Power in the Name of Jesus | Posted October-07-2020 What You Need To Know
Skylee Shea is a new artist who has a passion for music and Jesus. Originally from Arizona, Skylee now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, pursuing a career in music. Although Skylee is a relatively new artist, she's been touring with big-name artists, such as Building 429 and We Are Vessel. Her newest release, "When I Speak Your Name," was written alongside her mentor Jason Roy, and producer/writer Carter Frodge.
What it Sounds Like
"When I Speak Your Name" has both a great pop/worship sound and a great message. Skylee's new single is a well-produced song; Her vocals round the song out perfectly. I was introduced to her music last year. And, I think that her songs keep getting better and better. New female artists have been on the rise lately, and Skylee is one of them. She's an artist that you don't want to miss out on. If you're on the lookout for some new pop music, you'll love Skylee's new single.
Spiritual Highlights
This new single is all about the power that's in the name of Jesus. Whenever we speak His name, the darkness and shame surrounding us have to flee. Our worship is a weapon against the enemy: this is a big theme throughout this song. John 8:12 (NIV) says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This song reflects that verse, and the freedom and light we have in God. "You've shown me whenever I speak your name/The shame that I hide and every lie is erased"
Final Word
Overall, Skylee released a great song! I'm excited to see what's next for her and her career. I know that a lot of people will love this new song. You can stream "When I Speak Your Name" now on Spotify and Apple Music.
An Album With an Emphasize on Worship | Posted September-02-2020 What You Need To Know
Jeremy Camp is an amazing artist who has been in the music industry for years. He's released hit songs like "Walk by Faith," "There Will Be A Day," "Keep Me in the Moment," and others. Earlier this year, a movie came out about his life called I Still Believe, which is based on the story of his first wife, Melissa, who died of cancer, and Jeremy's highly successful song "I Still Believe." Two years after Melissa died, Jeremy met his second wife, Adrienne Liesching, former lead singer of The Benjamin Gate. Jeremy and Adrienne recently teamed up for their latest project, The Worship Project. This is the first time the couple has ever released an album together. It features six brand new tracks that both Jeremy and Adrienne sing on together.
What it Sounds Like
Worship is in the name of this new album, and it truly is filled with worship. Each song could easily be sung at church. With the acoustic guitars and keyboards that are featured frequently throughout this record and the powerful lyrics that are in every song, this new album has a church-like feel to it. Jeremy and Adrienne have both been making music on their own solo endeavors for a long time, so it's exciting that they decided to finally release a project together. Their voices blend so well.
Spiritual Highlights
Since this pandemic started, we've all faced a lot. Jeremy and Adrienne wrote most songs out of their struggles. There's a consistent theme throughout this album of who Jesus is. The album begins with "Your Way Yahweh," and closes out with "Isn't The Name." The names of Jesus are repeated multiple times throughout this record, echoing that Jesus is all we need in this life. Right now, what we all need is a reminder of who Jesus is and how He is all we need. This album gives us that reminder.
Best Song on the Record
It's hard to single out one song because each one is so powerful. However, "Whatever May Come" really stands out to me. It's a beautiful reminder that this broken world will one day be renewed. In the meantime, we can call on God and fall on our knees in the middle of all the fear and pain. It's such an uplifting song with such encouraging lyrics. "I will call, I will call upon You/Whatever I face You are with me/I will fall, I will fall on my knees/For every heartbreak You will hold me."
Overall, Jeremy and Adrienne released an amazing album. I hope that we'll hear more new music from them soon because this new record is so great. If you're looking for a new worship album, look no further. Stream The Worship Project on Apple Music and Spotify.
An Album That All of Your Best Friends Will Love | Posted August-24-2020 What You Need To Know
Hillsong Young & Free is the youth band for Hillsong Church in Australia. They're bringing a fresh new take to worship music, in a way that this generation of youth can relate to. The band started making music in 2012. And, since, then they've released multiple different projects and EPs. Over the past few months, the band released several new singles that have garnered more than 15 million streams. All Of My Best Friends, Young & Free's fourth album, features 20 tracks. It features singles, such as "Best Friends," "Never Have I Ever," and "World Outside Your Window." This new album features 13 songs recorded live in Sydney, Australia, and seven studio recordings.
What it Sounds Like
In their songs, Hillsong Young & Free always bring out so many great biblical truths and topics that are relatable to young people.All Of My Best Friends is no exception.From the upbeat "Need Your Love" to the slower "As I Am," whether you like worship or if you like more pop-inspired songs, this album has a song for you. Sometimes it can be hard to find albums with this much variety, but Young & Free made sure there was a song for everyone on this record. This album has a great sound to it. I know that you're going to love it.
