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
by
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 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.
Celebrating Friendship with God and Others | Posted October-24-2022
I was introduced to Matt Maher’s music when he opened for TobyMac several years ago. I’ve enjoyed his music ever since. This collection of songs, that were mostly written during the pandemic, celebrate friendship with God and other people. The album, which features a variety of musical genres, was recorded in a house owned by Marty Stuart. There are several collaborations, and a few of the songs have two versions, one of which was recorded live.
Here are a few brief comments about each song, several of which were released in advance of the official album release:
The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours) – This joyful adaptation of the Lord’s Prayer was written by Maher, Bryan Fowler and Jacob Sooter and produced by Fowler, Sooter and Brian Elmquist. The song features organ, handclaps, drums, guitars, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Give us this day, our daily bread
Forgive us, forgive us
As we forgive the ones who sin against us, forgive them
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
From the evil one
Let Your Kingdom come
Bigger Table – This song was written by Maher, Bryan Fowler and Jacob Sooter and produced by Fowler, Sooter and Brian Elmquist. The song features piano, drums, bass, guitar, handclaps, and backing vocals. God’s love has a bigger table and there is a place for you.
Key lyric:
A house for the hungry
A well for the thirsty
Where all saints come together
Shoulder to shoulder
A welcome for the traveler
New wine for the vineyard
In all things, God is able
Love has a bigger table
In the Room – This song was written by Maher, Jane Williams, Chris Brown, and Mia Fieldes. It was produced by Jacob Sooter and Brian Elmquist and features Chris Brown of Elevation Worship on vocals. The powerful song features guitar, piano, drums, bass, backing vocals and a brief guitar solo. The song references Luke 5: So tear off the roof, lower me down, whatever it takes to get me to You.
Key lyric:
And I just wanna be in the room
Wanna be in the room when You move
And I'm not leavin'
Not leavin' 'til You do
Leaning – This song was written by Maher, Lizzie Morgan, Brian Elmquist and Jacob Sooter, based on E.A. Hoffman’s 1887 hymn “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”. It was produced by Elmquist and Sooter and features Lizzie Morgan on vocals. The song features piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
What a fellowship
What a joy divine
What a priceless gift
God, I'm Yours, and You are mine
Let my restless soul
Be still and know
I am leanin' on Your everlasting arms
Burning Heart of God – This worship song was written by Maher, Jacob Sooter, Brian Elmquist and Nate Moore. It was produced by Sooter and Elmquist. The song features synth, keys, piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Love like fire, all-consuming
From the beginning, without an end
My desire is my offering
And I'll never be the same in the burning heart of God
The Stories I Tell Myself – The album’s title song was written by Maher, for King & Country’s Luke Smallbone and Joel Smallbone, and Jacob Sooter. It was produced by Jacob Sooter and Brian Elmquist. The song features synth, keys, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
When I think about Jesus
He never faced a battle that He couldn't win
And all I ever needed, I found in Him
And He made a way through the wilderness
From glory to glory, He is my story
Better Off Broken – This song was written by Maher, Paul Mabury and Ryan Ellis. The song was produced by Jacob Sooter and Brian Elmquist, and features Ryan Ellis on lead vocals. The song, which slows down the pace, features bass, guitar, synth, piano, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Love came crashin' in, oh, bombs away
Blowin' up my world
From the fallout, I can say
I'm better off broken
I did all I could to run away
But now I'm givin' up
If it's the only way I stay
I'm better off broken
The Answer Is Yes – This song, which has a live gospel music feel, was written by Maher, Brian Elmquist, Jacob Sooter and Thad Cockrell. It was produced by Elmquist and Sooter. The song, which is about turning to God when we don’t know where else to turn, features guitar, piano, and a gospel choir.
Key lyric:
You've seen me through good times (Yes)
You've held me through pain (Yes)
You've heard all my questions
The answer's the same
The Way You Love Me – This joyful song about God’s love, was written by Maher, Ethan Hulse and Ran Jackson and produced by Jacob Sooter and Brian Elmquist. The song features drums, a choir, bass, organ, guitar and piano.
