ransom their souls, seems too good to be true, but you haven’t found it false. I believe there’s a Light coming to find you if you keep your eyes open, have your eyes open when it comes.” Those are some of the best lyrics I’ve ever heard in any song, and it moves me to tears.
Right from the opening notes of “This Thing is Not Going to Break You,” you’ll be mesmerized by the melody and message of this amazing song. The piano melody and sweeping strings frame the transparent, vulnerable and moving ballad. This song is one of the many highlights of this album. Rarely has an album affected me this deeply, as many of the songs cause me to physically feel the depth and sincerity of Christa’s goose bump-inducing, emotional vocals.
“Shine” is a standout song, featuring a children’s chorus with the call to action, “He shines His light through a prism / we give back what we’re given / to color this / to color this / to color this world…be the one to take a stand. Say it your own way.”
“Come Close Now” is another instant classic based on a true story, featuring Christa's breathtaking lyrics: “what can I bring to your fire, should I sing while your roof is coming down, can I hold you while the flames burn higher, should I brave the heat and come close to you now, can I come close now?”
If you are looking for words to express the prayerful yearnings of your heart, sing along with the catchy anthem, “Feed Your Soul”-- “If you are empty and you want to be whole…Truth and silence, all sons and daughters, feed your soul.”
“You Are My Defense” is my favorite song on the album. Truly they all are. Christa sings this tender and prayerful ballad about dealing with depression directly to God, “Same shadows I’ve known since I was eighteen, weeks before winter falls you’ll find me in the back hall hiding, I feel the sunshine slip away.”
That leads to the encouraging chorus: “Will You feed my soul through the night? I don’t know how to climb out of this valley, I don’t want to go back where I’ve been, but every time You’ve laid Yourself beside me, Your Love my one defense, You are my defense.” God’s promises us in His Word that His mercies are new every morning. Whatever struggle or depression you are facing you can know that God is with you, always.
“The Way That You Love Me” is an upbeat love song and declares “I’m just saying you’ve got some kind of power, thank you for using it for good, I don’t make it easy but I love the way, the way that you love me.” This excellent album ends with “Being Loved” where Christa achingly sings, “Being loved is a hard thing to take / I will try, I will try” and in the bridge she croons, “We are born unclothed / as we came, we will go.” Amen.
Closing Thoughts:
I have the opportunity to listen to literally everything released in Christian music, and Feed Your Soul is a profound listening experience. This album dramatically affects me personally and spiritually, and is my top "gourmet" album of the year. Christa Wells is an incredibly anointed singer-songwriter in the style of Brooke Fraser, Audrey Assad and JJ Heller. It is the ultimate privilege for me to experience her gift of music making with all of my senses "in Spirit and in Truth." This album is poignantly named for what it does for anyone who is a follower of Jesus: "Feed Your Soul." All twelve songs are captivating and if you like Christa's emotional songs, "Need You Now (How Many Times)" co-written with Plumb, and "Held" as recorded by Natalie Grant, then you absolutely must have this album. Christa has always had a knack for hitting me where I am spiritually and expressing the prayerful yearnings of my heart. This album is no exception as I get welled up praying along with several of the songs, especially “Have Your Eyes Open,” “This Thing Is Not Going to Break You,” “Come Close Now,” “You Are My Defense” and “Being Loved.”
Unashamed | Posted September-10-2013 One of my intangible "it factors" that I listen for in selecting my favorite songs and albums is whether I get tingles and I'm moved emotionally. From previous albums by The Sonflowerz, their songs "Legacy," "More Than I Think I Am," "How Great You Are," "Always Reign" and "The Face of Jesus" all fit that category for me. If you like songs that are scripturally based, and reflect unashamed "Adoration" of Jesus, then you are in for a treat with Love Walked In.
The EP which was available early by supporting their Kickstarter campaign, features six standout songs about the Christian walk as a follower of Jesus. The cohesiveness of this album is one of the highlights for me as the theme of the songs run in a track order that flows seamlessly from one song to the next. The songs reflect Truths about finding beauty on the other side of the world's "Little Lies." You'll enjoy reflecting about how when God's "Love Walked In" your heart, you're "Speechless." Once you've reached that point of submission, the vertical response is "Offering" your life as a "living sacrifice" as reflected in Romans 12:1. The album also includes worshipful refrains proclaiming "We Depend on You" and saying to God, "here's My Adoration."
Closing Thoughts:
These songs are filled with Elissa and Becca's gorgeous blend of vocal harmonies. The album has a Brit pop musical style including sweet arrangements. The album is flawlessly produced and wrapped perfectly around their edifying music ministry. The thesis statement of the theme of this excellent album and mission of The Sonflowerz is proclaimed in one of my favorite songs ever by these radiant sisters in Christ: "Offering My Life." The song gives me tingles as they sing with all of their hearts, "my one ambition is to love You." Amen to that! These are an excellent set of songs. The songs are loaded with catchy melodies and solid lyrics reflecting unashamed faith in Jesus. This is the best overall album by The Sonflowerz.