Hope
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Petra Petra was one of my favorite bands when I was a new believer in the 1980’s and 1990’s, and I continued to follow their music through 2003’s Jekyll and Hyde. Hope is...
Life & Breath
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Matt After releasing twenty albums, Matt Redman has done something he hadn’t previously done. Life & Breath, Redman’s latest album, was recorded as a "live studio" album in...
Live Worship From Chris Tomlin | Posted April-11-2024
Released just ahead of his eighth annual “Good Friday Nashville” concert at the Bridgestone Arena, Chris Tomlin, a long-time favorite of mine, released Live from Good Friday. The project includes songs from the previous gatherings, along with some new ones. Included are some of his best loved songs such as the medley “Good Good Father/Great Are You Lord”, “How Great Is Our God”, “Our God”, “Is He Worthy”, “At the Cross (Love Ran Red)”, and “Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)”, which features vocals from George Mhondera, one of Tomlin’s background singers. Also included are three new songs from his 2023 album Always – “Holy Forever” with co-writers Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson, “Precious Love” and the title song. The project ends with the 1873 hymn “It is Well”, written by Horatio G. Spafford.
This is a wonderful addition to Tomlin’s catalog. My only complaint would be that the production had the crowd’s singing mixed too high. This is appropriate on some songs such as “Is He Worthy? and the closing “It is Well”, but overall, I would have liked Tomlin’s vocals to be more up front in the mix.
Sing! World Tour Live | Posted February-20-2024 A live album has been released from the annual Sing! conference each year since the conferences began in 2017. This is probably my favorite of all of those releases. It is billed as Sing! The Great Commission World Tour Live, as it includes songs from Sing! events in Belfast, Singapore and Sydney, in addition to the Sing! Conference in Nashville.
The album features sixteen songs and two readings, with contributions from Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, CityAlight, Chris Tomlin, Andrew Peterson and more. Here are a few comments about each song.
All My Boast Is in Jesus – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Bryan Fowler, Keith Getty, and Matt Papa, and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Key lyric:
All my boast is in Jesus
All my hope is His love
And I will glory forever
In what the cross has done
Medley: Lift High the Name of Jesus / Home on the Other Side – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ed Cash, and Fionán de Barra. “Home on the Other Side” incorporates the hymn “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”.
Key lyric:
Oh sing my soul,
And tell all He’s done,
Till the earth and heavens are filled with His glory!
Is He Worthy? – This song was written by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive and performed by Andrew Peterson and Chris Tomlin.
Key lyric:
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory?
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this? He is
There Is One Gospel – This song was written by Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson and performed by CityAlight.
Key lyric:
There is one Gospel on which I stand
For all eternity
It is my story, my Father’s plan
The Son has rescued me
In Christ Alone – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, and performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and CityAlight.
Key lyric:
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
I Set My Hope (Hymn for a Deconstructing Friend) – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Keith Getty, and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Key lyric:
I set my hope on Jesus
My rock, my only trust
Who set His heart upon me first
I set my hope on Jesus
Let the Nations Be Glad – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Aaron Boswell, and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Key lyric:
Let the nations be glad
Let the people rejoice
For salvation belongs to our God
Let the whole earth be filled
With the praises of the Lord
For salvation belongs to our God
Let the nations be glad
Come Unto Jesus – This song was written by Matt Merker, Laura Story and Jordan Kauflin. Words adapted from "Come Ye Disconsolate" by Thomas Moore and Thomas Hastings. The song was performed by Laura Story and Jordan Kauflin.
Key lyric:
Come unto Jesus,
Come unto Jesus.
Lay down your burdens, He is enough;
Come unto Jesus, rest in His love.
How Long, O Lord – This song was written by Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, and Laura Story, and performed by Jordan Kauflin.
Key lyric:
How Long, O Lord, till you make things right?
How Long, O Lord, till our faith is sight?
How Long, O Lord, till your kingdom comes?
Lord Jesus, come
Christ Is Mine Forevermore – This song was written by Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson, and performed by CityAlight and Sandra McCracken.
Key lyric:
Come rejoice now, O my soul,
For His love is my reward.
Fear is gone and hope is sure:
Christ is mine forevermore.
Precious Love – This song was written by Ben Cantelon, Chris Tomlin, and Sam McCabe, and performed by Chris Tomlin.