Key lyric:
Oh, how can it be? Makes me want to sing
Every day I'm amazed at the way You love me
'Cause I've finally found what it’s all about
Gotta say, I'm amazed at the way You love me
In the Room (Live) – This extended live version features Ben Fuller and Ellie Holcomb.
Burning Heart of God (Live) – This live version features Nate Moore.
Leaning (Live) – This extended live version features Lizzie Morgan.
Common Ground (Live) – This song about brothers and sisters standing together, was written by Maher and Anne Wilson. It was produced by Jacob Sooter and Brian Elmquist and features Dee Wilson on vocals. The song features piano, organ and some excellent vocals.
Key lyric:
Tear down the walls between us
Make way for love to heal us
Show us the way of Jesus
Where He is found in common ground, yeah
Inheritance (Live) – This worship about Jesus being our inheritance, was written by Maher, Dameon Aranda, JT Murrell, and Mia Feldes. The song was produced by Jacob Sooter and Brian Elmquist. The song features guitar, piano, bass, drums, and backing vocals. Jesus is our inheritance that we don’t deserve.
Key lyric:
You don't withhold a thing
You were the offering
I don't deserve it, doesn't make sense
What an inheritance, yeah
The Time Is Now – This song was written by Maher, Brian Elmquist and Greg Lwinski. It was produced by Jacob Sooter and Brian Elmquist. The song features guitar, bass, organ, piano, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
If we are the lessons we're learnin'
If everyone's someone worth savin'
Then the time is now
One Heart at a Time – This upbeat song was written by Maher and Brian Elmquist and was produced by Elmquist and Jacob Sooter. The song features piano, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. If you lose your way, remember that love moves at the speed of forgiveness one heart at a time.
Key lyrics:
I wanna hear you talk
Even if we don't agree
My Old Friend – This song was written by Maher and Drew Holcomb and was produced by Brian Elmquist and Jacob Sooter. The song features Drew Holcomb on vocals, guitar, bass, and percussion. Holcomb’s and Maher’s voices blend well.
Key lyric:
Time stands still
Whenever I see you once again
I always will
Hold onto the memories, my old friend
Wedding Ring – This love song was written by Maher, Emily Weisband, Bernie Herms and Jacob Sooter. The song was produced by Sooter and Brian Elmquist. The song features guitar, backing vocals, bass, and drums.
Key lyric:
Said I did, and I do
I always will, still willin' to
Say I'm sorry for the times I should
When you're lettin' go and holdin' everything
The magic in a wedding ring
I Wanna Feel Again – This melancholy song was written by Maher and Taylor Leonhardt. It was produced by Brian Elmquist and Jacob Sooter, and features Taylor Leonhardt on vocals. His heart is a heavy stone and his mind is a lonesome road. The song features guitar and a guitar solo. Maher’s and Leonhardt’s voices blend well.
Key lyric:
So open up the floodgates
Let it all come rushin' in
Oh, I, I just wanna feel again
I just wanna feel again
Only Good Will Grow – This song was written by Maher and Brian Elmquist. The song is produced by Elmquist and Jacob Sooter and features Elmquist on vocals. Maher and Elmquist sing this song in excellent harmony. The song features guitar, drums, bass and a guitar solo. The title of the song relates to the house the album was recorded in, which is owned by Marty Stuart, and was one time between houses owned by Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. After Orbison’s house burned down, killing two of his children, Cash bought an orchard next door and promised him that only good will grow there.
Modern Hymns for the Church | Posted September-26-2022
Keith and Kristyn Getty follow-up their 2021 album Confessio - Irish American Roots with Christ Our Hope in Life and Death, their first major collection of new hymns since 2016’s Facing A Task Unfinished. The new album, one of my favorites of 2022, features guest artists such as Michael W. Smith, Skye Peterson, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and Rend Collective.
