For many artists, difficult seasons are often the catalyst that brings out their best music. This is definitely true for gospel artist Bryan Popin as he heads into the release of his sophomore record, aptly titled I Got Out. It's a project that chronicles his journey through recent pain and offers encouragement to listeners that, in every struggle, there will also be victory to celebrate.
Album openers "Step In The Name" and "We Overcome" will have fans on their feet, moving along with the infectious groove of Popin's encouragement before bringing it down just a touch for Bryan's take on the timeless "Oh How I Love Jesus" and the soulful "Favor And Mercy."
Softer "Such A Time As This" offers hope to those who feel defeated and discouraged: "You're gonna make it / you can take it / with Jesus on your side, you're gonna win." The impactful title track "I Got Out" follows, full of lively spirit and encouragement that victory is coming, much like prophetic "You're Gonna Live Again (Bella's Song)."
The two collaborations on I Got Out, "Beautiful Savior (feat. Tasha Page-Lockhart)" and "Alright (feat. Tamela Mann)," round out the standard version of the album with powerhouse guest vocals, worshipful melodies and lyrical uplifting. If you spring for the Deluxe version of the album though, several remixes of tracks ("I Can Make It" and "I Got Out") are still available to be enjoyed.
The Bottom Line: Gospel music fans have much to look forward to with I Got Out, an album that spreads encouragement through every lyric and celebrates the victory that is sure to follow in times of struggle. An upbeat collection of praise-filled anthems, Bryan Popin carries honesty and hope into each track found on his sophomore effort.
The Best Of Both Worlds | Posted July-22-2017
For an artist with as much musical history and success as Todd Agnew, it only makes sense that a "best of" album would soon become part of his discography. The husband, father, teacher, student and solo artist is back for the first time since 2012's How To Be Loved with From Grace to Glory: The Music of Todd Agnew, Todd's latest Ardent Records release chronicling highlights and "hidden moments" from the past fifteen years of his career.
Found inside this sixteen-track project are both Todd's greatest hits and never-before-heard songs. "I assumed the story of From Grace to Glory would be a story of songs. But it turns out it is really a story of people. It's the story of one man and one God who goes to extreme lengths to love that man. It's a story of families," Todd says of the new collection.
Brand new worship track "Glory To Our Great Redeemer" opens as the centerpiece that ties the whole project together: "Glory to our perfect sacrifice / Lamb whose blood covered my shame / wrath of God poured out and satisfied / glory, glory to His name." Other new additions include upbeat "Nearer Home," a highlight on the album that easily gets stuck in listener's heads with its catchy melody, the original version of "Beautiful," a cover of U2 and B.B. King's "When Love Comes To Town," a previously-unreleased piano/vocal demo of "On A Corner In Memphis" from the Better Questions sessions and "Martyr's Song," written years ago for a Ted Dekker novella.
As for the cornerstone songs that have shaped Todd's career, chart-toppers "Grace Like Rain," "My Jesus," "In The Middle Of Me" and "This Fragile Breath (The Thunder Song)" of course make an appearance here, giving a "greatest hits" feel to the collection. A few other songs that made deep impact outside the walls of radio, "Our Great God (featuring Rebecca St. James)," "Isaiah 6," "Did You Mean Me?" and heartfelt "The One That You Want" round out this project.
The Bottom Line: With From Grace To Glory, Todd Agnew fans are truly given the best of both worlds. Hits that have become classics over the years meet with previously unreleased gems and even one brand new song to give listeners everything they could want to hear from Todd, all in one well-produced album that highlights the very best of his career while also giving us a glimpse into the future.
Rising Into Redemption | Posted June-26-2017 Natasha Owens' story was once one of loss, brokenness and depression, but now, through the power of music and faithfulness of Jesus, has become one of redemption, hope and healing. That miraculous restoration now bleeds into every song she sings as she ministers to others in their own pain, both through the uplifting lyrics and the genuine emotion in her voice as she sings His praises.
In the conclusion of my review of Natasha Owens' last project No One But You, I said that "whatever is next from Natasha, it will be something to pay attention to." Two years later, as she gears up for the release of her new full-length album We Will Rise, I'm happy to say that statement has proven true.
Previously released lead single "I Am Loved" kicks off the album as reminder of the weight of our words and the importance of speaking life. Worshipful ballad "Safe" follows, beautifully putting the spotlight on Natasha's bold vocals as she sings of the refuge we have in Christ: "When the storms rage, I am untouched / when the walls cave, I am not crushed / God, You save me / You lift me up / I will not be afraid, I am safe." Carrying over from her last EP, "No One But You" and "Move Me" are autobiographical tracks for Owens, much like album highlight "Wings," which holds the powerful line "the same wind that knocked me down gave me wings."
