Heaven On My Mind
by
TobyMac Heaven on My Mind is TobyMac’s ninth studio album, following 2022’s Life After Death, my favorite album of that year. It is another solid effort featuring twelve new songs,...
Hear the Hallelujahs Roar (Live) EP
by
CityAlight The latest project from Australia’s CityAlight is a wonderful five-song EP Hear the Hallelujahs Roar. The songs are a nice balance of upbeat and more slower songs for congregational singing.
Curioso
by
Wilder Woods Curioso is Bear Rinehart's (singer and songwriter with NEEDTOBREATHE) third solo release as Wilder Woods, and my favorite of the three. The album is fresh and energetic. Each repeated listening...
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.
Live from the 2022 Sing! Conference | Posted January-31-2023
This excellent live album is from the 2022 Sing! Getty Worship Conference, which had a theme of Christ Our Hope in Life and Death. The twelve songs were pulled from a wonderful conference that took place at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center and the Grand Ole Opry over three days last September in Nashville. (Read my Reflections from the conference here).
In addition to Keith & Kristyn Getty and their incredible band, this album features Blessing Offor, Shane and Shane, CityAlight, Skye Peterson, Matt Papa, Matt Boswell, Bob Kauflin, Jordan Kauflin, Sandra McCracken, Joni Eareckson Tada, Matt Merker, Kirk Whalum and more.
It had to be hard to pick just a few songs among the many highlights from the conference. In addition to enjoying this album, I look forward to more music from the 2022 conference being released in the coming months.
Here’s a few brief comments about each
The Lord Almighty Reigns – This song was written by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Blessing Offor.
Rejoice – This song was written by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive, Skye Peterson and Bryan Fowler, and was performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Shane and Shane.
Only a Holy God/Holy, Holy, Holy – “Only a Holy God” was written by Michael Farren, Jonny Robinson, Dustin Smith and Rich Thompson, and performed by CityAlight. “Holy, Holy, Holy” was written by Reginald Heber.
Love Still Bids You Welcome – This song was written by Ben Shive and Skye Peterson, and performed by Skye Peterson.
Come Christians Join to Sing – This song was written by Christian H. Bateman, arranged by Zach White, and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty.
The King in All His Beauty – This song was written and performed by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell.
Speak O Lord – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Shane and Shane.
Behold Our God – This song was written by Jonathan Baird, Meghan Baird, Ryan Baird and Stephen Altrogge and performed by Bob Kauflin and Jordan Kauflin.
Lord Have Mercy (For What We Have Done) – This song was written and performed by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, and features Sandra McCracken.
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) – This song was written by Charles H. Gabriel and performed by Joni Eareckson Tada.
He Will Hold Me Fast (Prayer for Peace) – This song was written by Matt Merker and Ada Habershon, and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Joni Eareckson Tada, Elizabeth Klimchuck, Milena Kabodko and Matt Merker
Crossing the Pond/Total Praise – “Crossing the Pond” is an instrumental performed by Kirk Whalum and the Getty band. “Total Praise” was written by Richard Smallwood.
Excellent Rich Mullins Tribute Album | Posted November-06-2022
Rich Mullins went home to be with the Lord following an accident near Lostant, Illinois on I-39 on September 19, 1997, on the way to a benefit concert in Wichita, Kansas, where he lived. Mitch McVicker was also in the vehicle, and though badly injured, he would survive. To commemorate the 25th year of Mullins’ homegoing, a new double-length album of his songs has been released. The album (and future documentary) was recorded in the living room of Mullins’ old house in Bellsburg, Tennessee, where he often crafted songs on the same piano that his parents acquired by trading for a cow from the family farm. Each of the 16 new folk/acoustic interpretations of recordings are by artists who were greatly impacted by the original versions. Each of the artists featured in the project has a personal connection with Mullins or has been deeply influenced by his music. Each side of the project ends with an original, never commercially released demo from Mullins.
The 18-track album was recorded with sparse arrangements, in some cases one voice and one instrument, so that the energy and passion of each artist (and Mullins’ lyrics) are out front. You will also occasionally hear some banter from the artists. The album was produced by Chris Hoisington, Andrew Greer served as co-producer, executive producer, Evan Sieling was co-producer and mixing, Anthony Hoisington was executive producer, Dave Trout was supervising producer, and Connie Hawk and David McCracken were special coordinators.
Among the many artists on the album are Andrew Peterson, Ashley Cleveland, Amy Grant, Kevin Max, Ben Shive, Mitch McVicker, Jimmy Abegg, Sara Groves and Audrey Assad.
I really enjoyed listening to this project. Some of the songs are well known while others are not.