Spiritual Highlights
From "Indescribable" to "Never Have I Ever," there's a consistent message throughout this album about the character of God. In "Indescribable," we hear how good God is to us, and "Never Have I Ever" shares how great God's love is. It's beautiful hearing these important topics put into song form. Each song is a reminder that the most important thing that we have in life is our relationship with God. In "World Outside Your Window," the band shares how quickly life can pass us by. I love how in every song, Young & Free shares the importance of having a relationship with Jesus.
Best Song on the Record
The best song on the record would have to be "Best Friends." This song is fun, upbeat, and features a live audience. Ever since I first heard it, I loved this song and knew it was going to be a hit. We're all on our phones so much these days. We're always looking for some kind of quick-fix to satisfy us when the only way we can truly be satisfied is through Jesus. This song speaks to that topic. "All of my best friends are sick of pretending/We want the truth/So much is missing so give us the real thing/I know it's You."
Overall, Hillsong Young & Free released a really great album. I know that it will be enjoyed for years to come. There are so many amazing songs on this record.
Stream All Of My Best Friends on Apple Music and Spotify.
An Album That Reflects on Jesus | Posted August-21-2020 What You Need To Know
Jonathan and Britney Cashman married in 2006. Since then, the two have been making music. Together, they make up the new husband and wife duo worship duo The Cashmans. In 2014, they followed God's calling to reach churches and communities with music. So, they toured around the country to expand their reach to churches and communities. Earlier this year, The Cashmans won The Next Big Thing award at NewReleaseToday's 8th Annual We Love Awards. Now, the duo has just dropped Burn, their second full-length album (12 tracks total). The new album features songs like "Only God Knows," "Your Word Is Alive," and title track "Burn."
What it Sounds Like
The Cashmans have their own unique sound, which is so nice to hear in today's music landscape. In their songs, the duo takes time to reflect on God and what He's done for His children. We all experience pain in life, but God will always be there for us. The Cashmans express this sentiment throughout the album. This record, full of praise, has many different dynamics. From the upbeat title track "Burn" to the slower "Wind and Waves," Jonathan's and Britney's heart can be heard in each song. Acoustic guitar and piano are featured in most tracks, offering us an intimate style of worship.
Spiritual Highlights
Like a lot of albums in this space, the theme is about who Jesus is to us. "Close" reminds us that with Him, we aren't alone. "The Hardest Part" is a beautiful ballad about the struggles we have in our Christian walk. It's great to hear these important messages in music. I'm sure these songs will encourage a lot of people. Life isn't easy, but it's encouraging to know that God will always be with us. The Cashmans shares this sentiment in these songs.
Best Song on the Record
The best song on the record would have to be "Burn." This fun and upbeat song is different from other songs on the album. We were all made to burn for God, and live out our lives for Him. This song is a prayer to set our hearts on fire for Him again, perhaps in the same way our hearts were on fire for Him when we first came to Christ. It's a prayer to get back to our first love, Jesus. "Call this heart of stone to beat again/To hear Your Word and burn."
The Cashmans released an album that I know will appeal to a lot of worship and pop fans alike. They pulled so many great biblical points into their songs and, for that, I respect it even more.
A Beautiful Reminder of Who God Is | Posted August-04-2020 What You Need To Know
We The Kingdom is a new worship band, a family band. We The Kingdom is comprised of brothers Ed and Scott Cash, Ed's kids Franni and Martin, and family friend Andrew Bergthold. The band released their hit song "Holy Water" in 2019. And, ever since, Christian music fans have fallen in love with them. We The Kingdom has toured with artists like Chris Tomlin, Zach Williams, among others. Their new 12-track album Holy Water features singles "God So Loved," "Dancing on the Waves," and, of course, "Holy Water."
What it Sounds Like
Holy Water is fresh and different from other worship albums. From the choir in "Child of Love," to the slower ballad "SOS," there's a song for everyone. No two songs are the same which is what I love about We The Kingdom. Some songs are more soulful, while others are more worshipful. The lyrics in every song are meaningful and have such depth to them. I truly believe that this album will help you realize God's love for you. It will remind you that God is for you, not against you.
Spiritual Highlight
The biggest theme on Holy Water is who God is. "SOS" is a reminder that God will save us, even at our lowest point. "No Doubt About It" is a beautiful song that reflects on how God will always be with us. And, "Peace" tells us that God will give us peace, even when there's chaos all around us. So often Christian songs don't have a very deep message to them, but these songs absolutely do. These songs are such a gift. From the depth of the lyrics to the wonderful vocals, this record is a masterpiece filled with biblical truths.
Best Song on the Record
"Dancing on the Waves" is a song that holds a special place in my heart. It is the best song on the record. It's such a peaceful song, that always helps clear my mind. I first heard this song when Bethel Music released it on their Peace album, and since then I've probably listened to it 50 times. If you're looking for a song to calm you down and ease your mind, I would highly suggest listening to this. There have been few songs that I've found that bring me so much peace like this one does. "I dare you to believe how much I love you now/Don't be afraid, I am your strength/We'll be walking on the water, dancing on the waves."
