Opening song “I Want It All (Just Give Me Jesus)” is one of the best expressions of faith and devotion I've ever experienced and sends tingles down my spine as I lose myself in prayer and adoration of my Savior. The song is inspired in part by Melody Green's book, No Compromise, and sets the tone for the entire project that isn't so much corporate worship as it is a full-tilt revelation that it's time to get real. Song after song, the album gives voice to the faith of a generation willing to open the door for the miraculous, redemptive work of God to infiltrate everything. The worship experience flows seamlessly into “Praise The Invisible” and“Deliver Us.”

“Let Hope In” expresses Daniel's literal, spiritual devastation of infertility and the miracles that sprang out of this desert. The song is very convicting and a sobering reminder that God brings trials to remind us how much we need Him. This song and album also give many glimpses of the authentic reality of life and our experiences, good and bad.  Things don’t go as we want or even how we pray for God to work in our lives. I am very moved by this song. I find myself raising my hands in worship and then I'm compelled to reach out horizontally to help show others the love of Jesus. The song is filled with the Truth that as Christians, we need to have full reliance on God to deal with the struggles of life. The song perfectly expresses that sentiment and you can sing along at the top of your lungs: “So let hope in, Open up your walls, Hope conquers all, There goes all my doubts, There goes all my pain, On that day You rose again, Sin no longer stains, There goes all my questioning, There goes all my fears, On that day of reckoning, Hope has reappeared.” “Undone” has an uplifting and powerful bridge “the Cross will never lose the power, the Cross will never lose the power, the Cross will never lose the power, it covers forever!” Amen.

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Daniel Bashta’s songs are all musically layered with his explosive, raw vocal interpretation which are suited for corporate worship and are a full-tilt revelation of God’s presence. Worshippers will be blessed by “I Want It All (Just Give Me Jesus),” “Praise The Invisible,” “Deliver Us” and “Let Hope In.” Savor those anointed songs and allow them to bring a tingling of the Holy Spirit and listen to God’s still small voice. They are among the best opening tracks I’ve heard on any album, along with the standout songs “Undone” and “In The Ruins.” I am very impressed by this album and it is already in heavy rotation for me in my personal time of worship and reflection. Daniel has taken the next step forward in establishing his unique brand of vulnerable, sincere and gourmet worship songwriting. If you like the charismatic worship artists Jesus Culture and Jeremy Riddle and Bashta's hit song "Like A Lion," then don't miss out on The Invisible. The album is loaded with meaningful and moving songs for the Church.

Dixon is already a chart-topping artist via the album's first two singles, "Never Gone" and "You Are," both of which were released this past fall. The chorus of “You Are” is very catchy:  “You are the air I breathe in, You are the hope I'm needing.” Dixon says—“To me, that's worship. Whatever song I'm singing, I want God to be the focus and all around me; He's the hope that gets me through to the next day. Amen. “Scars” is a fantastic song co-written with Rob Hawkins. A poignant lyric is “Scars remind us who we are.” According to Colton, “it's a map of where we've been in life; you can look at a scar and it immediately takes you back to what happened to create that. And at the end of the song, it ties in with my faith, and it says, God, Your scars remind us who we are.”

Closing ballad “Let Them See You” is one of my favorite songs on the album and has already become a personal anthem to sing to God daily

in devotional times of prayer and reflection. Third Day’s Scotty Wilbanks wrote the song and sent it to Colton for his album. This is a wonderful song of encouragement and prayer to ask God to break your pride, live redemption's story, and move closer to who we're meant to be in Christ.  At some point, we all make mistakes and need to ask God for forgiveness. God wants to give us His grace and mercy, we need to fall down at His feet and pray. Believing the words of this song is a great way to work on the disciplines of self-examination and prayer. You can know Jesus personally. Reach out to Him and know with certainty: "perfect love casts out fear."

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A Messenger includes 11 soaring, modern rock-infused contemporary vertical focused songs that resemble a blend of MercyMe, Coldplay and fellow American Idol alum Jason Castro. There are several standout songs including “Noise,” “I’ll be the Light,” “Scars,” "You Are," "Never Gone" and “Let Them See You.” These songs will certainly connect with radio listeners and showcase the multi-talented singer/songwriter's trademark balance with vocal tenderness and intensity, his energetic piano playing and, above all, a sense of hope and inspiration. This album is all about finding our true identity in Christ. He is the answer. This album encourages listeners to be a messenger.

