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...
Excellent EP from Andy Mineo | Posted December-12-2020
This seven-song EP from Andy Mineo, the follow-up to his Works in Progress album, is his gift to his fans to try to lift their spirits a bit after such a difficult 2020. It was inspired by a trip that he took with his friends to Japan before the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. His next release will be the Neverland II, the sequel to his successful 2014 release Neverland - my favorite Mineo project – anticipated in the first half of 2021.
Here are a few comments about each song on the new EP:
Shibuya Roll Call – This song was written by Daniel Steele, Wordsplayed and Mineo. It was produced by Steele and features Wordsplayed, who collaborated with Mineo on the 2017 project Andy Mineo & Wordsplayed Present Magic & Bird. This is an encouraging mid-tempo song about how far they've come and pursuing your dreams. They encourage us to not wait to pursue our dreams.
Key lyric:
If you got a dream, don’t sleep on it
Herman Miller – This song was written by Vory, BEAM and Mineo and produced by Mineo and BEAM. The short song features fast rapping and a good beat throughout. Mineo has said that it celebrates his recent love of fine furniture (Herman Miller is a furniture manufacturer company), and also the excellence in craftsmanship that he looks to bring to his music.
Key lyric:
Sellin' shows, I never had to sell my soul out
Mangia (Ramen and Rhymin’) – This song was written by Mineo, Hulvey and Daniel Steele and was produced by Steele. The mid-tempo song features drums and guitar. Each verse is different musically, almost like separate songs. The song has Mineo reflecting on New York on his recent trip to Japan, eating ramen and other Japanese foods.
Key lyric:
Lord, we need direction, would You send the coordinates?
Momma Taught Me – This song was written by Joel McNeill, Mineo, Hulvey and Carvello, and was produced by McNeill and Carvello. The song features a good beat, and includes some lessons that his mother, who died in 2018, taught him.
Key lyric:
Got the Holy Ghost with me, I can never be spooked
Jackson Pollock – This song was written and produced by Mineo. The confident hard-hitting song, featuring a good bass beat and guitar, was inspired by Jackson Pollock, a 20th-century abstract expressionist painter.
Key lyric:
When it come to the flow, I'm Pro Bowl with it
Willy – This song was written by Mineo and nobigdyl, and produced by Carvello. The song features nobigdyl, has a good beat, and includes several references to actor and rapper Will Smith, specifically his album Big Willie Style.
Key lyric:
If my brother in need a dollar, he gonna get a tenner
Yeshua of Nazareth was not a penny pincher
Always in a Rush – This song was written by Mineo and Daniel Steele, was produced by Steele and features Mez. The song features a bass beat and slow rap about how he feels that he is never doing enough to reach his dreams, goals and aspirations. This has made him a workaholic, and he finds it difficult to relax or enjoy things.
Key lyric:
You won't take no shots, if you scared, you'll miss
Excellent Acoustic EP Featuring String Quartet | Posted November-21-2020
Matt Redman released Let There Be Wonder, one of my favorite albums of 2020, in January, before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world. He recently released this six-song EP Let There Be Wonder (Acoustic), featuring five songs from that album, plus his classic “Blessed Be Your Name”. What holds all of these stripped-down songs together is that they are all about Jesus, and praising his wonderful name.
Even if you are familiar with these songs, I think you’ll enjoy these new versions. What really stood out for me was the use of strings on these songs. The EP was produced by Steve Marcia, who had the idea to use a string quartet as a signature sound for this project. Recorded during the lockdown, we hear four different string players who recorded themselves in four different locations, with beautiful results. I also enjoyed the backing vocals.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Let There Be Wonder (Intro) – The EP begins with the chorus of “Let There Be Wonder”, written by Redman, Joshua Silverberg, Jacob Sooter and Corey Voss. The brief song features keys and strings.
Key lyric:
Let there be wonder, let there be wonder in this place
Let there be worship, let there be worship for Your name
Come Holy Spirit, how we need Your fire again
Let there be wonder, let there be wonder
We Praise You – This song was written by Redman, Brandon Lake, Brian Johnson and Phil Wickham. The song, about praising the Lord, features acoustic guitar, strings, piano and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
We’ll see You break down every wall
We’ll watch the giants fall
Fear cannot survive when we praise You
The God of breakthroughs on our side
Forever lift Him high
With all creation cry, ‘God, we praise You’
Oh, we praise You
All Praise (Sing Praise) – This song was written by Redman, Andi Rozier and Jason Ingram. The song features piano, acoustic guitar, strings, and some wonderful backing vocals. God’s amazing grace far exceeds our past mistakes. God brought us back to life again and we will rise with Jesus from the grave. He is coming soon. His promises all come true and He deserves all praise.