Key lyric:
Oh the precious love of Jesus
Oh the fount of grace divine
Flowing as a mighty river
Washing sinners in its tide
There will never be another
In whose name we are redeemed
Oh the precious love of Jesus
Pouring out for you and me
Psalm 150 (Praise The Lord) – This song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Key lyric:
Praise the Lord
Praise the Lord
Sing His greatness
All creation
Praise the Lord
Raise your voice
You heights and all you depths
From furthest east to west
Let everything that has breath
Praise the Lord
Our God Will Go Before Us – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Keith Getty and Matt Papa, and performed by Matt Papa.
Key lyric:
Our God will go before us
The Lord of Hosts is with us
O praise the One who leads us on
For His grace will bring us home
My Soul Will Wait / Mi Alma Esperará – This song was written by Keaton Bunting and Bob Kauflin, and performed by Sovereign Grace Music, Jonathan & Sarah Jerez.
Key lyric:
You’re my solid rock and my salvation
My steadfast hope that won’t be shaken
My soul will wait, my soul will wait for You
How Great Thou Art – This song was written by Stuart K. Hine, and performed by The Choir Room and Kirk Whalum.
Key lyric:
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
Panta Ta Ethne (All Nations) – This instrumental, performed by the Getty band, was arranged by Fionán de Barra and David Rodgers.
Mac Powell Christmas | Posted November-09-2023
Mac Powell was the long-time lead singer for four-time Grammy award winners Third Day, and has one of the best voices in music today. Since Third Day’s disbanding in 2018, he has enjoyed a solo career. With Third Day, he released Christmas Offerings in 2006. He returns with an enjoyable new five-song EP titled Christmas.
Here are a few brief comments about each of the songs on the EP:
Christmas Time Again, My Friend – Powell wrote this song with his daughter and son-in-law. The mid-tempo feel-good song references many Christmas memories (Bing Crosby on the radio, Charlie Brown on my TV, etc. The song features horns, a guitar solo, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
When I was a child I thought that toys would make my Christmas better
Now that I’m older I realize it’s because we’re all together
I Pray On Christmas – This jazz-flavored song was written by Harry Connick Jr. The song features some piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I pray on Christmas
He’ll get me through another day
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – This jazz-flavored song was written by Ralph Blane and Hugh Martin. The song features guitar, horns, bass, and some excellent piano.
Key lyric:
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Jesus Christ Is Born – This upbeat song was written by Powell and originally released in 2021. The song features guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Jesus Christ is born
The Savior of the world
Let all of Heaven and Earth rejoice
Jesus Christ is born"
Living Proof – This song was written by Powell and Tony Wood. This song features piano, organ, guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals.
Christmas from Michael W. Smith | Posted October-14-2023
Michael W. Smith returns with a new full-length Christmas album, his sixth Christmas project, titled Every Christmas. The album includes six songs from his 2022 EP Christmas at Home, along with six new songs. Smith co-produced the album with son Tyler Michael Smith. This is really a family project. Smith’s daughters Whitney Mooring and Anna Smith are featured throughout, along with his 17 grandchildren. The album features beautiful orchestration throughout.
Here are a few comments about each song on the album:
The Night Before… - This is a brief instrumental featuring piano and orchestration.
Christmas Is Here - This song was written by Smith and daughter Anna Bovi, and features piano, a chorus of all of his grandchildren, and an orchestral arrangement done by Smith’s son, Tyler.
Key lyric:
Ring, ring all the bells
Angels rejoice
Redemption upon us
Here With Us – This beautiful song begins and features an orchestra (strings and horns) and a choir. The song ends with a snippet from the traditional Christmas carol “Deck the Halls”.
Key lyric:
Hallelujah
A babe is born
Singing hallelujah
Be filled with awe and wonder
This Christmas morn
Emmanuel
Our God is here with us
Caroling, Caroling – This classic Christmas song was written by Wihla Hutson and Alfred Burt. The song is led by a choir backed by beautiful strings.
Key lyric:
Caroling, caroling through the town
Christmas bells are ringing
Sometime Every Christmas – This song was written by Smith and Tony Wood. The song has Smith looking back on past Christmases. Like many of us, looking back can bring back memories of those who are no longer with us. The beautiful song features strings, piano, backing vocals and a choir.