Here is the tracklist for the project:
Hello Old Friends – Andrew Peterson, featuring Andy Gullabhorn and Ben Shive
You Did Not Have a Home – Kevin Max, featuring Mitch McVicker
Both Feet on the Ground – Ashley Cleveland
Heaven is Waiting – Brothers McClurg
Sparrow Watcher – Amy Grant, Cindy Morgan and Andrew Greer, featuring Tommy Sims
If I Stand – Steve Cudworth
I See You – Audrey Assad
Sometimes by Step – Iam Zumback, featuring Ron Block
Hold Me Jesus – Sara Groves, featuring Bonnie Keen and Andrew Greer
Whitewater – Rich Mullins
Here In America – Jason Gray, featuring Kipper Gray and Jimmy Abegg
My Deliverer – Mitch McVicker
Calling Out Your Name – Andrew Osenga and Taylor Leonhardt
Bound To Come Some Trouble – Stephen McWhirter and Jason Clayborn
Hard To Get – David Mullins, featuring Jonathan Mullins
Whitewater – Carolyn Arends
We Are Not as Strong as We Think We Are – Derek Webb
Switchfoot's Melancholy Christmas | Posted November-04-2022 this is our Christmas album is Switchfoot’s first Christmas release. The digital release of the album includes five holiday classics and six new original Christmas songs. I found the album somewhat disappointing in that some of the new songs are rather somber, lyrically and musically. I agree with a reviewer who said that an alternate title could have been "this is our melancholy Christmas album". In addition, the covers of the Christmas standards lacked creativity and energy.
Here are a few comments about each song:
California Christmas – This was the first song released from the album, and the best song on the project. It was written by Jon Foreman and Tim Foreman. This song is about a California Christmas where there are twinkling lights on the fake palm trees. The song features Beach Boys like vocals, keys, drums, bass, and guitar.
Key lyric:
Ring the Christmas bell down at the Hotel Del
And I'll be wishing you a California, California Christmas
Looking For Christmas – This new original is a slower paced and rather somber – both lyrically and musically. The song features guitar, bass, keys, and backing vocals. He’s looking for something more real, more than just a feel at Christmas.
Key lyric:
I’m still looking for Christmas
Tell me what Christmas means
Tell me what’s the worth
Singing peace on earth
When there’s war on the TV screen?
Christmas Time Is Here – This song, from the Charlie Brown Christmas program and album, was written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson. The song drags a bit, featuring guitar, bass, keys, drums and a brief guitar solo.
Scrappy Little Christmas Tree – This short new original rocker, about a scrappy three-foot-tall Christmas tree, features guitar, drums, bass, and a guitar solo.
Silent Night/It Came Upon A Midnight Clear – “Silent Night” was written by Joseph Mohr and “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” was written by Edmund H. Sears. The medley features keys, bass, drums, backing vocals and a guitar solo.
I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day – This song was written by Henry W. Longfellow. The song features guitar, backing vocals, bass, keys and drums.
Midlife Christmas – This slow new original has a similar theme to “Looking for Christmas”. The song features guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
And the puzzle piece that’s missing
Is the innocence I’ve grown
Welcome to my midlife Christmas
The Christmas Song – This song was written by Robert Wells and Mel Torme. The song features guitar, drums, and bass.
New Year’s Day – This song was written by Jon Foreman. It was first released via social media in 2015 as a song of hope in response to terrorist attacks in Paris. The song features guitar, drums, bass, keys, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I think we’re gonna make it after all
O Little Town Of Bethlehem – This song was written by Phillips Brooks. The song features keys, guitar, bass, drums, and a keyboard solo.
Hometown Christmas - This upbeat song, included on the digital release, was released as a single for Christmas 2021 and features NEEDTOBREATHE and JUDAH. The song was written by Jon Foreman, Bear Rinehart and Judah Akers. The song features, guitar, backing vocals, drums, and bass. The song features a sample of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, written by Charles Wesley and Felix Mendelssohn.
Key lyrics:
'Cause you're not alone when
Those porch lights are shining
It's your invitation to the love that's been waiting
Christmas Songs for All Ages | Posted November-02-2022
I was introduced to Ellie Holcomb at the Getty’s Sing! conference. Her 2021 album Canyon was one of my favorites last year. You can read my review of Canyon here.
Holcomb is back with a six-song Christmas EP Sing: Christmas Songs, which accompanies her latest children’s book Sounding Joy. The EP, which will be enjoyed by all ages, features three new original songs as well as her interpretation of traditional carols and holiday favorites. The book and album were inspired by the song “Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts, and the album is an invitation to sing about the hope we have. The album was produced by Christmas music legend Brown Bannister.