Key lyric:
Your name, Your name always
Jesus, You alone deserve all praise
Upon Him – This song was written by Redman, Andi Rozier and Jon Guerra. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, and backing vocals. There is no greater name than Jesus. One day every knee will bow and every heart confess (Philippians 2:10-11).
Key lyric:
Christ has died, we are forgiven
And Christ alive, we are the risen
And He shall come again
Praise the King, praise the King
Jesus Your Name – This song was written by Redman, Lindsey Sweet, Joshua Silverberg and Jacob Sooter. The song features backing vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, strings, and is about Jesus’s wonderful name.
Key lyric:
Jesus Your name, when the whole world shakes
Jesus Your name, I will ever praise
My battle cry every night and day
I’ll sing Your name over everything
I’ll sing Your name over everything
Blessed Be Your Name – This song was written by Beth and Matt Redman a few weeks after the tragedy of September 11, 2000, when they were in California for the start of a sabbatical break. The Redmans have said that this is “a song born out of the whole of life- a realization that we will all face seasons of pain or unease. And in these seasons we will need to find our voice before God. The Church (and indeed the world) needs it songs of lament." This version of the song has a slower pace than usual, and features strings, piano, acoustic guitar, backing vocals.
Lecrae Releases a Deluxe Edition of Restoration Album | Posted November-14-2020
Lecrae adds six songs to his excellent Restoration album in this new Deluxe Album edition. Read my review of the original edition of the album here.
Here are a few brief comments about each of the new songs:
10 Toes – This song was written by Carvello, Tray Haggerty, Ace Harris, Kyrie Briana Chalmers and Lecrae. It was produced by Harris and Carvello. This is a hard-hitting song, both musically and lyrically, driven by synth and percussion. He mentions Breonna Taylor and Black Lives Matter. He indicates that he is too black for his white friends. But as bad as things seem, he still has hope and needs to stay close to the Shepherd.
Key lyric:
Earth is a mess, but He still rose
Long as the tomb is empty, I got hope by plenty, ain't nobody can steal those
Rich and Famous – This song was written by Carvello, Ace Harris, Dave James, Zach Paradis, Torey D’Shaun, SAK PASE, WHATUPRG, Ty Brasel and Lecrae. It was produced by Harris, Epikh Pro, KheilStone and SAK PASE. The song has a driving beat and shows that a “rich and famous” lifestyle of money, drugs, success doesn’t satisfy. It features WHATUPRG and Ty Brasel.
Key lyric:
Sell my soul to sell a song
I have bunch of stuff I can't take when I'm gone
Come Thru Jesus – This song was written by Carvello, SAK PASE and Lecrae. It was produced by Carvello and SAK PASE. This hard-hitting song, featuring percussion and bass, is a cry out to God to come through during times of struggle.
Key lyric:
I ain't into praying to the universe
But I'm known to follow what the Son say
Deep End Remix – This song was written by Rapsody and Lecrae. It was produced by Anthony Gardner and features Rapsody. Different from the original album version, this version features a new verse by Rapsody. Lecrae is transparent about the pain and trauma he has experienced as a black man when he has seen black people gunned down in the street.
Key lyric:
Do you love black or just listen to it?
Are you for the movement or only music?
I Am Restored Remix – This song was written by Carvello, Taylor Hill, Ace Harris, 1K Phew, Wande, Hulvey and Lecrae. It was produced by Hill, Carvello and Harris, and features Hulvey, Wande, and 1K Phew. This hard-hitting song features percussion, bass, keys and backing vocals. The song addresses being attacked by Satan and hurt, hatred and abandonment. Ultimately, it is the journey of being restored.
