A Passion Project | Posted April-25-2017
Quite possibly the biggest collective project this year, Beatitudes is a beast of an album. Only part of this massive undertaking that has been over a decade in the works for former Delirious? guitarist Stu G, The Beatitudes Project also includes a film (View From The Hill) and a book (Words From The Hill) in addition to the twenty-track record. Featuring a plethora of today's top recording artists teaming up with Garrard, Beatitudes carries the underlying goal of sharing real life stories from people around the world who embody the traits found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5), experienced through a 21st-Century lens.
Chilling spoken word track "Listen" by Becky Harding captures the listener's attention while opening the album, leading into laid-back "Oh Blessed" featuring Anthony Skinner. An early highlight, All Sons & Daughters lend their voices to the heartfelt "You Will Make A Way."
Piano-led "Carry On" from Michael W. Smith picks up the tempo a bit while offering lines of encouragement, much like John Mark McMillan's "Heaven Is Around Us." Newcomer Terrian Bass brings her soulful vocals to sonically intriguing "Let My Dreams Fly," contrasting well with vocal veteran Amy Grant's string-heavy "Morning Light."
Audrey Assad, the daughter of a Syrian refugee, takes on the deeply personal and hauntingly beautiful track "I Will Be Your Home," a song inspired by refugees. Assad also teams up with Matt Maher on "Oh Mercy," a moving moment on the album that sees the two voices mesh in perfect harmony. Bethel Music's Amanda Cook leads "Undivided" in such a powerfully elegant way, bringing the song to life with emotion and near-perfection.
Touching base with other genres, the album shifts sonically with Stu G's well-executed rock track "In The Middle" and rapper Propaganda's "Make A Little Trouble." A highlight for Delirious? fans, "Holy Troublemakers" reunites Stu G and Martin Smith for the first time since their band's days ended in 2009. Worshipful "The View From Here" from Hillsong United and well-crafted "Makers Of The Peace" from The Brilliance close out the album on high notes of creativity.
The Bottom Line: Beatitudes truly is a masterful work of art. An impressive record that carries both new and seasoned voices while displaying artists from a ranging spectrum of genres, Stu G did a remarkable job of creating this project with diversity while still conveying the central theme well through each track. With every song co-written by Garrard and its respective artist, Beatitudes accomplishes its mission by encouraging and challenging listeners from beginning to end with its personal and passionate feel.
Making A Musical Case For Faith | Posted April-06-2017
Releasing in conjunction with the upcoming highly anticipated novel-turned-film, The Case For Christ: Songs Inspired By The Original Motion Picture from Dream Records features songs from some of the largest congregations in the world. The movie follows the story of a secular journalist who goes from trying to disprove the existence of God to becoming a Christian. All of the songs on the soundtrack were written exclusively for the film.
Opening track by JT Murrell "The Case For Christ" kicks things off with a power-packed declaration that sums up the whole theme: "The evidence is opening eyes in the case for Christ." One of many worship teams lending their voice to this project, Seacoast Worship's "Believe" is a strong moment on the album, led by engaging vocals and a singable melody. New Hope Oahu's "The Evidence" makes another compelling lyrical case for faith, much like Cindy Cruse Ratcliff's "I Believe" and Faith Life Church's "I Believe In Christ," which all offer personal proclamations of thankfulness for the salvation we have in Christ.
Upbeat cuts "Great And Mighty" (by Justin Land of Stonecreek Worship), "Your Love Is Chasing Me" (by Soulfire Revolution) and "Our Great God" (by NewSpring Worship) keep the sonic landscape of the album diverse and attention-grabbing while still throwing out theologically deep lines of faith. The Church Vessel's "Draw Near" is another bright spot on the soundtrack with its inviting spirit and reverent atmosphere of worship. Piano ballad "Your Love" (by The Church Vessel) closes the album with a simple message of His love delivered powerfully through elegant vocals and Scripture-heavy promises.
The Bottom Line: The major thing that draws me to this soundtrack is that all of the songs were written exclusively for the film, whereas most soundtracks are just a compilation of songs already available. In addition to its uniqueness and consistent lyrical unity affirming belief, The Case For Christ: Songs Inspired By The Original Motion Picture is also carried by powerhouse vocals from some of the best worship teams in the industry, highlighted by sonic moments both upbeat and mellow to keep you engaged in each song. A great companion for a movie in need of bold, faith-filled songs, this soundtrack accomplishes its mission well.
