Piano Pop With A Message of Worth | Posted December-22-2017
As both an actress who has appeared in high-profile shows like Grey's Anatomy and CSI: NY in addition to several major films and the founder of Aurora Ministries and the Topic-Driven Concert Series for teenagers, Julie Elias has time and time again shown that her talents go far beyond just music. A multi-faceted artist with a passion for sharing the Gospel with the world, Julie's latest release A Girl Like Me strives to remind listeners that they are always loved by God, regardless of their shortcomings and faults.
Opening track "Unchained" boasts fun pop vibes while speaking of our freedom found in Christ, followed by equally peppy "piano-pop" styled "Only For Awhile." The lead single from the album, "Awaken," holds a bit of a darker tone and offers a powerful moment of prayerful longing. The title track "A Girl Like Me" unfolds with a reverent string section, setting the tone for a more vulnerable lyric: "When I fall apart, You see my heart, every weakness and shame / yet You still love me / You still believe a girl like me could be worthy of a King."
Carried by power-packed guitar riffs, "Alive" will have you singing along with the catchy melody. Back to Julie's signature piano-pop style, "Forgive Me" is an enjoyable listen, contrasting well with edgier "Lost." "Here With Us" stands out as a softer moment of praise, leaving "Wherever You Roam" and Julie's cover of the dc Talk classic "In The Light" to close out the album with inspirational messages and strong vocal talent.
The Bottom Line: Julie Elias is a woman of many talents, one of which certainly is crafting pop songs that inspire all who hear them. With A Girl Like Me, Julie continues to be a strong voice in CCM as her powerhouse vocal and message of acceptance make this a record you'll be encouraged by.
For Fans Of: Natasha Owens, Holly Starr, Abigail Duhon
Stepping Into Solo | Posted December-14-2017
Reigning from Hamilton, Ontario, Aaron Powell has spent the past eight years as one-quarter of the band The City Harmonic ("Manifesto," "Holy [Wedding Day]"). With the band coming to an end earlier this year, Aaron is now branching out for his first solo recording with his My Heart Belongs EP.
The title track kicks off this EP with pop/rock vibes sure to have you moving along with the enticing beat. Carrying a sense of longing, "Only Prayer" shows Aaron's raspy vocal strengths: "Your heart is my only prayer." A much more mellow piece, "Do You Feel My Pain" features an acoustic background.
"Where Life Takes You" proves to be the standout moment on the EP, with a strong beat and vocals that powerfully convey emotion. Closing out these six tracks, "Back Seat" and "Let's Start Tonight" are enjoyable listens.
The Bottom Line: While most would likely find it a bit disorienting to step away from a decade-long spot with a band and move straight into solo work, Aaron Powell tackles the transition with grace and talent to match. A strong start for this next season of Aaron's music, My Heart Belongs is an EP fans will be pleased with.
For Fans Of: The City Harmonic, Stars Go Dim, Sanctus Real
Christmas Carols and Worship Collide | Posted December-14-2017
Few voices carry authority quite like Meredith Andrews. Whether leading a crowd of thousands or recording a personal acoustic performance, her powerhouse vocal fills the room and ushers in an authentic atmosphere of worship in a captivating way. Now bringing that passion for worship into the Christmas season, Meredith has released her full-length holiday offering Receive Our King, featuring traditional favorites alongside brand new congregation-accessible songs.
Radio single "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" opens the album with a display of Meredith's vocal strength as the spirit of praise is set with beautiful lyricism: "You draw the hearts of shepherds / You draw the hearts of kings / even as a baby, You were changing everything." Upbeat "Glory In The Highest" gives some contrast alongside reverent moments like hauntingly thoughtful "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and Meredith's take on Andrew Peterson's "Labor Of Love."
Previously released on Meredith's 2013 Behold The Savior EP, new recordings of "Behold The Savior" and "He Has Come For Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)" make powerful appearances here. The latter of those shows Meredith's talent for flawlessly intertwining classic Christmas carols with breathtaking original pieces, a method also applied on "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear (Holy Holy)" and "Away In A Manger / The Gospel Changes Everything" (featuring her son Maverick in a guest vocal). The standout moment on the album comes in the title track, featuring Big Daddy Weave's Mike Weaver: "Son of God, here with us / we receive our king."