Key lyric:
I lost a lot, but got too much to gain, I'll probably never be the same
But I ain't worried, 'cause I know He restoring me
Celebrate More – This song was written by S1, Hulvey, WU10, Epikh Pro, Dave James, Andy Mineo and Lecrae. It was produced by S1, WU10, Epikh Pro and James. This upbeat song with an infectious chorus, was previously included in the compilation Summer Twenty. It features Andy Mineo and Hulvey, and has a positive message of not wasting another day. We should worry less and celebrate more.
Key lyric:
Tell me what it's all for
When you get what you want and you still want more
Excellent Introduction to Mat Kearney's Music | Posted November-14-2020 Until We Meet Again features songs from Kearney’s second acoustic tour, his winter 2020 Revisited tour. These songs were recorded in January and February before the COVID-19 shutdown. Many of the songs are from early in his career, with five of the eleven songs from his 2011 album Young Love and three from his 2009 album City of Black and White. Most of the songs, are about love and relationships, with other themes including encouragement and trust in God.
If you are not familiar with Kearney’s music, this would be an excellent project to check out. Below are a few brief comments about each song:
Fire and Rain – This song was written by Robert Marvin and Kearney and originally appeared on the 2009 album City of Black and White. They may not be together anymore, but his love for her will not fade. The song features acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
My love will not fade
Through the fire and rain
Kings & Queens – This song was written by Judah Akers, David Garcia and Kearney, and originally appeared on the 2018 album CRAZYTALK. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, percussion, backing vocals and an infection chorus. Kearney has said that the song is about how there are moments when you can be doing well commercially, but feel totally worthless, and also moments when no one cares about your music but you feel fulfilled. The latter is what the song is about.
Key lyric:
Richer than Solomon with you by my side
We’ll be kings and queens in our mind
Count on Me – This song was written by Jason Lehning, Robert Marvin and Kearney and originally appeared on the 2011 album Young Love. The song features some excellent acoustic guitar, backing vocals, bass and drums. In this song he tells her that he loves her and that she can trust him.
Key lyric:
When your number's called
Back's against the wall
Pick you up when you fall
Be there when you call
Learning to Love Again – This song was written by Kearney and originally appeared on the Young Love album. Acoustic guitar, bass, piano, drums, backing vocals. The Young Love album, and likely this song, were inspired by conversations Kearney had with passengers as he worked as a cab driver in Nashville.
Key lyric:
Hey brother, we're all learning to love again
Closer to Love – This song was written by Robert Marvin, Josiah Bell and Kearney and originally appeared on the City of Black and White album. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, percussion and piano. We are all just one phone call from bad news that drives us to our knees in prayer. The song is about love, strength and hope.
Key lyric:
Oh, it's your light
Oh, it's your way
Pull me out of the dark
Just to show me the way
City of Black and White – This song was written by Michael Logan and Kearney and originally appeared on the City of Black and White album. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, bass, light percussion and backing vocals. This love song tells how she opened his eyes. He wants her to stay.
Key lyric:
I don't want to wait until tomorrow
To tell you how I’d feel the rest of my life
Sooner or Later – This song was written by Josh Crosby, Robert Crosby, Robert Marvin, Jason Lehning, Nate Campany and Kearney, and originally appeared on the Young Love album. The encouraging song features percussion, bass, acoustic guitar and some excellent backing vocals. Though times are difficult he assures her that sooner or later they’ll get there.
Key lyric:
Baby, it's like we're walking on a wire thru the fear
Take my hand, we'll get there
Air I Breathe – This song was written by Seth Mosley and Kearney and originally appeared on the 2015 album Just Kids. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, percussion, and backing vocals. Kearney has said that the song is about his journey battling perfectionism, being in control, and ultimately his trust in God.
Key lyric:
You are the air I breathe
You are the song I bleed
You are the war that I can't win
This is my white flag in the wind
Every word You speak
Is the air I breathe
Ships in the Night – This song was written by Jason Lehning, Josh Crosby, Robert Marvin and Kearney and originally appeared on the 2011 Young Love album. The rap/pop song features acoustic guitar, drums, percussion, backing vocals and some excellent piano. This is a song about a relationship in which they avoid their problems, instead wasting their time trying to prove who is right.
Key lyric:
And if it all goes crashing into the sea
If it's just you and me
Trying to find the light
Like ships in the night
Hey Mama – This song was written by Kearney and originally appeared on the Young Love album. The upbeat song features, drums, acoustic guitar, bass, backing vocals and audience participation. This love song seems to tell the story of Kearney and his wife meeting and falling in love.
