A Real Story To Tell | Posted January-26-2024 What You Need To Know
Kevin Quinn is one of the newer faces making waves in Christian pop music. Kevin first stepped into the spotlight for his role on the Disney Channel show Bunk'd. He eventually landed the starring role in the Netflix Christian musical A Week Away, where his experience helped him rededicate his life to following God. Since then, Kevin has released two EPs and toured with Winter Jam as a part of their 2020 and 2022 lineups. His most recent pop offering, Real Me, shares his battle with mental health and trusting God's plan for his life in the middle of it.
What It Sounds Like
Real Me is a fantastic showcase of Kevin's modern sound and honest songwriting ability. Many of the songs find a sound between mainstream pop radio and current CCM sounds, giving the project a welcoming and heartful sound for listeners. Songs like "I'm Not There Yet" and "Rise Above" lean in on Kevin's vocal delivery paired with acoustic and contemporary music influences, while songs like "Real Me" and "Way Up" put his signature pop sound at the forefront. Kevin even ventures into the R&B music scape with the project's lead and catchy single, "Blessed."
Spiritual Highlights
Real Me is a project of growth. The EP tackles these topics like trying to fit in, finding purpose, and learning we can't make it ourselves. Songs like "I'm Not There Yet" stand out as an honest prayer. The lyrics are filled with emotions of confusion and frustration before accepting God's plan beyond our own. Even the more fun-sounding songs like "Way Up," "Learning To Let Go," and "Give You Up" are songs of overcoming, surrender, and having faith in God's plan for us. The whole project is a powerful reminder, especially for young listeners, to keep trusting in God through the growing pains of life.
Best Song
The project's first song and title track, "Real Me," immediately struck me when I first heard it. The song is an honest look at struggling with mental health and accepting the freedom to be ourselves. Over the past few years, I've gone through my own battle with mental health and learning not to live as a "people pleaser." The identity and the story God has given us wasn't a mistake to hide. He uses it to make us into who He has made us be.
Although I've walked through my shares of trials, brokenness, feeling left out, and finding myself again, I look back and see how far He's brought me. It's a testimony for myself to keep holding onto Him and to share with others who are going through the same battles. The song shares that even in our broken state, God is restoring, revealing, and walking with us to become more like Him in the perfect identity He destines for us all.
After watching the movie A Week Away, I became a huge Kevin Quinn fan. Hearing behind the scenes how being in that movie impacted his faith and helped him decide to pursue Christian music was even more exciting to me. I had high hopes for his first project, and Real Me delivered. It's a solid modern pop project that pushes the lines of what I usually hear in Christian music. The EP is upbeat, deep, honest, and full of God's truth of identity, told to connect with listeners for whatever challenges they are walking through.
Riding To A New Era | Posted November-25-2023 What You Need To Know
Jordan Stevens, aka JSteph, is one of the new rising faces in Christian indie and pop music. The now 23-year-old found his love for music while writing songs on Apple's full-creation music studio GarageBand in 2015. Jordan's artistic journey had a rocky start, but he has become an exceptional artist. He has built a dedicated fanbase and joined the indie pop collective Young Pop Renagaes, led by Matthew Parker, due to his songwriting and music skills. His new album, MMXXII(2022 in Roman numerals), tells his story of moving to Nashville, identity, love, breakups, and trusting God's plan in every season.
What It Sounds Like
Each song on MMXXII is precisely placed to tell Jordan's story over the past year. The album combines multiple music influences of pop ("The Year I've Waited For" and "I'm So Happy That We Broke Up"), electronic ("Be This Way" and "Snow In June"), emotional ballads ("In The Midst" and "Live For You"), contemporary ("Ride of My Life" and "Do It Afraid"), and even some cinematic elements. The album is a fantastic showcase of Jordan's talent and the indie pop space in which he has found a sweet spot.