Worship That Captures Your Attention | Posted April-05-2017
Former FFH guitarist Michael Boggs has had a lengthy, successful career thus far. With his work in FFH and then later his own solo efforts, his genre experience blends a bit of everything. Now stepping into new territory once again, Michael is pairing up with newcomer Brooke Voland for a new worship project under the name Brooke + Boggs. Their debut worship EP Wildfire released last week, introducing listeners to the powerful sound these two have created together. "We think these songs are something God has given us to help congregations all over the world express their hearts to the Lord," the duo says about the six-song EP.
The title track opens the album with a subdued sound before picking up tempo mid-song, showcasing the brilliant harmonies Michael and Brooke have perfected and captivating the listener with the mesh of worship and pop stylings. The standout moment on the album, lead single "Grace Upon Grace," is carried by Brooke's bold yet reverent vocal, inviting fans into a time of worship led by remarkable emotion and flawless delivery. At first listen, this one stopped me in my tracks with its authentic spirit, and it is absolutely a song you need to hear (and worship leaders: it would be a great addition to any worship set!).
Pulling lyrics straight from Scripture, specifically the Lord's Prayer, "As It Is In Heaven" is yet another track that will grab the listener's attention within the first few seconds and keep them engaged until the end with genuine emotion and bold declarations of faith. "When I'm lost in the wreckage and my faith is small / the cross stands above it all" begins profoundly-written "The Cross Stands," carried by Michael's strong voice.
"All Eyes On You" follows with equal passion and outstanding vocal ability as Brooke leads a moving moment of worship wrapped in longing for the Spirit of God. Vibrant acoustic track "The Light" closes out the album on a lively note while still beautifully displaying the harmonies that run effortlessly throughout the whole EP.
The Bottom Line: I think we're sometimes guilty of not giving new artists the attention they deserve because we love familiarity, but believe me, this is one new duo you definitely don't want to miss. At the heart of it, Wildfire is a worship EP, but fans of all genres can appreciate the near-flawless vocals and harmonies, palpable emotion and deep lyricism involved in each track. The creative sound that flows from start to finish mixes with simplistic yet powerful moments of worship to create an EP that truly is a remarkable debut for Brooke & Boggs.
Worship And Rock Collide | Posted April-04-2017
Canadian-based band Informants puts their agenda simply into two categories: worship and mission. Led by the belief that worship is just the start and mission is the result, Informants longs to craft an atmosphere of worship where people can experience God in a real way and see what He will do with a life surrendered to Him. Their latest album, Uprising, seeks to do just that while pioneering a movement of art and acceptance along with worship and mission in their local churches.
"Attention" lives out its name by capturing the listener right off the bat with edgy rock vibes and masterful guitar riffs: "God's making us new / He's chosen you / this is an awakening," the refrain proclaims. Following tracks "Courage," "The Cure" and "We Move" pull lyrics from Scripture as the rock tones blend with a worship focus to create a captivating sound backed by powerful vocals and an obvious passion for Christ which bleeds through the music.
Beginning with a mellow Phil Wickham sound before blasting back uptempo, "Forever Your Grace" displays the range of sounds Informants has created and their talent for blending those sounds effortlessly. "Take Me" and "Hope Uprising" mesh together to invite listeners into a reverent and reflective time of worship, much like the following "Fire It Burns," which opens with a beautiful piano melody and soon leads back into the rock edge. "Complete" and "Hollow Grave" end the album, both piano-led tunes that usher fans into creative moments of praise.
The Bottom Line: Informants has crafted an intriguing sound with Uprising, bringing elements of both rock and worship together in a sonic collision that works well for the band. Lyrics focused solely on Scripture and voices that were made for leading worship mesh with the rock undertones to find these newcomers already well on the path to success. Informants has a sound all their own, a sound that is sure to be refreshing to the CCM listener as the group continues to hone their craft and polish their sound over the next few albums.
Straying From Tradition | Posted March-29-2017
What do you say to properly introduce a band like MercyMe? The legendary Dove Award-winning/GRAMMY-nominated group behind chart-topping hit "I Can Only Imagine" has been impacting the hearts of millions with their music for over two decades now. Countless number one hits, gold records and successful tours into their career, the CCM mainstays felt it was time for a change. That change was gently ushered in by their last studio project, aptly titled Welcome To The New, that began introducing us to a side of MercyMe that carried a more pop sound than we had previously heard from them.