Key lyric:
Hey lover, don't want no other
Finger for my ring
Nothing Left to Lose – This song was written by Kearney and originally appeared on the 2006 album Nothing Left to Lose. This song is about his move from Oregon to Nashville, where he would pursue his calling as a singer-songwriter. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, backing vocals and piano.
A Good Addition to Your Christmas Music Collection | Posted November-12-2020
Australian duo for King & Country, comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, follow their best-selling 2018 album Burn the Ships with their first full-length Christmas album, based around their popular version of “Little Drummer Boy”. The album is comprised mostly of well-known Christmas carols, opening and closing with verses from “In The Bleak Midwinter”. There are two new songs included - “Heavenly Hosts”, and “The Carol of Joseph (I Believe In You)”. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE guests on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and country singer Gabby Barrett guests on “Go Tell It On The Mountain”.
The duo brings their signature high energy sound to these songs. In addition, there are two monologues included. A Drummer Boy Christmas was produced by Tedd Tjornhom and for King & Country, and co-produced by Benjamin Backus, with Matt Hales handling executive production.
A Drummer Boy Christmas would be a good addition to your Christmas music collection. Below are a few comments about the two new songs on the album:
Heavenly Hosts – This joyful song was written by Benjamin Backus, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Aqualung, Tedd T and Tony Wood. The song starts with piano and then builds with bass, strings, drums and choir. The song is about when the angels met the shepherds in Luke 2.
The Carol Of Joseph (I Believe In You) – This song was written by Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone and Aqualung. The piano and strings driven song is about Joseph’s reaction to the birth of Jesus, which reminded me of Michael Card’s classic “Joseph’s Song”.
Strong Album from Social Club Misfits | Posted November-11-2020
Shortly after the release of Feared by Hell, Social Club Misfits (Fern and Marty), won the Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year for Mood//Doom, which had actually been released as two separate EPs during 2019. Feared by Hell, a strong album, features a number of guest artists and musical genres, such as Latin, Contemporary Christian and Hip-Hop. Themes on the album include Jesus, family, being yourself, trust in God, fun and the love of a wife.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Act of God – This song was written by Fern, nobigdyl., and Marty. It was produced by DJ Pez, Dirty Rice and Marty and features nobigdyl. This mid-tempo song about thankfulness recognizes that God has brought him through so much, and he doesn’t deserve it.
Key lyric:
Looking at my life, it's an act of God
Never thought I would make it this far
Is That Okay? – This song was written by Marty and Fern and produced by Jimmy James and Marty. The song features an infectious beat, with keys, bass, percussion, hand-claps, horns, and some excellent guitar. The song has a good message about being yourself. Being different is a superpower. He’s always being himself, and has no time to be anyone else, and God blesses him for who he is.
Key lyric:
I know I’ll never be picture perfect
But can I be myself, is that okay?
Conmigo – This love song was written by Fern, Marty and Jay Kalyl. It was produced by Sam Ash. The song features Kalyl and Ash. Some of this song is sung in Spanish. The title translates to “With Me” in English.
To the Top – This song was written by Fern, Foure and Marty and was produced by Juice Bangers and Dirty Rice. The song features 1K Phew. The song features an excellent beat driven by bass and percussion. The only direction is up. Every day they are making history.
Key lyric:
When there was nowhere to go
You redirected my feet
God on My Side – This song was written by Ty Brasel, Fern and Marty. It was produced by Juice Bangers and Marty, and features Ty Brasel. The song about trust in God, features a mid-tempo beat, with bass, percussion and hand-claps.
Key lyric:
Yeah, I know who to call when I need help
Savior – This song was written by Fern and Marty and produced by Tommee Profitt. This prayer about Jesus being Savior, and His life for ours being the payoff, features Jeremy Camp. The song features acoustic guitar, drums, bass, backing vocals, hand-claps.
Key lyric:
Eternally grateful
When I needed you most, you came through
Luau – This song was written by Fern and Marty and produced by Marty. The song features Hulvey. This song has an easy-going beat, featuring guitar, bass, and percussion. The song is about a summer day hanging with friends by the pool.