Anthemic "Your Love Will" speaks to the assurance we have that the fullness of God will meet our every need, while powerful "One Name" declares His sovereignty. Sonically captivating "New Eyes" brings a jazzy, pop feel into the record, contrasting well with slower, heartfelt "Legacy," which closes out the album with an impactful message of selflessness. The title track rounds out this collection of songs with words of inspiration close to Natasha's heart: "Lift your hands, lift your eyes / Jesus is faithful, faithful to revive / we will rise."
Natasha will quickly tell you that the message she hopes you walk away from her music with is not just that Jesus gives us the strength to survive our pain, but that He also gives us the strength to rise above it. In that respect, this album is absolutely a success. Every song ties in with that theme, perfectly matched by her powerhouse vocals and the near-tangible emotion listeners will hear in every lyric.
The Bottom Line: We Will Rise is a compelling display of what God will do with our pain when we allow Him to use it for His glory, and fans walking through their own brokenness are sure to be encouraged by Natasha's story of hope.
A Flawless Blend of Pop and Soul | Posted June-26-2017
Part of an impressive roster of CCM artists that got their start on American Idol, season eleven finalist Jeremy Rosado has been passionate about music from a young age. After finishing twelfth on the 2012 run of the show as "one of the most beautiful voices" judge Jennifer Lopez said she had ever heard, Jeremy released his debut full-length album Heartbeat in 2015 and introduced fans to his captivating blend of soulful pop sounds and meaningful lyrical content.
Our first taste of new music from Rosado since Heartbeat, his new Rewind EP holds a collection of songs sure to encourage you and get you on your feet.
The title track opens the five-song EP with the soul and pop collaboration that has become signature in Jeremy's music, offering a message of grace for our past and hope for our future: "Every time you wish you could go back, just know His grace doesn't work like that / every part of your story is for His glory / so walk ahead knowing that's the truth / you're redeemed, yeah, you're brand new / even though you can't turn back time, every day is a rewind." Follow-up track "Mystery" holds on to that successful pop sound while marveling at God and His creation of the world.
EP highlight "Trust" will have listeners moving along to its infectiously fun beat, much like album closer "Let Me Down" that borders on EDM with its lyrical center in the faithfulness of God. Worshipful "Jesus Is," the only ballad found on Rewind, displays Jeremy's powerhouse heartfelt vocal against a beautifully minimal sonic background.
The Bottom Line: Jeremy Rosado has everything you could want in an artist: smooth vocals, well-written lyrics that focus on important topics of faith, and the ability to easily transition from creative pop tracks to moving worship moments and handle both with extreme talent. Rewind is a powerful expression of all those elements and puts Jeremy on the map as an artist to watch as he heads toward his next full-length release.
Worship Meets Pop | Posted June-20-2017
Originating in Somerset, Kentucky, People Of The Earth is comprised of Dustin Fenison (vocals, guitar), Lydia Laird (vocals, keys), Stephen Hampton (guitars) and Jorge Lopez Jr. (drums). Their debut self-titled album, released in 2015, put them on the map in the worship community with producer Aaron Rice and a partnership with Vital Worship.
Now with their follow-up EP In All Things, People Of The Earth is more excited than ever before about sharing the good news of Jesus with anyone who will listen, helping connect it to our everyday lives. "We are desperate for God's grace and love daily. That's where the songs on this project were born. We celebrate the gospel, and then we are healed again by it, then we celebrate it some more," the band says about the new project.
POTE's version of the recent North Point InsideOut hit "Death Was Arrested" kicks off the album with captivating harmonies that draw the listener in and create an anthemic spirit of praise. The upbeat title track declares the victory, hope and freedom we have in Jesus, much like previously released "That's Who Jesus Is," a song that powerfully lays out the story of Christ: "There was a cross on a hill and forgiveness had a name / holy blood that was spilled to cover sin and shame / there was a stone He rolled away as He walked out of that grave / now we have victory in Him / that's who Jesus is."
Worshipful "All Belongs To You" follows, a definite highlight on the EP with its meaningful lyrical depth: "You gave Your life away / our hope is in Your name, our redemption in Your scars." Closing out the album, high energy tracks "Wake Up My Soul" and "You Change Me" will easily get stuck in your head with their infectious pop vibes.
