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...
One of the Best Albums of 2021 | Posted July-01-2021
I first heard Ellie Holcomb on the song “Elizabeth”, a song she wrote with Kristyn Getty and included on the 2017 album Sing! - An Irish Christmas: Live at the Grand Ole Opry House. Watch a live performance of the song here.
I was attracted to this album by a tweet from NEEDTOBREATHE indicating that lead singer Bear Rinehart had teamed up with Holcomb for “Sweet Ever After”. I’m glad I checked out the album, as it’s one of my favorites of 2020.
The album was inspired by a trip Holcomb took to the Grand Canyon last summer. She has said that the songs, born out of a season of a lot of personal and global (COVID-19, racial tension, etc.) loss, feel like a soundtrack to healing and hope.
Canyon, produced by Cason Colley, is Holcomb’s follow-up to her 2017 Red Sea Road album. Holcomb’s father, Christian music veteran Brown Bannister served as executive producer.
Here are a few brief comments about each song:
I Don't Want To Miss It - This upbeat song was written by Thad Cockrell, Cason Cooley and Ellie Holcomb. The song features drums, bass, piano, backing vocals, and banjo. She doesn’t want to miss God’s voice and touch.
Key lyrics:
I don't want to miss a thing
So I climbed up in a sycamore tree
'Cause I don't want to miss a thing
And I don't want to miss it
I don't want to miss a thing
I don't want to miss the melody
That You've been singing over me
Canyon - This hopeful song was written by Thad Cockrell, Cason Cooley and Ellie Holcomb. The song features, banjo, backing vocals, drums, piano and bass. She found the Lord in the desert. Holcomb has said that this song, and the album, is about a deeper sorrow and a higher hope. There’s a river running through her deepest sorrow and pain. There’s a river running through every dream that never came true.
Key lyrics:
I walked into the desert and I found You
You set a table for me in the presence of my enemies
To share with my enemies
No longer my enemies
Color – Holcomb sings of stone-cold lonely nights when she built her house on sand. She thought the truth was black and white, but now sees it is made of color. The song, which builds powerfully, features keys, finger snaps, bass, guitar, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
In the broken sanctuary light
I'm surrendered, I am hypnotized
I can see You even though I'm blind
This world is made of color
Bridge - This song was written by Jordan Reynolds, Ellie Reynolds, Ellie Holcomb, Carly Bannister and Alexandria Mowry. The song features piano, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. The song is about racial reconciliation, rebuilding what has been broken, repentance and forgiveness.
Key lyrics:
I wanna listen, I wanna repent
It's time to rebuild what's been broken
Teach me to love, help me learn to forgive
And when hate melts it down, we'll rebuild it again
Paradox - This song was written by Natalie Hemby and Ellie Holcomb and features Hemby. She thought see would see God clearly from the top of the world, but now that she is in the valley looking up God has never felt so close. The song features piano, keys, backing vocals, bass and drums.
Key lyrics:
And now I'm in a valley, looking up
You have never felt so close
Canyons all around me, stars above
Meet me in the depths below
Where the lost is found
Where the broken is crowned
Where the souls rise up
From the ground
You got me in the valley, looking up
Brand New Day – This song was written by Jeremiah Dunlap, Matt Wertz and Ellie Holcomb. We all fall down and get banged up. There’s a storm, but you’ve not going under. It’s a brand-new day. I really enjoyed the musical arrangement on this song, featuring guitar, hand claps, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Mercy new, don't miss the way it shines
It's a brand-new day
Sweet Ever After – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and Ellie Holcomb, and features Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE. The song references the tornado that struck Nashville in March, 2020, and features banjo, bass, backing vocals, drums. The sun is coming up on the stairway to Heaven in the sweet ever after.
Key lyrics:
Got a lot of bad days still coming our way
But a sweet ever after
Wind and waves breaking over our walls
But the ship, it don't shatter
Stronger - This song was written by Nicole Witt, Ellie Holcomb and Christa Wells. The encouraging song is about being stronger than your fear. It features piano, drums, guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Go fly away my dear, up to the golden sun
Don't build your home right here, you were made for love
Worry whispers lies but let the truth be clear
You are stronger, love, you are stronger than your fear
Mine - This song was written by Ellie Holcomb and features Drew Holcomb. It’s a beautiful piano and strings driven song for their children.