Key lyric:
Sometime every Christmas
Can’t say where or when or why
But some moment or some memory
Takes me by surprise
And something in the season
Wells up in my eye
Sometime every Christmas
I cry
How Great Our Joy – This is a traditional German Christmas carol. The song features a choir, strings and horns.
Key lyric:
How great our joy! Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!
Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!
Freeze The Frame - This song was written by Smith and Tony Wood. The song paints pictures of family moments around the holidays. The song features piano, percussion, strings, and daughter Anna Bovi on vocals.
Key lyric:
My only wish this Christmas Eve
Is that we could all remain
Forever here
The One – This song was written by Smith and Whitney Mooring. The song features piano, a choir and strings.
Key lyric:
The joy of Christmas morning
With family in our home
And all the children's laughter
Remind us of the One
Newborn King – This beautiful song is about the newborn king coming tonight, features piano, and a choir.
Key lyric:
Every breath be a holy wonder
Darkness runs from the voice of thunder
I have heard your cries
Dry your weeping eyes
The new born King He comes tonight
The Star - This mostly instrumental, features vocals from Smith’s daughter Whitney Mooring, piano and orchestration.
God with God - This song is about God becoming incarnate in Jesus and coming to Earth to be with us. It was produced, orchestrated, and arranged by David Hamilton, and features the 200+ member Brentwood Baptist Choir.
Key lyric:
Then one holy chosen midnight
Something wild and wonderous
God with God in highest heaven
Suddenly now, God with us
As he promised, God with us
Christmas at Wildwood - This instrumental features Smith on piano.
Better than Ever! | Posted September-23-2023
CAVES is NEEDTOBREATHE’s nineth studio album and their first since 2021’s Into the Mystery. The excellent album, which features eleven new songs, was produced by Cason Cooley and the band, and features collaborations with Carly Pearce, Judah & the Lion, Foy Vance, and Old Dominion. NEEDTOBREATHE has been making music for more than twenty years and this new album is one of my favorites of 2023.
Here are a few comments about each song:
The Cave – This upbeat opener was written by Bear Rinehart, Josh Lovelace, and Mokita. The song opens with guitar, with the full band kicking in before verse two. The song features a guitar solo. He needs some time to be on his own in a world without a mirror.
Key lyric:
First light is coming and there's
No more need for hiding
Everknown – This uplifting song was written by Bear Rinehart, Seth Bolt, Josh Lovelace, Tyler Burkum, Chance McCoy, and Mokita. The song is inspired by those in the band’s lives who have helped shape them into the people they are today. The song is dedicated to the humble heroes that don’t get enough credit for the good they have brought to the world.
Key lyric:
You left us everything, but still you're leaving us more
How Wonderful We Are – This love song was written by Bear Rinehart, Josh Lovelace, Tyler Burkum, and Mokita. The song begins with keys, and then backing vocals and drums are added.
Key lyric:
The hole inside my heart is a place where you fit in
Dreams – This upbeat and inspiring song was written by Bear Rinehart, Judah Akers and Mokita, and features Judah & the Lion. The voices of Rinehart and Akers blend well.
Key lyric:
Fools like us are only here to prove
You make dreams come true
When You Forgive Someone – This upbeat song about forgiveness was written by Bear Rinehart, Jason Ingram, and Josh Kerr. The song speaks to how forgiveness is not easy. It features some nice guitar, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Oh, when you forgive someone
You set yourself free
Wasting Time – This upbeat song was written by Bear Rinehart, Josh Lovelace, Cason Cooley, and Chance McCoy and features Old Dominion. This song, which will sound great in concert, features a guitar solo and some nice backing vocals.
Key lyric:
You can do what you want with your time
But I don't wanna waste mine
Fall on Me – This love song was written by Bear Rinehart, Jason Ingram and Steven Furtick and features Carly Pearce.
Key lyric:
You will always be
The one that I can call
The safest place to fall
For me
Hideaway – This upbeat love song was written by Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs, and Mokita. The song features some nice keys and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Not sure what I can change but I'll be your hideaway
By and by – This upbeat song about heading to our heavenly home was written by Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs, and Mokita. The song features an excellent guitar solo.
