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...
Creative, Relevant and Important Music for Today | Posted July-27-2017
Three years in the making, Sho Baraka returns with his fourth album. The fourteen songs address themes of race, faith and love. Each title has an accompanying year that symbolizes something important. It is an important album that is musically diverse and creative, and lyrically relevant. Below are a few comments on each song:
Foreward, 1619 – The opening track was written by the Beatbreaker (who also produced it), Adam Bean and Baraka. It features C Lacy and Bean. 1619 was the start of American slavery, which is addressed in Adam Bean’s verse. From 1619 and beyond, here he stands. He is a man. Baraka asks whether he should he pray or riot. He states that we are all desperate and broken.
Don't close the book, I got more to write
You can change the story, that is my advice
I read in color, they see black and white
You just saw the cover, but there's more to life
Soul, 1971 – This track was written by Baraka and produced by Jamie Portee, who also contributes vocals. It features some excellent James Brown-like horns. He’s picking up the pieces in a world that's fallen. He addresses being poor, bad schools, bad food, and bad predatory lenders.
Kanye, 2009 - This song was produced by Jamie Portee and Swoope. It features Jackie Hill-Perry, who co-wrote the song with Baraka. The song briefly opens with piano and a gospel choir. This is his Kanye rant. He has something to say and a lot on his mind. The track features some good sax work.
Love, 1959 – This song is produced by the Beatbreaker and Jamie Portee and written by Baraka. He references Jimmy Bee’s “If It Wasn’t For Love” in the opening. Features some good horns and piano. And if it wasn't for love, where would he be? It’s unconditional love that he needs.
Here, 2016 - This song is produced by the Beatbreaker and Swoope and features Lecrae, who co-wrote the song with Baraka. First of all, the song sounds great – live horns, drums and keys. It has jazz and soul elements. The song also has powerful lyrics, about justice, equality, holding politicians accountable, love over hate, faith, etc. The song ends with a spoken word piece about the strength of Black women.
30 & Up, 1986 – This song is produced by J.R. and features Courtney Orlando, who co-writes the song with Baraka. Baraka has said that this is a song that celebrates those people who are living life 30 and up in the sense of love and relationships. A key lyric: You know we got to work to stay in love.
Profhet, 1968 - This song is produced by and features Jamie Portee, who co-writes it with Baraka. Baraka has said that the song is about the commodification of him as an individual, his body, his likeness, his tonality, also his religion, his faith, and how sometimes we allow ourselves to be pimped out and sold. And also, the idea that activism needs prophets, not profit. You can offer him money but you can’t have his soul. A key lyric: I'm undervalued but I can be a prophet. Maybe Both, 1865 – This song is produced by, and features Jamie Portee, who also co-wrote the song with Baraka. This song is loosely based on Malcolm X’s “Ballot in a Bullet” speech. He critiques both political parties, and looks at how we can use Jesus to promote our own agendas, but understands that Christ is pretty complicated. A key lyric: Are they killing with a pistol or a vote?
Excellent, 2017 – This song is produced and features Courtney Orlando, who also co-wrote the song with Baraka. Creative musically, he mentions several people in this song. A key lyric: I know Black lives matter, and they should matter in the womb.
Road to Humble, 1979 – This autobiographical song is produced by Jamie Portee, who also co-wrote the song with Baraka. He raps about pride, salvation, being a part of 116 Clique, Reach and Humble Beast. A key lyric I'm deeply loved, I'm forgiven, I have vision. He has changed my condition on the day he was risen.
Myhood, U.S.A., 1937 – This song is produced by theBeatbreaker and features Venessa Hill, who also co-wrote the song with Baraka, theBeatbreaker and Lataurus Johnson. Baraka tells us a love story, though not your typical love story. He gives us a history lesson for Black Americans from the 1930s onward using a fictional 'Myhood USA'. A key lyric: This is a love song, I like to call it justice.
Words, 2006 – This song is produced by theBeatbreaker and Jamie Portee and written by Baraka. It is about being a father of a child with special needs and his father with cancer. It opens with a baby crying over a piano, then builds with drums. Key lyric: Maybe we don’t need words to communicate our love.
Fathers, 2004 – This song is produced by Jamie Portee and written by Baraka. Musically, it’s more laid back, with piano, light drums and horns. He gives advice and encouragement to first his son, and then daughter, and finally to other fathers. Key lyric: How do you spell Dad? It goes L-O-V-E.
Piano Break, 33 A.D. - The final song is produced by Jamie Portee and written by Baraka. He sings about being made in the image of God and celebrating that.
Contains some language that got the album banned from a major Christian bookstore chain. Features piano over a drum beat. Includes samples from a preacher, who shouts “Hallelujah” throughout the song. Key lyrics: If my words bring conviction, let's call in context, I'm realizin' life is pretty complex and I'm a servant, but I have a room in the palace.