Now with follow-up Lifer, the pop flavor stepsfully to the forefront as it seems MercyMe's new sound is here to stay. A ten-track collection of songs that talk about what it means to be committed to Christ for life, their ninth studio album is one that will leave you both surprised and encouraged.
Album opener "Lifer" and the tracks "Happy Dance" and "You Found Me" stray far from the traditional MercyMe sound, and though I suspect it will take longtime fans a while to get used to the change, the new upbeat style isn't necessarily a bad thing. Continuing the theme of trying new things, "Grace Got You" is an infectiously catchy track that may surprise listeners with its rap bridge (from CHH alumni John Reuben) that showcases the creativity and diversity of this project.
While much of this album is geared toward the new sound, bits of old-school MercyMe still shine through. "Best News Ever," "Heaven's Here" and "Hello Beautiful" stay upbeat while featuring all the signature elements that have made MercyMe the success they are today: profound lyricism, frontman Bart Millard's silky smooth vocals and well-crafted melodies.
Album highlight "We Win" carries all the deep theology that fans can count on hearing from the group, creatively packed into a four minute track. Closing song "Ghost" is another high point, a brilliantly written ballad with a simple melody that captures the listener's attention from beginning to end.
Co-written by Bart Millard and Tim Timmons, current single "Even If" is definitely the standout moment on Lifer. A powerful ballad, this song carries a faith-filled message of believing Christ's goodness even if He doesn't fix our problems the way we pray for. "I know You're able and I know You can save through the fire with Your mighty hand / but even if You don't, my hope is You alone," the beautifully simple yet profound chorus proclaims before ending by borrowing a bit of classic hymn "It Is Well" to perfectly seal the concept.
The Bottom Line: Where previously we would hear an album that held a few radio gems hidden between deeper cuts, Lifer feels almost opposite with the majority of the album aimed toward a radio-ready sound. Although it's not what we're used to from MercyMe and not completely what I had expected from the next step in their musical journey, it's still a record well worth hearing. It might not rank as their best project to date, but Lifer is certainly an album of creativity and sonic development that leaves me curious to hear where this new direction will take MercyMe next.
Creativity and Fresh Perspective | Posted March-23-2017
Founded in 2016 by the team at MultiTracks.com, The Recording Collective is a group of talented musicians and singers working to create new recordings as a resource for worship leaders and listeners alike. Bringing together multiple genres and styles, The Recording Collective shines in their ability to breathe new life into well-known songs. Their first release, a gospel Christmas album titled Born Is The King, debuted last November and saw the group bring fresh energy to holiday favorites. Now with Vol. 2, Every Praise, the crew is back at it again with some of the most popular worships hits from recent years.
Produced by GRAMMY-winning Chris Baker (Israel & New Breed) and featuring a cast of musicians and singers including Christabel Clack, Onaje Jefferson and Tamika Carter, with vocal arrangements by Charlin Neal, Every Praise seeks to stand out to listeners with its diverse range of sounds and arrangements.
Capturing the listener's attention right from the start, the album opens with the title track "Every Praise," a high-energy moment that declares how worthy He is to be praised. Infusing worship track "This Is Amazing Grace" with a soulful groove and completely changing Hillsong Young & Free's pop track "Alive" to a gospel-tinted piece are just two examples of how The Recording Collective puts their own spin on each song on Every Praise. Another fast-paced moment, the group's remake of PlanetShakers' "Endless Praise" is sure to get listeners on their feet and clapping along.
Worship-focused "Good Good Father" brings the tempo down a bit for a time of praise, much like powerful anthems "No Longer Slaves" and "Jesus We Love You." Bringing things back up to speed, "Our God" is a proclamation of who Jesus is to us. Ending the record with lyrics that long for the presence of God, "Holy Spirit" and "King Of My Heart" invite listeners into reverent moments of worship.
The Bottom Line: The ten tracks on Every Praise fulfill their goal of bringing new life to already adored songs, offering a fresh perspective with each track. Through the work of beautiful arrangements and talented musicians/singers, every moment on this record feels well-produced and intentional. The Recording Collective uses both worship and gospel styles on Every Praise to invite fans of all genres into something everyone can enjoy, while still creating something fresh. If you're looking for a project that crosses genre borders and exudes creativity, Every Praise is an album you'll appreciate.
A Remarkable Debut | Posted March-23-2017
Newcomers Jake & Laura are out to make a mark on the Christian music scene with their debut EP Jake & Laura - Vol. 1. With a heart focused on glorifying God and encouraging people through their soulful, pop-styled music, the Nashville-based duo's six song debut charted on iTunes on its first day out, proving that the couple offers something refreshing and captivating with their sound.