The Bottom Line: With In All Things, People Of The Earth walks the line between worship leading and pop, handling both sides with creativity and quality. Well-produced sonic moments meet with beautiful lyrics and elegant vocals to craft an EP sure to be counted as a success for this band with a promising future ahead.
Gaining Momentum | Posted June-19-2017
The members of Momentum Music, the worship team from Momentum Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida, are firm believers that worship goes far beyond the music on a Sunday morning--it's a lifestyle to be lived out Monday through Saturday as well. With that mindset and a goal of writing songs that "serve as spiritual markers in the journey of our church and God's work in His people," Momentum Music is releasing their debut album, Hope Has A Name.
Energetic "Here & Now" opens the EP with a fun atmosphere, led by a powerhouse female vocal that carries the song to its full potential. An anthem to unite the church in praise, "What A Savior" declares the goodness of Christ: "You are here to rescue and pursue / oh what a Savior / wonderful Savior."
Reverent and worshipful "Hope of Forever" voices bold longing for the Spirit of God to move: "Holy Spirit, have Your way / all in one accord we pray / shake our hearts, oh God / burn like fire in our lives / show Your power in Jesus' name." Bringing the tempo back up and introducing some pop elements that brighten the sonic landscape, "Your Love" sings of the immeasurable power of His love in our lives. Closing out this collection of songs, "Send Your Fire" is another pop-centered track that focuses its lyrics on a longing for God.
The Bottom Line: Hope Has A Name is a strong beginning for Momentum Music. The anointing and authority that the team leads with carries over into this recording, offering both moments of reverent worship and some pop tunes to get you on your feet. Another addition to the powerful year worship music is having, Momentum Music is heading toward good things.
Inviting Worship | Posted June-02-2017 Brandon Bee is a man of many talents. The worship leader, ordained pastor, producer and co-founder of Save The City Records also carries the role of a singer/songwriter, and he is gearing up for his first release since 2011's Inside These Walls.
Songs From the Sky, Brandon's EP release on June 2, was written and recorded during a time he spent living in Milan to be part of what God is doing in the European worship music scene. Created in response to an electrical storm that destroyed the hard drives that held files for his third full-length record, this EP digs deep into Brandon's prayers after such a devastating experience. "This EP is a response to all that God did in me while my family lived overseas in Italy. I hope they are a blessing and an instrument for you to respond to Jesus," Brandon shares on his heart behind Songs From The Sky.
Sonically captivating "Comforter" opens the album with a powerful declaration of who Christ is, leading into worship-focused "I Give You My Whole World." With a voice and style that grabs the attention of listeners, piano-carried "Activate" is a call for the love of Christ to awaken us.
Displaying Brandon's smooth vocals, "Your Name Says It All" fits well in a congregational worship set with its praise-centered lyrics. Another beautifully-written track, "Remain," sets an atmosphere of worship and gratitude: "Your kindness draws me in / Your mercy covers me / For all You've done I am thankful." Mellow "I Celebrate The Lord" praises God for His faithfulness and goodness before bringing the EP to a close with a live version of "Your Great Love."
The Bottom Line: Fans of the inviting worship style and strong voice from artists like Phil Wickham will find an enjoyable listen with Brandon Bee's Songs From The Sky. While the seven tracks on this EP don't vary too much in their sonic landscapes, they're still engaging worship anthems for the church, welcoming Brandon back to artist side of his career while displaying potential for the future.
A Pop Album Full of Potential | Posted May-25-2017
Comprised of brothers Chad and Tyler Sowards along with Joey Atansio, Mass Anthem is a pop trio originally from the Chicago area. After their debut album released in 2014, the group relocated to Nashville, Tennessee in hopes of signing a record deal--and their upcoming independent full-length project Through People Like Me is what they think will launch them to that next level.
"We hope this new album will capture our creativity and energy that we want to bring to the stage. Our goal is to create a diverse album of fun, energetic music with lyrics that will encourage people to live a life for Someone greater than themselves," Tyler says of Through People Like Me.
The album grabs listeners' attention in the opening minutes with the infectious pop sonic landscape in "Keep Running." Previous single "To Get To Me" follows, bordering on an EDM backdrop and showcasing the trio's smooth vocals. Title track "Through People Like Me" is a highlight on the album, blending their well-crafted sound with powerful lyrics: "You're the God who dreams big dreams with the perfect plan at the perfect time / I can only see what is, You see what will be / I believe You change the world through me."
Encouraging "Everything To You" sends a message of our worth in Christ, leading into slower, emotional "Hero" that scales back the music for a moment to display the strength and perfect tone in their falsetto vocals. Another softer track, "The Answer" points to Christ and His sovereignty.