Music That Will Challenge | Posted July-04-2017
Propaganda’s first album since 2014’s Crimson Cord is hard-hitting and challenging, with excellent vocal (spoken word and hip hop) delivery, musical backing and production. Much has happened in America since Crimson Cord and some of the lyrics are right out of the news.
Below are a few thoughts about each of the songs:
Crooked Way featuring Terence F. Clark - This is a powerful opening track, produced by Braille and written with Terence F. Clark. There is much to take in here, which will require multiple listenings. He covers a history of racism from Native Americans and the Confederate flag. Interjects humor about skinny jeans and Dickies. Says he is not a leader, just a hippie with daddy issues, crooked with halos balanced on the tip of his horns.
It’s Complicated – He has zipped up his emotions into a dusty duffel bag that he’s named poetry. He speaks of transgender issues, that we are a laundry list of identity issues and that sometimes our plumbing doesn’t match our urges. It’s complicated.
Bear With Me featuring Marz Gerrer – Produced by Ohmega Watts. This track is about the ups and downs of being in love. Love is not love if it's never been tested.
Cynical featuring Aaron Marsh & Sho Baraka - This powerful track is produced by Beautiful Eulogy. It hits on several items out of the news - Trump rallies, refugees, immigration – but he’s concerned that Christians are arguing about bathrooms. He addresses being lied to, intolerance and fear.
Slow Cook - This track is produced by Courtney Orlando and Steele, and it’s about his musical influences. “That's the hip hop I fell in love with”.
Do Know Wrong featuring Macho – Produced by Wert and co-written with Macho. His love letter to California (Cali), with numerous references (earthquake, smog, Poly High, palm trees, traffic, lack of water, ocean, Fatburger, King Taco).
Gentrify – Produced by DJ Efechto. This upbeat sounding track with Odd Thomas on keyboards, addresses a serious subject, gentrification. “And when you see them billboards yelling "cash for homes" Gentrify.”
I Hate Cats – This is a very creative spoken word piece on racism and stereotyping, substituting cats and dogs for Blacks and Whites. Funny and serious.
Darkie featuring Micah Bournes and Kackie Hill-Perry – Produced by Daniel Steele, this song addresses racism within the Black community (hating on they own kind). Features additional vocals from Izzy Ray.
It’s Not Working (The Truth) featuring Courtney Orlando. Produced by Courtney Orlando, who also co-wrote the song. A sad and powerful telling of the history of Blacks in America. He wants the truth and to focus on God. Features a guitar solo from Isaiah Cox.
You say I’m King of Kings, but son, I don’t get it how,
You could trust me for eternity, but can’t trust me for now
Andrew Mandela featuring Topknot Feather – The song title brings together the names of Nelson Mandela and Andrew Jackson, who are addressed in the first two verses. Produced by Courtney Orlando and co-written with Topknot Feather.
Ooh, I take shots at your sacred cows
Dance with skeletons in closets
I point at elephants in the room
And make a mockery of heroes
Olympian featuring Xavier Omär – Produced by Courtney Orlando, this song was written during a very difficult week (death, miscarriage, HIV positive), for some of Propaganda’s friends. Odd Thomas provides additional vocals.
Don't you stop now, baby
Show your fight now, baby
You're an olympian, baby
You can't quit now
Made Straight featuring Audrey Assad - Produced by Courtland Urbano. Co-written with Audrey Assad, who contributes excellent vocals. He looks forward with joy and anticipation for the day in which God (the time keeper) comes and makes the crooked way straight.
ICPTSD - Produced by Derek Minor and written by Propaganda. This bonus track ICPTSD is an acronym for Inner City Present Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is about the trauma of living in the inner city. It features a good guitar solo at the end.
This is an album that requires serious listening. All aspects were well done. It was challenging for me as a White man, and it is my top album of the year thus far.
I came late to the NF game. It was only after hearing a few of these tracks - “I Just Wanna Know” and “Oh Lord” - on the radio that I decided to pick up the album, and I’m glad I did. Therapy Session is the sequel to the debut album Mansion by 25 year-old rapper NF (Nate Feuerstein). NF has had a difficult life thus far and he writes about that in these fourteen songs. The themes here are dark, and include pain, addiction, loss, depression and his critics. All songs are written by NF and Tommee Profitt, with the exception of Grindin’, on which Marty of the Social Club Misfits contributes.
Below are a few thoughts on each of the songs:
Intro 2 – This is a sequel to “Intro”, which was included on Mansion. It is an intense, emotional and real introduction to the album. He sings “If you’re looking for music with watered down lyrics, I promise that you need to go somewhere else.” It was produced by Tommee Profitt.
Therapy Session – NF has called this a very aggressive and blunt song, one in which he wasn’t holding anything back. He sings about fans that talk to him about how his much his music has helped them and others who have criticized him as he deals with depression and the pressure. The song is intense. It is produced by Tommee Profitt and David Garcia.
I don't expect everyone to respect it
I don't expect you to get my perspective
But, what'd you expect from a therapy session?
I Just Wanna Know – This song is about relationships that have gone bad in his life. He asks “When did you get so cold?”, “What happened to your soul?” “I thought we were close”. The song is produced by Tommee Profitt.