Key lyrics:
Before I held you, I knew I loved you
Before I saw you, I was sold out for you
I was writing lullabies
Before I ever heard your cry
I've been here the whole time
You always have, you always will be mine
I Will Carry You - This song was written by Ben Glover and Ellie Holcomb. The song could be addressed to a friend who is tired, hurting and full of anxiety. It features piano, guitar, banjo, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
I will carry you
Through your darkest night
When you're terrified
I will carry you
When the waters rise
When your hope runs dry
I will carry you
Gold – This song was written by Ellie Holcomb and features Carly Bannister. It sounds like a love song to Holcomb’s husband Drew, as she sings that she learned to sing so she could sing right next to him. The song features acoustic guitar, pedal steel guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
You are wonderful, you are kind
You are patient, you are humble, and you are wise
You don't see it with your own eyes
But you are gold to me and I love the way you shine
Constellations - This song was written by David Leonard (Christian), Ellie Holcomb
and Jon Guerra. The piano driven song features a passionate vocal from Holcomb
as she cries out to God to promise her that she is not alone.
Excellent New Release From Crowder | Posted June-11-2021
Milk & Honey is Crowder’s fourth studio album and his follow-up to 2018’s I Know a Ghost. Crowder has written that the title Milk & Honey is about promise. The album is a celebration of the future we are marching towards together and a prayer that each of us can live in this promise in the here and now. It features a variety of musical genres, though less of the swamp rock and bluegrass that his previous albums have included. Several of the songs are about Jesus and will make find themselves into worship services. This is one of my top albums of 2020 thus far.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Good God Almighty – This song was written by Jeff Sojka, Ben Glover and Crowder, and produced by Sojka and Glover. The song has charted high on Christian radio. Crowder describes this song as some good old-fashioned group singing, people singing in harmony. An excellent opening song.
Key lyrics:
Good God almighty, I hope You'll find me
Praising Your name no matter what comes
'Cause I know where I'd be without Your mercy
So I keep praising Your name at the top of my lungs
In the House – This song about the church was written by Jeff Sojka, Ben Glover and Crowder. The song features banjo, drums, bass, backing vocals and hand claps.
Key lyrics:
Doesn't matter if you're rich, you're poor, whoever you are
This is where we all find grace
He Is – This song about Jesus was written by Hank Bentley, Jeff Pardo and Crowder, and produced by Bentley and Pardo. The song, which builds throughout, features piano, acoustic guitar, bass, banjo, drums and backing vocals. It would be an excellent song to sing in a worship service.
Key lyrics:
He is hope for the hopeless, rest for the weary
Help for the hurting, He is, He is
Mending the broken, bearing the burdens
All that you're needing, He is
Milk & Honey – This song was written by Seth Philpott, Hank Bentley and Crowder, and produced by Zach Paradis and Bentley. This song is about heading to the Promised Land. The upbeat song features Crowder’s swamp sound, banjo, hand claps, percussion and bass.
Key lyrics:
Choirs will be singing, saints on bended knee
Angels will be dancing, we will all be free
God in all His glory as far as you can see
It's like every day is Sunday in the land of milk and honey
Higher Power – This song is written by Solomon Olds, Rebecca Olds, Jeff Sojka, Crowder, Hulvey and Ben Glover, and is produced by Glover, Sojka and Solomon Olds. This song about the power of God’s gathered people, features Hulvey on vocals. The high energy song is driven by guitar, drums, bass, a heavy beat and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Higher power
We stronger, we louder
Put your robe on we the choir
We champions, throw the flowers
Sweet Jesus – This song was written by Solomon Olds, Rebecca Olds, Jeff Sojka, Crowder and Ben Glover, and produced by Glover and Sojka. The song features, guitar, finger snaps, bass, drums and the excellent backing vocals of Maverick City Music.