Key lyric:
One day the sadness will be good as gone
When you and I arrive in the by and by
Reaching Out to Find You – This midtempo song about reconciliation was written by Bear Rinehart, Dave Barnes, and Jordan Reynolds. The song features keys, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Cause if we ever wanna reconcile
We might have to erase the lines we've drawn
Temporary Tears – This beautiful song was written by Bear Rinehart and Trent Dabbs, and features Foy Vance. The song features guitar and a choir. Rinehart and Dabbs’ voices blend well.
Live from Red Rocks Leaves You Wanting More | Posted June-22-2023
This six-song (plus an acoustic request segment) EP from Mac Powell features two Third Day songs (“Soul on Fire”, “God of Wonders”), two songs from Powell’s New Creation album (“New Creation”, “River of Life”), one song from Mac Powell and the Family Reunion’s album Back Again (“Flood Waters”), and a cover of “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac. The project was recorded at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado in August, 2022 during the K-Love Presents Live at Red Rocks. Third Day played their final concert at Red Rocks June 27, 2018.
I saw Third Day live three times as well as Powell with the Family Reunion. He has always been excellent in a live setting, and this new project is no exception. Clocking in at just 30 minutes, Live from Red Rocks leaves you wanting more.
NF Delivers Again | Posted April-10-2023 HOPE is thirty-one-year-old NF’s (Nathan Feuerstein) fifth album, and first since 2021’s CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE). NF has built a loyal following that has earned him over 30 billion global streams.
Themes on the excellent new album include taking the reins of his life, staying true to himself, faith, overcoming odds, relationships (his mother, wife, child, and a failed relationship), being a lonely soul, being at the top of his game, and running from darkness and depression. There are two guest artists on the album – Cordae and Julie Michaels.
Here are a few brief comments about each song:
HOPE – This song, which was the lead single for the album, was written by NF and Tommee Profitt. It was produced by NF, Profitt and Jeff Sojka. The hard-hitting song features keys, strings, bass, and percussion. He addresses dreaming big, regret, growing pains, his son, his former self and ends by saying that he is taking the reins of his life. Watch the video for “HOPE”.
Key lyric:
I'm a prime example of what happens when you choose to not accept defeat and face your demons.
MOTTO – This song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. The song features keys, strings, drums, and a memorable chorus. He addresses industry expectations but would rather stay true to himself than chase “success” in the music industry.
Key lyric:
You heard the sayin', "If it ain't broke
Don't fix it," that's my motto
CAREFUL – This hard-hitting song was written by NF, Cordae and David Garcia and produced by NF and Garcia. The song features Cordae and a bass beat. NF and Cordae trade verses about overcoming odds, protecting their family, feeling blessed and taking risks.
Key lyric:
I was talkin' to God 'bout what's real or what's not
All He said was, "Remain faithful"
MAMA – This song was written and produced by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X. In this song, NF addresses his mother who died from drug abuse when he was young. He prays that she has found peace in heaven, and he wants her to know that he loves her. The mid-tempo song features keys and drums.
Key lyric:
Is He standin' in front of you so you can look at His face?
When you talk to Him, does He talk back?
You ever have conversations about what you regret?
Or did it all go away once you got there?
HAPPY – This song was written by NF and Tommee Profitt and produced by NF, Profitt and Jeff Sojka. The song begins with a prayer, with NF indicating that it has been a few years since he has talked to God. He’s a lonely soul and knows he needs help, but he just can’t imagine who he’d been if he was happy. The music is upbeat, in contrast to the lyrics, and has a pop element, with strings, keys, drums and a memorable chorus.
Key lyric:
Hanging by a thread’s how I live
I don’t know why, but I feel more comfortable
PANDEMONIUM – This song was written by NF and Tommee Profitt and produced by NF, Profitt and Jeff Sojka. This hard-hitting song features electronic percussion.
His confidence in his music is at the highest level. He’s successful and blessed.
Key lyric:
What's the latest trend?
I don't have a clue, I don't follow them
They just follow me, keep 'em on the edge
Keep 'em on they toes, keep 'em wonderin'
SUFFICE – This song was written and produced by NF, Tommie Profitt and Saint X. The song features drums and keys. He’s better than ever. It didn’t happen overnight, and you shouldn’t bet against him. Life is a gift, and he wants to live it to the fullest while he can.