How Could You Leave Us - This song addresses NF’s mother’s addiction to pills, which ultimately led to an overdose and her death in 2009. He calls it the most vulnerable song he has written. He was in tears as he recorded this song. It’s a song of intense pain and hard to listen to. The song opens with keys before it goes into an angry rap. It is produced by Tommee Profitt.
Breathe - This song features vocals from Brooke Griffith. It is about how he has matured the past year and a half, but also the realization that more is needed. Following the intense opening songs, this is a more a laid-back rap about regrets in a past relationship. A couple of good lines are “Apologies don’t mean a thing if you don’t ever fix it” and “I seem to be the only person that I play pretend with”. It is produced by Tommee Profitt.
Real – This song is written in response to his critics. He states that it’s “his time”. People want to know where his heart is. He sings that he stands out because he wears his garbage. The song opens with keys before going into a fast rap that gets increasingly intense. The song is produced by David Garcia.
Oh Lord – This song starts slow and melodic, and then builds in intensity. He’s asking if God sees what is happening on earth:
Sometimes I look up to the sky
And wonder do you see us down here
He states that we don’t call on God when things are going well for us. The song is produced by David Garcia.
I Can Feel It – Even as NF’s life is changing with increasing fame, he looks back to how his life was. This song opens with keys and a slow rap and builds in intensity. The song is produced by Tommee Profitt.
Got You On My Mind – This slow rap is a love song. He’s on the road and misses her. The song is produced by David Garcia.
Grindin' – This song features Marty of the Social Club Misfits. They are committed to their music, and no other rappers work harder than them. It is produced by Tommee Profitt.
Wish You Wouldn't – This song is about relationship problems. It starts slowly with keys. He sings that things aren’t working, he’s gotta do something different. She’s angry. They argue. He’s got too many things he’s dealing with. The only thing they have in common is that they have nothing in common. He sings:
I wish you didn’t say things, I wish you didn’t say things
That you don’t mean, that you don’t mean
The song is produced by The720.
Statement – This is an intense, angry rap directed to other rappers. It is produced by David Garcia and The720.
All I Do – His identity is a rapper, that’s all he does. And he’s competitive:
I do not look at these rappers out here like
I wanna be ‘em
I look at these rappers out here like
I wanna beat ‘em
The songs is produced by David Garcia.
Lost In The Moment - This song features Jonathan Thulin. Like the album cover, NF is having a therapy session with himself on this song as he refers to himself in the third person as he deals with his depression, anxiety and music. The song is pproduced by Tommee Profitt.
Social Club Misfits Shine on Major Label Debut | Posted February-28-2017
The Misadventures of Fern & Marty is the first Social Club full-album release on Capitol Records after being independent artists, and their fourth studio album overall. The fifteen songs include themes of marriage, family, the grace and love of God and plenty of fun. There are a number of special guests such as Andy Mineo. Unless otherwise noted the songs were produced by 42 North and Wit.
I really enjoyed this album. Below are a few comments about each of the songs:
Vibes Vibes Vibes – This song is written by 42 North, Wit, and the Social Club Misfits. It features a good beat right out of the box, with Fern and Aha Gazelle trading verses on this autobiographical track. It includes reference to their being signed to Capitol Records:
Now they say that we great
I just say that you late
Independent so long when the labels would call we thought it was fake
The song closes with a spoken word piece by about what it mean to be a misfit.
Pop Out Revenge – This song is produced by Amarl, and was the first single released from the album. It was written by Amarl and the Social Club Misfits and features some good beats. Amarl, Marty and Fern all take a turn at the lead vocals. Includes another reference to them being signed by Capitol.
Love 4 Real- This was the second radio single released. It was written by Wit, 42 North, Daramola and the Social Club Misfits. It’s a love song about dating, marriage and family. It has more of an easy-going vibe. Fern, Marty and Daramola share the lead vocals.
Who Else - This is a fun song that features Andy Mineo and includes lines like “Bout to make chubby fellas cool again” and “Come to your door like I’m Newman”. It was originally made for their Friends and Family Tour. It’s has a good beat throughout, and is my favorite track on the album, reminding me of the excellent collaboration Marty had with Mineo on “Paisano’s Wylin” from the latter’s Neverland EP. The track is produced by 42 North and written by Mineo and the Social Club Misfits.
Different People ft. Tree Giants - This is a more serious song about relationships, the cost of love, and what it looks like to maintain a healthy relationship, appreciating what you have. It is written by 42 North, Wit and the Social Club Misfits. It features Tree Giants, who share lead vocals with Marty and Fern. It’s a slower song with a heavy beat.
Maybe – This song features Chris Baston, who shares lead vocals with Marty and Fern. It was written by 42 North, Wit, Chris Baston and the Social Club Misfits. This song features a slower groove and some autobiographical lyrics:
Wish that I could go and just reverse time
And right wrongs in the worst times
But it's over now, just verse rhymes
Just pour out what I went through
In the hopes that y'all won't get caught up
In the same things I got into
How Good – This songs was produced by Ruslan and written by the Social Club Misfits. This is a song about sharing the love of God with others because they have struggles as well. The song has a great beat, and a hook that you won’t be able to get out of your head.