"Who Am I" is my all-time favorite Casting Crowns song. It makes me cry every time I hear it. The song is really a prayer, praising God for saving us because of who He is, not for what we've done. We serve an amazing God. Just the thought of how much God loves me totally wrecks me, and this song is so personal and beautiful.  New song “Delivered” features the female-led harmonies of Melodee and Megan and the message fits nicely within the band’s catalog of vertical messages like “Face Down.” Mark Hall writes and sings some of the best lyrics in the business. Often, he sings about not being content with where we are but getting to be where we should be as displayed in “Somewhere in the Middle.” As Christians, our daily walk is about knowing Jesus and making Him known. We are all the hands and feet of Jesus, and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Lead singer Mark Hall grew up with dyslexia and God called him to write and sing songs, which led to "Voice of Truth." Hall's personal story and stirring songs challenge listeners in times of self-doubt to listen to "the voice of Truth." The other new song “Only You Can Satisfy” has a similar feel to “To Know You” which is based on Philippians 3:8. The song is about what it means to know Jesus. It's to know His Word and have a personal relationship with Him. This excellent album closes with a great version of their #1 hit "Praise You in this Storm."

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A great blend of Casting Crowns' previous albums, Acoustic Sessions 1 is filled with songs that both challenge and encourage believers in their walk. "If We Are the Body," "American Dream,” “Here I Go Again” and “Somewhere in the Middle” are catchy songs with pointed messages for the church and believers. “East to West,” “Set Me Free,”  “Delivered” and "Praise You in this Storm" are all poignant and moving songs. “Who Am I” beautifully reflects the truth we can proclaim as believers in Jesus Christ: “Not because of what I’ve done but because of who You are!”

"Everything we do is growing in a natural, non-manufactured environment," band leader Gareth Gilkeson shares. "Rend was a student movement representing numerous churches, and the ‘collective' grew out of that. The songs came from an organic environment, searching after the heart of God. We wanted to reflect what God was doing and teaching us, and offer that up for the rest of the world to hear." As for the group's unusual moniker, Rend Collective Experiment is a nod to the places in Scripture where it says to "rend your hearts" and not your garments," a bold call to be genuine."



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Campfire is the kind of unique worship album I've only dreamed was possible and is an incredible follow-up to Rend Collective Experiment’s stellar studio albums. Themes of redemption, devotion and celebration make this a complete worship experience with musical soundscapes that span from The City Harmonic and Gungor to Mumford & Sons and Snow Patrol. There are several standout songs including "Come On,”  "Desert Soul," "Build Your Kingdom Here," "Movements," "You Are My Vision," "Second Chance” and “Praise Like Fireworks." This album perfectly balances the energy of seeing this band live with a worshipful musical ambience. This is surely one of the top worship albums ever made. Campfire is truly a memorable worship experience.

Each of her albums have had at least one song that pulls my heart strings and brings out an emotional response. From "You’re Not Alone" and “Draw Me Nearer” to "Come Home" and “All Will Fade Away,” I always expect at least one of Meredith’s songs to make me cry. On Worth It All there are several personal songs that melt my heart including “Start With Me,” “All I Ask” and “Burn Away.” Meredith is the premier female worship song writer in all of Christian music, along with Christy Nockels, Brooke Fraser Ligertwood and Mia Fieldes. She consistently writes and sings piercing, relevant and moving songs. If you are looking for an entire album of songs like Dove Award winning Worship Song of the Year "Your Great Name" as recorded by Natalie Grant, look no further than Meredith Andrews. What's especially cool about this album is how Meredith invites listeners into her life by sharing what's on her heart. She dwells on prayerful yearnings, lays out spiritual truths and worships God all at the same time. Opening vertical worship songs "Open Up the Heavens,” “Not for a Moment (After All)” and “Strong God” beautifully set the tone for this 5 star masterpiece with her signature powerful vocals and worship filled lyrics. This can be gorgeous background music, but don't miss out on what Meredith has to say in each song.

For me, the lyrical highlights can be found in the emotionally heartfelt songs “Start With Me,” “Worth It All,” “All I Ask” and “Burn Away” along with “The Gospel Changes Everything.”  All of these songs worship with awe and wonder the greatness of the Cross. The title track includes the vulnerable and prayerful lyrics, "I let go of all I have, just to have all of You, and no matter what the cost, I will follow You, Jesus everything I’ve lost, I have found in You, when I finally reach the end, I’ll say, You are worth it all!" Amen. The song is a gorgeous offering to our Savior and Redeemer Jesus. “All I Ask” is a gorgeous song with another prayerful refrain reminding me of Hillsong UNITED’s brilliant and gorgeous song "All I Need Is You" both in music and message. I hang on every note as Meredith belts out her heart cry to God-“All I Ask, All I seek is You, is You, All I want, All I need is You.” Tying everything together is the standout song “Not for a Moment (After All)” which beautifully proclaims the Truth from Romans 8:35—"Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ." Amen.