Key lyrics:
Say His name, say His name
The name above all names
God Really Loves Us – This song was written by Jeff Sojka, Crowder, Dante Bowe and Ben Glover, and produced by Glover and Sojka. The song features Dante Bowe and Maverick City Music. The song is driven by piano and builds beautifully with the backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Hallelujah
We are not alone
God really loves us
Who's Gonna Stop The King – This worship song was written by Jordan Sapp, Jeff Sojka, Crowder, Colby Wedgeworth and Ben Glover and produced by Glover and Sojka. The song begins with hand claps, and builds, with bass, percussion and backing vocals. No one is going to stop the King.
Key lyrics:
Praise Him, praise Him
Praise the everlasting King
Better Than Sunshine – This song was written by Jeff Sojka, Crowder and Ben Glover and produced by Glover and Sojka. The song about Jesus features acoustic guitar, percussion, bass and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
My Savior is better
My Jesus is better
His love is forever
Glory, Glory (God Is Able) – This gospel song was written by Ed Cash and Crowder and produced by Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. The toe-tapping song features piano, bass, percussion, backing vocals and banjo.
Key lyrics:
I feel better
So much better
Since I laid my burden down
Hallelujah For Every Broken Heart – This song was written by Ed Cash, Crowder and Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE, and produced by Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. Jesus uses all of the pain and hurt in our lives. The song features bass, piano, hand claps and backing vocals.
Key lyrics:
Hallelujah for a broken heart
Hallelujah when I'm falling apart
There's a sun rising when the sky is dark
I'm singing, hallelujah for a broken heart
The Anchor – This song was written by Tommee Profitt and Crowder and produced by Profitt. The song, about Jesus, features piano, a passionate vocal and builds powerfully with a chorus.
Mat Kearney at His Best | Posted May-24-2021
Mat Kearney returns with January Flower, his sixth studio album, and first since 2018’s CRAZYTALK. The new songs are primarily relationship driven acoustic songs with a beat. His sprinkles in references to his faith throughout the album.
I really enjoyed this album. Below are a few comments about each song:
Powerless – This song was written by Kearney and Eli Teplin and produced by Robert Marvin. The song begins with acoustic guitar and then adds percussion and backing vocals. The song references beginning to work on the album in the desert when they encountered record rainfall. It is about losing control and being powerless.
Can't Look Back – This mid-tempo song was written by Kearney and Trent Dabbs, and produced by Kearney and Robert Marvin. The song, about a relationship, features guitar, keys, drums, backing vocals and a memorable chorus. There’s no future in the past and you can’t look back.
Grand Canyon – This song, about a distance in a relationship, was written by Kearney and Eli Teplin, and produced by Kearney, Robert Marvin, Teplin and Gabe Simon. The song features synth, guitar, percussion, keys and bass.
Pontiac – This song was written by Kearney, Robert Marvin, Eli Teplin, Ruslan Rov and Rob Resnick, and produced by Marvin, Teplin, Rov. The upbeat song features keys, percussion, and has Kearney looking back on their relationship driving in her Pontiac.
They Don't Know – This song is about what it takes to keep a relationship together (faith, a love that comes from above, etc.). She is his heart. The song features acoustic guitar, percussion and keys.
Anywhere With You – This love song was written by Kearney, Robert Marvin, Eli Teplin and Trent Dabbs, and produced by Marvin. The song features a good beat and memorable chorus driven by guitar, synth and percussion.
Say It Now – This song, about falling in love, was written by Kearney, Eli Teplin and Trent Dabbs, and produced by Robert Marvin, Teplin and Ruslan Lov. The song features keys, backing vocals, bass and percussion.
Stuck in the Moment – This song finds Kearney looking back on a love that has moved on, though he can get caught in the moment, just for a moment. The song features acoustic and electric guitar and percussion.
I Don't Really Care – This upbeat song features keys, hand claps and percussion. He wishes that they could just watch the sunset, and not their phones and worrying about how they compare with others.
Running In Circles – This upbeat song features percussion, keys, hand claps, a memorable chorus and a good beat. He can’t get any peace. She has him running in circles. He’s tired of waiting.
Boulder – This song is about a coffee shop in Nashville, now closed, when Kearney would bring his child as a newborn. The song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals and bass. You can’t stop a boulder when it starts.
Blame - He was the one to blame, he was the one who changed and lost his way. He knows that that Lord forgives him but it doesn’t make what he did right. The song features acoustic guitar, bass and percussion.