A Song For Cami – This song was written by 42 North, Wit and the Social Club Misfits. It encourages hard work and was written for Fern’s five-year old daughter. Fern handles the vocals. I liked the quick drum beat and keys. Fern sings that whenever he’s not around they don't have to worry about him.
One With The New Yorkers – This song features Amari and Wordsplayed. It was written by Wordsplayed, Amari and the Social Club Misfits. Wordsplayed, Amari and Marty, all of whom have lived in New York City at one time, share the vocals. The idea behind the song is that people lie. We put our best foot forward. On social media we make people think that we are better than we are, but it’s a lie. “I think they live for the ‘likes’”. It opens with piano, and has a slow groove with a heavy beat.
Usual Suspects – This song features Willow Stephens, who shares the lead vocals with Fern and Marty. It is written by Willow Stephens and the Social Club Misfits. It open with Stephen’s sweet, haunting vocals before going into a rap by Fern. Fern and Marty have said that this can be a life song that gets you pumped up or it can be for a movie trailer.
Time 4 That – This song is written by the Social Club Misfits and is about their love stories. It opens with piano before going into an easy going vibe with Marty and Fern trading vocals.
Social SZN – This song is produced by Black Knight and written by Black Knight and the Social Club Misfits. Marty and Vern trade vocals on this energetic track. “I’m about to level up”. The song features a good beat and synths that sound like horns.
Wayyyyy Back – This song is produced by Ray Rock. It opens with an organ sound, and features a relaxed beat that looks back on their lives when it was much simpler.
I remember days when we used to play back when
Everything was simple, I just wanna go back and
I know the times have changed, but I wish that they all would just stay the same
Misfit Anthem – This song features Riley Clemmons, who shares vocals with Fern and Marty. The song is written by Clemmons and the Social Club Misfits. The hook samples the hymn “Amazing Grace” by John Newton, and the song is about the grace of God in the lives of the Social Club Misfits.
Extra Wavy – This bonus track is written and produced by the Social Club Misfits. It opens with Marty stating “This song is loud and offensive”. It’s a fun song with a catchy hook:
Eight years after his Grammy winning live album Alive and Transported, Toby Mac returns with another high energy live album Hits Deep Live recorded at the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City, Louisiana. The 16 songs (64 minutes of music), are pulled primarily from his last two albums 2015’s This is Not a Test (9 songs), and 2012’s Eye on It (4 songs). There are also 2 songs from 2010’s Tonight and one song from 2007’s Portable Sounds.
Having seen Toby play many of these songs live, I’m convinced that his music is best experienced live in concert, and the sound quality here is excellent. He is backed by his Diverse City band and joined by several special guests – Colton Dixon, Britt Nicole and Hollyn. For “Love Feels Like”, former D.C. Talk bandmates Michael Tait and Kevin Max are not present, but their voices from the recording of the song are included, giving the feel of a live reunion.
With Hits Deep Live you get excellent songs performed well in a live setting, which adds to the energy. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I always thought that “Feel It” would sound great live and it doesn’t disappoint here.
This will be appreciated by Toby Mac fans and would also serve as a good introduction to the artist for those wanting to check out his music.
Phil Keaggy is one of our greatest guitarists. He has released more than 50 albums, has won seven Dove Awards for Instrumental Album of the Year is a two-time Grammy Award nominee. Although his instrumental albums are a frequent companion of mine, I hadn’t heard one of his vocal albums for some time. So this fan-funded album of thirteen vocals and one instrumental was a pleasant surprise. And though he is now 65, his sweet McCartney sounding vocals haven’t aged at all. Keaggy wrote or co-wrote all songs with the exception of the title song (written by Gordon Kennedy and Ben Cooper) and the closing hymn “I Must Tell Jesus”.
Below are a few comments about each song on this excellent album which features Keaggy’s superb guitar playing and contributions from strong backing players. In addition, the production is top-notching, giving the songs a live feel.
Mercy – The album starts out with a bang with this blues rocker. It features some great guitar, organ, drum and some backing vocals. There is no one like the Lord. Everybody wants and needs mercy all around the world. A great opener.
Undertow – This rocker features some excellent guitar work and a driving drum beat. Tell me about where you’ve been and what you know, your dreams. Grab ahold and don’t let go you’re not alone here in the struggle. Keep fighting in the undertow. An encouraging song that features some good backing vocals.
Call the Doctor – Keaggy slows it down a bit on this song that features some excellent blues guitar, backing vocals, organ and drums. Somebody call the doctor, the Great Physician, because this old world is a troubled soul. Ring that number straight to the heavenly throne. There is so much pain and hurt.
