Bold Sound. Bold Message. | Posted May-17-2022 What You Need to Know
Brandon Lake is a worship leader, artist, and songwriter who carries a message of faith, confidence, and freedom. He's fresh off his first GRAMMY award win alongside worship bands Maverick City Music and Elevation Worship for the collaborative album Old Church Basement. Brandon won GMA Dove Awards for "Songwriter of the Year" and "Worship Recorded Song of the Year" for Elevation's album, "Graves Into Gardens" in 2021.
Brandon has followed up his 2020 solo album, House of Miracles, with a bold full-length album, HELP! The record serves as both a personal testimony and a declaration of hope for others struggling with mental health.
What It Sounds Like
HELP! makes it clear that Brandon isn't afraid to experiment with musical styles and genres. We know from his work with Maverick City Music, Elevation Worship, and his previous solo project that he's an anointed writer and singer of congregational worship songs. On this album, we see that Brandon can boldly venture into new realms of creativity as an artist while still keeping that same ability to usher people into encounters with God and declaration of His Word.
HELP! has flavors of Pop/Electronic ("Meant For Good), R&B/Soul ("Hard Year"), acoustic ballads ("Don't You Give Up On Me"), and Alternative Rock vibes that could hold weight alongside mainstream bands like Imagine Dragons and One Republic ("HELP!," "Always Holding On," "SAVE ME"). Fellow artists JUDAH., Amanda Cook, and Chandler Moore are featured on "Meant For Good," "So Close," and "Fear Is Not My Future," respectively. Brandon's vocal performance is strong throughout the album, showcasing grit and power and tender falsettos at all the right moments.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
The overarching theme of this album is mental health and looking to God for help during struggles. Even though the album is so bold and creative musically, Brandon doesn't compromise intimate connection with God or commitment to scripture as he adventures into new sounds.
Each song captures what it's like to be vulnerable with God as people face challenges and emotional struggles. Even more, the songs capture what it's like to experience God's comfort and healing and to sing songs of hope and victory over difficult situations. From "So Close:" "You're the end of all anxiety/The safest place for suffering/Remind me once again that You're enough/Speak into these empty lies/Revive my heart, renew my mind/Remind me once again that I am enough."
Best Song
This is one of the hardest choices for best song I've had to make because this project is so strong from top to bottom. But if I have to choose, I'd say it's a tie between "So Close" and "Fear Is Not My Future." "So Close" is one of the most intimate, prayerful songs on the album; you can sense God's closeness and comfort as you listen to it. "Fear Is Not My Future" is a faith-filled declaration of God's power in our lives, which is greater than our past or current circumstances.
HELP! is a daring, captivating record with a much-needed message of honesty and hope. It appeals to fans of Rock and Worship and everything in between. And God will use these songs to bring healing to your heart.
Grace and Gratitude | Posted May-04-2022 What You Need to Know
Life.Church Worship is the worship team from the growing multi-campus Life.Church, led by Pastor Craig Groeschel. Life.Church, which is known for using creativity and media to spread the gospel online and at its physical church locations across the U.S., is also serving the body of Christ by writing solid songs of worship for the Church. The collective has released Grace Upon Grace as a follow-up to their 2019 album, God So Good.
Speaking about the project, Life.Church worship leader, Stephen Cole, told media website Movie Guide that the songs were written as prayers people can sing to God. He said that the focus was on two themes: freedom and grace. During an Instragram Live, Life.Church Worship members revealed that the album was recorded live at Life.Church weekend church services.
What It Sounds Like
Fitting for its theme of grace, this album is uplifting from start to finish. The music is bright and energetic and the lyrics inspiring and hopeful. On this album, Life.Church worship, maintains a modern sound while keeping the feel of corporate worship. The album features co-writes with beloved worship leaders and songwriters Matt Redman ("Finished Work of Christ") and Matt Maher ("Inheritance").
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Each song on Grace Upon Grace highlights aspects of what God has done for us because of His grace. The songs are prayers of gratitude, celebration, and remembrance of the love, joy, freedom, and spiritual inheritance we have in Christ. From title track, "Grace Upon Grace:" You wash away my guilt and make me clean/Revealing what you meant for me to be/Mercy wrecked my heart now I can see/Your love restoring every part of me/Grace upon grace upon grace/You cover us with/Grace upon grace upon grace
Best Song On The Record
"Inheritance" wins for best song. Each line walks through key biblical truths about the saving work of Jesus and its impact on our lives. It's a beautiful snapshot of the gospel that's rich in theology and packaged in an engaging, singable worship song to God. Co-writer, contemporary singer Matt Maher, is the lead vocalist on the song. His passionate heart as a worshipper draws the listener in to worship passionately as well.
