The Long Surrender
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NEEDTOBREATHE The Long Surrender is NEEDTOBREATHE’s tenth studio album, and the follow-up to 2023’s Caves. The album has a mostly stripped-down acoustic sound – with the exception...
Songs of The Saints (Deluxe Edition)
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Phil Song of the Saints by Phil Wickham was one of my favorite albums of 2025. Wickham is back with a massive 18 song Deluxe edition, bringing the entire Song of the Saints project to 34 songs....
Jamie MacDonald
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Jamie I first heard of Jamie MacDonald when she recorded a version of “God Did It” with TobyMac. She then appeared on “My Father’s World” on Chris Tomlin’s The King is...
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.
Two New Songs and Four Live Songs | Posted August-25-2022
Mac Powell (former lead singer of Third Day) has long been a favorite of mine. His 2021 album was one of my favorites last year. Here is my review of the album. Powell has now released a Deluxe Version of the album, which features two new songs and live versions of “Be Praised”, “River of Life”, “Love is the Reason” and “New Creation”, which were previously available on an EP.
Here is information on the two new songs:
You Are – This upbeat worship song was written by Hank Bentley, Jeff Pardo and Powell. The song features acoustic and electric guitar, drums, bass and hand claps, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
You are the way that I wanna be going
You are the truth I wanna know
You are the life that I wanna be living
Everywhere that I go
Jesus, You’re the answer
Savior and Friend – This song about the love of Jesus was written by Ethan Hulse, Jonathan Smith and Powell. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, backing vocals and drums.
Best Album of 2022 | Posted August-24-2022 Life After Death is 57-year-old TobyMac’s eighth studio album, and his first since 2018’s The Elements and the 2019 death of his 21-year-old son Truett from an accidental drug overdose. The 15-song album is the best I have heard this year.
Eight of the fifteen songs were released prior to the official album release date. The songs, which date from 2020’s “21 Years” and “I’m Sorry (a lament)”, include themes of loss, lament, hope, racial equality, the goodness of God, relationships, living for Christ and rest. Toby has said that there is life after death, and that the album chronicles the journey he has been on over the last two years. And somehow, through it all, he has experienced the goodness of God.
There are several collaborations on the album, including with Blessing Offor, Tauren Wells, Sheryl Crow, Zach Williams, and former DC Talk bandmates Michael Tait, and Kevin Max. Musically, the songs feature excellent, catchy melodies and beats, and the production is top notch. In other words, exactly what you would expect from a TobyMac album.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight) – This song was written and produced by Micah Kuiper and Toby, and features Jon Reddick, Gabe Real, Michael Cochran, and Kuiper on backing vocals. The upbeat song was released in February 2021 and was a hit on Christian radio. This was the first song of hope that Toby wrote after the death of Truett. A great start to the album and it was the opening song on his recent tour.
Key lyric:
It may be midnight or mid-day
He's never early, never late
He gonna stand by what He claimed
I lived enough life to say…
Help is on the way
The Goodness – This joyful song was written by Kyle Williams, Gabe Real, Bryan Fowler and Toby. It was produced by Fowler, Williams and Toby, and features vocals from Blessing Offor, and backing vocals from Fowler, Williams, Real and Ryan Stevenson. Through the good and the bad and the ugly, he can still see the sunshine above him.
Key lyric:
Everywhere that I go
You keep showin' up
Lord, You make me wanna shout it, oh
You're the goodness in my life
Deeper – This song was written and produced by Micah Kuiper and Toby, and features Tauren Wells on vocals. The song features bass, percussion, and backing vocals. He wants to go deeper. He is tired of surface level conversations and friendships.
Key lyric:
Deeper, I wanna go deeper
I'm gettin' tired of the surface
Show Up Choose Love – This song about racial unity, was written by Jon Reddick, Tommy Sims, Janice Gaines, Micah Kuiper, Benji Cowart, Tony Wood and Toby. The song was produced by Kuiper, Reddick and Toby, and features Worship Pastor Jon Reddick on vocals. The song features keys, bass, drums, and a choir. Sometimes the next right thing is all you can do.