Here are a few brief comments about each song:
Sounding Joy – This was the first song released from the project, and was written by Holcomb and Nathan Dugger. The song begins with church bells, and features drums, bass, guitar, and a children’s choir.
Key lyric:
God sent His Son to make heaven our home
So every Christmas, every girl, and each boy
Could lift up their voice and repeat sounding joy
Glad Tidings – This song was written by Holcomb and Nathan Dugger. This joyful song about the coming of Christ features an Irish sound, with fiddle, laughter, hand clap/stomp, drums, bass, guitar, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
The Lord has come
The wait is done
Glad tidings angels bring
Let it Snow/Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer/Deck the Halls/Joy to the World – This medley of well-known Christmas songs was written by Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn, Johnny Marks, Thomas Oliphant and Isaac Watts. The arrangements are upbeat and joyful, excellent for singing along to.
Jingle Bells – This song was written by Holcomb and James Pierpont. The arrangement, featuring some new lyrics from Holcomb, is upbeat and joyful, excellent to for singing along to.
Emmanuel, God Is With Us – This joyful and upbeat song was written by Nathan Dugger. The song features keys, piano, guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals, and a memorable chorus.
O Come All Ye Faithful – This song was written by John Francis Wade. The simple arrangement, featuring guitar, keys and backing vocals, makes this song excellent to sing along to.
Solid Addition to Chapman's Catalog | Posted October-30-2022 Still is Steven Curtis Chapman’s first all new full-length release since 2016’s Worship and Believe. The new album features twelve new songs of hope and encouragement from the most awarded artist in Christian music history. In his 35-year career, the soon to be 60-year-old Chapman, has won 5 Grammy Awards, 59 Dove Awards, had 49 number 1 songs, while selling more than 11 million albums with 10 RIAA-Certified Platinum and Gold albums. Still is a solid addition to Chapman’s catalog as he works with respected producers Bryan Fowler, Micah Kuiper and Ben Shive.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Welcome Back to Wonder – This short song was written by Chapman and Dave Barnes and produced by Chapman, Bryan Fowler and Micah Kuiper. The song features keys, guitar, backing vocals, bass, and drums. The song is about experiencing the majesty of the world God has created.
Key lyric:
With every beat of my heart, I hear You callin'
"Welcome back, welcome back to wonder"
Still – This song was written by Chapman, Micah Kuiper and Bryan Fowler and produced by Fowler. The song features guitar, drums, bass, piano, and backing vocals. The song is about trusting God wherever our journey takes us because He is faithful.
Key lyric:
Still, I'm gonna praise
The Only One who always stays the same
Oh, I know He is good, I know He is faithful
Still
Don't Lose Heart – This upbeat song was written by Chapman, Micah Kuiper and Bryan Fowler and produced by Kuiper and Fowler. The song features guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. The song is about walking through the valley with a friend. It was inspired by Chapman's own journey through the valley of grief and loss that he and his family have traveled.
Key lyric:
Let me walk with you through this valley
And tell you all that I've learned to be true
I'm Alive – This upbeat song was written by Chapman and Tom Douglas, and produced by Chapman, Micah Kuiper and Bryan Fowler. The song features guitar, bass, drums, keys, and backing vocals. The song is about embracing the fear, pain and tears of life knowing a day is coming when the tears will all be gone.
Key lyric:
I wanna taste every tear that falls
I wanna face every fear that calls my name
I'm gonna stand and say I'm alive
Kindness – This song, about living with a heart of kindness, was written by Chapman, Bryan Fowler, Ethan Hulse and Micah Kuiper, and was produced by Chapman, Fowler and Kuiper. The song, which gently builds, features guitar, keys, drums, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
So when they stand and tell the stories
Of who we are and what we've done
Of a thousand things that we could leave behind us
If they say just one word, well, let that word be kindness
Running After You – This song, about God’s amazing love, was written by Chapman and Brent Milligan, and was produced Chapman, Milligan, Ben Shive, Caleb Chapman and Will Chapman. The song features drums, bass, keys, backing vocals and a memorable chorus.
Key lyric:
And once you've been captured by the Father's heart
You can finally rest in knowin'
His love is never gonna let you go
Unfixables – This upbeat song, about living between these ruins that we don’t understand and the future restoration, was written by Chapman, Jacob Sooter and Micah Kuiper, and was produced by Chapman, Kuiper and Bryan Fowler. The song features guitar, backing vocals, drums, bass and a memorable chorus.