Something Beautiful – This is a beautiful acoustic love song. Way back when,
High Energy Live Album from NEEDTOBREATHE | Posted April-16-2021
NEEDTOBREATHE follows their previous live albums – 2015’s Live from the Woods and 2018’s Acoustic Live Vol. 1 – with Live from the Woods Vol. 2, recorded outdoors March 13 and 14 at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee. This is their first live project since founding member Bo Reinhart left the band, the band now consisting of vocalist-guitarist Bear Rinehart, bassist Seth Bolt and keyboardist Josh Lovelace. The songs on this collection focus on the band’s most recent album, with 8 of the 17 tracks coming from the band’s August 2020 album Out of Body, which the band didn’t get to tour behind because of the pandemic. Three songs come from their 2009 album The Outsiders, 2 from 2014’s Rivers in the Wasteland, and one from 2016’s Hard Love, 2018’s EP Forever on Your Side, 2011’s The Reckoning and 2007 The Heat.
NEEDTOBREATHE has always been known as an excellent high energy live band, and they prove it again on Live from the Woods Vol. 2. It’s obvious that they are energized to be performing in front of a crowd again. I enjoyed every song on this album, which features more than an hour and a half of music. Highlights for me included a blistering version of “Prisoner” from their 2009 album The Outsiders, “Who Am I” from 2020’s Out of Body, “Feet, Don’t Fail Me Now” from 2014’s Rivers in the Wasteland, the rarely played “Garden” from The Outsiders, “Brother” from Rivers in the Wasteland, and the unplugged Encore Medley: “Something Beautiful” from The Outsiders, “White Fences” from 2011’s The Reckoning, and “Washed by the Water” from 2007’s The Heat, with the audience singing along.
Wilder Woods EP | Posted April-11-2021
Bear Rinehart, the lead singer of NEEDTOBREATHE is Wilder Woods. The name comes from his two sons Wilder and Woods. During the pandemic, he wrote between 70-80 songs. Five of the songs are included on The Work Tapes EP, and more are planned to be released. Rinehart, who possesses one of the most distinctive and powerful voices in music, has been busy with NEEDTOBREATHE, as well as adding vocals to songs from Chris Tomlin, Carrie Underwood and We the Kingdom. He wrote, recorded and produced The Work Tapes at his home studio. The EP is a follow-up to his 2019 solo debut Wilder Woods.
Themes on the project include change, love, fear, sin and getting better.
Below are a few comments about each of the songs:
Long Night Coming – This upbeat song features guitar, backing vocals, light drums and keys. He needs a change. He needs to get back on the road and play music, because that’s where his soul is uplifted.
Key lyric:
I wanna sing in a crowd of people I’ve never met before
It makes me love and remember what I’m working for
Sink Our Love Now – This passionate song features acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keys, and backing vocals. Their love may not be what it once was, but they have persevered and are committed to each other. As long as they are together, they’ll be able to figure it out.
Key lyric:
If the ship’s still floating, you can figure it out
It’s gonna take a lot more to sink our love now
Heavenly Light – This song features keys, percussion, backing vocals, guitar and bass. It is a song for his wife. She is his heavenly light.
Key lyric:
Baby I could die with you by my side
I could do so many wrongs by you’d make them right.
What Are You Afraid Of? – This song features acoustic guitar, keys, and backing vocals. It is a tender song written for his wife about helping her with her fears.
Key lyric:
Trying to be the right kind of lover and friend
So, won’t you let me and Jesus carry your troubles again?
Man Made Weather – This song features keys, acoustic guitar, percussion, backing vocals and guitar. This song finds Rinehart reflecting as a father on the times we are living in. The song addresses sin such as crime and hate. It’s not a foregone conclusion that we’re going to be fine, but he has hope that we can get better.
First Mixtape from NF | Posted March-27-2021
Rapper NF (Nathan Feuerstein), follows his 2019 album The Search with his first mixtape. NF released a mixtape indicating that he didn’t want to release a full-length album if he couldn’t tour behind it due to the pandemic. The project features guest artists Hopsin and Tech N9ne, and debuted at number one on the iTunes Top Albums chart. Musically, NF continues with transparent lyrics, simplistic string arrangements and classical music influences. As a Christian, NF continues to be a light and a leader in his craft in a genre where most of the music is marked “explicit”.