Spiritual Highlights
No story is complete without highs and lows. MMXXII touches on many themes, lessons, and trials Jordan has endured. "Bound To Break" and "In The Midst" are prayers to God for His help in the unknown when life seems to be falling apart. Jordan deals with heartbreak in songs like "Be This Way" and "Already Gone" before coming to the upbeat, almost-sassy bop "I'm So Happy That We Broke Up." In the song, he recognizes that the person he was in a relationship with wasn't right and thanks God for healing his heart. In another standout song, "Picture Perfect People," Jordan sings honestly about the emptiness we experience from social media and the pressures of comparison.
Best Song
It's hard to pick just one best song. But what I've replayed the most is "Snow In June." It's a fun, catchy song that could be interpreted as the joy of finding Jesus or that special someone. Fellow indie pop artist JAZLYN leans her vocals to the track, making it even more enjoyable.
The last song, "Ride of My Life," is a true standout. It expresses gratitude and faith in God's constant presence and unwavering support throughout our journey in life. The final track is exceptionally well done and features a brief monologue from Jordan that encourages listeners.
Jordan's album is more than just a telling of his life through 2022. It's an introduction to JSteph and the testimony of what God has done in his life. Jordan expresses so much honesty, truth, hope, and growth through this project that captivated me. These songs are favorites and have encouraged me through life's craziness. The album's production, modern style, and timeless feel bring MMXXII to life in a powerful way that leaves listeners with renewed hope and trust in Jesus.
Finding Better Days | Posted November-06-2023 What You Need To Know
Since releasing her first album in 2009, Word | Curb Records artist Sarah Reeves has become very versatile in her music. From the beginning of posting worship covers to Christian pop, to cinematic soundtracks, and now with her mainstream-focused pop project, Best Days, Sarah Reeves is always capturing fans with her beautiful voice and connecting music. The new album is a fresh start following her 2020 release, Life Love & Madness, and crafted into a standout project.
What It Sounds Like
Best Days is an exciting pop album that offers an engaging listening experience. Despite being Sarah's second pop project, which focuses on the mainstream audience, she has done an excellent job of expressing each song with modern pop production and vocals that can compete with those of most popular contemporary pop artists. The album features fun anthems ("Billboards On Sunset," "I'd Rather Be Living," "Any Other Way"), powerful ballads ("Zuma Beach, "Wanna Be Here, "Flash"), and personal stirring pop tracks ("Best Days," "Get Back Your Fight," "Conversations With Myself"). The album also sees Sarah experiment with retro elements sprinkled in songs like "Jealousy," "Back In Time," "Curtains," and a few others with her current style, which serve as a fun treat to listeners.
Spiritual Highlights
Sarah shared a deeply personal message with her fans when her single "Zuma Beach" was released. In the post, she talked about her recent divorce and revealed that the song was written to heal. The single was part of her upcoming album, and the post was a vulnerable moment for Sarah as she opened up to her fans.
Best Days is filled with songs that tackle challenging emotions like heartbreak, anxiety, depression, and moving forward when everything inside seems broken. Songs like the title track and the viral hit "Get Back Your Fight" stand out for their relatable lyrics and powerful message that Sarah carries with hope, as she does throughout the album. Although it doesn't contain many clear cries to God, the album takes the first step in honesty on the things in life we need God's help to step out of towards the better days He has for us. The album isn't afraid to be real, which Sarah demonstrates well in each song.
Sarah drops the h-word in "Curtains." Many won't mind, but some might be caught off guard by including the word. Although I wasn't too fond of hearing it being used this way, it doesn't raise an alarm or take away the message and reliability of this project or song.
Best Song
The album's best song is "Get Back Your Fight." When I first heard the song, it connected with me while I was coming out of a season of depression. The song is a cinematic anthem paired with some of the best vulnerable songwriting I've heard in Christian music recently. I love everything from the production, the lyrics, and Sarah's soaring vocals. Millions have found encouragement through her vocals during mental battles. The title track is another "can't miss" favorite.