Key lyric:
We've come a long way
Been through some dark days
We seen some things change
And we shall overcome
Promised Land (Collab OG) – This song was written by Adam Agee and Toby and produced by Micah Kuiper and Toby. This is an alternate version of the “Promised Land” radio single and features Sheryl Crow on vocals. The song features guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. Toby and Crow’s voices blend well. The song claims that in the midst of his grief, God is still his Promised Land.
Key lyric:
Through all these seasons
I'm still believin'
You're my promised land
In all my grievin'
I'm still believin'
You're my promised land
Everything About You – This song was written by Marlee, Jon Reddick and Toby, and produced by Bryan Fowler, Kyle Williams, and Toby. The song features Toby’s daughter Marlee on vocals in this heartfelt song about missing Truett. The song features a live orchestra (strings and horns), drums, bass, keys, and organ.
Key lyric:
I miss everything about you
I just miss bein' around you
Outta sight, outta mind
Don't add up, not this time
It's the cold truth
I miss everything
Life On It – This hard-driving song was written by Bryan Fowler, Saint X, Reske, Ging, and Toby. The song is produced by Fowler, Saint X, Micah Kuiper, and Toby and features Sarah Reeves on vocals. The song features, keys, guitar, drums, horns, and a rap by Toby. He’d rather live for something than to die for nothing.
Key lyric:
From the blessings poured out to me losin' my son
You're my way and my truth, I'm a disciple of You
Through the highs and the lows, my heart will always stay true
They could put me in chains, they could lock me away
They would slay me in vain, I will always remain
Faithfully – This song was written by Kyle Williams and Toby, and produced by Micah Kuiper, Williams, and Toby. The song features horns, bass, strings, guitar and backing vocals. He may never be the same man, but he’s a man who still believes.
Key lyric:
'Cause when my world broke into pieces
You were there faithfully
When I cried out to You, Jesus
You made a way for me
Cornerstone – This upbeat worship song, which has a bit of a classic rock sound, was written and produced by Micah Kuiper, Bryan Fowler and Toby, and features Zach Williams on vocals. The song features drums, guitar, bass, and backing vocals and samples a bit of the 1834 hymn “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” by Edward Mote.
Key lyric:
You're the only Rock that I could ever stand on
You're the only one for me
Found – This upbeat praise song was written by Lydia Lubben, Dave Lubben, Mutiat Isola and Toby and produced by Dave Lubben and Toby. The song features Terrian and Wande and Terrian. The song features keys, piano, guitar, drums, and backing vocals. He once was lost, but now he’s forever His.
Key lyric:
All I am is because of You
All I'll be is because of You
All I was is lost
But now I'm found
Fire’s Burnin’ – This upbeat worship song was written and produced by Micah Kuiper, Bryan Fowler and Toby, and features Cory Asbury on vocals. The song features guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals and a memorable chorus.
Key lyric:
I put it all on the table
You're the one that I choose
You got my whole heart, Lord
This fire's burnin' for You
Space – This song about relationships was written and produced by Dave Lubben and Toby, and features DC Talk bandmates Michael Tait and Kevin Max on vocals. The song features keys, drums, percussion, guitar, bass and backing vocals, and could be about the space that has grown in the relationship between the three. The song includes a bit of 1 Corinthians 13. It is great to hear their three voices together again.
Key lyric:
How can we start to erase?
How can we start to erase this space between us?
21 Years – This powerful song was written by Bryan Fowler, Blake NeeSmith, and Toby in 2020, as a tribute to Toby’s son Truett, a song Toby never wanted to write. The song was produced by Fowler and Toby. The song features keys and strings.
Key lyric:
Well until this show is over
And you run into my arms
God has you in Heaven
But I have you in my heart
I’m Sorry – This song was written by and produced by Tommee Proffit and Toby. The song laments our falling short of what Jesus asks of us as His church in Matthew 5, 6 and 7. The song ends with Toby reciting the Beatitudes. The song features keys, drums, a choir and a passionate vocal by Toby.