Overall, this album is so powerful and beautiful in so many ways. It's one of my favorite albums of 2020. I know you're going to love it. I've had Holy Water on repeat. And, I'm sure you'll have it on repeat, too. Stream Holy Water on Apple Music and Spotify.
An Album of Reflection | Posted July-28-2020 What You Need To Know
Worship artist Cory Asbury is a member of the Bethel Music collective. He grew up in North Carolina and began leading worship in his local church at age 17. Later, he interned with the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC). In 2017, Cory released his hit song "Reckless Love." It helped put Cory's solo career on the map. The song has been nominated for Billboard Music Awards, GMA Dove Awards, Grammy Awards, to name a few. Since then, he's become a fan favorite of many Christian music fans. Now, he's back with a new album: To Love A Fool. This means more hits are on the way.
What it Sounds Like
Every song on this record is honest and transparent. You can see Cory's heart in each lyric. "Prodigal Song" and "I'm Sorry" are real, raw songs that are so relatable. Each tune is a reminder of how broken we are, and how great God is in light of our brokenness. To Love A Fool is vulnerable and filled with worship. Piano and drums are frequently highlighted throughout this record. Many of the album's songs will no doubt be sung in contemporary churches.
Spiritual Highlights
There are a lot of great spiritual highlights. In almost every song on this record, there's a constant theme of how great God is, and how great His love is for us. "Canyons" and "Nothing More Than You" reflect that a lot. This album will really make you realize how much God loves you. Even in our sin, God chose to love us. He chose to love a fool, as the title of the album says. I love that this is the theme of the entire album.
Best Song on the Record
"Unraveling" is definitely the best song on the record. I enjoy fan favorites "The Father's House" and "Canyons," but "Unraveling" really sticks out to me. It's such a beautiful song that has an orchestral sound to it. The lyrics are so incredibly striking. It speaks into the pressure of everyday life, and how unraveling it can feel. We always try to pretend that we're happy and put together when we're not. This song speaks of how God is the One we need to run to when we're feeling this way. It's a song that I know you'll want to repeat. "In the unraveling/Father unravel me/When I can't feel a thing, have mercy and let me bleed."
Although I would have enjoyed a few more upbeat songs from Cory, he still released a great worship album overall. It's a beautiful album, with such breathtaking lyrics. This is a record that will make you reflect on who God is, and how incredible it is that he chose to love us. He chose to love a fool. You can stream this album on July 31 on Apple Music and Spotify.
The Perfect Blend of Worship and Rock | Posted June-24-2020 What You Need To Know
Tommy Payne is a brand new artist from North Carolina. He's a worship leader, ordained minister and songwriter. In addition, he also sings at prisons, detention centers and halfway houses. He's part of Ben Calhoun of Citizen Way's program Generosity Rocks, which is an organization that empowers musicians and inspires generosity. Tommy's new EP Freedom is his debut record, which features 5 fresh, new worship songs.
What it Sounds Like
Tommy describes his music as "worship rock," and that's just what it is! It's worship music with a new sound and perspective in every song. It's different from the stereotypical worship music we hear in church every week, yet could very easily be added to a church's worship set. The instruments used on this EP really compliment Tommy's voice, and really brings out his sound. This new EP could be described as "reinvented worship music."
Spiritual Highlights
A repeated theme throughout this record is how we have freedom in Christ (hence the name of the album, Freedom!). From Tommy's song "Free," to his song "Welcome Home," they all speak of our freedom in Christ. It says in John 8:36 (NIV), "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." I love that this theme is all throughout this album! It's a message that we all need to hear as followers of Christ.
Best Song on the Record
The best song on the record would have to be "My Jesus Loves Me!" It's such a fun and upbeat song. It's a reminder that we truly don't deserve God's love, yet He freely gives it to us anyways. It's a nod to the old hymn "Jesus Loves Me," but with a fun and upbeat spin. "I could never deserve a love that saved a wretch like me/I remember the price you paid/all the sacrifice you made that day on Calvary/I'm so glad my Jesus loves me."
Overall, Tommy Payne released a great new worship album! It's unique and different from the regular genre of worship. If you love both worship and rock, this album is for you! You can stream it now on Apple Music and Spotify.
The Perfect Pop Album for Summer | Posted June-03-2020 What You Need To Know
Ryan Stevenson is a talented singer/songwriter from Bonanza, Oregon. Before his career in music, Ryan was a paramedic for eight years. He independently released his first album in 2007 and released three other albums since then. TobyMac helped Ryan get his start. And, in 2012, Toby recorded Ryan's song "Speak Life" and released it on his album Eye On It. Shortly after that, Ryan signed to Toby's label Gotee Records. Since then, Ryan has been releasing hit song after hit song. His new record Wildest Dreams features his new song "Amadeo (Still My God)," which has quickly become a fan favorite.
