Rising With An Anthem-Filled EP | Posted May-13-2025 What You Need to Know:
Sean Rodriguez is a pastor-turned-pop/rock/contemporary artist who has been appearing on more and more listeners' radars. Originally known as Sean Be, Sean had the opportunity to tour with Winter Jam 2023 as one of their pre-jam openers. Since then, he has released 4 singles, a remix, and now his debut EP as Sean Rodiguez, Jesus Will.
What It Sounds Like:
Jesus Will is a diverse and wonderfully eclectic EP filled with many styles. No track on this EP sounds like a filler song or wasted space. Instead, Sean confidently steps up to the plate, covering pop with "House of God" & "Rise," rock/rap mix with "It Is Finished" featuring Christian rock mainstays Disciple, contemporary with "Jesus Will," and even a funky dance vibe with "Honey." Sean's voice, talent, and energy carry each of these songs to sound as professional as anything else on Christian radio, with a heart behind it that is incredible to listen to.
Spiritual Highlights:
In a world full of questions and hopelessness, Jesus Will is a powerful reminder of who our God is and the victory He has given us. All these songs pull from themes of victory, joy, and trusting that Jesus is who He says He is. Songs like "Honey" and "Rise" are must-have dance songs and full of the truth of the joy of how God restores our stories for His glory. The title track, "Jesus Will," is a beautiful standout and emotional ballad that hit me when I first heard it. Sean sings about how when everything feels hopeless, God is with us and working all things. We're not too far gone, victory is coming, Jesus will never lose His hold on us. The best part is, victory is coming around the bend cause Jesus always will come through.
Best Song:
My favorite song of this EP is between the already mentioned "Jesus Will" and the rock/rap radio hit "It Is Finished (feat. Disciple)." This song is an anthem that has impacted listeners all over with its powerful battle cry of faith. It's a reminder that even in the storms, Jesus has already won. Sometimes it's sadly easy to forget that victory He has won and given us. Sean and Kevin Young of Disciple team up to bring that truth to us in a powerful way. This song has been a favorite of mine recently and one I play on repeat with its unique arrangement along with Sean's rap bridge, which hypes up this cinematic song to another level. If you're a fan of Christian rock and anthems of victory, this song will be a favorite of yours for sure.
Since first seeing Sean on Winter Jam 2023, he has been a favorite of mine to watch grow and blow audiences away with his talent and heart for the Lord. This EP is a perfect reintroduction to the newly rebranded Sean Rodriguez with styles of pop, rock, and emotional ballads that point straight to Jesus powerfully. Jesus Will is already one of my favorite releases this year, and I can't wait to see how people from all walks of life continue to embrace these anthems of joy and victory. Especially when solid Christian pop/rock can be trickier to find, Jesus Will is a well of powerful music centered in the Word and carried by Sean and his band with hearts on fire to share God's redeeming message.
Becoming More Like Jesus | Posted January-30-2025 What You Need to Know
Grace + Max is a rising new duo in Christian music. The recently married husband-and-wife duo have both released music under their solo artist names, Grace Korak & Max Allard, but are now joining together to release music with a new declaration of even more life and hope found in Jesus and sharing that truth. Their song "More Like You," is their new anthem and debut song that is sure to draw in fans from all over.
What It Sounds Like
"More Like You" is a pop/folk single that delights the ears. Its sound is both modern, and upbeat, and yet ushering in a level of peace in that joy. The song's sound reflects its lyrics in a fun way that deserves to be played on repeat. The song is catchy and fits perfectly with the new wave of Christian music that is both top 10 radio playable and current enough to be a secret playlist favorite for listeners all the same.
Spiritual Highlights
The song caught me by surprise by its powerful truth wrapped together in this wonderful song. "More Like You" is just that, a prayer and call to follow Jesus and be more like Him. The song is fun and catchy but also sets such a firm and clear foundation that Jesus is the only way that really makes us whole, free, and filled with peace and purpose. It's such a beautiful reminder to keep Him first and a prayer of needing Him that I know impacted me.
Grace + Max's new single, "More Like You," is more than a debut song; it is the heart cry of our generation to live life differently than the world. A life that follows after the only one who can give us real meaning and real freedom in Him. A life that looks like Jesus. My friends Grace + Max capture that in such a beautiful and fun song that has quickly become one of my favorite songs that I've listened to recently. Like a modern Steven Curtis Chapman "Live Out Loud" with a Josiah Queen vibe, "More Like You" is a can't miss song and hopeful anthem for a new generation of passionate Jesus-loving listeners.