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Meredith Andrews’ excellent songwriting, singing and captivating songs have made her my favorite female worship songwriter and singer. If you like Christy Nockels, Brooke Fraser Ligertwood and Natalie Grant, you must get Worth It All by Meredith Andrews. The standout congregational worship songs are "Open Up the Heavens,” “Not for a Moment (After All),” “Strong God” and “Worth It All.” Don’t miss the gut-wrenching personal songs “Start With Me,” “All I Ask” and “Burn Away.”  Truly, every song is amazing. It's hard to imagine, but Meredith has now once again released her "best" album topping her previous excellent work. This is the most spine-tingling female led worship project I've experienced and all of these songs are completely anointed, Spirit-led and emotionally captivating. There are no weak songs and this album is truly a masterpiece. Worth It All is flawless and overflows with worship-driven emotional responses to our Lord and Savior. This is sure to be among the top worship albums of 2013.

“Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)” is chock full of the Truth that as Christians, we need to have full reliance on God to deal with the struggles of life.  The song perfectly expresses that dependence: “I’m holding on to Your promises, You are faithful…I know Who goes before me, I know Who stands behind, The God of Angel armies, is always on my side, The One Who reigns forever, He is a friend of mine.” “Lay Me Down” is an unashamed declaration of faith and desire to serve God in the same musical rock style as “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons. “I lay me down, I am not my own, I belong to You alone, lay me down, lay me down…there is no life apart from You, lay me down” is the bold testimonial of this song which is a great anthem for Christians everywhere praying to live for God’s glory. All of these lyrics point to the wonders of our God combined with sweeping melodies and infectious choruses that will be replayed in your mind over and over again. You can experience the majestic nature of God in the music of Chris Tomlin. The opening tracks set the tone brilliantly for this exceptional worship album, sure to be one of the best of the year. I am very moved by these opening songs. I find myself raising my hands in worship after those opening tracks, and then I'm compelled to reach out horizontally to help show others the love of Jesus. “God’s Great Dance Floor” was co-written with Martin Smith of Delirious and is an unashamed declaration of faith to God wrapped around a new contemporary electronic musical style. I love the truth of the song: “You’ll never stop loving us, no matter how far we run, You’ll never give up on us, all of Heaven will shout, let the future begin. I come alive, I feel alive / I am alive on God’s Great Dance Floor.”  You probably won’t be adding that song to your church services, but the song is hooked-filled, fun and you’ll belt it out once you learn the chorus. Since the last Passion: White Flag recording, I’ve loved “White Flag” and “Jesus, Son of God” featuring Christy Nockels which are both great anthems for the Church. Tomlin's albums have all included hymn-like congregational worship songs like "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)" and “All The Way My Savior Leads Me." “Crown Him (Majesty)" features Kari Jobe and is a fantastic re-write of the classic hymn of the faith.



"Sovereign" features Tomlin’s signature powerful vocals and reflects deep faith in God's Lordship over our lives: “From the Beginning to the End, I can trust You, God whatever comes my way, I will trust You.” Amen. "Countless Wonders" is a great depiction of God's Word applying to us with the biblical words: "Your beauty fills the sky, Great God of countless wonders, I will lift my eyes." "Thank You God for Saving Me" featuring Phil Wickham is an incredible song for worshippers. This is an amazing song of gratefulness to sing directly to God at the top of your lungs: "My heart is Yours, my soul is free, thank You God for saving me.” The gorgeous closing song "Shepherd Boy" bookends the “Burning Lights” concept. The opening lyrics sum up the theme of the album: "I’m no hero of the faith, I’m not as strong as I thought I was, I’m just a shepherd boy singing to a choir of burning lights, I’m just singing, singing over you, come and lay your troubles down, cause Love is breaking through.” Amen.

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What’s most impressive is how these catchy songs will have you singing along at the top of your lungs after just a couple of listens Burning Lights is my new favorite overall album by Chris Tomlin. There's biblical truth married to personal lyrics in the songs “Awake My Soul,” “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies),” “Lay Me Down” and the moving song "Shepherd Boy." The album is loaded with incredible songs for the Church, especially “Crown Him (Majesty)," “White Flag,” “Jesus, Son of God,” "Countless Wonders" and "Thank You God for Saving Me." They are all instantly sing-able and worshipful arrangements that you'll want to add to your Sunday morning set-list. The themes of this album are Trusting God, 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 Chris for blessing us with your music and for singing the Truth of the Gospel for the Kingdom of God.