Below are a few comments on each song:
Clouds – This hard-driving song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. Mixtapes aren’t his thing, but it’s been exhausting during the pandemic. He doesn’t like to hang on to songs, so thus the mixtape. He’s going to rock the boat and press the envelope with his music. He always delivers, raising the bar and topping the charts.
Key lyric:
I don't know why God chose me (I don't know)
That’s a Joke – This hard-hitting song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. NF fast raps on this track. People see him as a joke and underestimate him, but he always proves them wrong. The way he connects letters you would think he created the alphabet.
Key lyric:
I'm not on your radar? Then your radar's broke
Just Like You – This song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. This is a slower and more serious track, with NF rapping over piano, strings, and a hand clap beat. He’s speaking to those who are alone, afraid, who fall and are not okay. He wants you to know that you are not alone, there are millions just like you.
Key lyric:
It's the lows in life that make you cherish the highs
And if it isn't, I guess I'll be fine believin' a lie
Story – This song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. The song has NF telling a story about Erin, hiding in a gas station, that is being robbed by her roommates' boyfriend.
Key lyric:
Now or never, God, if I had any blessings
Comin' in my future, could you send 'em to my present?
Prideful – This song was written and produced by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X. This is a slower song about an old business relationship that didn’t work out well.
Key lyric:
How'd you go from bein' that somebody I believed
Into bein' someone doubtin' me behind the scenes?
Can't forgive a sorry that I ain't ever received
I mean least you coulda done was gave me an apology
Lost – This hard-driving song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt, Saint X and Hopsin. It was produced by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X, and features Hopsin.
This song is about being lost. A dark cloud is his residence. He is praying to the Lord. Demons are knocking at his door, but he doesn’t have to let them in.
Key lyric:
I used to be joyful and skip so merrily
But now I'm too cautious and tip toe carefully
Layers – This song was written and produced by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X.
After a piano intro, NF touches on a number of topics in his life including his plans, goals, deals, scars, his childhood and being in the rap game for the long haul.
Key lyric:
I'm thankful for the prayers, I need more of those
Put my hands together, bow my head and thank the Lord for
Everythin' He's done, yeah, ain't none of us immortal
Drifting – This song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. NF varies his vocal style throughout the song. He is drifting, sinking, dreaming and screaming for some truth. He prays that God will help him to see his worth, and to take a step forward.
Key lyric:
If feeling makes you stronger, I'm the weakest
That would mean that I would have to separate from my beliefs
Trust – This hard-hitting song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt, Saint X and Tech N9ne. It is produced by NF, Tommee Profitt, and Saint X, and features Tech N9ne. NF and Tech N9ne deliver fast raps about lack of trust, talking to the devil, and being different from other rappers.
Key lyric:
And they wonder why the music has a huge effect?
Could it be 'cause I've been the go-to when it comes to depth?
Paid My Dues – This song was written and produced by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X. The song was released as a single in December, 2019, just a few months after the release of The Search. He addresses critics who will write anything about him just to get clicks on social media. He addresses his burdens and states that he has paid his dues. He’s made it through and is on the loose.
Key lyric:
People claim they're in your corner, but leave you in times of need
Clouds – Edit – This song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. This version eliminates the instrumental intro for radio play.
First Gospel Album From Carrie Underwood | Posted March-26-2021 My Savior is the long awaited first gospel album by seven-time Grammy winner, country music superstar Carrie Underwood, and her eighth studio album overall. The album, a companion to her 2020 Christmas album My Gift, features thirteen gospel hymns that Underwood grew up singing in a very small Free Will Baptist church in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma. I believe that this album of hymns may have the same long-lasting impact of fellow country artist Alan Jackson’s hymns projects.
Underwood sticks to traditional arrangement on these hymns, which I appreciate, beginning with a harmonica driven instrumental version of “Jesus Loves Me”. CeCe Winans joins her on “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE provides backing vocals on “Nothing But The Blood of Jesus” and Buddy Greene plays harmonica on the opening instrumental “Jesus Loves Me”, “Blessed Assurance” and “Amazing Grace”. Underwood co-produced the album with David Garcia.