The Bottom Line: When I think of voices that stand out to me as inviting and anointed, Meredith Andrews has long been at the top of that list. Those same qualities are carried exceptionally well into Receive Our King, bridging the gap between classic Christmas carols and advent-worthy congregational worship with songs creatively produced to fit both categories with ease. With each element of this album going the extra mile to seamlessly combine the traditional with the new, Meredith has created one of the most remarkable recordings of her career.
For Fans Of: Francesca Battistelli, Vertical Church Band, Kari Jobe
Christmas Tunes That Shine | Posted December-08-2017
Accompanying every great film is an equally great soundtrack. This proves to be true of Sony Pictures Animation's newest movie The Star. Featuring new music from superstars Mariah Carey, A Great Big World and Fifth Harmony, The Star: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack also boasts tracks recorded specifically for the movie from artists Kirk Franklin, Kelsea Ballerini, Zara Larsson, Casting Crowns, Yolanda Adams and more.
Mariah Carey opens the soundtrack with her booming vocals on the inspirational title track, followed by country music darling Kelsea Ballerini belting out the peppy "Children Go Where I Send You." Gospel icon Kirk Franklin adds his personal R&B-type spin on the Christmas classic "We Three Kings" for an enjoyable listen. Vocal groups Fifth Harmony ("Can You See") and A Great Big World ("Life Is Good") offer sonically-pleasing original pieces for the film.
Yolanda Adams contributes the ever-popular "O Holy Night," while country star Jake Owen tackles the moving "What Child Is This?" with ease. CCM mainstays Casting Crowns leave their worshipful fingerprints on a beautiful rendition of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," with popular acapella group Pentatonix closing out the album with their stunning version of "Carol of the Bells."
The Bottom Line: In the realm of quality movie soundtracks, The Star hits a home run. The album covers ground in multiple genres, pulling in some big names to take on Christmas tunes new and old, fun and reverent. With every artist adding a personal touch to their contributions, these songs have been carefully crafted to add something special to a great holiday film.
Song To Download Now:
"His Eye Is On The Sparrow" (Get it on iTunes here.)
A New Season For A Veteran Artist | Posted November-17-2017
When mid-2015 delivered the news that longtime frontman Matt Hammitt was leaving Sanctus Real, many Christian music listeners--myself included--feared that we may be done hearing new music from the CCM mainstay. While Matt did indeed take some time away to focus on his family, fans can now rejoice: he's back and possibly better than ever.
Nearly a year after Matt's departure from the band, he announced his partnership with Full Circle Music, a publishing company headed by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Seth Mosely. "Tears," Matt's debut single from his new solo project, released at the first of the year and marked a new beginning for the veteran singer. Now he follows it up with his self-titled full-length album.
Piano ballad "Heaven Knows" serves as an autobiographical opening as Matt takes listeners into the emotional wrestling behind this season of transition. The standout track on the album, "Could've Been," continues the theme of faith in new places of uncertainty. Lively "I Saw The Light" is sure to be stuck on repeat, offering lyrics about revival with a sonic backdrop that will quickly get listeners engaged.
While newer fans may not know it, this isn't Matt's first solo project (check out his 2011 debut album Every Falling Tear). Defined best by recently released "He Always Wins" and heartfelt lead single "Tears," the new sound on Matt Hammitt moves more toward the worship/AC feeling of his first solo record than the pop rock tunes of his Sanctus Real days.
Reminiscing "Footprints" sings of the protection and faithfulness Christ shows His children, much like peppy "You're Watching Over Me." A touching dedication to their marriage, "To The Finish" features a special treat as Matt's wife Sarah sings on the track. Immediately followed by a newly recorded version of Sanctus Real's hit "Lead Me," these two songs focus on the importance of a Godly relationship-- a subject that has played a big role in Matt's life post-band with his Lead Me Lifecast. Closing out the album, "Life Is Good" offers a sunny perspective.