Best Days finds Sarah bringing her beautiful songwriting and voice to the forefront, intertwined with modern pop beats and ballads that hit in a fresh and connectable way. I've listened to this album multiple times and repeatedly played many of the songs on my playlists. If you have yet to listen to her music, Best Days is a great place to begin and a solid addition to her music catalog. If you're in a good place or struggling to get there, Sarah's latest album is a fun look back that encourages us we aren't alone and can overcome to find the best days ahead for us.
Heart To Heart Worship | Posted November-18-2022 What You Need to Know
Based in Lakeland, SEU Worship is the worship expression from Florida Southeastern University. Since releasing their first project independently in 2013, the band has since signed to Provident Label Group while continuing to release new anthems for every generation to encounter God's love. The band's latest album Heart Cry, is their 11th album presenting some of their deepest and most moving collection of worship songs yet.
What It Sounds Like
Heart Cry doesn't sound like your typical worship album. The project is crafted with a refreshingly modern touch that gives each song it's own space and energy to fully resonate. The album, while not featuring as many upbeat songs as some of their previous projects, is full of life while still giving listeners a deep dive into many powerful worship encounters. Backed with it's stellar vocalists and and high quailty production, SEU Worship deliever a captivating collection of worship songs for the year,
Spiritual Highlights
Leading up to the album's release, the first few singles are what caught my attention of it. I was surprised by the richness of Biblical truth sung in such a simple, mature, and passionate way. The album draws from the longing to know God as He wants to be known to us and perfectly captures that prayer through worship. As the album's title says, Heart Cry is truly a heart cry for our generation filled with songs of surrender, freedom, passionate love, and revival in the Father.
Best Song
There are so many incredible songs on this album that have become some of my favorites such as "Monday Morning Faith," "Famailar Song," "Pour It Out," and "Heart Cry." "Deep Dive" however, is without any doubt my favorite song from the album. The whole song is a beautiful honest prayer, but the bridge is what especially wrecked me and has drawed me into encountering His presence so powerfully (the lyrics are also my phone's current background). As you read the brige below, let this prayer sink in and stir you to step into His embrace again.
"Show me what’s breaking Your heart/Even if it messes me up/I don’t wanna know You in part/I wanna know You, really know You/Don't wanna reach the end of my life/Knowing there was more I could find/I don’t wanna know You in part/I wanna know You, really know You."
Heart Cry does something that I love seeing done is worship music. It bridges more than just generations through its musical styles but it also bridges our heart cries. From its fun praise anthems to its slower powerful moments, each track comes together to create an album that reminds us how our God is holy, moving, and calling each of us, into a deeper revelation of His Spirit. It's something that has believers in all walks of life can come together and sing, holy is the Lord. Heart Cry is an stirring worship experience that leads listeners to encounter the heart of the Father in one of the best worship projects of the year.
Creating Growth Through Pain | Posted October-04-2022 What You Need to Know
Elevation Rhythm is the youth worship band for Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. The team leads offer a creative and powerful experience for listeners through its diverse music styles and personal worship. They've consistently released singles since their first in 2019. The group's debut 12-song album, Growing Pains, follows the band's growth as they take their signature styles and heart into new themes.
What It Sounds Like
This album shows what a peak-level summer project should be. Growing Pains is entwined from start to finish with pop and worship influences coming together perfectly. The group doesn't follow a certain formula for their songs. Instead, they craft each song uniquely to add to the full album experience. The album features song styles ranging from electronic, alternative rock, rap (featuring Gotee Records rapper Aaron Cole), and, of course, deep moments of worship. Growing Pains is more than a creative project, but is a collection of fun and powerful anthems with something for everyone.
Spiritual Highlights
The first song, the album's title track, "Growing Pains" stood out to me: "Trouble’s a matter of time/But You’re in control/And that’s how I know/Everything gonna be okay/It won’t always be this way/At my worst/When it hurts/Won’t be afraid/Sometimes faith has growing pains." Life brings hardships, and we can't avoid them, but we can trust that God holds us through them and has a plan. No matter our present situation, life will get better. Two truths to believe in: that Jesus is God and that He will never leave us. These truths alone can take us through some heavy growth. The album carries this theme throughout, filled with declarations of whom God is in our joy and heartbreak, leading us to what to overcome in life through Him.