Key lyric:
Go and call your friends, I hope summer never ends
Night Glow – This song was written by Marty and produced by Ray Rock. This easy-going song has a beat driven by drums and bass. His faith was tested, but he never wavered. His only friend was Jesus, the night glow when he didn’t have hope.
Key lyric:
You look inside
My God lives there
I might fall down
But can't stay there
Young Gunz – This song was written by Fern, Evan Craft and Marty. It was produced by Sam Ash and Juice Bangers and features DAViES. The song features an infectious chorus sung by DAViES, as well as guitar, keys, hand-clap and percussion. The song is about Social Club Misfits being young gunz, who have a fire in their soul, are running wild lifting Jesus high.
Key lyric:
Every L I took, that's a lesson that I needed
And every time I win, I give them something to believe in
One day we gon' look back and say that it was Jesus
I Need You – This love song was written by Fern and Marty and produced by Marty. The song features a dance beat, with bass, percussion and keys.
Somos Familia – This song about always being able to count on family was written by Andy Alemany, Sam Ash, Evan Craft and Marty. It was produced by Ash and features Blanca. Some of the song is sung in Spanish. The song’s title in English means “We are Family”. The upbeat song features guitar and drums.
Key lyric:
My Lord, I just wanna tell the world looking for remedies
None of it will work unless love is inside the recipe
Without You – This song was written by Fern, Marty and Colby Wedgeworth. It was produced by Dirty Rice and features Riley Clemmons. The up-tempo song features bass and percussion. God is the anchor of his life. He’s lived too many days far from God. There’s no way he’s ever going back to that life.
Worship-Flavored Release from KB | Posted October-30-2020
This is KB’s fourth studio album, his first album since 2017’s Today We Rebel (see my review here), and also his first since leaving Reach Records. The new album features God-centered lyrics, samples from several worship songs, and contains themes including praise and worship, being a father, and race.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Let it Reign – This song was written by Tee-Wyla, Michael Farren, Cardec Drums, Bizzle and KB. It was produced by Tee-Wyla and Drums. The song features Bizzle and begins with a sample of Michael W. Smith’s song “Let it Rain”. The song then moves into a hard-driving beat as he calls for Yahweh to reign over all.
Key lyric:
Your throne won't end, Your crown won't move
Lil Boy – This song was written by Cardec Drums and KB and produced by Drums. The hard-hitting song is about the example KB wants to set for his two sons. He wants them to be men of character and integrity.
Key lyric:
God got a plan, stand up and act like a man
10K – This song was written by Jonas Myrin, Quinten Coblentz, Matt Redman, Wes Writer and KB. It was produced by Coblentz and Writer. This is a worship song that is based on Matt Redman’s song “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”.
Key lyric:
I got a God don’t change with the seasons
Ten thousand reasons I can believe in
This is Life – This song was written by Michael Fatkin, Benjamin Hastings, Cardec Drums, Quinten Coblentz, Joel Houston, Wes Writer and KB. It was produced by Drums, Coblentz and Writer. The song samples Hillsong UNITED’s worship song "So Will I (10 Billion X)" The song is about our life praising God, just as the stars, mountains and oceans do.
Key lyric:
‘Cause if everything exists to lift You high, so will I
Armies – This song was written by Wes Writer, Scott Cash, Mashell, Ed Cash, Chris Tomlin and KB. It was produced by Mashell. The song, in which KB expresses his confidence in the Lord to fight his battles, is hard-driving, and features backing vocals. The song samples Chris Tomlin’s “Whom Shall I Fear (The God of Angel Armies)”
Key lyric:
When you come to handle me
There’s another hand on me.
Masterpiece – This piano-driven song was written by Quinten Coblentz and KB and produced by Coblentz. It is a song for KB’s newborn daughter. She is a masterpiece. The song builds with backing vocals.
Key lyric:
There's nothin' that you have to be
Already, you're a masterpiece
Libre – This Latin influenced song was written by Wes Writer, Cardec Drums, Tommy Royale and KB. It was produced by Drums and features Royale. The song is about KB’s freedom in Christ.