Below are a few comments about each of the songs:
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death (Radio Mix) – This song was written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker and Matt Papa. It was produced by Bryan Fowler and features Michael W. Smith on vocals. Inspired by the first question of the Heidelberg Catechism, this is one of our best modern hymns. The song features backing vocals, drums, bass, piano, guitar, and strings.
Key lyrics:
O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death
Rejoice – This joyful song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive, Skye Peterson and Bryan Fowler. It was produced by Shive and Fowler and features Rend Collective on vocals. The song was written out of a desire to answer the question, “How do we find opening songs that are energetic, full of joy, but rich in the Bible?” The song puts Paul’s encouragement in Philippians 4:4 into song: “Rejoice in the Lord now and always, sing it again we rejoice.” The song features drums, backing vocals, guitar, bass, and guitar.
Key lyrics:
With each breath He’s given, praise the Lord
In these times we live in, we will praise the Lord
Throughout every season, I am sure
We have every reason to praise the Lord
The Lord Almighty Reigns – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. It was produced by Ben Shive and Bryan Fowler. The song features piano, bass, drums, guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Certain of that day
Christ we will proclaim
Oh, that more would share the prize
Salvation in His name
Take Shelter – This song was written by Skye Peterson, Kristyn Getty and Ben Shive and produced by Shive. The song features Skye Peterson on vocals, piano, keys, guitar, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
And I’ll take shelter
Take shelter
In the loving arms of God
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks – This song was written by 18th century London pastor Samuel Stennett and Christopher Miner, and produced by Ben Shive. The song features guitar, drums, bass, backing vocals, and a nice guitar solo.
Key lyrics:
When shall I reach that happy place
And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face
And in His bosom rest?
Beautiful and Greatly Loved – This lullaby was written by Kristyn Getty and Jordyn Shellhart and introduced at the 2022 Sing! Conference. The song was produced by Ben Shive, and features guitar, strings, piano, drums, organ, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
You are beautiful and greatly loved
Though the flower may fade
Your worth will never age
The breath of heaven from above
Flows through the both of us
Singing over us
You are greatly loved
Press On – This song was written by Kristyn Getty and Ben Shive and produced by Shive. The song features piano, drums, bass, organ, vocals by the Getty Girls, and a nice organ solo.
Key lyrics:
Press on all you saints
Press on till the end
Christ with us, ever with us
Until He comes again
Christ is All in All – This gospel flavored song, which debuted at the 2021 Sing! Conference, and was included on the live conference album, was written by Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive and Dwan Hill and produced by Shive. The song features guitar, organ, drums, backing vocals, bass and a nice organ solo.
Key lyrics:
Sons and daughters of the King
Rise up and sing
That Christ is all in all
Christ The True and Better – This song was written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. It was produced by Ben Shive. The song initially appeared on Almost Home: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa Vol. 2. The song features guitar, piano, bass, strings, backing vocals and some excellent drums.
Key lyrics:
He who makes the many righteous
Brings us back to life again
Dying, He reversed the curse, then
Rising, crushed the serpent’s head
If It Had Not Been for the Lord – This song was written by Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and produced by Ben Shive. The song features piano, bass, guitar, drums, and vocals from Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Key lyrics:
Our hope our help from age to age the same
Our God our rock most worthy to be praised
From this mount of grace our grateful hearts will say evermore
If it had not been for the Lord
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – This is an alternate version of the title track, produced by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Nathan Nockels.
Songs for the Church | Posted September-19-2022
Following up his 2020 album Chris Tomlin & Friends, in which he partnered with country music artists, Tomlin is back with Always, doing what he does best, writing and singing worship songs for the church, though a few of the songs do have a country music feel to them. I have long enjoyed Tomlin’s music, and I really like this new album. It is one of my favorite albums of 2022.