Jumping Into The Scene | Posted November-18-2024 What You Need to Know
Bringing a new burst of energy into the Christian music scene, BLVRS is the latest pop/EDM duo comprised of vocalist Jordan Blaine (JSteph) and producer Owen Bloom (Nitro X). The duo worked on songs like "More Than Life" and "Won't Let Go" before joining BLVRS. BLVRS has released several singles throughout the year following the singles, leading to their debut EP, Behind The Scenes.
What It Sounds Like
Fresh and alive doesn't even scratch the surface of this project. Behind The Scenes blends pop and EDM (electronic dance music) with worship and lyrics that bring the truth of God's word to the forefront. The EP sounds like, "What if Capital Kings were releasing music that matched 2024 vibe and energy with a slight worship edge?" It does that with excellent production from Owen and vocals from Jordan. Some songs lean more into EDM ("Behind The Scenes" and "Forever & Ever"), while other songs land more in the pop space ("Just In Sight" and "Ups & Downs"), and "Into Your Arms" pulls it together with a sweet soft-vibe pop song of surrender. Overall, this EP was precisely what I needed, and I would love to hear more from Christian music.
Spiritual Highlights
Behind The Scenes is a fun and energetic project that tells the story of God's faithfulness weaved throughout. Life isn't perfect as believers, and we often struggle with trials and doubts. BLVRS shines a light on those moments with lyrics that come straight from God's Word to combat those lies and fears. As I listened to this EP for the tenth time, my faith was encouraged that God is truly with us and working beyond what we can see. Songs like "Into Your Arms" brought me to tears and helped give me peace, while songs like "Ups & Down" helped me regain my joy in the middle of the battles I was facing. These songs are all anthems for the lives of us as believers to hold on and put our trust in a God who loves us and is working all things for good.
Best Song
The title track, "Behind The Scenes," is hands down my favorite song from this EP. “Behind The Scenes” is the first official song from this impressive duo. It is a vulnerable piece that expresses a prayer of honesty and trust in Jesus amidst our pain. Hearing this song for the first time impressed me with its impactful lyrics and high-quality production. This song has quickly become one of my favorites this year. I have played it through many challenges as a reminder that God has never failed me at any point. I believe He will continue to come through for me, just as He always has.
I'm always on the lookout for new Christian music and new artists. An artist rarely catches my ear and tugs at my heart as BLVRS did. From front to back, this project is ideally crafted to reach listeners looking for Christian music that goes beyond superficiality in lyrics and sounds better than most mainstream pop releases. Jordan and Owen have made something special from their hearts and grounded in the truth of Jesus that we all need to hear. I was honored to talk with BLVRS and was blessed to listen to their passion for making good Christian music and sharing God's love with listeners honestly and powerfully. Behind The Scenes is a pop/EDM/worship project that is the perfect listen for those searching for fresh Christian music and those struggling with who they are in God's eyes and trusting in His hand in it all.
Hope Breaking Through | Posted November-04-2024 What You Need to Know:
Grace Graber is an upcoming rock/pop/punk artist who has taken the indie music world by storm. After a Hawk Nelson song stopped her from taking her life as a teen, Grace has made it her mission to help others know that they're not alone through the gift God has given her with music. Since her debut EP in 2021, In My Head, her honest songwriting on God and dealing with mental health has gained her a strong social media following. Her new album, The Breakthrough, is her best collection yet, filled with powerful songs of hope and breakthrough found in Jesus.
What It Sounds Like:
Grace does not play by what many consider "the box of Christian music." The Breakthrough is filled with rock, alternative, pop, and contemporary all done in a fresh way that makes The Breakthrough a breath of fresh air for every listener. Some of the best moments from the album are those songs that sound more radio-friendly like "Grace of God" and "More Than A Miracle" for the beautiful lyrics and amazing production that tie the album together. Other songs lean into punk ("In Between" & "Superficiality), rock ("As I Am," "Greater," & "The Signs"), and pop ("Solo" & "No Regrets (feat. PEABOD)") with Grace finding her sound and owning it with confidence.
Spiritual Highlights:
Honestly and vulnerability is right up front on this project. Several songs dive into these themes of brokenness, feeling lost, hopelessness, trying to put up a facade, and life itself in all the ups and downs. However, The Breakthrough combats these by showing the truth of Jesus so strongly. The song "If You're Like Me" especially carries this beautiful message for listeners to know they're not alone in their doubts, fears, and darkness. The song is a prayer Grace sings over them to know how much God loves them right where they are and how much good He has in store. "Breakthrough" and "More Than A Miracle" are two other standout tracks that carry this powerful message to turn our eyes to Jesus and know how much He understands our brokenness and how much He truly loves us.