I've followed Life.Church and Life.Church Worship for several years now. Throughout their time in ministry, they continue to grow as worshippers and songwriters who are not only leading their own church in praise of God but leading the entire body of Christ. Grace Upon Grace will refocus your heart on the simplicity of the gospel and help you articulate your gratitude to God.
A Bold Sound of Worship | Posted March-01-2022 What You Need to Know
SEVEN is a live recording of original worship songs by GRAMMY award-winning Hillsong Worship songwriter and worship leader, Brooke Ligertwood. Brooke is known for having penned worship songs such as “What A Beautiful Name” and “King of Kings” with Hillsong Worship. Now, following the release of singles “A Thousand Hallelujahs” and “Ninevah,” Brooke Ligertwood releases her first worship solo-project. SEVEN captures the rich theology, artistic expression, and congregational accessibility that have been a staple throughout Brooke’s ministry and career.
What It Sounds Like
With its four-on-the-flock kick drum and lively midtempo, “Ancient Gates” is the perfect opener to a worship album, just as it would be a great opening song for a worship set in a church service. Electric guitars create an atmosphere for reflection on “Communion.” “Banner” opens with a riff in the bass guitar; it’s always a treat when bass gets a moment in the spotlight. The sound of the crowd’s voices singing along is present on each song, making you feel like you are right there in the room.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
I’ve always thought of Brooke Ligertwood as a modern-day hymn writer. Her songs are packed with theological truth, reverent worship, and bold prayers. There are several songs on the album on which these elements particularly shine, like “Ancient Gates,” “Communion,” and “Ninevah" (co-written with Elevation Church pastor Steven Furtick). But “Burn” is a highlight. The song draws language from the book of Revelation, chapters 4-5. Using the flame imagery mentioned around God’s throne as a launching pad, the song is a prayer to have a heart that burns with passion and devotion to God. Where I rebel, where I return/The place a thousand fires burn/But only one flame will endure/The one that burns for You
Best Song On The Record
Best song goes to “Honey In The Rock.” This song was co-written with Brandon Lake, who is a rising artist and worship leader in his own right and member of Maverick City Music. Brandon is also a featured vocalist on the song. “Honey in The Rock” is the perfect Contemporary meets Gospel moment and it will take you straight to church. It’s a joyful declaration of God’s faithful provision in our lives, and the lyrics reference well-known Old Testament stories of miraculous provision.
Brooke Ligertwood makes bold choices on this album that are so refreshing. I so appreciate her fearlessness to take risks and lead God’s people where He’s calling us to go through the messages of these songs. Every moment on SEVEN is holy and precious. This album will lead you into an experience with God in both personal and corporate times of worship.
Finding Hope in the Healer | Posted January-18-2022
What You Need to Know
Mutli-platinum and Grammy Award-winning adult contemporary band, Casting Crowns, has released their latest studio album, Healer. The new record explores what healing looks like in different situations in our lives and calls the listener to cling to Jesus as the only true answer to the healing we need.
What It Sounds Like
Healer is as diverse sonically as it is thematically, but still packaged in that signature Casting Crowns mix of country, rock, and contemporary. Consequently, the album is equally refreshing and familiar. The album's high-energy tracks, such as "Desert Road" and "Crazy People," are concert singalongs. The mid-tempo songs and ballads, a staple on every Casting Crowns album, such as "Anything But Easy," "Scars In Heaven," and title-track "Healer," are thoughtful and prayful.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Casting Crowns has described their songs as sermons set to music; they really do teach and disciple people through their lyrics. This album is no exception. "2nd Opinions," in particular, sheds light on the inspirational quotes and clichés Christians often embrace that sound scriptural but actually aren't in the Bible. The song has a country-folk vibe with clever, convicting lyrics that challenge us to make sure the messages we cling to for direction and encouragement are rooted in the truth of God's Word.
"It ain't hard to get hooked on the book of second opinions/We'd rather live our own truth, don't tell us what to do, just what we wanna hear/But it's high time we turned our interest to God's word instead of Pinterest/And finally close the book of second opinions."