Key lyric:
Mediocre, that just won't suffice
GONE – This song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt and Julia Michaels and produced by NF and Profitt. The slower paced song features Julia Michaels. The song about a failed relationship features excellent vocals. The song features keys, and drums.
Key lyric:
I pray, someday
You find yourself
Somehow, someway
With someone else
BULLET – This song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X, and produced by NF, Profitt, Saint X and Jeff Sojka. The song is dedicated to NF’s wife, Bridgette Doremus. He assures her that he would do anything for her, even taking a bullet for her. The mid-tempo joyful song features drums and keys.
Key lyric:
I would take a bullet, give my life in a second if it came down to it
Sacrifice anything to see the light in your eyes, I swear I'd do it
TURN MY BACK – This song was written and produced by NF, Saint X and David Garcia. The song features keys and drums. He doesn’t need anybody’s help. He’s at the top of his game. It’s God’s plan. Got a problem with him, take it up with God.
Key lyric:
Need grace, need love, need God, need faith
MISTAKE – This intimate song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. The song features keys and strings. He admits that he’s made mistakes, and has qualities he’s not proud of, but he’s trying his best.
Key lyric:
Mistake, might've made some
Can't argue with that, but I ain't one
LET EM PRAY – This hard-hitting song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X. The song was produced by NF, Profitt, Saint X and Jeff Sojka. The song features synth and drums. The song is about others praying for his downfall.
Key lyric:
Life is precious, life is treacherous
Life is filled with dead-end roads
Keep on pushin', keep on healin'
See you prayin' on my downfall
Go on, keep on prayin', God ain't listenin' to you
RUNNING – This song was written and produced by NF and David Garcia. The song has NF addressing his darkness. The song features acoustic guitar, which later builds with synth and drums. He no longer wants to continue carrying the weight of his depression and darkness. There’s happiness on the horizon.
Excellent Sophomore Effort for Wilder Woods | Posted April-05-2023
Bear Rinehart (lead singer/songwriter for NEEDTOBREATHE) brings his strong vocals to his second full-length solo album as Wilder Woods (the first names of his two older sons). Rinehart wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, most of them during the pandemic. The songs are generally about horizontal relationships. The album was produced by Cason Cooley, and features Tyler Burkum and Carl Broemel on guitars, Aaron Sterling on drums, Tony Lucido on bass, and background singers.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Maestro (Tears Don’t Lie) – This upbeat song was written by Bear Rinehart. The song features organ, drums, guitar, bass, backing vocals and a guitar solo. He is taking his time to make the relationship work. She’s making him work, but he’s confident that she’s going to be his.
Key lyrics:
Throw me out like change in your pocket baby
Patience – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and Paul Meany. The song features guitar, drums, bass, keys, and backing vocals. The song is about the need for forgiveness.
Key lyrics:
So here comes a confession
I'vе been runnin' so long
It finally feels like a blessin'
To admit when I'm wrong, hеy
Be Yourself – This song was written by Bear Rinehart, Ian Fitchuk and Konrad Snyder. The song features keys, drums, guitar, bass and backing vocals. He is just asking her to be herself.
Key lyrics:
Who knows you better
Who could love you any more
You can trust me completely
Heartland – This song was written by Bear Rinehart, Cason Cooley, and Tyler Burkum. The song features guitar, guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals. He’s wondering why he let himself ever get this far from the heartland.
Key lyrics:
Say a little prayer for the problems I left behind
Criminal – This upbeat song was written by Bear Rinehart and Gabe Simon. The song features guitar, bass, drums, keys, and backing vocals. Losing her would be so criminal.
Key lyrics:
This broken heart has got me cynical
I fooled myself that I was in control
Wish It Was Mine – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and Josh Lovelace and Jordan Reynolds. The song features guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. The song is about the end of a relationship.
Key lyrics:
I know I can't be where you need me tonight
I see your heart breaking now and I wish it was mine
Get It Back – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and Jon Hume. The song features guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. He wished he would have known that when you give your heart to someone you might never get it back.
Key lyrics:
There's no lighthouse in the distance
When you're this far out from home
Be The Man – This song was written by Bear Rinehart Seth Bolt, Cason Cooley and Tyler Burkum. The song features guitar, keys, backing vocals, drums, and bass. He was born selfish and is tired of being all that he is.