What it Sounds Like
The songs on this record clearly reflect different journeys and trials that he's been through in his life. From the personal song that he penned for his mom "When We Fall Apart," to his title track "Wildest Dreams," which is a reminder that when our plans don't go the way that we plan, God has something bigger in store for us. Something far beyond our wildest dreams. Every song on this record will encourage you during the various seasons you may go through in this life.
Spiritual Highlights
There's a consistent message throughout the songs on this album to keep pressing on. Life will get hard, but as Ryan sings about in his song "Through It All," God will be with us even through the hard stuff. Even when we mess up, and even when we feel like we'll never see the morning light, God will be with us. The lyrics on "Through It All" says it all: "This is not the end of the story/You're gonna see the light in the morning/you need to know you're not alone/You are never too far gone/Our God redeems/I'm living proof that He's gonna love you through it all."
Best Song on the Record
The best song on the record would have to be "Best Is Yet To Come." It's such a hope-filled song. Although we might not have all of the answers to the pain we experience on earth and we have no idea what tomorrow may bring, we do know this: the best is yet to come. God is not done with us yet. It's definitely my favorite song on this album.
I love Ryan's new record, and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for him next. Whatever you're walking through, or whatever emotions you may be facing today, there's a song on this album that will match your mood. You can listen to it this Friday on Spotify and Apple Music.
An Album That Was Worth the Wait | Posted May-13-2020 What You Need To Know
Colton Dixon is an amazing artist who has been making music for nearly ten years. You may remember him from season 11 of American Idol, where he finished in seventh place. After a three year break between albums, Colton recently signed with Atlantic Records and is back with his new self-titled EP. In addition to the excitement of releasing a new record, Colton announced that he and his wife Annie are expecting twins due this fall.
What it Sounds Like
I love this new EP from Colton. Every song on the record is incredible and inspiring. This new music was definitely worth the wait, and I'm sure it will be loved for years to come. This album has an amazing pop sound with Colton's songs "Miracles" and "Wanderer," and also has a catchy vibe with "Devil is a Liar." Overall this album is incredible and has a great sound to it.
Spiritual Highlights
This EP brings out multiple biblical points. "Devil is a Liar" really speaks of how the enemy is a liar (John 8:44), and "Miracles" talks about the amazing fact that God is making miracles happen all the time, and He rescued us from our sin before "we hit the ground" as Colton sings about. This album brings out many important spiritual highlights that we need to be reminded of every day.
Best Song on the Record
"Wanderer" is definitely the best song on the record. It's a fun song that speaks of who we are as followers of Christ. We're all wanderers, chasing after God's calling. He's leading us and guiding us through life, and He is our "compass in the stars" like Colton sings about. It's a song that I can relate to, and I'm sure many others will be able to relate to it as well. It's worth a listen.
Overall, Colton Dixon released a really great EP. Like I said earlier, this new music was worth the wait. You can stream Colton Dixon EP May 15th on Spotify and Apple Music.
A Song of Unity | Posted May-06-2020 What You Need To Know
Courtnie Ramirez is one of Gotee Records' newest artists, who has had the dream of releasing her original music to the world since she was a teenager. You may remember Courtnie from season 11 of NBC's show The Voice. Recently her song "Perfectly Loved" reached #1 on Billboard's Christian Hot AC/CHR charts, which is a song that she wrote with Ryan Stevenson and Jordan Sapp. Courtnie is a spunky new artist, and you're going to love her music.
What it Sounds Like
I love Courtnie's new single "Who We Are," along with the Spanish flair she brings with it. It's a song about being real about who we are, and being open and honest with each other. It's a great pop song with a great message! The song is sure to be another hit and a favorite among pop music fans.
Spiritual Highlights
Although we all have our differences, we have one thing in common–we are all loved by our Heavenly Father. This song clearly speaks of that, and really is a call to unity. We all experience hurt and pain, but it's a beautiful thing when we can be open with others about our pain, and "pick up the pieces together" as Courtnie sings about. 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV) says, "Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." In a world full of hate, let's come together and love each other, and be honest with each other. We truly do have more things in common than we do differences.
Final Word
Courtnie released an impressive single, and it's so exciting to see a new female artist jump into the Christian music scene. Hopefully, we'll be hearing more new music from her soon! You can stream "Who We Are" on May 8th on all streaming platforms.
GraceChaves_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
![The Beautiful Letdown (Our Version) [Deluxe Edition] by Switchfoot](thum_creater/phpThumb.php?src=../images/album_cover_images/cover_30662.jpg&w=60&h=60&hash=c1849b6fbcd7ea73a3009d2b36c3d202)