Best Song
Healer makes it difficult to pick just one for best song. But I've got to mention the lead single, "Scars In Heaven." You can tell from the first note that there's something special about it. It has already broken streaming records and made its mark on Christian radio as audiences resonate with its message. The lyrics perfectly capture the pain of loss, the healing that's found in bringing grief to Jesus, and the comfort that comes from knowing a loved one is in His loving arms in heaven.
My personal favorite is "Anything But Easy." It has some of the best vocal arrangements on the record. And I appreciate how the song gets real about the struggle we all face to overcome awkward feelings so we can speak truth in love and share our faith with the people in our lives who need to hear it. It meets you right where you are and calls you higher at the same time.
Healer is a goldmine of diverse lyrical themes and deep scriptural truth to dig into long after you've listened to the music. These songs will make you clap, foot-stomp, cry, worship, and reflect all on the same album. The album's only downside is that it's so good I wish it was longer. But lead vocalist Mark Hall revealed in a YouTube livestream that the decision to release a shorter album followed soon after by another album was intentional, to give people time to really digest the music's content. So, the good news is, we can look forward to more to come.
Christian music veteran, Jeremy Camp has recently released his latest studio album, When You Speak. This project was born out of Jeremy processing what God has been teaching him over the past year-and-a-half, as the world faces a global pandemic and all the change, fear and loss it has caused. After 20 years in the music industry, this project shows us, once again, that Jeremy has a ministry and career that is still making an impact, connecting with audiences, and going strong.
What It Sounds Like
On When You Speak, we hear Jeremy venture more into the pop genre space sonically, while still maintaining the rock and worship vibes that have been characteristic of his previous music, making the album an interesting listen. So, you'll hear the best of the classic prayerful and vulnerable ballads fans have come to know Jeremy for over the years of his career ("Steady Me," "No Rain") combined with the production and arrangement elements resonating in much of chart-topping music today ("Can't Take Away," "You See Me").
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
This line from "Consumed" is one of the best lyrics I've heard in a while and is probably my personal favorite lyric on the album: Your love isn't passive at all/It violently tears down my walls/And one by one my worries fall. The poetry and imagery paint a picture that instantly grabs your attention and makes you pause to really reflect on the truth of the words.
Best Song On The Record
I'm giving best song on the record to "Here With You." There are some songs you hear and instantly know it's something special. "Here With You" is a powerful song about Jesus being with you and grieving with you when you're walking through pain. On his social media feeds, Jeremy shares that the song was inspired as he and his co-writer processed the different ways people grieve loss. Sometimes we don't need someone with the right words to say to us in those moments, we just need to be encouraged that Jesus is holding us and weeping with us. The lyrics are sung from that perspective, supported by a subtle, driving piano melody and string section throughout the song. The words are intimate and impactful, and feel like a conversation with a friend.
When You Speak reveals Jeremy Camp's ability to keep his sound current, while staying true to who he is as an artist and delivering lyrics that always hit home. One of the things I appreciate about Jeremy is his genuine passion for Jesus and his heart to encourage people and point them to God. That heart comes across clearly through this project.
This album has songs that will help you connect with God in so many different ways. Whether you need to pray and cry, worship and sing at the top of your lungs, or let words of faith and encouragement wash over your heart, there's a song on When You Speak for you.
Lakewood Music is the worship ministry from Lakewood Church, the Houston mega-church led by pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen. Lakewood Music has partnered with record label Capital CMG to release Whatever May Come, their first full-length album since 2018.
What It Sounds Like
Lakewood Church has no lack of incredibly talented musicians and vocalists, and that's clear as you listen to Lakewood Music leading you in worship on this album. It's the sound of a church worship team--strong and unified vocals ("Away From Your Love"), live instruments, and some electronic ones ("(Now) Ain't That Something") added in, balancing the congregational feel with modern sounds.
Whatever May Come is an album with multiple lead vocalists. It's so refreshing to hear multiple voices leading worship and to experience what each lead vocalist brings to their songs as they ultimately point our attention to God. The album also features Christian pop artist, Tauren Wells, who is a worship leader and young adult pastor at Lakewood, on "You Are My Life" and "I've Got A Fire" and Kim Walker-Smith on "In The Name."