Hopeful, vibrant "Better Days" opens the album by giving fans a taste of what they will hear throughout the rest of the songs: impactful lyrics wrapped in catchy melodies and seamless harmonies. "I won't wait for the better days, for it all to turn around and go my way / it takes more than just some twist of fate / we can write our own story, and what I want mine to say / is I didn't wait around for better days," the motivating chorus proclaims. Foot-tapping "The Road" will easily get stuck in your head with its fun beat, contrasting well with slower "The Space In Between," a vulnerable track that tackles difficulties in a relationship with grace and a longing for peaceful resolution: "All this space in between your hard line and me, I think love could fill."
Putting their own fingerprints on an already beautiful musical moment, Jake & Laura's version of Tricia Brock's "What I Know" is well executed as Laura's powerhouse voice finds the perfect balance between bold and reverent to carry this song with a personal feel. There truly isn't a weak point anywhere on this EP, but the definite highlight comes on "Even Then," where their remarkable harmonies shine and their voices blend flawlessly to create a stunning climax in the last chorus. Closing out the album with a stylistically simplistic yet significant time of worship, Jake's versatile vocals lead the emotional "Heart Back Home."
The Bottom Line: Like all good works of art, Jake & Laura - Vol. 1 leaves listeners wanting more. Phenomenal harmonies and deep lyricism are just a few of the many elements that make Jake & Laura's music something worth hearing, and it's hard to believe that this is only their debut project. Through both powerful times of worship and upbeat pop gems, this duo has crafted a sound all their own that feels far above that of a new artist. An EP sure to capture the attention of listeners, Jake & Laura - Vol. 1 is just the beginning for this couple.
Creative Worship Crafted For The Church | Posted March-20-2017
With a passion for "paint-outside-the-lines" worship, singer/songwriter/missionary Daniel Bashta's new record My Resurrection seeks to aid the church in creative moments of praise. Recorded live from Atlanta's RiverStone Church and featuring a mix of both new and familiar songs, the album is a display of Daniel moving out of his darkest season and into a season full of light and redemption. "I went from being so full of death and being jaded to now being so full of life and full of this resurrection spirit," he says of the heart behind these songs.
Through eight tracks and almost an hour of music, Daniel describes My Resurrection as one of the "least produced" albums he's ever recorded, yet also the most fun because it's a true interpretation of how he and his team lead worship and what they're about.
Album opener "Thank You Jesus" feels very laid-back, with a simple acoustic guitar leading as the live audience passionately sings along. Just a few of many tracks inspired by old hymns, "Bellows Of Praise" and "Drenched In Love" are both powerful moments that invite the listener to get lost in worship for the greatness of our God. Sonically captivating "Praise The Lord - Rejoice" features an elegant piano melody against the backdrop of strings as the live "choir" beautifully sings out compelling lyrics of His loyalty: "When I am downcast, Your love is steadfast / great is Your faithfulness."
Bashta's passion for leading crowds in worship is nearly tangible when listening to "Praise The Invisible," much like with "Spontaneous Medley," which captures the audience entering into an intimate time of adoration to the Lord. Reverent "Costly" speaks once again of the extravagant love of Christ before piano-led Bethel Music song "Seas Of Crimson" closes out the album with moving lyrical imagery.
The Bottom Line: Live recordings, especially live worship albums, offer a powerful element that studio recordings don't have: the ability to hear a crowd sing along as they're impacted by the songs. With My Resurrection, Daniel Bashta leads the audience in both celebratory and reverent times of praise that bring his renewed passion for the local church to the forefront. Filled with anthems that congregations around the world will surely be singing in the months to come, this live album is a must-hear for worship music fans.
A Story Of Unending Hope | Posted March-15-2017
For Cristabelle Braden, Hope Survives isn't just the title of her new album: it's a truth that has kept her going through some of her darkest days. After a traumatic brain injury radically changed her life in 2007, Cristabelle turned to music and began to write songs out of her difficulties. While she wasn't interested in music before the injury, in the first month of her recovery her passion for writing and singing flourished, and it was obvious that the songs pouring out of her needed to be shared with the world.
Now with her latest release, a collection of songs that inspire and encourage people in the hard seasons of life, Cristabelle has set out to tell the story of her journey thus far--a journey summarized by the title Hope Survives.
