Hope
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Petra Petra was one of my favorite bands when I was a new believer in the 1980’s and 1990’s, and I continued to follow their music through 2003’s Jekyll and Hyde. Hope is...
Life & Breath
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Matt After releasing twenty albums, Matt Redman has done something he hadn’t previously done. Life & Breath, Redman’s latest album, was recorded as a "live studio" album in...
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,
Worth the Wait | Posted March-08-2022 The End is the multi-talented (pastor, conference speaker, author, rapper), Trip Lee’s first new album since 2016’s The Waiting Room. Lee has said that the title symbolizes the coming to the end of ourselves, where one door closes so another can open. Themes on the album include Lee’s returning to music after six years, dealing with illness for fifteen years, Christ being better than riches, going home Heaven, divisions in our society, fame, things he wishes were different in the world, having nothing left to prove, love for his wife and new life in Christ.
Here are a few brief comments about each song:
Let Go – This song was written and produced by Lee. Most of the vocals on this song are handled by Chastity (Chazz). Lee sings only the fourth verse.
Key lyric:
Lord, grab my soul
Lose my hold on things that hold me back
Right Out the Gate – This hard-hitting song was written and produced by Mashell and Lee. Some thought he had left music, but he’s back, still on his game.
Key lyric:
Thought he was gone, I think He back
He ain't wait long, on the attack
Still unashamed, you know it's facts
You Got It – This hard-hitting song, which was originally released on Reach Records Summer Twenty-One release, was written and produced by Mashell and Lee. Where else can he go? Riches don’t satisfy. Christ has the words of eternal life (John 6:68).
Key lyric:
But I know, all them others leave us in the cold
I don't wanna gain the world and lose my soul
Homecoming – This song was written by Mashell and Lee and produced by Mashell and Juice Bangers. The song is about going home to Heaven. The list of his sins is a mile long but the bill is paid for.
Key lyric:
When I’m gone, who cares if I’m known
I’m just headed home
Witness This song was written by Wande, WHATUPRG, Lee, Mashell and Juice Bangers. It was produced by Lee, Juice Bangers and Mashell and features Wande and WHATUPRG. God is his witness. He has nothing to prove.
Key lyric:
Your expectations, that's yours to own
No borders, out here tryna please the Lord alone
Put Your Weapon Down – This hard-driving song was written and produced by Lee and 1995 (Producer) and features 1K Phew. The song addresses the divisions in society, where all we seem to do is pick sides and criticize.
Key lyric:
We know what we hate
And we know what we ain’t
But if he call us saints
What kind of picture do we paint?
All Mine – This mid-tempo song was written by Mashell and Lee, produced by Mashell and features Taylor Hill. Here Lee addresses fame. He’s been out there living like it’s all his.
Key lyric:
The whole world is my stage
I'm allergic to the small time
I been out here living like it's all mine
Supernatural – This song was written and produced by Juice Bangers, Lee and Mashell. The song addresses some of the things Lee wishes were different in the world, some serious (racism, violence, politics, church corruption), and some not so serious (Dr. Pepper) and the solution being the Lord.
Key lyric:
If I have to, we can skip the hassle
Show you what them facts do
They say he a natural
But we need supernatural, we need supernatural
The way He acts do it seem so supernatural?
End of Me (Interlude) – This short song was written and produced by Lee and features Chastity (Chazz) on vocals.
Key lyric:
The end of me may taste bittersweet
But that's where You tend to be
Dreamin – This slow rap was written and produced by Lee, Enzo Gran and 1995 (Producer). The song features keys and Lee vulnerably addressing the illness that he has battled for years, repeated doctor visits and prescriptions that don’t work.
Key lyric:
Cause what good is a dream, if it don't submit to the king?
It's all his anyway, I'll let him do his thing
Call It Life – This song was written and produced by Lee, 1995 (Producer) and Enzo Gran. It’s a musically interesting song. Once he saw the light, that’s all he likes. Loving God isn’t going to blend with loving money or the world in the end.
Key lyric:
Was blind to His wonder, Stevie
He's the key to life, He lead me
Wake Up – This hard-driving song was written by 1995 (Producer), Enzo Gran, Lee and KB, and produced by 1995 (Producer), Enzo Gran and Lee. The song features KB, the first time Lee and KB have collaborated since 2013’s “The Saints”.
Key lyric:
They talk jewelry, but I'm talking about the Judge now
Before the Lord touch down, hands up, boy, wake up
Stone – This hard-driving song was written by Lee, Mashell and Juice Bangers and produced by Mashell and Juice Bangers. The song includes snippets of sermons from Pastor E.K. Bailey. The song is about Earth not being our home but we still having work to do.