I really enjoyed this album of traditional hymns. Highlights for me included the harmonica from Buddy Greene on the instrumental opener “Jesus Loves Me”, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”, an upbeat “Victory in Jesus” (my favorite song on the album), “How Great Thou Art”, and a powerful “The Old Rugged Cross”.
Live Music from the Getty's Sing! Global Conference | Posted March-05-2021
The latest album from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s Sing! Getty Music Conferences was recorded live at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville and around the world. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was held online, rather than live in Nashville. The nineteen tracks feature a mix of new and old songs, and artists including Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, CityAlight, Steven Curtis Chapman, Shane & Shane, Matt Redman, Sandra McCracken and others. I most enjoyed the new songs “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”, “Lovingkindness”, “Psalm 150”, “The Everlasting Love of God”, “Christ the True and Better” as well as Sandra McCracken’s “We Will Feast in the House of Zion”, featuring H.B. Charles Jr.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – This song was written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker and Matt Papa, and features Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Jordan Kauflin and Matt Merker. It was my top song of 2020.
Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord) – This song was written by and features Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Habla, Oh Dios (Speak O Lord) – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. It features Iglesia Bautista Ozama singing “Speak O Lord” in Spanish.
Lovingkindness – This song was written by and features Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Matt Redman.
Psalm 121 (I Lift My Eyes) – This song was written by Kristyn Getty, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, and Matt Papa, and features Jordan Kauflin and Matt Merker.
The Lord Is in His Holy Temple – This song was written by Kristyn Getty and Ben Shive, and was included on the 2020 album Evensong: Hymns And Lullabies At The Close Of Day.
Yesu – This song was written by Kwagala Price and Sidney Kalanje, and features the African Children’s Choir.
My Worth Is Not in What I Own (At the Cross) – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Graham Kendrick, and features We are Messengers.
Every Promise of Your Word – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, and features the Getty Girls.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – This hymn was written by Martin Luther, and features Tommy Bailey.
Lift High the Name of Jesus – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ed Cash and Fionan De Barra, and features the Getty Girls.
The Everlasting Love of God – This song was written by and features Matt Boswell and Matt Papa and Matt Redman, and features Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Christ the True and Better – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Keith Getty, and Matt Papa, and features Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.
Across the Lands – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. Speak O Lord – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, and features Shane and Shane and Blair Linne.
Grace – This song was written by Niki Shepherd, Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson, and features CityAlight.
Great is Thy Faithfulness/My Redeemer Is Faithful and True - “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” was written by Thomas Chisholm and William M. Runyan. “My Redeemer Is Faithful and True” was written by Steven Curtis Chapman and James Isaac Elliott. The song features Steven Curtis Chapman and John Piper.
There Is a Higher Throne – This song was written by Keith and Kristyn Getty.
We Will Feast in the House of Zion – This song was written by Sandra McCracken and Joshua Moore, and features Sandra McCracken and H.B. Charles Jr.
Jon Foreman's Best Solo Work Yet | Posted February-12-2021
This is the first solo album for the multi-talented leader of Switchfoot, after releasing multiple EPs, the latest being 2015’s four EP collection The Wonderlands. The album features 12 new songs, which I assume were all written by Foreman. The mostly acoustic songs feature excellent musicianship, and I particularly liked his use of strings.
Foreman has said that this is an album “born out of the turmoil and desperation of the last year, (and this year, too). It’s an album that's born from the journey, not the destination.” This is an excellent album with themes such as doubt, fears, lessons learned, thanksgiving, love, loss, and those things that really matter. I’ve always enjoyed Foreman’s solo work, and feel that this is his strongest release to date.
Below are a few comments about each song:
The Ocean Beyond The Sea – This opening song is somewhat different musically from what we normally get from Foreman, and it’s actually my least favorite on a very strong album. The song builds as he sings softly about forests, valleys and highways. The song features some excellent strings.
Key lyric:
Beyond the tyrant
Beyond the sirens
Beyond the silence
I heard a whisper
As soft as thunder
As cold as fire
By the ocean beyond the sea
Education – This is an upbeat song, with a good drum beat, guitar, horns and backing vocals. Foreman has said that the lessons that have stuck with him most in life have been the ones that have cost him pain, time and loss. He sings that the scars are teachers that you're never gonna forget. Love is the hardest lesson you have to learn.