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Lakewood Church is known for faith-filled, encouraging, inspiring messages and that theme comes across through the songs on this record as well. Every song is declaring who God is or declaring trust in Him and faith in His promises, like these lyrics from "In The Name": Our God can never fail/Through Him, our chains are broken/In Him, the sick are healed/In the name of Jesus giants are defeated/Every single mountain has to move/You're faithful to Your promise, You finish what You started/There is none as powerful as You Jesus
Best Song On The Record
"While A Wait" takes best song. A worship ballad, if you will, it has one of the more engaging and hauntingly beautiful melodies on the album. It's reflective of the type of songs and prayers we read in the Psalms about trusting and praising even while we wait on Him to work in our lives.
Whatever May Come is a studio-recorded worship album. Previous worship albums from Lakewood released in the 2000s under the name Lakewood Live were live worship experiences recorded at the church. While Whatever May Come is no doubt a strong record, I wish this one was a live worship album as well. There's something about the raw sound of the congregation engaged in praise and the in-the-moment exhortation from the worship leaders that captures the energy of what worship at Lakewood is like, and I would have loved to see that translate even more on this project because it truly is something special and draws you into the presence of God.
Reflective of the diversity within their home church, Whatever May Come will appeal across diverse ages and musical preferences and will leave you praising God for His power and promises in your in life.
Grammy-nominee Danny Gokey has released his latest studio album, Jesus People. The album follows several music videos anticipating the release, including "He Believes In You," "Agradecido," "Jesus People," and the current radio single, "Stand In Faith." With Jesus People, Danny Gokey adds another project to his discography that showcases the best of what he brings to the table as an artist: vocal prowess, diversity in musical styles, and a meaningful message that cuts straight to the heart.
What It Sounds Like
Danny Gokey is beloved for combining his diverse love of musical genres into a perfect blend, and with Jesus People, he doesn't disappoint. Danny infuses his contemporary and pop leanings ("He Believes In You," "Jesus People") with elements of funk and soul ("Make A Difference"), Latin ("Agradecido" and "Cristo Es Necesario," featuring artist Christine D'Clario), and hip-hop ("Do For Love"). "All Are Welcome" and "We All Need Jesus" draw inspiration from gospel, the former showcasing beautiful choir harmonies in the background vocals and the latter featuring a collaboration with The Voice alumnus and gospel artist, Koryn Hawthorne.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
There's an overarching theme in Danny Gokey's music that's present on Jesus People, too: faith, hope, and inspiration. "Truth Is" is a song that will resonate with anyone feeling trapped in cycles of pain, weighed down by struggles, or fighting against the lies of the enemy. The chorus proclaims the truth that breaks through the noise of emotions and circumstances: Love rescued me/Love set me free/I know what the truth is/I know what the truth is/This soul's been claimed/By blood, by grace/I know what the truth is/I know what the truth is
Best Song On The Record
"Do For Love," featuring pop artist Angie Rose, wins for best song on the record. From a musical standpoint, I think it highlights Danny's ability to stay true to who he is as an artist, while also keeping current with what's connecting musically with audiences. I love the pop meets hip-hop vibe of the song, elevated by Angie's rap on the bridge. And, the message about how God pursues us with His love is one we all need to hear.
Jesus People is as fun as it is inspirational. It's a record that offers song after song of encouragement, packaged in a musically fresh and engaging way. Not only is Danny Gokey incredibly gifted as a vocalist and performer, but he is also anointed to declare God's truth through song, bringing fresh hope to hearts, and that's exactly what you'll experience as you listen to Jesus People.
Worshipping God in Community | Posted July-28-2021 What You Need to Know
Born from the multi-campus Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN, Cross Point Music releases their album, Never Going Back. Following two seasons of significant trial--a Cross Point church building being destroyed in a tornado and a global pandemic--this collection of songs explores what it means to reconnect with God and the true meaning of worship when everything else is stripped away.
What It Sounds Like
Never Going Back has a bit of everything on it, from epic corporate worship anthems ("Oh The Wonder"), to tender, worshipful ballads ("Everything Changes"), and even little hints of Pop. "Just That Good" is a joyful song of praise for God's goodness that will have you dancing in worship. The title track "Never Going Back" has a Country/Folk feel to it. The harmonies in the background vocals are amazing on this entire project. They give the album some hints of Gospel influence even while the album overall is more rooted, musically, in a Contemporary sound. The blend of styles elevates what's already great music even more and adds something special to this record.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
"No One" stands out because it's a worship song focused solely on glorifying God's nature--His glory, majesty and attributes. I think this will be an important song for us to add to our personal worship and church worship repertoire. The lyrics pull imagery from Revelation 4-5, which describes the scene of worship happening around God's throne in Heaven. Clothed in wonder/Wrapped in light/Robed in splendor/Lifted high/Saints and angels/At Your side/Praises echo day and night/ Your power, Your glory/Unrivaled, unending
Best Song On The Record
"Oh The Wonder" wins best song. It's a strong opener to the album and its chorus is one of the most catchy and singable on the album, so you're drawn into worship right away. You can feel your heart fill with joy and awe as you sing praise to God for the freedom He brings to our lives. The bridge is fun as well! The echoes in the background vocals feel like a Gospel choir, church moment and the lyrics proclaim different spiritual blessings we have in our lives because of Jesus.