All At Once – Keaggy slows it down on this title track that starts with him singing a McCartney like vocal over piano. It builds with drum, bass and guitar. How do you deal with the pain? All at once. It breaks the heart, but puts it back together stronger than it was.
I Love the Way You Love Me – This easy-going, joyful catchy love song starts with piano, drums and keys. He can’t wear a frown whenever she’s around. He loves the way she loves him. Features some good backing vocals and guitar work.
La La La Love You – This is another joyful love song. He could never write a song to say everything that she means to him, so he just says “La, La, La Love You”. Includes a nice guitar solo.
My Guitar's In Love – This is a blues rocker that features some great guitar playing. She (his guitar) won’t do what she’s told. He’s lost control. They had been so close like a hand in glove. It includes tongue-in-cheek lyrics such as “don’t string me along”.
Stay Home Baby – This toe-tapper opens with drums, blues guitar and organ. He’s satisfied with everything he’s got and just wants to stay home with his baby and be by her side. Reminds me of Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago”. Features some great blues guitar playing, organ work by the legendary Al Cooper, and backing vocals.
Fearless Love – This rocker opens with piano, guitar, and driving drum beat. I believe there is a way. We have to make a few adjustments to keep the ship on course. We need to show fearless love across the great divide. A love that is compassionate and slow to judge. What unites us is greater than what divides us. Features some great piano and guitar. Also features some good backing vocals.
Not Be Moved – This song features a Dylan-like “Gotta Serve Somebody” sound. We’re living in a world of trouble. It can get the best of us. Bad news and darkness. Trials and temptations that try to bring us down. He knows that there’s an answer that helps him stand his ground. But we stand on solid ground and we shall not be moved. Features an excellent guitar solo and some good organ work.
Ezekiel – This blues rocker features the exemplary vocals of Ashley Cleveland, which blend well with Keaggy’s. They sing about the valley of dry bones from chapter 37 of the book of Ezekiel. This is the Lord, this is the God who saves. The song features some excellent guitar, drums and organ.
I Prayed For You – This slow blues number is about him praying for someone not to give in. He pleaded with the Father until the answer came. Don’t give in to darkness before the battle is won. He prayed for them when they needed strength and were losing the fight. Features some good blues guitar.
Breathe – This is the one instrumental track on the album. Those familiar with Keaggy’s instrumental albums such as his classic The Master and the Musician will enjoy this.
I Must Tell Jesus – Keaggy closes out the album with a version of this 1893 hymn written by Elisha Albright Hoffman. The focus is on the vocal, but it also features some nice guitar playing and backing vocals.
Waiting, Longing and Lament | Posted December-10-2016
This 10-song mixtape is the multi-gifted (musician, author, pastor) Trip Lee’s follow-up to 2014’s excellent Rise, and it gives us some new music until his next full-length studio album, which he has said will be coming soon. The mixtape features excellent writing and musicianship, weighty topics, and some familiar friends (GAWVI, Tedashii, Alex Medina, etc.).
As far as the title, Lee has said that he wanted to give us music, a soundtrack that feels like the world we live in. One of the themes that kept coming up for him was how much waiting we have to do in this life. Themes of waiting, longing for God to heal him, what’s it’s like to be a Black man at this time in our country, and longing for Heaven come through in these ten excellent songs.
Below are a few comments about each of the new songs:
Clouds – This song is written by Dirty Rice, GAWVI and Lee and produced by !llmind, Dirty Rice and GAWVI. It has a great beat that grabs you from the very beginning. It takes you through his ups and downs of dreams and aspirations – from being ready to conquer all the monsters in his way and walking in his calling, to saying he needs a new dream because this one has become a nightmare, and then back again.
Too Cold – This song was written by Natalie Lauren, J.Monty, GAWVI and Lee and produced by GAWVI. It was the first single released. Musically, the beat is very satisfying. He’s not going to let the world mould or pressure him. He’s not going to make decisions about who he is, and what he does based on just what people want him to do and just how people respond to it.
Lord Have Mercy – This song is written by Lee and GAWVI and produced by GAWVI. He slows down the pace a bit as he sings that life this side of glory can be a mess. He first focuses on himself and his sin and then moves out to the world and the problems Black men like him are experiencing. In both cases he needs the Lord’s mercy. He’s waiting for Heaven and until then he’ll be be praising God in the waiting room.
IDK – This song (“I Don’t Know”) is produced by Keyzbaby. The beat is more laid-back. The song is a modern day psalm of lament (think of Psalm 13), as Lee painfully and honestly expresses that life is difficult, and his frustration that God is silent to him and others when they reach out to him for his help.
Ready - This song is written by Joseph Prielozny, Dirty Rice, Dimitri McDowell, John McNeill, Joel McNeill and Lee, and is produced by 42 North and Dirty Rice. The song features McDowell. The laid back tune finds Lee wrestling with his father’s death, the dying process, how he misses him and how he wishes that his father could know his two children. Lee is ready for death himself. Death has already been defeated. He’s ready. He’ll be ready when it’s his time.