Key lyric:
Wake us up, wake us up, wake us up, Lord
Wake us up, wake us up, wake us up
Rest – This short ending song was written and produced by Dave Lubben and Toby, and features Terrian and Gabe Real on vocals. The song features keys, strings, guitar, and backing vocals. This song about the Sabbath includes each artist sharing a Bible verse about the topic.
Key lyric:
Fall into the arms of God and rest your weary head
Reimagined Songs from Sandra McCracken | Posted June-27-2022
Light in the Canyon is Sandra McCracken’s 17th album and is the follow-up to her early 2022 covers album Carry Each Other. The excellent new album was recorded on a weekend retreat in the Texas hill country at Laity Lodge. She reimagines with a jazz sound, some of her songs that span two decades of songwriting as well as including a new song. McCracken is accompanied by musicians John Pattiucci, Jon Cowherd, James McAlister, Andrew Osenga and John Raymond, as well as background singers. I especially enjoyed the outstanding piano work by Cowherd.
McCracken tells us that this is a collection of gospel songs, songs of truth and hope in an age of uncertainty. They are songs that help us remember what we believe, like light in a valley. They are also songs that correspond with her recent book, Send Out Your Light: The Illuminating Power of Scripture and Song.
Here are a few brief comments about each song:
Send Out Your Light – This song was written by McCracken and is based on Psalm 43. The song features, piano, horns, backing vocals, and drums. A great opening song.
Key lyrics:
Send out Your light and Your truth
Let them lead me
Bring me to Your holy hill
To Your dwelling
Then I will go to the alter of God
To God my exceeding joy
Then I will praise You with all my heart
Oh my joy, my joy
I Will Sing – This song of worship was written by McCracken and Leslie Jordan. The song features drums, piano, bass, and guitar.
Key lyrics:
With my mouth
I will tell of Your faithfulness
I'll declare, Lord, Your covenant
With my life
Trinity Song – This song about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit was written by McCracken. The song features piano, guitar and horns.
Key lyrics:
Holy Father, Son and Spirit
Holy Communion, Three in One
Holy Father, Son and Spirit
Holy Communion, Three in One
Thy Mercy, My God – The lyrics to this song were written by John Stocker, and the music by McCracken. The beautiful worship song has McCracken accompanied by piano. Key lyrics:
All praise to the Spirit, His whisper divine
Seals mercy and pardon, and righteousness mine
We Will Feast In The House Of Zion – This song was written by McCracken and Joshua David Moore. The song features piano, bass, light percussion, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
We will feast in the house of Zion
We will sing with our hearts restored
He has done great things, we will say together
We will feast and weep no more
Hold To God's Unchanging Hand – This song was written by Jennie Wilson in 1906. The song features bass, guitar, piano and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Hold to God’s unchanging hand,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand;
Build your hopes on things eternal,
Hold to God’s unchanging hand
Call Upon Him – This song about prayer was written by McCracken, Rachael Lampa and Trillia Newbell. The song features drums, guitar, piano, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Call upon Him, call upon Him
There is power in the Name
Call upon Him, call upon Him
There is power in the Name
Have Mercy – This song, a prayer, was written by McCracken and Thad Cockrell. The song features piano, drums, guitar, and bass.
Key lyrics:
Have mercy on us
Have mercy on us, O Lord
Christ Is The Life Of The World – This worship song was written by Sandra McCracken. The song features piano, light percussion and guitar, horns and some excellent bass.
Key lyrics:
Let us lift up, lift our hearts,
It is good to lift our hearts to the Lord
Until He Comes Again – This new song, which features Andrew Osenga, is about remembering what the Lord has done for us as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper and long for His return. The song features piano, bass, drums, guitar, and backing vocals.
Live Music from NEEDTOBREATHE | Posted June-05-2022
NEEDTOBREATHE recently released a surprise concert film (and accompanying audio version), of their October 29, 2021 concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. I say surprise, because we saw them on their Into the Mystery Acoustic Tour in Peoria just eleven days before this project was released, and the band made no mention of this impending release.