Best Song
It's hard to pick one favorite song on this album. As much as I love all the songs, none has captivated me like "Over & Over" ("Has anyone ever left you high and dry?" and "Fake Love" do get honorable mentions). I love the simplicity and adoration expressed in "Over & Over." The lyrics, "I could never grow tired/Of telling You You're worthy/There's so many ways I/could sing of Your glory" have reminded my heart of His majesty and presence so many times.
For a debut project, Elevation Rhythm went above and beyond. This collection of songs is more than moments of worship and fun songs to vibe with, they are anthems of the faithful love of God through the pains of life. The production, vocals, creativity, and diversity in this release are done well. The heart and sound of Growing Pains are a powerful, fun, and touching experience that solidifies its spot as one of my favorite albums of the year.
Uplifting Hope for the Travelers | Posted June-16-2022 What You Need To Know
Formed in 2007 as a mainstream rock band, Stars Go Dim serves as the moniker for Christian pop singer/songwriter Chris Cleveland. Following two successful pop albums, Better, and the debut self-titled project, the Curb | Word Entertainment artist is back with another stellar pop album to add to Stars Go Dim's already amazing catalog.
What It Sounds Like
Grace In The Wilderness is packed with some of this year's strongest pop songs yet. My biggest concern going in to listen was how repetitive the album may sound. Even though there are some similarities between certain songs, Chris does a great job at giving each song its own sound and space to come through. Some songs dive into mixes of pop worship ("Prepare The Way" and "When We All Get To Heaven"), alternative pop ("This Is Love"), contemporary ("Yes He Does" and "Live Like That"), and full-on dance-pop ("Satisfied" and "Wasted").
Spiritual Highlights
The album title captures the message of the entire record. As Chris shared, "Many of these songs were written during 2020 and reflect the hope and joy that I've found even in the midst of tragedy and pain--hence the title." Grace, faith, and hope for more of Jesus are themes at the forefront. Many songs point to trusting in God and thankfulness for what He has already done. Out of all of Stars Go Dim's projects, Grace In The Wilderness has the most worship influence yet as heard in standout songs like "Authority (In The Name of Jesus)," "Prepare The Way," and "Wasted" among others.
Best Song
There are so many incredibly done songs that will stand out in different ways to all listeners. As much as I love so many of Chris's pop anthems, I found myself coming back to "Prepare The Way." Originally co-wrote by Chris and featured on Bethel Music's 2020 Revival's In The Air project, I love how Chris reimagined the song as his own pop/worship moment that is a can't miss on this project. "Yes He Does" is another standout song, but it's already known by many radio listeners.
So often, it can be easy to find pop albums that come off too "poppy" or lyrics that don't give much spiritually content. That is not the case with this album. Chris Cleveland uses his signature pop sound and blends it with some of his deepest and biblically strongest lyrics yet. If you're looking for a pop album to have on repeat, Grace In The Wilderness is a release you don't want to miss.
Mark Lee Finds A New Style | Posted June-28-2019 What You Need To Know:
After the end of longtime southern rock and worship group Third Day, founding member and guitarist Mark Lee is still going strong. Following the release of his book Hurt Road, fans were treated to the successfully crowd funded Unshakeable Heart EP. Mark is now ready to release more new music, starting with his newest single "Your Love Will Find Me".
What it Sounds Like:
Unlike Mark's previous EP which showcased a folk rock/acoustic sound similar to some of Third Day's older work, "Your Love Will Find Me" stands out with it's pop/contemporary influence alongside Mark's vocals in a way we haven't heard before.
Spiritual Highlights:
Just as God loves us without limit, His loves continues to fight for us without restraint. No matter where we once were, His love has never stopped pulling us out. Even in whatever struggle we may be facing, His love will always find us and never let us go. This theme shows perfectly well through the upbeat single.
Mark Lee's new song is sure to be a surprising treat for longtime fans and a summer jam for new ones, with a message and sound that is sure to be a hit among radio and fans alike.