Yes Song – This worship song was written by Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, Eddie Hoagland, Jason Cornet, Swoope, Cardec Drums, Tee-Wyla and KB. It was produced by Drums and Tee-Wyla. The song samples “Yes I Will” by Vertical Worship and features Eddie Hoagland. The song begins with piano and builds with backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Hand in my face, I can't see
I have nothing left to bring
Dark Skin – This song was written by Cardec Drums and KB. It was produced by Drums and features Black Violin. This song addresses racism, and the incidents involving George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery. Jesus is the answer. If we do what he commands and humble our pride, God can mend us. The song begins with piano, and builds with percussion, bass and horns.
Key lyric:
Ain’t no left or right side in heaven
We Right Here – This song was written by Cardec Drums, Quinten Coblentz, Wes Writer and KB. It was produced by Drums, Coblentz and Writer. A hard-driving song that is a rally cry for millennial-aged Christians. The song samples “KIDZ” by Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed.
Key lyric:
They say millennials are leavin' God
I just smiled, like you really need to see the squad
Loyal Til the End – This song was written by Cardec Drums, DJ Pez, Jon Keith and KB. It was produced by Drums and Pez and features Jon Keith. It’s a hard-driving song about his loyalty to his friends that features some nice percussion.
Key lyric:
All of my dawgs defiant
Loyal ‘til the end
The Name – This worship song about exalting the name of the Lord, was written by Cardec Drums, Quinten Coblentz, Wes Writer, Koryn Hawthorne and KB. It was produced by Drums, Coblentz and Writer and features Hawthorne. The song features an instrumental break mid-song and some nice drums and vocals from Coblentz and Hawthorne.
Key lyric:
All my heavy chains gettin' broken
And my weary heart's given hope
Come exalt Your Name
Si Cancion – This is the Spanish language version of “Yes Song” and features Blanca and Musiko.
Chris Tomlin's Fourth Christmas Release | Posted October-27-2020
Following close on the June release of his successful country music album Chris Tomlin & Friends, Tomlin is back with his fourth Christmas project, which includes two new songs – “Miracle of Love” and “All the World Awaits (Hosanna)”, along with the four songs from his 2019 EP Christmas Day: Christmas Songs of Worship, and one song from his 2015 album Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship. If you have all of Tomlin’s previous Christmas music, you’ll want to download the two new songs.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Miracle of Love – This upbeat joyful song was inspired by the Tomlin’s third daughter, due this December, and the parallel story of the birth of Jesus. Tomlin has talked about how each line of the song has a double meaning. The song opens with piano, and picks up with drums, backing vocals and a nice use of horns at the chorus. The song was written by Ashley Gorley, Ed Cash and Chris Tomlin.
Key lyric:
A baby born; a baby born
A miracle of love
A gift from God sent to us
From heaven above
All the World Awaits (Hosanna) – This praise song about the coming of the Savior was written by Tomlin, Jason Ingram and Matt Maher. The song begins with guitar and gently builds with piano, drums and backing vocals. The song is inspired by Matthew 21:9 and Isaiah 9:6.
Key lyric:
Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace
Hail the Son of righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
Glory to the newborn King
Christmas Day – This song is written by Ed Cash, Scott Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash and Andrew Bergthold. This joyful song features drums, guitar and excellent vocals by Tomlin and We The Kingdom. Classic Tomlin, this song would be a good one for congregational singing.
Key lyric:
Sing all you people
The Lord almighty reigns
Sing every creature of God
Come bless His name
For He is good, for He is good
He was born to conquer the grave
Light of the world
The reason for Christmas Day
His Name Is Wonderful – This song is written by Tomlin and Ed Cash with a chorus taken from Isaiah 9:6. The song begins with Tomlin singing over piano, and then builds with drums, strings and choir.
Key lyric:
Come and adore Him
On bended Knee
He came to Ransom
Someone like me
Little Drummer Boy – This Christmas classic was written by Katherine Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone in 1958. The song features guitar, backing vocals and of course some excellent drum work.
Hope Of Israel – This song was written by Tomlin, Ben Fielding, Jason Ingram and Reuben Morgan. The song begins with Tomlin singing over piano, then builds gently with strings and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
God is with us
Christ our Savior
Jesus our Emmanuel
He shall reign our King forever
The hope of Israel
Noel – This song, originally included on Tomlin’s 2015 album Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship, features Lauren Daigle on lead vocals, and was written by Tomlin, Ed Cash and Matt Redman. Tomlin is known for sharing the spotlight with others, such as including Audrey Assad’s “Winter Snow” on his 2009 album Glory in The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship. Since this recording, Daigle has gone on to great success with her Look Up Child album, which could be the reason this older song was added to the new EP.