NEEDTOBREATHE is an excellent, high energy live band. This is the band’s fourth live album, and second in two years. The twenty-five songs here span their career. Highlights include “Carry Me”, featuring Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and “I Will Remember” featuring Carrie Underwood.
If you are not familiar with NEEDTOBREATHE, this would serve as an excellent introduction to the band.
Live from 2021 Sing! Getty Music Conference | Posted April-09-2022
This is the fifth live album that Keith & Kristyn Getty have released from their annual Sing! conferences (one for each conference). I always enjoy these albums as they bring back special memories from attending the conference. Sing! In Christ Alone was recorded at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville in September 2021. The sixteen songs on the album feature artists such as Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, Dana Masters, Laura Story, Chris Tomlin, Sandra McCracken, Jubilant Sykes, Bill Gaither, Buddy Greene, CityAlight and more.
Below is the album track list:
Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord) – This song was written and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Come Thou Almighty King – This song was written by Felice De Giardini, and arranged by Tommy Bailey, Sarah Gehri, Nathan Mickle and Tom Yarbrough. The lead vocal is performed by Tommy Bailey.
Amazing Grace – The lyrics of this song were written by John Newton. The lead vocals are performed by Kristyn Getty and Dana Masters, with saxophone from Kirk Whalum.
Christ is All in All. This new song, which debuted at the conference, was written by Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive and Dwan Hill. The lead vocal is performed by Kristyn Getty.
All Hail the King of Heaven This song was written and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Speak O Lord – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. The lead vocal is performed by Laura Story.
His Mercy is More – This song was written and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Pass the Promise – This new song, which debuted at the conference, was written and performed by Kristyn Getty and Sandra McCracken.
Almost Home – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Lauren Papa and performed by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child – This traditional African-American spiritual was sung by Jubilant Sykes.
Is He Worthy – This song was written by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive and sung by Chris Tomlin.
Because He Lives – This song was written by Bill Gaither and Gloria Gaither. Bill Gaither leads the audience in singing the song, accompanied by Keith Getty on piano and Buddy Greene on harmonica.
It Was Finished Upon That Cross – This song was written by Rich Thompson, Jonny Robinson and Nigel Hendroff, and performed by CityAlight.
Kristus Yang Indah (The Beautiful Christ) – This song was written and performed by Stefanie Limanputri.
Él Me Sostendrá (He Will Hold Me Fast) – This song was written by Matt Merker and performed in Spanish by Iglesia Bautista Ozama church.
In Christ Alone – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, and sung by Kristyn Getty and Travis Cottrell.
Solid Effort from for KING & COUNTRY | Posted March-13-2022
The Australian duo for KING & COUNTRY, comprised of brothers Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone, follow up their 2018 album Burn the Ships and their 2020 Christmas album A Drummer Boy Christmas with What Are We Waiting For? Their fifth studio album features their distinctive sound of bass, drums and strong vocals. Themes on the album include being the same in different ways, letting go of mistakes we’ve made, God loving us as we are, racial unity, holding on till the pain ends, parents, commitment in marriage, differences, and worship.
Below are a few brief comments about each song:
Relate – This song was the first single from the album and was written by Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Josh Kerr and Tayla Parx, and produced by Kerr, Tedd T and for KING & COUNTRY. The song, which reached number one on Christian radio, features keys, bass, drums, and backing vocals, and tells us that we don’t know what it’s like to be one another but by the grace of God we’ll see each other’s heart.
Key lyric:
I don't know what it's like to be you
You don't know what it's like to be me
What if we're all the same in different kinds of ways
Can you, can you relate?
Broken Halos – This song was written by Josh Kerr, Mick Coogan, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone, produced by Kerr, Tedd T and for KING & COUNTRY. The song features synth, keys, drums, bass, and backing vocals. We can take our mistakes and let them go because we all wear broken halos.