“Hymn 27” is a standout song, written in the style of David’s Psalm 27 where David cries out: “Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Shelly's worshipful response throughout the song is “Alleluia.” The song could be added to church worship services with the vertical lyrics. Title track “Unraveling” is my favorite song on the album. Shelly sings this tender and prayerful ballad directly to God, “You have taken me apart at the seams, You have brought me to where I am on my last string, unraveling” which leads to the encouraging chorus: “I’ve heard You say wait for a better day, there is purpose even in the midst of this, and just as sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, I’ll get you through the night.” 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. “Ready” is a faith statement and commitment to Jesus, “I will choose this day Whom I will serve, show where my allegiance lies, and fight this fight, I want to be ready.”  

“Tie That Binds” is an upbeat song and declares the truth that “we are bound in this time, to love to love.” “Crown Him” is another prayer song that proclaims “Holy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy is the Lion who reigns.” After the gorgeous and moving hymn re-write of “Turn Your Eyes” this excellent “gourmet” album ends with “Stay The Night” which is very relatable to listeners, especially for those who struggle with loneliness, insecurity, anxiety and perfectionism. We are called as Christians to believe in the freedom that we have in the Cross of Jesus. We are free from our fears, addictions, insecurities and perfectionism. Jesus came to die for us so that we can all truly live in Him.

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Shelly Moore has pure and strong vocals that remind me of Christa Wells and Audrey Assad who are my favorite female vocalists of all time. I haven’t heard an album that has struck me like this album since Heart by Audrey Assad. “Anchor,” “Redeemed Ones,” “Hymn 27,” “Unraveling” and “Stay The Night” are all stand-out tracks filled with overwhelming biblical truth. Shelly has captivating and catchy songs filled with inspirational lyrics. For me, Shelly brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. My favorite albums are the ones that continue to provide new revelations over time by savoring them. This album has already done that for me. If you are looking for one of the top female solo albums of the year, then look no further than Unraveling. I’m sure it will continue to challenge, inspire and move me. This is truly a great album and an uplifting worship experience.

In May, 2012 Lara Landon released her sophomore album Overcome, one of my top ten albums of the year - http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=991. Naturally I was excited when I learned that she was closing out the year with a six song Christmas EP, released on December 4^th. The album opens with an original song “The Virgin Mary” which includes Lara’s signature emotive vocal style. The song is a transparent, vulnerable and moving ballad. Throughout the song Lara acknowledges the true wonder of Christ’s incarnation as she proclaims the lyrics—“Glory be to the Newborn King / Some call Him Savior / I think I’ll call Him Jesus.” The album is loaded with that type of profound response to this most blessed season.

Lara continues with a Middle Eastern musical rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" inspired by her background and the chance she had to be in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 2009. “Let It Fall” and “Where’s the line to see Jesus” are wonderful songs about seizing those precious moments that God gives us to feel His presence and appreciate His gift of peace and the beauty of His Creation. "Mary's Song" is a song that Lara wrote from Mary's perspective telling of how she felt from the moment she was holding Jesus when he was born to when she was holding Him as He was taken from the cross. As Mary responded to God’s plan for her life, these songs compel me to also reflect on how I’m answering God’s call.

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Lara Landon’s Christmas EP showcases an eclectic yet cohesive pallet of lush arrangements and melodic, piano-driven pop, venturing into the folk realm but ultimately more reminiscent of fellow female innovators Adele, Plumb and Ellie Goulding. It is evident Landon was not afraid to explore new stylistic elements by incorporating Hebrew lyrics, Middle Eastern percussion and Spanish guitar. Lara’s remarkable singing voice and her interesting music and lyrics are truly captivating. Listening to the music of Lara Landon is a transforming experience. Put any of her recordings on your player and you’re immediately hooked by her soothing and compelling voice. Follow the lyrics, and you become immersed in the spirituality and honesty of a seeker who helps us discover the God who walks with us in our daily lives. For sure, this is a Christmas album that you don’t want to miss. This album blesses and soothes my soul and is a beautiful offering of praise to our King.