The Bottom Line: In case there was ever a question, Matt Hammitt proves that Matt's talent is far more than just the sum of his time as Sanctus Real's lead singer. While fronting the band was a huge part of his musical career that no doubt helped shaped this record, Matt is an artist in his own right, and he showcases that in a powerful way on this album. Matt Hammitt successfully sees the veteran singer stepping boldly into a brand new season, carrying with him all the maturity of someone who has been doing this for over twenty years while still singing with the authenticity of someone finding their own voice for the very first time.
For Fans Of: Sanctus Real, Matthew West, Josh Wilson
Authentic Acoustic Worship | Posted November-07-2017
At the young age of fourteen, Kane Adams discovered his love for God and music. Ever since then, it's been a journey of pursuing those two passions through various routes. Now part of the team at City Impact Church in Auckland, New Zealand, Kane serves as a musician, songwriter and producer.
Aside from his work there, Kane felt led to begin a solo project in early 2016. Comprised of the songs that came to life as a product of that calling, Kane's debut EP Close shares his heart through "worship from a unique angle." "The music is not about painting a perfect life, but understanding our imperfection and embracing the perfection only Jesus Christ holds," Kane says of Close. "He's not a distant being, but a person who can be known closely and intimately."
Heartfelt "Maker Of The Heavens" opens the EP with an authentic spirit and lyrics that long for a deeper relationship with Christ: "All I ever want is just to know You more." Acoustic "Glorious" remains reverent while showcasing captivating harmonies and Kane's smooth vocal.
The title track clocks in at just under a minute, acting as a brief instrumental break in the midst of the album and leading into passionate "Almighty." "Love On The Knees" wraps up the EP with another worshipful moment that feels genuine from beginning to end.
Though there have been a multitude of worship releases this year, that doesn't mean they're any less worth paying attention to--especially this one. From the first note to the last, these songs feel authentic in their pursuit of God and their passion for praise.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for strong acoustic worship that feels well-produced but also laid-back, Kane Adams' Close is an EP you need to hear.
For Fans Of: Chris Tomlin, Phil Wickham, Matt Maher
Vocal Power Meets EDM-Flavored Pop | Posted October-30-2017
Annette Lee, known simply as ANNETTE, is a woman of many talents. The multi-faceted electrofolk pop singer/songwriter, who also has roles as a filmmaker, blogger, director and occasional actress, is now stepping out with her debut EP All Our Achilles Heels.
For the singer who grew up around music and counts for KING & COUNTRY, Coldplay and Brooke Fraser as her biggest influences, All Our Achilles Heels serves as ANNETTE's take on the human condition. "Over time I've found that what really gives our humanity away is our weakness and imperfection. Most of the songs were birthed from my personal experience: from trying to cope with anxiety to trying to describe joy that I find unexplainable," she says of the inspiration behind her debut.
The album title comes from a line in the opening track "Ready For A Savior," which introduces a unique blend of EDM elements with a pop backdrop: "Wonderboy or Man of Steel, we all have our own Achilles Heel / but there's a Hero that I know / His ways are high but He comes right down to you." Annette's powerhouse vocal shines on laid-back "Remind Me" that longs for reminders of God's love.
Peppy "Like Fireworks" follows, leading the EP back up-tempo for a sonically fun moment. "None Good" takes on a bit of a darker sound to address the state of humanity. Ending the EP with another slower piece, story-telling "All He Had" offers a thought-provoking lyric.
The Bottom Line: A promising offering of pop that displays the vocal prowess and sonic creativity of Annette, All Our Achilles Heels is a strong start for a talented artist.
For Fans Of: Hillsong Young & Free, Britt Nicole, Kerrie Roberts
Sonically Creative Worship | Posted October-19-2017
Light City Music may be a new name to Christian music fans, but the "family of worshipers" has been serving their community together for over ten years now. Starting with the goal of writing songs for their congregation to "facilitate an encounter with God's love," eventually people outside the church began to take notice of Light City and sing along. This sparked their debut album In Rivers, meant to invite all into this encounter with God and the love He has for us.
The title track opens the album with a captivating sonic creativity that draws the listener in to a beautiful worship experience right off the bat. Energetic "Standing Ovation" follows with a bit of an EDM/Hillsong Young & Free vibe that is sure to get people off their feet. With a voice reminiscent of Meredith Andrews, the lead female vocal shines on "Let Miracles Begin," much like reverent "I'm Good" and faith-filled "Let Go."