Key lyric:
Can't kick my feet up 'cause I ain't home
You can tell 'em put that in stone
Know It – This easy-going love song to Lee’s wife was written and produced by 1995 (Producer), Enzo Gran and Lee and features an infectious chorus.
Key lyric:
Oh, girl, could there be anyone like you in this world? I doubt it
Everybody wanna brag 'bout the bag, talkin' 'bout a good thing, I found it
Always at your pace how your run your race, putting in that mileage
I don't know if you know it, I just want you to know it
Gave It Up – This slow rap was written and produced by Lee and Mashell, and features Desi Raines on the chorus and bridge. The song is about Lee’s new life in Christ.
Hymns of the Getty's Irish American Journey | Posted November-02-2021
The latest album by Keith & Kristyn Getty is a diary of hymns and songs that underscore the Gettys’ Irish American journey. In 2020, the Gettys spent ten months in Ireland, tracing their journey back to Northern Ireland and the Scots-Irish-American roots of their hymn writing. The album features guest artists such as Sandra McCracken, Alison Krauss, Dana Masters and Kirk Whalum, and a mix of new original songs, new arrangements of well-known hymns, and a remixed version of their most popular modern hymn “In Christ Alone”. It is beautifully produced by Ben Shive. The Gettys ended up recording enough songs for two albums, so they plan to follow up this album with another album Christ Our Hope In Life And Death, in the summer of 2022.
Below are a few comments about each song on Confessio: Irish American Roots:
Confessio – This song, inspired by the prayer of St. Patrick, was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Fionán de Barra and Matt Papa. The song features the incredible Getty band, including acoustic guitar, violin, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
We go homeward
Christ, be with us as we go
We go homeward
Christ, be with us on the road
This Is My Father’s World – This song was written by Maltbie D. Babcock. The arrangement is by Keith Getty, Fionán de Barra and Ben Shive. This beautiful arrangement features acoustic guitar, violin, bass, light percussion, strings, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – This song was written by Isaac Watts (words) and Lowell Mason (music). This beautiful arrangement features horns, strings, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, and piano.
Key lyrics:
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
Pass the Promise – This song, inspired by Hannah's song, was written by Kristyn Getty and Sandra McCracken and features Sandra McCracken on vocals. The song features drums, violin and a memorable chorus. My favorite song on the album.
Key lyrics:
Pass the promise
To our sons and daughters
God most high, God our Father
We bear witness
Amazing Grace – This song was written by John Newton and was recorded in Keith Getty’s friend's fish and chips shack in Ireland. The beautiful arrangement features piano, Dana Masters on vocals and Kirk Whalum on saxophone.
Key lyrics:
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.
Come Thou Almighty King – This song was written by Felice De Giardini. The arrangement was by Tommy Bailey, Sarah Gehri, Nathan Mickle and Tom Yarbrough and features the Getty Girls. The song features violin, backing vocals, Irish instruments, and some excellent acoustic guitar.
Key lyrics:
To the great one in three
Eternal praises be
Hence – evermore!
Death where now is the sting
Crown Him the King of Kings
We to eternity
Love and adore!
And Are You Sleeping? – This song was written by Malcolm Guite and Kristyn Getty. The song features acoustic guitar, violin, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
And she has risen from her bed
And held her arms out wide
And touched his wounded hands and heart
And gone to be his bride
Waulking Song/All My Heart Rejoices (Song of Anna) – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Sandra McCracken and features Sandra McCracken on vocals. The song about Anna (Luke 2), which includes reference to Psalm 34:18, features acoustic guitar, violin, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
And all my heart Rejoices, rejoices
As angels lift Their voices to proclaim
Praise be to God
Redemption resounds
Till all the earth
Rejoices, rejoices
It Is Well With Me Soul – This song was written by Horatio Spafford (words), Philip Bliss (music). The arrangement is by Keith Getty. This beautiful arrangement, which builds powerfully toward the end, and is featured in the film Sabina: Tortured for Christ, the Nazi Years, features violin, piano, strings, and choir.
Key lyrics:
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
Even so, it is well with my soul
How Can I Keep from Singing? – This song was written by Keith Getty and Fionán de Barra. This song features acoustic guitar, Irish instruments, piano and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge, clinging
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?