Electric Anthemic Praise | Posted July-12-2018 What You Need to Know:
Planetshakers are on a mission of "empowering generations to win generations" with songs of anthemic and electric praise. With several albums and hits under their belt such as "The Anthem," "Endless Praise" and "Nothing Is Impossible," Planetshakers continue to deliver rising songs of worship to the next generation. Following up their spring release "Heaven on Earth Part 1," Planetshakers are back with their latest electrifying release, "Heaven on Earth Part 2 ."
What It Sounds Like:
Like the last EP, "Heaven on Earth Part 2 " contains two high energy songs of life, packed with EDM infused worship and crowd chants that will have you singing and dancing along in praise, alongside two songs of devoted worship and surrender to our King.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
The central message of this EP is devoted to praise to Him. From "Move Out of My Way" to "Draw Close Again " the EP immerses the listener in thepresencee of God and a longing for more of Him. As Planetshakers once again shows, any style of music can be used to lift a higher and greater praise to Jesus.
Best Song on the Record:
"Move Out of My Way," with its dance-to beat and message of fully giving praise and glory to Jesus is a song not to miss. On the slower side, "Draw Close Again" is a standout track for its exceptional lines of sincere worship and movement of the presence of God.
Stirring A Revived Passion | Posted June-28-2018 What You Need to Know:
Hailing from London, Worship Central is a worship band with a passion for true Spirit-led worship. With their latest project, Stir A Passion, they give us 12 beautifully written and sung songs of praise and glory to our Savior Jesus.
What it Sounds Like:
Stir A Passion is full of songs that lift renewed and dedicated songs of praise. From start to finish, the anointing can be heard on these spiritually rich choruses. Songs like "Stir A Passion" and "O Lord We Seek Your Face" are heart cries for God that make us fully more like and completed in Him. "All For Love (Gethsemane)," "Waves," and "Praise The Lord (Evermore)" are strongly lead, sincere songs of praise that give glory to our victorious God. Songs "Pray" and "Never Give Up" build up victorious praise that you can't help but move and dance to.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
The songs on Stir A Passion glorify God for all that He has done and how He has made us. The song "Jesus (Spontaneous)" stands out for its simple but yet overwhelming praise that fills us with joy and life.
Best Song on the Record:
"All For Love (Gethsemane)" and "Praise The Lord (Evermore)" are standout tracks on this release.
Worship Central's new album is one to listen to. Filled with songs of praise and worship that don't depend on music to deliver the message. Stir A Passion captures real praise in revival when we let God move in us and amplify who He is to the world. This album is one that will hopefully stir a passion for revival and awakened praise in all who listen.
Songs of a Fearless Surrender | Posted June-13-2018 What You Need To Know:
Though she's young, Jasmine Murray is no stranger to the spotlight. She was a finalist on the eighth season of American Idol and won Miss Mississippi, coming in Top 10 Miss America. Jasmine has now released her self-titled EP and followed that up with her debut pop album, Fearless, with an inspiring message of hope and surrender to Jesus.
What it Sounds Like:
Fearless contiunes her new singture song of pop praise with a small dose of worship and gospel mixed in. Her powerhouse vocals help carry songs like "No Other Love" and "Closer" into upbeat pop/EDM vibes, and songs like "Into Words" and "Rest of My Life" into moments of worshipful surrender.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
The entire album is focused on fearlessness in Jesus and total surrender to Him. These songs shine a message of living alive in Jesus ("Fearless," "Every Step"), and also hold a call to surrender while giving God full control of our lives to shine for Him and give Him glory ("Control," "Vapor").
Best Song on the Record:
"Closer" is a great song with a fun pop beat that speaks of seeking to know God more.
Jasmine Murray's album is full of inspiring songs that point to Jesus and encourage us to keep trusting God through every step we take because He holds us through it all. Fearless is an album that will connect with listeners and hopefully lead them to awaken to the fullness that God has in store for us.
BraddenFord_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