Hopeful "Stars" is a bold declaration of praise, while "Run" stands out with remarkable harmonies. Upbeat "You Bring Joy" fittingly matches its name with a beat that infuses joy into all who listen. "The Prize" and "Yours Is The Victory" close out the album with passionate songwriting and a powerful atmosphere of worship.
The Bottom Line: Light City Music has crafted an enjoyable debut album with In Rivers. Mixing sonic creativity with faith-filled lyricism and passionate vocals, the worship in these twelve tracks feels authentic and makes for a good start to the group's career.
Acoustic Roots Meet Deep Lyrics | Posted October-17-2017
A year and a half after his full-length label debut album, singer/songwriter John Tibbs is returning to his indie roots with a brand new EP funded through a highly successful PledgeMusic campaign that saw his fans rallying in support of new music.
"Each song in Heartland embodies the place where I learned the stuff of life: fear, love, anger, doubt and hope. As a proud, homegrown boy of the Midwest, I'm tipping my hat to the greats that shaped my youth, like Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and Tom Petty. But more than anything, I hope that when you hear this record and listen to these songs, you hear my heart," Tibbs says of the Heartland EP.
"Won't Let Me Go" opens with a rock-meets-roots feel, standing out as one of the most sonically interesting tracks found on the EP. The "Living Room Sessions" version later in the album pulls back for a more acoustic take on the song that allows space for John's raspy vocal to shine. The title track "Heartland" is up next, a semi-upbeat longing for closeness to Christ.
A thoughtful love song for his wife, "Midwest Magic" was co-written by Dave Barnes and pays homage to the sacrifice it takes for John to go out on the road to pursue music: "I keep your heart wrapped up with me everywhere I go." A sonically simple track that again allows John's voice to be highlighted, "Shots Were Fired" incorporates deep lyricism.
"Shepherd," a powerful worship anthem that features Sandra McCracken, offers hope and peace through the words of Psalm 23. "Living Room Sessions" style versions of "Shepherd" and "Midwest Magic" close out the album.
The Bottom Line: With the Heartland EP, John Tibbs combines thought-provoking lyrics with his rock roots style. The captivating sonic landscape will keep listeners entertained song after song, indicating good things to come from Tibbs in the future.
Breakout Pop Goodness | Posted October-13-2017
Twenty five may be young, but for CCM newcomer Jasmine Murray, it's already been a long journey filled with many twists and turns. Establishing an impressive resume early on, the powerhouse vocalist was a finalist on season eight of American Idol at age sixteen, named Miss Mississippi and Top 10 Miss America in 2015 and has made several appearances on popular talk shows.
As Jasmine's relationship with the Lord and love for worship grew, doors continued to open and led to her becoming a signed songwriter/artist with Fair Trade Services. Now ready to share her hope and faith with the world, Jasmine's debut self-titled EP hits shelves with a refreshing pop sound that is sure to take her straight to the top.
Album opener "No Other Love" is a strong introduction of what I already hear as Jasmine's signature sound blend: energetic beats with glimpses of gospel and EDM mixed in. Breakout single "Fearless" released earlier this year, quickly welcomed and appreciated by fans for its faith-filled message of shattering fear through the power of Christ. The song serves as the perfect introduction to Jasmine and her story as it came out of her own struggle with anxiety, and it boldly showcases the determination that helped her step into a place of bravery.
Slowing down into a more worshipful moment, "Into Words" is a reverent praise for the indescribable love of God: "You found me at my weakest / now the cross has left me speechless." Upbeat "Who You Love" is a highlight on the EP, again speaking of Christ's endless love for His children and the freedom that comes when we embrace that.
Sonically intriguing "Closer" displays Jasmine's powerful vocal as the beat will no doubt draw listeners in. Carrying an empowering message of identity, "You Belong" wraps up the album with a hopeful, heartfelt vibe.
The Bottom Line: For any artist, this EP would be counted as a success because of its hooky melodies and well-produced creativity, but it's especially remarkable coming as a debut. With these six songs packed full of lyrical encouragement and pop goodness, Jasmine Murray proves she is indeed an artist to watch and leaves me excited to see what comes of her full-length record next year.
CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