Key lyrics:
Save me, 'cause all my bones have been aching
All these prayers I've been faking
It's time to make a stand
Death of Me – This song was written by Bear Rinehart, Josh Kerr and Anderson East. The song features keys, drums, guitar, bass and backing vocals. He wishes he could love her better, but it doesn’t come naturally.
Key lyrics:
Yeah, our broken hearts might break together
In a last chance symphony
Girl, you're gonna be the death of me
Go Ahead – This mid-tempo song was written by Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs, and Ran Jackson. The song features keys, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. He wants to hold her close but never hold her back.
Key lyrics:
I hope you find yourself far enough away from home
To get your money's worth of grace before it's gone
Make Your Own Mistakes – This beautiful song was written by Bear Rinehart, Dave Barnes and Jamie Hartman. The song features guitar, backing vocals, bass, and drums. This is a song to his children about not following his path, but to make their own mistakes.
Key lyrics:
I just want you to
Go your own way
You don't have to chase down the same dreams I did
Live Worship from Shane and Shane | Posted March-17-2023
The latest album from worship duo Shane and Shane (Shane Barnard and Shane Everett) was recorded live at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. The album was produced by Bryan Fowler with Shane Barnard, who also co-wrote each song. The album includes additional vocals from The Worship Initiative’s Davy Flowers, Aaron Williams and John Marc Kohl, as well as Trenton Bell.
I really enjoyed this new live worship album, and it is one that I will revisit often. Below are a few comments about each song:
All Creatures (Sing the Harmony) – This song was written by Shane Barnard, Bethany Barnard and Bryan Fowler and features Davy Flowers on vocals. The song features guitar, bass, drums, keys, and backing vocals. The song is based on the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” by William Henry Draper, based on a poem by St. Francis of Assisi.
Key lyric:
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
O praise Him O praise Him
You’ve Already Won – This song was written by Shane Barnard and Bryan Fowler. The song features, guitar, bass, drums, keys, and backing vocals. There is future grace that is ours today that Jesus Christ has won. It’s a powerful new hymn, and my favorite song of 2023 thus far.
Key lyrics:
I'm fighting a battle
That You've already won
No matter what comes my way
I will overcome
All Sufficient Merit – This song was written by Shane Barnard, Bethany Barnard and, Bryan Fowler. The song features guitar, bass, drums, keys and backing vocals. Christ’s all sufficient merit did what we could not.
Key lyric:
It is done it is finished
No more debt I owe
Paid in full all sufficient
Merit now my own
Unto Him (Jude 24-25) – This song was written by Shane Barnard and Mike Donehey. The song, based on the Doxology in Jude 24-25, features guitar, keys, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Unto Him who has saved us
Be all glory be all majesty
Dominion all authority is Yours
Right now and forevermore
Tell the Story (Psalm 8) – This song was written by Shane Barnard and Davy Flowers. The song features guitar, bass, drums, keys, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
With every breath
We shout Your praises
With all creation
Tell the story of the one
Who loves us
You love us
You love us
My Portion – This song was written by Shane Barnard, Bryan Fowler, and Grayson Kessenich. The song features guitar, keys, strings, backing vocals, drums, and bass. The Savior is our portion and shall forever be.
Key Lyric:
Hallelujah what a Savior
My redeemer my reward
Hallelujah endless treasure
My delight forevermore
Psalm 42 (Loudest Praise) – This song was written by Shane Barnard and Bryan Fowler. Based on the hymn “Come Thou Font of Every Blessings” by Robert Robinson and Martin Madan, the song features guitar, keys, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Come thou fount of living water
Tune my heart to bless Your Name
Streams of trouble never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Psalm 8 (How Majestic is Your Name) – This song was written by Shane Barnard and features keys, guitar, backing vocals, bass, and drums.
Key lyric:
So we’ll sing of Your name
Live our lives for Your greatness, oh God
And Your glory and honor
Psalm 90 (Satisfy Us With Your Love) – This song was written by Shane Barnard and features, keys, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
When the sun comes up, satisfy us
Before the day has passed us by
Before our hearts forget all Your goodness
Satisfy us with Your Love
Only There – This song was written by Shane Barnard, Grayson Kessenich, and Bryan Fowler. The song features guitar, keys, bass, drums, and backing vocals. Only in Christ can we find our rest.