Here are a few brief comments about each of the thirteen songs on the album:
Yahweh (No One) – This song was written by Chandler Moore, Jason Ingram, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick and Tomlin, and produced by Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. The song is a cover of Elevation Worship’s “No One” and features Chris Brown of Elevation Worship on vocals. The upbeat song highlights the first commandment “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3), and the third commandment “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7). A good opener.
Key lyrics:
There will be no other God before You
There is no one above You, no one beside You
And nobody like You
Always – This song was written by Ben Glover, Daniel Carson, Jeff Sojka, Jess Cates, and Tomlin, and produced by Glover and Sojka. The song about our everlasting God, features acoustic guitar, piano, drums, bass, backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
The Lord is faithful, yesterday, now, and always
Strongholds – This upbeat song about our freedom in Christ was written by Ed Cash, Louie Giglio and Tomlin, and produced by Cash. The song features drums, bass, guitar, and keys. All obstacles are coming down by the blood of the Lamb.
Key lyrics:
Jesus is undefeated, the battle is the Lord's
Shout it out, every stronghold must come down
Holy Forever – This song of worship to Jesus was written by Phil Wickham, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Brian Johnson, and Tomlin. It was produced by Jonathan Smith. The song features a choir, keys, guitar, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Your name is the highest
Your name is the greatest
Your name stands above them all
All thrones and dominions
All powers and positions
Your name stands above them all
O Lord You're Beautiful – This is a beautiful version of the classic song written by Keith Green. It was produced by Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka, and features Steffany Gretzinger on vocals. The song features piano and strings.
Key lyrics:
O Lord, You're beautiful
Your face is all I seek
And when Your eyes are on this child
Your grace abounds to me
The Answer – This song about Jesus was written by Josh Kear, Charles Kelley, Ben West, and Dave Haywood (of Lady A). The easygoing song, which has a country music flavor, and would have fit nicely on Chris Tomlin & Friends, was produced by West and Haywood. The song features keys, drums, guitar, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Who is gonna love me all my life
Who is gonna never leave my side
Who is gonna be the heartbeat of everything I do
The answer is always You
Always You
Great Forgiver – This mid-tempo song about Jesus as our great forgiver, was written by Bear Rinehart (of NEEDTOBREATHE), Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka and Tomlin, and produced by Glover and Sojka. The song features drums, keys, guitar, handclaps and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
'Cause You are the great, great forgiver
Nobody else gonna take my trouble
Nobody else gonna take my shame
I Believe in Jesus – This worship song confessing Jesus as our Savior and Lord, was written by Mitch Wong, Ben Fielding, and Tomlin, and produced by Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. The song, which gently builds, features piano, bass, backing vocals, strings, and drums.
Key lyrics:
I believe in Jesus
He is the Son of God
He died and rose to save my soul
I confess that He is Lord
I See You – This song of praise was written by Bryan Fowler, Jonas Myrin and Tomlin and produced by Fowler. The mid-tempo song features Brandon Lake on vocals. The song features keys, drums, bass, guitar, backing vocals and a memorable chorus.
Key lyrics:
I see You in the morning light
I feel You in the fire by night
I hear You say, "Child, I am with you
Everything will be alright."
Father Of Lights – This song was written by Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka, Steven Furtick, Jason Ingram, and Tomlin, and produced by Glover and Sojka. The song, which has a country music feel, is based on James 1:17, and features guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Every good thing in my life
Comes down from the Father of lights
It comes down from the Father, down from the Father
Down from the Father of lights
History – This song about thankfulness and gratitude for the goodness and faithfulness of God, was written by Jess Cates, Cody Carnes and Tomlin and was produced by Jonathan Smith. The song features guitar, handclaps, drums, bass, backing vocals, and a memorable chorus.
Key lyrics:
I've got so much history of how good You are
You've been the guiding light in me right through the dark
Whatever giants I may face, I don't have to be afraid
'Cause I've got so much history of how good You are
All In All – This song was written by Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard (of Florida Georgia Line), Jason Ingram and Tomlin and was produced by Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. The worship song to Jesus, slowly builds and features piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Where would I be now without Your love
Precious Love – This song was written by Ben Cantelon, Sam McCabe and Tomlin and was produced by Jonathan Smith. The song, which takes us through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, features piano, guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals. An excellent song for congregational singing.