Key lyric:
Most things worth doing in this life
Are gonna kill you in the end
And the things worth fighting for
Are the things that you can't defend
Side By Side – This easy-going love song features Madison Cunningham. The song features acoustic guitar and bass. Foreman’s and Cunningham’s voices blend well.
They are as different as snowflakes, but side by side they start to melt into something wonderful. Foreman has said that the song is an attempt to sing out the truth against a backdrop of his fears and doubts.
Key lyric:
Oh, the irony, friends and enemies
We'll all be buried side-by-side
A Place Called Earth – This song was written by Jon Foreman, Tim Foreman and Lauren Daigle. Daigle sings the third verse, and her and Foreman’s voices blend well on the chorus. He longs for Heaven on a place called Earth, where every son and daughter will know their worth. The song features piano, strings, drums, bass and acoustic guitar.
Key lyric:
Oh, how I long for Heaven in a place called Earth
Where every son and daughter would know their worth
Where all the streets resound with thunderous joy
Red And Gold – This song features acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, strings and backing vocals. The song was inspired as Foreman was on a hill in San Diego watching the sun go down and the car lights on the freeway below. The city glows, the traffic and rushing, of thirsty souls, hungry for meaning and love.
Key lyric:
So, hold your faith, you're not alone here
Stay your pace, you're almost home
We're on our way, we're on our way home
Jesus, I Have My Doubts – Foreman has said that this is a song that steps into the ring with God. It is him asking the big questions at the end of a long, difficult season. It’s his honest attempt to sing into his doubts. The song features acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, strings and light percussion. He’s been singing broken songs looking for the light for so long, but the pain goes on and on. Can God reach him in the silence?
Key lyric:
Jesus, feels like the world's in pieces
I'm sure You've got Your reasons
But I have my doubts
Jesus, I have my doubts
Thanks Be To God – This worship song of thanksgiving features strings, synth, drums, acoustic guitar, piano and bass. He loves the truth and has seen the light, but there is still sin (shadow) alive inside (Romans 7).
Key lyric:
Christ, Christ alone come and set me free
Thanks be to God who delivers me
The Gift – The beautiful song features acoustic guitar and strings. Our lives go through change, and love is what remains (1 Corinthians 13). The question is whether we will recognize the gift before it's gone.
Key lyric:
May the wind that blows the hardest bring you home
Weight Of The World – This song addresses his doubt as he asks where God is now. He doesn’t understand how these difficult times fit into God’s plans. The song features acoustic guitar, light percussion, bass and some excellent strings.
Key lyric:
I’ve been waiting for
Your capable hands to come down
I’ve been praying for
Your capable hands to come down and turn this around
Your capable hands
Could carry the weight of the world
Love Is The Rebel Song – After a short opening, this musically upbeat song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, strings and drums. Even if hate is the loudest song, he refuses to sing along. In a world at war love is the rebel song.
Key lyric:
Sing to me a melody for the ones who will never win
Songs of dreamers In-betweeners the ones that will never fit in
Where the wars go on and on
Love is the rebel song
The Valley Of The Shadow Of Planned Obsolescence – On this song, Foreman is feeling disposable and old. He’s looking back at old girlfriends, friends, social media, his music CD’s, and the Internet, the things he used to prize. He encourages us to focus on the things that will last (relationships), singing What would we do if we finally saw the light? If we dropped this accursed pride could we make amends? The song features cello, horns, acoustic guitar, whistle and a stringed instrument.
Key lyric:
On the day my heart beat dies
I want to be with you
The rest is just pretend
Just make believe
Last Words – This song seems to be about a friend who died in the COVID-19 pandemic, as the song begins and ends with ambulance sirens. None of the words he heard made sense of his friend leaving. The song features acoustic guitar, synth, backing vocals, light percussion and bass.