Key lyric:
Don't you dare, don't you dare
Don't you hang your head
Love Me Like I Am – This song was written Michael Pollack, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone and Joel Smallbone, and produced by Jeff Sojka, Kerr and for KING & COUNTRY. The song features keys, bass, drums and backing vocals. The song could be addressing horizontal or vertical love.
Key lyric:
It's amazing that You can
Love me like I am
And even when I can't
You still love me as I am
Unity – This song was written Tony Williams, Federico Vindver, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone and Joel Smallbone, and produce by Vindver, Kerr and for KING & COUNTRY. The song about racial unity features Dante Bowe on vocals, keys, bass, drums, and a choir.
Key lyric:
Save us from this madness
Heal us from this sadness
Lead us to what matters
Closer to You
For God Is With Us – This song was written by Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Jordan Reynolds and Josh Kerr, and produced by Aqualung, Kerr, Tedd T, Benjamin Backus and for KING & COUNTRY. The song features guitar, keys, bass, drums and backing vocals. The song about Jesus addresses his birth, crucifixion and present reign.
Key lyric:
Can you feel the hope that's rushin' in?
Can you hear the song that's echoin'?
Join with the choir as we sing
This is where love truly begins
Hold On Pain Ends – This song was written by Luke Smallbone, Joel Smallbone, Jordan Reynolds and Josh Kerr, and produced by Kerr, Benjamin Backus, Tedd T and for KING & COUNTRY. The song about holding on until pain ends features bass, drums, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
When it's hard to say amen
And it doesn't go as planned
When it's more than you can stand
You can hold onto me then
Unsung Hero – This song was written by Seth Mosley, Luke Smallbone, Joel Smallbone, and Federico Vindver, and produced by Vindver, Mosley and for KING & COUNTRY. The tender song about mothers and fathers, features strings, backing vocals, and guitar.
Key lyric:
You're an unsung hero, so I'll sing this song for you
Harmony – This short song was written by Federico Vindver, Aqualung, Seth Mosley, Luke Smallbone and Joel Smallbone, and produced by Mosely, Vindver and for KING & COUNTRY. The song features Sleeping at Last, keys, strings and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Just the way that you taught us
Sing our songs, our melodies
In harmony
Shy – This song was written by Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone, Joel Smallbone and Taylor Hill, and produced by Tedd T, Kerr and for KING & COUNTRY. The song features bass, drums, and backing vocals. The song addresses not being shy about our faith, despite the fear.
Key lyric:
When the world is trying to cut me up
And the fear is running through my mind
You won't see me backing down
I'm not gonna be shy
Together – This song was written by Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Josh Kerr, Kirk Franklin, Ran Jackson and Ricky Jackson, and produced by Kerr, Federico Vindver and Benjamin Backus. Kirk Franklin and Tori Kelly are featured on vocals. This song was released in May, 2020 and was a number one song on Christian radio. It was previously released on the Burn the Ships Deluxe Edition: Remixes and Collaborations album. The song is about how together with our differences, we are bolder, braver and stronger.
Key lyric:
If you're lookin' for hope tonight, raise your hand
If you feelin' alone and don't understand
If you're fightin' in the fight of your life, then stand
We're gonna make it through this hand-in-hand
Seasons – This love song was written by Michelle Buzz, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone and Joel Smallbone, and produced by Tedd T, Kerr and for KING & COUNTRY. The song features keys, backing vocals, bass and drums.
Key lyric:
On the day that I met you
You knew that I knew
When I said that I choose you
You know I still do
Cheering You On – This song was written by Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Luke Smallbone, and Joel Smallbone, and produced by Kerr and for KING & COUNTRY. The song features synth, drums, keys, bass, and backing vocals. The song is about cheering on a friend who is going through a difficult time.
Key lyric:
I'll be cheering you on when no one else will
I'll be cheering you on as you run your race
Benediction – This beautiful worship song was written by Nicolas Balachandran, Ricky Jackson, Ran Jackson, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone and Joel Smallbone and produced by Kerr. The song features organ,
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