Still Unashamed – This song is written by Dirty Rice, Alias (USA), Swoope, Tedashii, Alex Medina and Lee. It is produced by Dirty Rice, Alias (USA), Swoope and Alex Medina. It features Tedashii and samples Andre Crouch’s “We Are Not Ashamed”. The song is bold and has an infectious beat. Lee wants us to know that though the world is a mess, and people have said they have changed, he and Clique ten years later are still unashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16). A great song, and my favorite on the album.
Money Up – This song is written by Alex Medina and Lee, and produced by Medina, with additional production by Joseph Prielozny. This song features a good beat and lyrically is a bit different, with Lee role playing from a typical rapper’s perspective. He thinks that once he gets paid, once he makes good money, all of his problems will disappear. But he finds that with more money comes more problems.
Out My Way – This song is written by Alex Medina and Lee and produced by GAWVI. This defiant song is addressed to a Satan, a hater, who wants his hope in the Lord destroyed. He owes him no favors, and is going to throw him overboard. But he also admits his own sin, and that not all of his problems are outside of him. The song features an infectious beat and hook.
Longer – This song is written by Natalie Lauren, India Shawn, Dirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny and Lee. It is produced by COBRA and features India Shawn. The laid-back track has similar themes as “Lord Have Mercy” and “IDK”, with him asking again “How long?” as he lets others (label, publisher, etc.) down. The focus here is on the soon to be 29 year-old Lee’s physical ailment (chronic fatigue). The theme of waiting comes up here again as Shawn sings the hook from God’s perspective, asking him to wait a little longer.
Billion Years – The closing song is written by Alias (USA), Natalie Lauren, Tyshane, Taylor Hill and Lee. It is produced by Alias (USA) and Tyshane and features Hill. Over a good beat, Lee longs for Heaven, he’s on his way home and not looking back.
Lecrae at the Top of His Game | Posted October-30-2016
~~On January 14 Lecrae dropped a surprise third volume in his Church Clothes mixtape series, following 2012’s Church Clothes and 2013’s Church Clothes 2. He really brings it with these ten excellent tracks with strong vocals and infectious beats. S1 (Symbolyc One), a platinum-selling producer (Kanye West, Jay-Z), served as executive producer. He had previously produced Lecrae’s songs “Welcome to America” and “The Price of Life”. Guest artists on the album include KB, E-40, N’Dambi, Propaganda, John Givez, JGivens and Jackie Hill Perry.
Below are a few comments on each track:
Freedom ft. N'Dambi (Prod. by S1/ Co-Prod. by Epikh Pro & VohnBeatz) – a strong opener with a hook from N’Dambi indicating that “Freedom isn’t free”. Lecrae touches on child porn and Honest Abe as “another man murdered for trying to free the slaves”.
Gangland ft. Propaganda (Prod. by S1/Co-Prod. by Shindo) – effectively uses spoken parts by Lecrae as it addresses gang issues. He states that originally gangs were created to protect everyone in the community. Propaganda offers “There’s a high school in Alabama named after Robert E. Lee, and it’s 89% Black. You don’t see the irony?” He ends with:
Yeah, we are truly a descendant of a King
Only his reign is infinite
Deja Vu (Prod. by S1) – Lecrae tones it down a bit for this track, opening with comments about how the whole world’s gone crazy, citing current events (riots, abortion and people being shot by the police). The hook offers this encouragement:
And some days are a nightmare
And some dreams come true
But the Lord’s still right here
It’s just deja vu
Sidelines (Prod. by Mykalife and Ryan Righteous) - Lecrae addresses his critics who are on the sidelines while he is in the game, doing what he was born to do. He doesn’t plan to fumble the ball, the opportunity he has been given by God.
Cruising (Prod. by S1/ Co-Prod. by Epikh) – a feel-good track about cruising through his day - reading the Bible, having breakfast, playing basketball and having dinner.
It Is What It Is (Prod. by S1/ Co-Prod. by Epikh) – Lecrae constantly hears that he has sold out. But he’s getting wiser with age, and knows that some just hate. Some say he has it all now, but he knows the Bible says that pride comes before a fall. Adding humor he raps about his third tape (Church Clothes 3) and that he might drop it on a Thursday – which is exactly what he just did. Fun.
Can't Do You ft. E-40 (Prod. by Black Knight) – Lecrae raps that he has a master plan from the Master, so he “can’t do you, cause I’m doing me”. Good vocals from Dimitri McDowell and E-40 on this one.
Forever (Prod. by S1) – Lecrae slows it down on this track, a song to his wife, his queen to whom he’s locked down until the cemetery. He raps that while any guy can try to satisfy a girl for one night, it takes a real man to take one woman and satisfy her for her entire life.
Misconceptions 3 ft. John Givez, JGivens, Jackie Hill Perry (Prod. by S1) - There’s so much here as the lyrics come fast on this powerful third “Misconception” track in the Church Clothes series. Featuring John Givens, JGivez, Jackie Hill Perry and Lecrae each taking a verse. Lecrae states that he was created to make a statement. He encourages listeners to get their education and to let the Spirit lead like He wants to.