Be Thou My Vision – This Traditional Irish hymn was arranged by Keith Getty, Ben Shive and Fionán de Barra. This arrangement features Irish instruments, strings, piano, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
High King of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Farewell to Ballymoney – This instrumental was written by Keith Getty, Ben Shive and Fionán de Barra. The song features the incredible Getty band If you have never seen them in concert, you are missing a treat.
In Christ Alone – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and features Alison Krauss. The song is a remixed version of a song that appeared on the 2012 album Hymns for the Christian Life. The song, which builds powerfully, features acoustic guitar, Irish instruments, and backing vocals.
Mac Powell's Solo Christian Music Debut | Posted October-17-2021
I’ve long enjoyed Mac Powell’s music, mostly from his time as lead singer of four-time Grammy winners Third Day. I also enjoyed his 2019 album Back Again with Mac Powell and the Family Reunion. In fact, my wife Tammy and I saw aPowell with his band the Family Reunion in November 2019, which was the last concert we saw before concerts were shut down due to the pandemic.
Powell has also released two country music solo albums, but this is his first solo album of Christian music, and it’s a good one. He brings his distinctive baritone voice – one of the best in music - to these songs with a bit of a country/southern flavor. The album is produced by Jonathan Smith, Hank Bentley, Jeff Pardo, Seth Mosely, Colby Wedgeworth, and Ed Cash. Powell collaborated with some of Nashville’s top songwriters for the album. He co-wrote each song, collaborating with Jonathan Smith, Ethan Hulse, Seth Mosley, Jeff Pardo, Brenton Brown, Hank Bentley, Matt Maher, Benji Cowart, Casey Beathard and Tommy Iceland.
Below are a few comments about each song:
River of Life – This upbeat anthem features organ, hand claps, backing vocals, guitar, bass and drums. There is healing in the river of life.
Key lyrics:
Brothers, sisters, come on down to that river
Guaranteed you'll never be the same
There's a fountain flowing from the heart of the Savior
Bring your sins and all your guilty stains
Let that river of life wash it all away
New Creation – This joyful song tells how God changed Powell (2 Corinthians 5:17). The song features backing vocals, hand claps, guitar, bass and drums.
Key lyrics:
You brought me blessings out of tragedy
You turned my old song into a symphony
And with your Spirit living inside of me
I’m a new creation
I’m a new creation
Love is the Reason – In this song, which Powell has said is his favorite on the album, Powell looks at three situations (his mom taking him to church, his brother fighting in the war, and Jesus dying for our sins), and says love was the reason for all three. The song features guitar, percussion, piano, organ, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Love is the reason, love is the reason
Oh, love is the reason that I go
Standing up for what I believe in
That's where my heart is leading
And love is the reason that I go
Be Praised – This song is about the name of the Lord being praised. The song features piano, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
From the rising of the sun
To going down of the same
Let the name of the Lord be praised
Both now and forever more
All of heaven and earth proclaim
The name of the Lord be praised
1991 – This joyful song is about Powell being saved in 1991 at the age of 18. The song features guitar, drums, organ, hand claps, bass, piano, backing vocals and keys.
Key lyric:
By April 21st, 1991 I was worn out
tired from all the miles that I had run
Saw an old church and walked right in
Same old truth but it felt new then
On April 21st, 1991
The Center of It All – This song features guitar, drums, organ, piano, and bass. The song is about how from the beginning to the ending of Scripture Jesus is the center of it all.
Key lyrics:
From the beginning to the ending, You're the center of it all
It's for You and it's from You, You and You alone
The Author of our story, let it all be for Your glory
From the beginning to the ending, You're the center of it all
Joy of the Lord – This upbeat song about the joy of the Lord, based on Psalm 118:14, features keys, guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
The joy of the Lord is my strength and my song
That sweet melody in my soul all day long
No matter what comes I’ll just keep going on
Cause’ the joy of the Lord is my strength and my song
Jesus You Are – The song about Jesus being whatever we need, features piano, hand claps, organ, backing vocals, and drums.
Key lyrics:
When I need rescue
You are my ransom
When I need shelter
You are my home
When I am weak Lord
You’re what I reach for
Lord I believe, whatever I need, Jesus you are
Everlasting Arms – This song about the everlasting arms of God, samples “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” by Anthony J. Showalter and Elisha Hoffman. The song features piano, organ, backing vocals, guitar, bass, drums,
Key lyrics:
In the morning I am met with Your mercy
In the evening I am wrapped in Your love
There's no end to Your reach
There's no place I'd rather be
I'm leaning on Your everlasting arms
Baptized – This song about being baptized, features Matt Maher on vocals, and piano, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. The song references the hymn “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” by Robert Lowry.