One of the Best Albums of 2020 | Posted October-25-2020
I have to admit that I’m a late-comer to Sandra McCracken, being introduced to her music at the 2018 Gospel Coalition and the last few Getty Music Sing! Conferences. I also really enjoyed her 2019 Christmas album.
This new album of worship songs features 9 new songs, and a reimagined hymn, all written or co-written by McCracken. The album, which was produced by Ben Shive and Tyler Chester, was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, with friends collaborating and recording across four states.
Patient Kingdom is an excellent album, which I’m sure will end up on my “best” list for 2020.
Below are a few comments about each song:
I Will Sing – This song about singing about the Lord’s great love (Psalm 89:1), has an easy going pace, and features piano, light bass and light drums, acoustic guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I will sing of the Lord's great love forever
I will sing of the Lord's good love
You Are With Me- This song features piano, drums, acoustic guitar and backing vocals. Our hearts may be heavy and tired in this valley. Sorrow may last for a night, but in the morning, the joy of the Lord breaks in with the light, and we know that He is with us.
Key lyric:
You walk beside me, through darkest valleys
I know You are with me
You Are The Word – This song has a nice play on the word “Word”. We can trust God’s word (His promises) in the pain as the Lord, the Word (John 1:1), will make all of this work for our good (Romans 8:28). He was broken, buried and raised, and we give him praise. McCracken’s vocals have an echo effect, and are backed by light acoustic guitar, backing vocals, and light drums.
Key lyric:
You gave me Your word
You gave me Your word
You are The Word
On High Places – This song features some nice drum work, acoustic guitar, and backing vocals. Fear has been an old friend, solitude has been a teacher of the truth, and peace has been a steady covering.
Key lyric:
On high places, here we go
We will rise, we will rise
And pass through shadows, take it slow
I Am One – This worship song features drums, acoustic guitar, piano, a guitar solo, and Citizens on backing vocals, and would be a good one to sing in a worship service.
Key lyric:
I am one with You in Light
I am one with You in Fire
I am one with You in Love
I am one with You in Glory
Lay My Worry Down – This song features guitar, drums, and backing vocals. We are confident that we can take our anxious fears and turn them over to our Father, resting in His mercy.
Key lyric:
Dark is the night, deep is Your love
Great is my need, You are enough
Thirst No More – This song about the living water that only Jesus provides (John 4:10), features acoustic guitar, drums, backing vocals, and piano.
Key lyric:
Thirst no more, thirst no more
Thirst no more, come and drink
Patient Kingdom – This beautiful song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, and light drums. In the midst of the chaos, slow us down Lord and let love do its work.
Key lyric:
Let my soul rise up to meet You
As the day rises to the sun
Let my soul rise up to meet You
Let that patient kingdom come
Into The Harbor – This song features light drums, organ, acoustic guitar and backing vocals. In our trouble we cried out and the Lord heard us. He has provided the safety we have been longing for.
Key lyric:
Into the harbor You guide us, O Lord
Into the safety are Thy distant shore
Be Still My Soul- This song is a new version of the hymn written by Jean Sibelius, with a new bridge added by McCracken. The song features organ, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, drums, and some nice backing vocals.
An Album for Personal Worship | Posted October-24-2020
I’ve enjoyed Michael W. Smith’s music since his debut album in 1983. Now 63, he has done just about everything in music, from pop, worship, instrumental, movie soundtrack, Christmas, etc. Still Vol. 1 is a very different Michael W. Smith album, and though I give him credit for trying something different, it won’t be everyone’s “cup of tea”, and it’s sadly my least favorite of Smith’s albums.
The album provides an “atmospheric listening experience of improvisational music” along with Smith reading scripture on the first five tracks. The final five are all instrumental. His prayer for the project “is that this music will help the listener find moments to meditate with scripture." Smith describes Still as a worship album that is more for individuals during their personal quiet times. There are also videos on Smith’s YouTube channel that accompany each song.
I believe the album will be enjoyed most during listener’s daily devotional and prayer time, or as quiet background music.
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