I Wouldn't Know ft. KB (Prod. by GAWVI) – Features Elhae on the hook and KB, rapping slower than usual on one of the verses. People are talking about Lecrae, saying he’s gonna fail, but he doesn’t hear it. He just prays that the Father keep him grounded.
Lecrae has released a long-form video with a storyline that loosely touches on the life of a teenage gang member who gets shot and his friend contemplates revenge. The video includes four songs from the mixtape - “It Is What It Is”, “Gangland”, Déjà vu”, and Misconceptions 3”. Check it out after you buy this mixtape.
This surprise release was quite a blessing. Lecrae is at the top of his game. May this mixtape be used for His glory!
A Gift to the Church from Keith and Kristyn Getty | Posted October-30-2016
~~This is the first album of mostly new material from the pre-eminent modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty since 2012’s Hymns for the Christian Life (though they have released a Christmas album, live album, an EP and a live Christmas album since that time). The studio album, recorded in Nashville's historic Ocean Way Recording studio, champions mission and congregational singing, features the Getty’s excellent band, live congregational singing and a few special guest appearances (Chris Tomlin, Fernando Ortega, John Patitucci and Ladysmith Black Mambazo). The album is produced by Nathan Nockels.
The Deluxe digital edition features 17 songs. Here are a few brief comments about each of these wonderful songs, a true gift to the church:
Facing a Task Unfinished – This hymn was originally written in 1931 by China Inland Mission (now OMF International) worker Frank Houghton with music by Samuel Wesley. The Getty’s were asked by OMF to add a new chorus to the hymn, and they were joined by Ed Cash, and Fionan de Barra. An estimated one million believers in more than 5,000 churches in 100 countries joined together to sing this new hymn on February 21. The added the below chorus, and the recording features some excellent congregational singing:
We go to all the world
With kingdom hope unfurled
No other name has power to save
But Jesus Christ The Lord
May the Peoples Praise You – This is an upbeat hymn that features the Getty’s “green grass” band feel. Inspired by Psalm 67, this hymn is a call to worship and mission.
May the peoples praise You
Let the nations be glad
All Your blessing comes
That we may praise
May praise the Name of Jesus
Living Waters – The mid-tempo song was released as a single a few weeks before the album release. Christ is calling to those who are thirsty, empty, tired and broken, to come to Him, our living waters. This song is an invitation to come and be filled and healed, and to walk in life and freedom.
O Children Come – featuring the vocals of Lady Blacksmith Black Mambazo. A live version was included on their 2015 album Joy - An Irish Christmas LIVE. Originally written as a Christmas carol, this invitation song challenges us both to follow Christ and to go with the good news of Christ in words and in deeds of mercy to a needy world. The songs features an infectious beat and also the children of some of the band members singing along.
My Worth Is Not in What I Own – This is a wonderful hymn that we often sing in our church that was first included on their 2014 EP The Greengrass Session. It features one of my favorite artists Fernando Ortega. Our worth is not in what we own, the strength of flesh and bone, skill or name, in win or lose, in pride or shame but in Christ and what He did for us on the cross.
For the Cause – This hymn was written with Stuart Townend on the call to missions and the cause of the Kingdom around the world. It is dedicated to Danny Akin and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. The song showcases the excellent band and their greengrass sound, featuring some good percussion work.
For the cause of Christ we go
With joy to reap, with faith to sow
As many see
And many put their trust in the Son
Lift High the Name of Jesus – This is the third version of this wonderful upbeat hymn that has been released. It was first included on the album recorded live at the Gospel Coalition Conference and later on the The Greengrass Session EP. The band gets to show off on this version leading to the celebratory chorus:
Oh sing my soul,
And tell all He’s done,
Till the earth and heavens are filled with His glory!
The Lord Is My Salvation – This is a song of testimony, inspired in part by Psalm 27. Piano. Slowly builds.
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
We Believe (Apostle’s Creed) – This song features an old melody of Keith’s that has been refreshed with a song based on the Apostle’s Creed. They collaborated on this song with their friend, John Patitucci, in a fusion of music influenced both by Jazz and the folk music of Scandinavia and Ireland. The band really shines on this song.
He Will Hold Me Fast – This song is written by Matt Merker, adapting some original lyrics by Ada Habershon. The Gettys felt it would be a comfort and encouragement to God’s people as we live out our faith in these difficult times, whether in suffering, persecution or death. The music is beautiful, with piano, strings supplemented by with some effective congregational singing.
Psalm 24 (The King of Glory) – With this song, written with Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash, the Getty’s tried to capture a sense of Christ’s victorious rule of all the earth and the joy this brings to His people, as told in Psalm 24. The song has a bit of a different sound, with some with some Eastern musical influences.
He reigns, He reigns
Jesus the Lord
He reigns, He reigns
Forevermore
O Church Arise (Arise Shine) – This song was originally included on their 2007 album In Christ Alone, and also included in their live Gospel Coalition album, features Chris Tomlin on backing vocals.