Live Worship from Matt Redman | Posted February-20-2023
In his new album “Lamb of God”, his seventeenth, longtime respected worship leader Matt Redman – “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”, “Blessed Be Your Name” – gives the church the gift of new songs written for congregational singing. The album, which was produced by Steve Marcia, was recorded live at the Mission in San Capistrano, California, a house of worship first established in 1776.
Among the themes on the album include Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross, the goodness of Jesus’s heart, the grace of Jesus, the unconditional love, hope and joy of God, the holiness of God, praising God when the blessings flow and when it seems they don’t, and worshipping God no matter what comes.
The album features three versions of the song “Son of Suffering” and a new version of Redman’s classic “Heart of Worship”.
Below are a few comments about each song on this excellent new album:
The Praise Is Yours – This song was written by Redman, Andi Rozier, Joshua Seller and Travis Ryan. The song features bass, strings, keys, guitar, drums and backing vocals. God sent the Son for our forgiveness, and on the cross He drank the cup.
Key lyrics:
All the glory and honor
Blessing and power
Because Your name alone is worthy
Worthy forever
The praise is Yours
Son of Suffering – This song about the suffering of Jesus was written by Redman, Aaron Moses, David Funk and Nate Moore. Jesus is the man of sorrows, the Son of suffering. In the еnd, the proof is in His wounds. The song, which builds powerfully, features keys, guitar, drums, bass, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Blood and tears
How can it be?
There's a God who weeps
There's a God who bleeds
Oh, praise the One
Who would reach for me
Hallelujah to the Son of suffering
Lamb of God – This song about the Lamb of God on Calvary, was written by Redman, David Funk and Jason Ingram, and features Funk on vocals. The song features guitar, keys, strings, drums, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Behold the Son of God
Who takes away our sin
Behold His perfect sacrifice
Bеhold the wounds of grace
Upon His hands and feet
Oh, the Lamb of God on Calvary
Amen (Total Praise)/Lamb of God (Reprise) – This is a continuation of “Lamb of God”, using the bridge of the song, along with a refrain of “Amen”.
Love is This – This song about the sacrificial death of Jesus was written by Redman, Mitch Wong, Taya Gaukroger, Ryan Ofei and Lizzie Morgan and features May Angeles on vocals. The song features, guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals, and keys. The song ends with a sampling of “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” by Robert Lowry.
Key lyrics:
And though we did not drive those nails
It was our sin that held You in that place
Unconditional – This song about the unconditional love, hope and joy of God was written by Redman, Matt Maher, Cody Carnes, and Henry Seeley and features Maher on vocals. The song features guitar, keys, drums, backing vocals and bass.
Key lyrics:
Your love is unconditional
Your hope is unconditional
Your joy is unconditional
Always, always
Halfway Empty – This song about the goodness of Jesus’s heart and His grace, was written by Redman, Quinten Coblentz, Wes Writer and Lynnea. The song features keys, strings, bass, guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Cause You give and You give so lavishly
And Your grace is not even halfway empty
My cup overflows, I have all that I need
Still, Your grace is not even halfway empty
Hallelujah Holy – This song about the holiness of God was written by Redman, Jon Guerra, Nick Herbert, and Sam Bailey. The song features guitar, drums, bass, keys, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Hallelujah Holy
Hallelujah Holy
For all You are
And You will ever be
Hallelujah You are Holy
King of Calvary – This song about Jesus, the King of Calvary, was written by Redman, Benjamin Hastings, and Jon Guerra. The beautiful song features keys, strings, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Let every grateful breath
Cry hallelujah to
The King of Calvary
Praise God – This song about praising God when the blessings flow and when it seems they don’t was written by Redman and Jason Ingram. The song features drums, bass, guitar, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Praise God praise God
Oh my soul
As the blessings flow
As the blessings flow
Praise God praise God
Oh my soul
When it seems they don’t
Still we sing this song
Even Still and Even So – This song about worshipping God no matter what comes was written by Redman, Judson Harris, Jake France, Isaac Borquaye, and Kyle Smith. The song features guitar, keys, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Whatever comes whatever falls
From the highest height to the lowest low
God even still and even so
I’ll lift my hands
And I will worship You
Heart of Worship – This is a new version of Redman’s much-loved song, written by Redman and Laurie Klein. The song features keys, bass and backing vocals.
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