New Vocal Album from Charlie Peacock | Posted January-17-2021
I’ve appreciated Charlie Peacock’s music for many years, dating back to his late-night concerts at the Cornerstone Festival when it was held outside of the Chicago area, and his West Coast Diaries releases in the late 1980’s. The multi-talented (artist, producer, author) Peacock writes all of the songs on Skin and Wind, his fourteenth vocal album, and the follow-up to 2019’s Lil’ Willie. In addition, he produces the album, handles lead vocals, and plays multiple instruments (piano, Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric piano, drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitar and percussion). Backing him are son Sam Ashworth (acoustic guitar and background vocals), Ruby Amanfu (background vocals), Bridget Ashworth (background vocals), Jerry McPherson (electric and acoustic guitars and ukulele), Andy Leftwich (fiddle and mandolin) and Dan Dugmore (pedal and lap steel). The album cover is a 1986 photo of Peacock backstage at the Filmore Auditorium in San Francisco.
I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent new album, which features excellence in vocals (Peacock’s voice is still an incredible instrument), production, musicianship, memorable hooks and poetical lyrics. Here are a few comments about each of the ten songs:
Skin and Wind is a Mind Bend – This beautiful and lyrically rich song is driven by acoustic guitar, light percussion and backing vocals. It begins with references to rain: A rainstorm of righteousness is dripping from the ceiling, yet do not fix that leak it’s all we have to quench the thirst of the need to be known, the need to be heard. He sings Let’s see where the water goes, and then brings in the wind: There is a wind an untitled wind, a friend to every color of skin. A great opening song.
Key lyric:
I say to myself, don’t you dare ever think
What you see will always be
As it is even now in the summer of ‘20
When you’ve still got more than plenty
Call It Destiny – This song features acoustic and electric guitar, piano, backing vocals, and Sam Ashworth on drums. The song is about a life of contentment. He has no more lust for spinning plates. Every day is a homily.
Key lyric:
There’s no reason to think this season
Is anything but a gift, not a battle hard won
Sing It Blue – This song is driven by acoustic guitar, and features backing vocals, Jeff King on electric guitar and Sam Ashworth on drums and bass. Peacock sings that we should all do our part to be a heart that beats in time with the truth.
Key lyric:
Too many beaten down
Ignored or written off
What happened to the gold
In the rule, did it stop?
Waiting is the Plan – This song features acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and backing vocals. This is a song about supporting someone who is waiting. They are angry. Waiting is not the easiest thing to do, but it’s the plan.
Key lyric:
I’ll be standing on the shore
Waiting to see some history
Watching the sun set in the west
Hoping to God for the best
And waiting, oh waiting
Waiting is the plan
Even When You’re Not – This is a love song that is different musically from the previous songs on the album. It is driven by a bass beat, with backing vocals, guitar, organ and drums.
Key lyric:
There’s nothing that could ever break apart
What we got when you’re near to me
Even when you’re not
Is There Anything – This is a love song that has a country music feel, featuring drums, guitar, organ, backing vocals, and Matt Slocum (Sixpence None the Richer) on cello.
Key lyric:
I’ll wrap my heart around you baby
You wrap your heart around me too
Let’s be the answer to the question
Is there anything that love cannot do?
Never Be Another One – This is a love song, with a good beat driven by acoustic guitar, and featuring backing vocals. She has other lovers lining up, but needs to keep in mind that they once had a good time and there is no reason they can’t have another one.
Key lyric:
There will never be another one who can open my door, so wide
24 Hour Parade – This song features acoustic guitar, bass, drums, backing vocals and cello. This day is another 24-hour parade of everything he believes. You can always be ready to be anything you need to be, or need to do or say, come what may.
Key lyric:
I see the lion on the prowl
I drop a knee and say a prayer
Come Light, true Truth
One Life, in You
The Captain – This upbeat song features piano, backing vocals, Mark Hill on bass, Steve Brewster on drums, Jeff Taylor on accordion and whistle, and Bryan Sutton on acoustic guitar. He keeps a close watch on how fast he’s sinking, but he still rises and prays thy will be done as he navigates the lane between sadness and delight. An excellent vocal from Peacock.
Key lyric:
I’ve got the least amount of time that I’ve ever had
My heart is full, my mind is quick
My body wants to lay it down
I’m a riddle, I’m a puzzle, I’m a quandary all around
I’m the Captain of a ship that’s going down
Faith, Hope & Love – This song is a prayer, and features acoustic and electric guitar, Mark Hill on bass and Nir Z on drums. He is waiting for the helping hand of love to lift him up and put him down on solid ground.
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