There are several great themes that are faced by teenage girls specifically that the album addresses in a mature and faith-based way. Probably the most memorable moments on the album for me are the songs about being made in God's image and not seeking society's approval but knowing that God created and loves us all as we are. That critical message is heard loud and clear in the opening songs "Perfectly You” and “Live It Right,” two of the most upbeat songs on the album. It's a life-lesson Chelsea hopes will resonate with teens in similar situations.  For example, the opening song "Perfectly You” deals with Chelsea’s personal experience of how God used a huge trial in her own life to show her just how beautiful she really is to Him. Chelsea delivers that message of affirmation perfectly in her bridge where she proclaims—“You are more than a heartbeat / your beauty is unique and you have all you've been searching for / you are His masterpiece.” Amen. It's also very relatable to listeners, especially for those who struggle with control issues and perfectionism. We are called as Christians to believe in the freedom that we have in the Cross of Jesus. We are free from our fears, addictions, insecurities and perfectionism. Jesus came to die for us so that we can all truly live in Him.

Another standout song is “When You Do This To Me” which is an anti-bullying song. It's a life-lesson Chelsea hopes will resonate with women in similar situations. That message is so important and I'm so glad she addresses it with her song. “Hard To Believe” is a standout ballad about getting to know the heart of a person in a dating relationship and not giving away your purity. Some other songs about identity and relationships are found in the upbeat songs “Give It Up,” “I’m Yours” and “Keep Your Pants On," the latter song being based on wonderful purity advice from her mother. That song and many others resemble the latest pop country style albums by Underwood and Swift, which is a good thing. Unlike those artists however, what's so relatable is how Chelsea’s "relationship" songs are relevant for everyone. If you know Jesus, then you especially know the ultimate answer to the quest for love can only be found in Him which is Chelsea’s conclusion in every song.

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This is an important album that will truly minister to girls struggling with self-image. The message is to know that you don't have to be perfect; God made you the way you are for a reason. You are beautiful, you have something to say and you are worth it. Chelsea clearly loves our Lord and Savior Jesus with all of her heart and wants to celebrate that fact with every song. I have three young daughters and this is a nice upbeat pop country album with positive biblical messages which is a great alternative to Taylor Swift. Chelsea brings her walk with Jesus into her songwriting and this is the best album of this genre I've heard since Bethany Dillon's debut album, which puts her in great company in my opinion.

 

Even though Wherever You Are, Revelation and Move featured hit songs “Cry Out To Jesus,” “Call My Name,” “Revelation,” “Trust In Jesus” and “Children of God,” I've missed that complete album experience I experienced with Time. “Hit Me Like A Bomb” and “Kicking And Screaming” start it off with great personal songs about praying for change and Mac Powell's vocals have never sounded better. The next set of songs are about pressing on in difficult times, “Your Love Is Like A River” and hit song “I Need A Miracle,” a likely Song of the Year nominee. For me, the other standout songs which make this a complete album are the next group of songs, which are about praying for hope for better times, “For The Rest of Your Life” and “The Victory.” Those songs are great examples of how this album is more diverse and original sounding than I've heard in a long time from this legendary band. Those looking for more vertical and prayerful songs can find them in “You Are My Everything,” “I Want To Believe In You” and “Forever Yours.”Those worshipful and personal songs are among the best songs on the album.

“I Need A Miracle” is my favorite song on the album. One of my favorite aspects of Third Day’s music is how they tend to have very spiritual lyrics.  This song declares boldly what it means to be a follower of Jesus and is a thesis statement of faith–-“And in your hour of desperation, Know you’re not the only one, praying Lord above, I need a miracle.” God wants to hear from us, and this song compels me to pray more fervently to my Savior. I resonate with the message and as a Christian who does understand the power of prayer, what people need to take away from this song is that we aren’t in control of circumstances under our human ability. The power of God can transcend our human understanding and power. We serve a God who is much bigger than our struggles. I get goose bumps when I listen to this amazing song and sing along at the top of my lungs. Closing songs “Time’s Running Out On Me” and “Morning Has Broken” close the album as strong as it starts with more declarations of faith and the importance of relying on Jesus for all of our strength.

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Miracle is the Third Day album I've been waiting for since Time. I am amazed by this Third Day album. I'm so glad they went back to their roots. I became a “Gomer” with the southern gospel-rock and passion of songs like "Thief," "Love Song" and "Forever." If you are a long-time fan of Third Day, be very excited about Miracle. Here's your chance to learn what has made Third Day the premier rock band in all of Christian music. Every song is on this album is a guaranteed hit, especially “Hit Me Like A Bomb,” “Kicking And Screaming,” “For The Rest of Your Life,” “The Victory” and one of my selections for Song of the Year,“I Need A Miracle.” The music is catchy, every song rocks, and in my opinion this is the best overall album of Third Day’s distinguished career.