Beyond These Shores – This is an instrumental track featuring John Patitucci.
Consider the Stars – This is a beautiful piano-based lullaby that John Patitucci wrote for the Getty’s three daughters to help them go to sleep at night.
Jesus Tender Shepherd Hear Me – The words of this hymn were written by Mary Duncan in 1839. It was a hymn that she composed for her children. Kristyn sings accompanied by only an acoustic guitar. Some new lyrics have been added to Duncan’s original hymn.
Let the Earth Resound – This is a 2004 song written by Keith and Stuart Townend, recorded for the first time by the Getty’s. It features some good congregational singing.
King immortal, Faithful God
Crowned with splendour, rich in love.
Let the heavens and the earth resound
With songs of praise to You.
Those who Wast Rich Beyond All Spendor – This 1934 hymn, is another one written by Frank Houghton. It begins with beautiful strings, and only a piano is added as we focus on the lyrics sung by Kristyn.
Matt Redman’s Christmas Gift to the Church | Posted October-30-2016
~~This is singer, songwriter and worship leader Matt Redman’s - perhaps best known for his song “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” - first Christmas album. To help with the songwriting for the record, Redman went on a retreat to Israel. He walked through the old roads that Jesus would have walked, and went to some of the key places where key events of the gospel happened when Jesus walked this Earth. During this time he thought a lot about Jesus coming as a little newborn baby. His intent is not just to tell the story of Christ’s birth, but to make sure we put ourselves in the story as well.
As always, Redman provides us with biblically based worship music that we can enjoy and also sing in corporate worship this Christmas season.
Below are a few comments on each of the songs:
These Christmas Lights – In the title song, he sings of the lights shining bright as the cry of the angels sing for the glory of the King (Luke 2). We need to sing that sacred song again. This is really a prayer that our eyes be opened and our hearts believe that the wonder of that Christmas night be born in us, and that our Christmas lights will shine for Him alone.
His Name Shall Be – Written with Jonas Myrin. His name shall be Jesus, it’s the name that came to save us. The joyful chorus for this song comes from the angel’s song in Isaiah 9:6 that we can sing now:
His name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace for all eternity oh,
His name shall be
O Little Town (The Glory Of Christmas) – This is a new version of the traditional Christmas hymn “O Little Town of Bethlehem”. It opens with Redman singing with piano, and it gently builds with the help of a backing choir. The glory of Christmas is the glory of Christ and the story of his love.
Angels (Singing Gloria) – This song features vocals from Redman’s long-time friend and occasional collaborator Chris Tomlin. It features keyboard, acoustic guitar, horns and choir. It is based on Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Help From Heaven – This song features strong vocals from British singer and songwriter Natasha Bedingfield who shares lead vocals with Redman. It begins with piano and builds gently with strings, and then powerfully with the help of a choir. Every heart needs a rescue, every soul needs a breakthrough. We all need help from Heaven. The song is a bit of a departure for Redman.
Hearts Waiting (Joy To The World) – This song opens with a hand-clap and a sample of the Christmas hymn “Joy to the World”. The chorus joyfully proclaims joy to the World, the Lord has come to us. It closes with a sample from Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”, “And He shall reign for ever and ever”.
Glory To You In The Highest (O Come Let Us Adore) – This song features the vocals of urban contemporary gospel singer Tasha Cobbs. It is a song of adoration to Christ, based on Luke 2:14. Christ came to bridge the great divide. To us Christ has been born and to us He has been given. He is the hope of all the earth and the highest name in Heaven. The song builds including a choir and includes a sample of the hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful”.
How Far – This beautiful song has Redman singing with just piano and strings. There is a theme of “how far”? He asks how far is it to Bethlehem where hope was born and sin conquered, and the great divide bridged with perfect grace and sacrifice. How far love has come to bring us home. How far Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem and how far Christ went for Calvary. No greater grace was ever known. No great love was ever seen. From Bethlehem to Calvary, our hearts will always follow Him. This simple, but powerful song is my favorite on the album.
Glory Hallelujah – This song begins with a heavy beat, piano, guitar and adds good backing vocals. It is simple lyrically, has a live sound, and would be excellent for corporate worship as we raise our voices high to join the angel’s choir singing the praises of our God.
The Name Of Emmanuel – This song looks at God coming as a man. It opens with keyboards as he asks can it be that the voice that said “Let there be light” is now in the newborn cry of the Christ child. He is God with us (Emmanuel). The holy One is one of us. Can it be that the almighty God who never rests is lying here in perfect peace? It’s the amazing miracle of Christ’s incarnation, Son of Man and Son of God. The song builds powerfully and features good backing vocals that can lead to nothing other than praise.
Holy Night – This song is about the sacred holy night in the fields of Bethlehem that includes a heavenly symphony from the angels. God has come. God’s glory is shining bright on this holy night. It builds with keys, drums and choir. Let Your Glory shine on us just like on that holy night.
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