Every song on Never Going Back is excellent and I know they'll make an impact as they're sung in churches near and far. The writing and production are great. The lyrics are God-focused and will turn your heart's attention to Him. The sense of a community seeking God together that Cross Point has cultivated as a movement is evident as they lead us in worship with these songs.
High Energy and Bold Faith | Posted July-21-2021 What You Need to Know
Vive Worship is the worship ministry of Vive Church in San Francisco, CA. They are a collective of worshippers with a mission to, in their own words, release "songs that are bold in declaration of Jesus." A strong follow-up to the band's 2019 album, Resonance, their latest album Yes and Amen accomplishes that very goal.
What It Sounds Like
The Vive Worship sound is a combination of Pop-rock and Gospel that still keeps the feel of Sunday morning congregational worship. It's evident that these songs were written to help people engage in worship; they make it easy to sing along and enter into praise. The lyrics are anthemic, the melodic hooks are catchy and the drums keep the energy level high.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
One of the strengths of Yes and Amen is that every song is so packed with Biblical truth and bold declarations of faith. "Chasing After You" is a perfect example of the kind of wholehearted, faith-filled prayers you hear on this album. So won't You guide me in Your grace/Can You shape all my desires, take them all and lift them higher/So I'll be walking in Your ways/Gonna shake it off and wake up/Won't stop, I'm only chasing after You
Best Song On The Record
"All Ways All Good" wins for best song on the record. The title is a clever play on words and the song captures a timeless truth in a fresh way. God is always good, works all things out for our good, and is worthy to be praised for His goodness. It has one of the stronger melodic and lyrical hooks on the album as well, making it even easier to catch on and sing along to right away.
Yes and Amen is a versatile and engaging project that will draw you to participate in the worship, not simply listen. You'll sing, clap, and dance along as God's truth fills your heart.
Celebrating An Unchanging God | Posted June-03-2021 What You Need to Know
Influence Music, the worship collective based out of Influence Church in Anaheim, California, has released, Ages (Live). The live-recoded album follows their 2019 album, Rebels, and as well two live mixtapes released in 2020. With Ages, the worship leaders Influence Music trumpet the message that God is sovereign, unchangeable and worthy of worship throughout the ages.
What It Sounds Like
There's a passion in worship and infectious energy that is present throughout the entire album. This record will draw you in, not only to listen, but to participate. Stylistically, Ages (Live) will give you hints of everything from pop-rock anthems ("Theif In The Night"), pop tunes ("If It's You"), ballads ("Devotion," "Someone Worth Living For"), synth-pop ("God of Ages") and Gospel ("10,000 Armies) while still feeling like a cohesive project. No matter the genre influence, each song is packaged in corporate praise and showcases Influence Music's gifting to lead us in worship and their unique voice as a collective.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
There's a theme on the album of looking to God's majesty, power and worth as we worship Him, and from that place having for how He can move in our lives. "House Of God" proclaims the power of God's presence that fosters encounter with Him and transforms our lives. A line from the second verse in particular challenges us to remember the significance of what happens when we worship and come into God's presence: This isn't just a song/This kind of praise will open the heavens/This isn't just four walls/This is the way enter His gates/This isn't ordinary, this is holy
Best Song On The Record
"10,000 Armies" is a fun and unique "rock meets Gospel" type of song. Listening to it, I felt like the best musical sensibilities we've learned from Martin Smith, Planetshakers, and Israel Houghton came together in one song. I love that it showcases Influence Music's ability to put genres together in worship that you may not usually hear on the same track, and it just works so well. Not to mention, the lyrics remind you of God's strength on your behalf to fight your battles. This song will leave you with your eyes firmly fixed on your powerful God and your heart encouraged by His promises.
Ages (Live) is sure to solidify Influence Music's place in worship music even more as they continue to serve God and others, leading us into His presence and reminding us to cling to the hope we have in Him.
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