Key lyrics:
Tell me how deep and wide is the love of Jesus
My soul will testify to the water’s edges
I’ve been born again
Had to die to find new life
In the water, in the fire
I’ve been baptized
All of the songs are strong musically and lyrically. My favorites are:
New Music from Newsboys | Posted October-12-2021
I really enjoyed Newsboys UNITED, featuring former band members Peter Furler and Phil Joel. With Stand, the Newsboys move on with members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, and Jody Davis. The ten songs here give you what you exactly what would expect from the band – clean production, relatively short songs (the album clocks in at just 33 minutes), catchy hooks, backing vocals and simplistic, but encouraging lyrics.
Themes on the album include God not giving up on us and always coming through for us, Jesus doing the unexpected, believing God in difficult times, standing for God when trouble comes calling for us, not fearing, the blessings in our lives, and never being too far from a forgiving God.
Here are a few brief comments about each song:
Magnetic – This upbeat song was written by Michael Tait, AJ Pruis, Bryan Fowler and Micah Kuiper. It was produced by Kuiper, Pruis and Tedd T. The song features guitar, guitar, drums, bass, percussion, and backing vocals. The song is about how God will never give up on us.
Key lyrics:
But every time I'm in that fight
Your love keeps pullin' me back, pullin' me back
It's magnetic
Ain’t It Like Jesus – This reggae influenced song was written by Michael Tait, Micah Kuiper, Juan Otero, Michael Cochren and Tedd T. It was produced by Tedd T. The song features guitar, bass, horns, backing vocals and drums. The song is about how Jesus will always do the unexpected.
Key lyrics:
Ain't it like Jesus
To flip the situation?
Ain't it like Jesus?
Zero limitations
I Still Believe You’re Good – This song was written by Michael Tait, AJ Pruis, Bryan Fowler and Micah Kuiper. It was produced by Kuiper and Fowler. The song features keys, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. Michael Tait has said that this song is really the whole COVID-19 story wrapped up in melody.
Key lyrics:
Even in the valley, I still believe
You're good
Stand – This anthem was written by Michael Tait, Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. It was produced by Sojka and Glover. The song features keys, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. The song is about who we will be when trouble comes calling for us. This will be a good song for Christian radio.
Key lyrics:
I'm gonna stand in a world that's breaking
Stand for a truth unchangin'
I'm not ashamed, I've considered the cost
I'll stand right here at the foot of the cross
And stand
Clean – This song was written by Michael Tait, Jonathan Smith, Bryan Fowler, Michael Cockren and Tedd T. It was produced by Tedd T and Fowler. The song features percussion, bass, keys, drums, and backing vocals. The song addresses how people perceive us and how we want to be perceived.
Key lyrics:
God, You're strong when I am weak
I need Your grace to help me to see
That I'm not longer a slave to me
I've been washed, I've been set free
Won’t Be Afraid – This anthem about not fearing was written by Michael Tait, Be Calhoun and Tedd T. It was produced by Calhoun and Tedd T. The song features guitar, percussion, bass, keys, backing vocals, drums and a catchy chorus.
Key lyrics:
When I walk through the fires of life, I
Won't be afraid, no, won't be afraid, no
Come Through – This song about God coming through for us written by Michael Tait, Micah Kuiper, Bryan Fowler, Michael Cochren and Tedd T. It was produced by Tedd T and Kuiper. The song references Romans 8:28, and features guitar, bass, drums, keys and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
You always come through
You have not forsaken me
You are working all things for my good
Even when I cannot see
I know You always come through
For me
Blessings on Blessings – This upbeat song about all of the blessings in our lives was written by Michael Tait, Ethan Hulse and Jeff Pardo. It was produced by Kuiper, Tedd T and Pardo. The song features keys, organ, handclap, guitar, bass drums, backing vocals, and a catchy chorus.
Key lyrics:
I've got blessings on blessings
Written all over my life
Even when things are goin' wrong
I got so much goin' right
There's a song in my soul
And there's breathe inside o' my lungs
So many things to thank You for
How could I just choose one?
No Doubt – This song was written by Michael Tait, AJ Pruis, Micah Kuiper and Bryan Fowler. It was produced by Micah Kuiper. The song is about how Jesus is the only one. The song features guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
There's no doubt
You are the only who has never let me down
Never Too Far Away – This song was written by Michael Tait, Bryan Fowler, Matt Lott and Dave Stovall. It was produced by Fowler. The song, which builds at the chorus, features keys, percussion, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals.
The song tells us that no matter what we may have done, we’re never too far away from a forgiving God.
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