Brilliantly produced "The Real Me" will have listeners up on their feet dancing along, much like rock-tinted "Light Up The Darkness." Borrowing from the timeless hymn, "It's Amazing Grace" speaks to our freedom through Christ before closing out the album with tender "Beauty In The Tragedy" that offers hope: "There's healing at the foot of the cross / come and take your shackles off and see there's beauty in the tragedy."
The Bottom Line: Fans of groups like Stars Go Dim and Anthem Lights will be pleasantly surprised, as I was, with the captivating pop sound Mass Anthem has captured within Through People Like Me. The album carries the perfect combination of fun pop melodies, versatile vocals, worship moments and creative lyrics. Pop music fans are in for an enjoyable listen with Through People Like Me as Mass Anthem shows massive potential for the future.
Soulful Vocals Meet EDM Vibes | Posted May-22-2017
Since the young age of six, Abigail Duhon has been sharing her heart through song and a passion for music. Now seventeen, the actress and pop artist has several movies (God's Not Dead, I'm Not Ashamed) and albums already behind her, and she signed with Dream Label Group last year. When describing her sound and mission, Abigail says "I want people to see that Christian music can be just as awesome as any secular song, and the beats can be just as good as Justin Bieber, but with a message behind them. I talk about finding identity in Christ, to be confident of who we are in Him and how you can worship God even with just a few words."
Abigail's newest release, her Dream Records debut self-titled EP, seeks to embody that mission in six songs.
EDM flavored "Into The Light" opens the album, leading into "Rebound," which captures Abigail's soulful vocals blending well with their pop background. Previously released "Dance Up" featuring fellow CCM artist Spencer Kane follows, the perfect dance anthem that keeps her infectious pop/EDM vibe at the forefront.
Energetic "Give Me More" once again highlights Abigail's versatile, powerhouse vocals, while emotional "I'm Not Ashamed" brings the tempo down for a tender moment inspired by the tragic death of Rachel Joy Scott in the Columbine High School shooting: "I am not ashamed / Because You've given me life / I am not afraid / Because You've opened my eyes / That whatever stands before me / I know You will hold me." Ending the album with a message of self-worth, "More Than Gold" is a lyrically strong reminder.
The Bottom Line:
Abigail Duhon has been crafting her pop sound since a young age, and now with some years and experience under her belt, it seems she's found her niche. This Dream Records debut meshes Abigail's soulful voice with EDM vibes to make Abigail Duhon a fun pop collection that holds promise for good things to come from the singer/songwriter.
Song To Download Now:
"Dance Up (feat. Spencer Kane)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
Captured At College, Created For The World | Posted May-15-2017
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, North Central University has a true passion for worship. With daily campus chapel services featuring a full worship set led by student musicians leading original songs, recording some of these powerful moments seemed like the perfect idea. Under the leadership of the dean of the College of Fine Arts, Larry Bach, and former SonicFlood frontman Jeff Deyo (hear more about how he got involved here), the school began to produce live recordings every other year.
This year's recording, Always Remain, seeks to share the love of Christ outside the walls of NCU. Dean Bach sums up their mission easily: "God is doing something in our students on a continued basis in their response to God in worship. We want to capture that and have it be a blessing to churches and individuals."
"Open Our Eyes" begins the album by inviting listeners into an atmosphere of worship and a longing for the Spirit of God. Carrying a bit of a Hillsong Young & Free vibe, "Yours Is The Kingdom," "In Spirit And Truth" and closing track "Fortress" keep things upbeat for a while. A well-crafted moment that would fit well in any congregational worship service, "I Surrender" is a highlight on the album: "Here is my heart / here is my story / every breath is all for Your glory."
Pulling from the classic hymn "Just As I Am," "I Come To Jesus (Lay It All Down)" is another powerful piece that feels authentic and well-produced. "I can see eternity / it's in the way You love me," begins the beautifully written and praise-worthy "The Sweetest Name." The title track "Always Remain" combines the album's synth elements with the overall organic sound in a nice blend that makes for an engaging listen. Rounding out the twelve-track project, "Step By Step" and "Even Still" wrap up with lyrics of praise and adoration.
The Bottom Line: Live albums have a special quality that studio albums could never capture, with the added bonus of getting to hear the raw, in-the-moment emotion from both those leading and those in the crowd singing along. Always Remain features a diverse sonic landscape, blending an organic style and intimate times of worship with synth programming and upbeat moments. For a university that puts such focus on pursuing genuine worship, Always Remain is a huge step towards a bright future for North Central.
CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