Resilient "We're Gonna Make It" opens with the peppy display of bold faith and unfailing hope that listeners will hear much more of throughout the rest of the album. The perfect example of a song that sonically matches its title, "Let The Sun In" is a vibrant reminder that each day is a new chance for redemption. The title track follows, a slower piano-led moment that highlights the inspiring truths Cristabelle has learned on her journey: "Through your darkest night, hope survives."
Another downtempo piece that Cristabelle's sweet and sincere voice shines on, "More To Me" is a deeply personal look into the fears she struggled with after her injury. A reminder that our bad days don't define us, "One Of Those Days" takes the album back up to an energetic tone. Honestly-written "Fight For Me" encourages listeners that no matter what happens, the Lord is always on our side. Album closer "It's Not Over Yet" is in a similar vein, promising that our story is nowhere near the end: "No matter your journey, God's making a way / it's not over / it feels like it's ending but something's beginning."
The Bottom Line: The lyrics in the seven songs on Hope Survives are powerful enough on their own, but coupled with Cristabelle's inspirational story of surviving a tragedy and coming out the other side stronger, they become powerful anthems of faith and hope for anyone walking through a difficult situation. Cristabelle's passion to encourage others with her life shines through in every track as her voice beautifully carries melodies that will get stuck in your head while reminding you of Scriptural truth. A musical journey that has the potential to impact many hearts, Hope Survives is an album filled with the promise of redemption.
Powerful, Heartfelt Live Worship | Posted March-06-2017
For over a decade now, fans have seen Aaron Shust thrive as each new release showcased his ever-developing songwriting, craftsmanship and passionate heart for worship. Now a successful mainstay in the worship genre with several hit songs that have become staples for the church, it seems hard to believe that Aaron's latest album marks new territory for the seasoned artist.
His seventh studio album, Love Made A Way, is the singer's first live project. Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee last fall, the record features both brand new material and familiar favorites reinvented in the live setting. Featuring guest vocals from the likes of former Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt, Grayson|Reed's Molly Reed, Christy Nockels and more, Aaron didn't want the night of recording to be just a concert or performance. He wanted a crowd gathering together for a genuine, heartfelt worship experience. In the beginning of what feels like a new season for Shust, the album celebrates the faithfulness of our God, with declarations of His goodness and strength radiating through each track.
Energetic new tune "Heartbeat" opens the album by capturing listeners in a time of praise in response to all He is to us: "You are my every heartbeat, every breath that I breathe / You're all I need." Hearing the live audience sing along makes the moment even more powerful as it leads into one of Aaron's most impactful songs, "My Hope Is In You." The signature piano riff begins the encouraging message of finding peace while waiting on the Lord as, once again, hearing the crowd sing along adds something special to the familiar song.
Another new upbeat anthem, "Belong" is just one example of Aaron's remarkable ability to lead crowds in meaningful moments of worship. The first single from the album, "You Redeem," follows with its vivid lyrical pictures of redemption and powerful message of restoration still to come: "You redeem / You restore what's been stolen from me / You reclaim / You release / You rebuild with the words that You breathe." Truly the highlight of Love Made A Way, this hopeful track puts Aaron's compelling songwriting at the forefront as lines of bold faith and Scriptural promises encourage the listener's heart.
Pulling out a few already-adored worship gems, Aaron's versions of Bethel Music's "Ever Be," Elevation Worship's "Resurrecting" and well-known "Cornerstone" prove to be significant moments that focus the attention solely on Christ and His unchanging character. More of his signature pieces, "God Of Brilliant Lights" and "My Savior My God" (the biggest song of Aaron's career and a major success in the CCM realm), have made a deep impact in their original form, but even more so here with the background of a live audience singing along with every faith-filled word.
Eloquently written "Death Was Arrested" is yet another bold track that is sure to draw congregations into a moving time of reflection and praise. Closing out the album, "Lead On (King Eternal)" is a lively longing for Christ to guide us: "You go before us / lead on, King Eternal / lead on, we will follow."
The Bottom Line: At the very core of his artistry, Aaron Shust's heart is inviting people into a life-changing meeting with God through worship. With each song displaying the exceptional writing that pulls Biblical truths and transforms them into comforting anthems, Love Made A Way is Aaron Shust at his best as the live environment suits him better than any studio ever could. His heart and passion for genuine worship is tangible in every track as the live "choir" backing the whole album only adds to the power in the songs. The perfect combination of new introduced and old reimagined, it's impossible to hear Love Made A Way and not walk away encouraged by the Spirit of God that lives within these recordings.
CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