Key lyric:
I'm gonna trust You with all these unfixables
Until the day when I finally see the way
You make masterpieces out of these unfixables
Love Now – This song, a reminder about loving now because we don’t know how much time we have, was written by Chapman, Bryan Fowler, Micah Kuiper and Mary Chapman, and was produced by Chapman, Fowler and Kuiper. The song features piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
And we're reminded again, only the Father knows when
He's gonna call His children home
Where Else Could I Go – This song was written by Chapman, Caleb Chapman and Will Chapman and was produced by Chapman, Caleb Chapman, Brent Milligan, Will Chapman and Ben Shive. The song, which echoes John 6:68 when Peter told Jesus “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”, features piano, guitar, keys, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Where else could I go?
All my hope is in You and You alone
A Desperate Benediction (Peace On Earth) – This song, a prayer for peace, was written by Chapman and Tom Douglas, and produced by Chapman, Brent Milligan and Ben Shive. The song features piano, keys, bass, guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
We're all brothers and sister cryin' to the Father
For peace on Earth
Living Color - This song, about Chapman’s best friend in seventh grade Carlton who had a good heart, was written by Chapman and was produced by Chapman, Brent Milligan and Ben Shive. The song features piano, strings
Key lyric:
And his skin was dark, and my skin was light
But all we saw was a friend in each other's eyes
And our blood ran red in both our hearts
And we were lookin' at the world in living color
Trying To Get Back Home – This song was written by Chapman and Ben Shive, and was produced by Chapman, Shive, Brent Milligan, Caleb Chapman and Will Chapman. The song, about our journey to get home to heaven, features guitar, strings, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
So be kind to yourself and everyone else
On this long and windin' road
And don't you believe it if you start feelin' alone
A Crowder Christmas | Posted October-26-2022
Crowder follows up his previous Christmas release, the David Crowder Band’s 2011’s Oh For Joy EP, with Milk & Cookies: A Very Crowder Christmas. The title is a nod to Crowder’s excellent 2021 album Milk & Honey. The project features four interludes narrated by Crowder Burl Ives’ style, festive and sometimes humorous originals, re-imagined classics and creative collaborations. It will be a nice collection to your Christmas music collection.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Prelude: It Came Upon a Midnight Clear – After the narration, there is a brief version of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”, written by Edmund Sears.
Thanks Giver – This is an easy-going song about God turning one into a thanks giver, was written by David Crowder, Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. The song features guitar, drums, bass, piano, backing vocals, and a guitar solo.
Key lyric:
You make joy out of simple
And ordinary things
You fill life up with stories
I’d never think to dream
So this holiday I wanna praise
The One who’s making a saint
Out of this sinner
The One who’s turned me into this thanks giver
I’ve Heard About You – This was the first song released from the album. It was written by David Crowder, Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. This song features guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals. The song speaks to the fact that it is during Christmas season that most people hear about Jesus.
Key lyrics:
Could it be true what I've heard about You?
Interlude I: Milk
The Elf Song – This song was written by David Crowder, Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. This humorous song is about giving Santa’s elves some respect – and a pay raise. The song features Crowder’s swamp rock sound, with guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Let’s talk about fairness
Elf awareness
The Ballad of Mrs. C (She’s Sick of the Beard) – This humorous song is about Mrs. Claus, who is really sick of everything related to Christmas. The song features guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Cause it’s always HO, HO, HO
Up here in the Northern Pole
Had enough Christmas cheer
It’s Christmas all year
Yeah she’s tired of his crazy career
And she’s sick of the beard
She’s sick of the beard
Christmastime Is Here – This song was written by David Crowder, Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. The song, which has a Nat King Cole sound, features piano, acoustic guitar, bass, drums and a guitar solo.
Key lyric:
Play some Bing and Sinatra
And hang up the stockings
Cause Christmastime is here
Interlude II: Cookies
Your Praise Goes On – This song was written by David Crowder, Jeff Pardo, Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. The song tells us that what happened that night will ring on forever, till every song has been sung. The song features piano, drums, bass, backing vocals, and a memorable chorus.
Key lyric:
Your praise goes on never ending
Your praise goes on, how sweet is that sound
It’s been 2000 years, we’re still singing Your song
Hallelujah
Your praise goes on
Go Tell It on the Mountain – This song was written by John Wesley Work, and features Ricky Skaggs. The song features guitar, mandolin, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
White Christmas – This song was written by Irving Berlin. This rocking version features guitar, bass, backing vocals, drums, and a guitar and fiddle solo.
Key lyric:
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmas' be white
Carol of the Bells – This song was written by Mykola Leontovych and Peter J. Wilhousky. It features Tommee Profitt, guitar, backing vocals, strings, bass, drums and bass.
Key lyric:
Words of good cheer
From everywhere
Filling the air
Christmas is here
December 26th (Auld Lang Syne) – This song, written by David Crowder, Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover, includes some of the “Auld Lang Syne”, written Robert Burns. The song features piano, organ and backing vocals.
BPence's Music and Book Reviews 