Songs for the Church | Posted September-10-2022 There is One Gospel is a collection of new music for congregational worship by CityAlight, a music ministry from St. Paul’s church in Sydney, Australia. I recently got to see CityAlight for the first time at the 2022 Sing! Getty Music Worship Conference in Nashville, one of many highlights from the conference.
In a session at the conference entitled “Behind the Songs Live with CityAlight,” I learned that they intentionally write simple folk melodies, which might even sound familiar to us, to go along with their biblically informed lyrics. It is not unusual for them to take six months to write a song, as each song goes through several reviews.
Here are a few comments about each song on this excellent new album:
Every Step – This song was written by James Ferguson and Ian Lewis. The song features piano, drums, bass, guitar and backing vocals. The song is about trusting in Christ with every step we take.
Key lyrics:
For all of my days I will live for your glory
Running with courage and faith
The prize of my journey, the joy of salvation
To meet my King face to face
There is One Gospel – This song was written by Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson. The song features piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. The song is about the one Gospel on which we stand.
Key lyrics:
And when in glory still I will sing
Of this old story that rescued me
Praise to the Savior, the King of life
I stand in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
On That Day – This song was written by Scott Lavender, Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Nigel Hendroff and Michael Farren. The song features piano, bass, guitar, drums and backing vocals. The song is about the resurrection day.
Key lyrics:
On that day we will see you shining brighter than the sun
On that day we will know you as we lift our voice as one
Till that day we will praise you for your never-ending grace
And we will keep on singing on that glorious day
Psalm 42 (I Will Praise Him Again) – This song was written by Jonny Robinson and Tiarne Tranter. This song, based on Psalm 42, was written after Tiarne Tranter suffered a miscarriage. The beautiful song features piano, acoustic guitar, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why are you troubled within?
For I will hope in my Savior, my God
And will praise Him, yet praise Him again
This is the Day – This joyful song was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson and Tiarne Tranter. The song is based on Psalm 118:24. The song features guitar, drums, backing vocals and keys.
Key lyrics:
This is the day that the Lord has made
We will rejoice as we lift His name
This is the day that the Lord has made
Come and rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it
Known and Loved – This song was written by Tiarne Tranter, Jaywan Maxwell and Fiona Aghajanian. The song, about being known and loved by Jesus, features piano, guitar, bass, keys, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
I come to Jesus, lay down my weakness
No need for hiding, here in His light
This truth I treasure, my peace forever
Is being known and loved by Him
Your Will Be Done – This song was written by Rich Thompson and Jonny Robinson. The song, based on Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22:42, features piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
And in this Name we overcome
For You shall see us safely home
Now as your church
We lift our voice and pray
Father, not my will but Yours be done
There is Hope – This song was written by Niki Shepherd and Paris Robertson. The song features piano, bass, drums, guitar, backing vocals and strings.
The song is about Jesus, our hope forever.
Key lyrics:
Jesus Christ my hope forever
Hope unlike the world can bring
Your steadfast love beyond all measure
There is hope in Christ my king
Bonus Tracks:
The Night Song – This beautiful song about Jesus, who has saved us from the darkness, was written by Colin Buchanan, Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson, and features Buchanan. The song features piano, guitar, strings and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
All this day Your hand has held me
God of Heaven, by my side
Thank you, Father, for Your goodness
You will hold me through the night
It Was Finished Upon That Cross – This song, about the cross of Christ (John 19:30), was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Nigel Hendroff. The song features piano, guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Death was once my great opponent
Fear once had a hold on me
But the Son who died to save us
Rose that we would be free indeed!
Jesus Strong and Kind – This song was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Michael Farren and Colin Buchanan and features Buchanan. The song features keys, piano, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
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