Best Song:
It's hard to pick a favorite song but the title track "Breakthrough" comes out as my personal favorite. The song is an alternative rock/pop song with such a bold declaration of who God is and how He will restore in our lives. Originally released in March 2024, I've come back to this song as a lifeline to grow my faith in the promises of God through the battles that come. The song really ties together the heart of the album and Grace's heart in this season; just like how God has come through in her own life, He will break through any wall to save us. Songs like "Solo," "The Signs," & "If You're Like Me" are all 10-out-of-10 and come out close but "Breakthrough" wins out as my favorite song on this flawless collection of anthems.
The Christian music scene is filled with so many amazing albums every year that blow my mind. Yet even as an independent artist, Grace Graber has put together one of my favorite albums not just of the year, but of all time with The Breakthrough. The album is a wonderful balanced mix of so many styles coming together in a fun and powerful way to impact listeners with the truth that they belong and God isn't done in their lives. From the production to Grace's soaring vocals, this album has impacted my life with hope and to live life with faith in Him even more. I've had the chance to talk with Grace on this album and have been blown away by her heart for God and reaching listeners from all walks of life. This album is an impactful rock/pop collection that shares God's heart for listeners powerfully and cements Grace Graber as one of the most promising new artists to watch.
More Than A Start | Posted September-30-2024 What You Need to Know
Rev Music is the worship team and collective of Revoluton Church in North Georgia. Since its first single in 2020, Rev Music has continued to release a sound of worship to give Jesus full glory and unify the body of Christ through its multiple artists carrying the sound of worship. Rev Music's second full-length album, Just The Start, follows that heart cry from their last album, Harvest, with 12 new powerful songs—and one studio arrangement—birthed from what they've seen and experienced God do.
What It Sounds Like
Just The Start is a worship album that feels real and holy worship. The album balances its professional elements with that homegrown sound of being in your own church congregation, praising Jesus freely. I love the elements they incorporate, especially hearing the crowd join in these anthems. This gives this album a deeper level of life and unity for these moving worship songs without changing the style too much.
Spiritual Highlights
Rev Music carries the sound of worship in a powerful way of truth and hope. While listening to these songs, I was reminded of God's faithfulness, hope, and long-standing promises. Just The Start pulls from God's Word and sings it out to give listeners anthems to lead them in worship and surrender to a God who is always faithful. Songs like "Dwell," "Not Be Moved," and "I Love You, I Do" highlight these powerful songs that take our eyes from our struggles and back to the one who holds us and comes through time and time again.
Best Song
Although this album is filled with many powerful and heartfelt worship songs, "Abide" is hands down my favorite. The song is a beautiful picture of surrendering to Jesus and finding life in Him. There's a simplicity to the music yet a stirring of truth that impacted me as I heard these lyrics and began worshiping. It reminds me of songs like "Make Room" by the worship band Community Music, with its honest heart cry to trust God in everything fully.
Just The Start is more than a start; it's a strong and heartfelt collection of songs to restore faith and point listeners to Jesus. This album brings Rev Worship a step forward as the team's songwriting, sound, and lyrics all come together to release a sound of worship to impact. It doesn't sound like a mega church-led worship team. Still, a community of believers unified and came together to worship God, so I've repeatedly returned to several of these songs.
Freeing State of Mind | Posted March-21-2024 What You Need To Know
Charlottle Adelle is an upcoming Christian pop artist and producer from Australia. The indie artist gained recognition for her high-quality pop production and background vocals for other artists in the pop scene. In 2023, Charlotte released her debut single, "Radio." Following the release, she released several more singles, which led to her debut EP, I Am Not A God.
What It Sounds Like
I Am Not A God is a full-on pop treat. The EP's six songs have a distinct sound while carrying an upbeat and modern pop highlight I don't often hear in Christian music. Charlotte's quality of production, vocal flow, and overall vibe are enough to rival even the most popular mainstream pop project. She has found a sweet spot where her songs can take the form of high-energy summer anthems and reflective worshipful cuts while maintaining her stellar sound.
Spiritual Highlights
One of my favorite parts of the project is Charlotte's songwriting and the messages conveyed in her songs. I Am Not A God, though being a "roll down your windows and sing along" EP, is filled with so much truth and perspective of living with Jesus. The title track is a fun but honest confession of surrendering control to God and following His way instead of dragging ourselves down by our own plans. "Heaven State of Mind" is about finding freedom in Jesus, and "Retrospective" is a reflective song of thankfulness for God's blessings. The EP is a fantastic collection of songs centered on freedom, acceptance, and the new life Jesus has given us.
Best Song
Though this EP contains no songs worth skipping, the song that caught my attention the most is "Serotonin." The song also earned Charlotte a We Love Christian Music Award nomination for Next Big Thing Song of The Year in 2024. "Serotonin" tells a story of chasing every high before finding a new life in Jesus. The song is a powerful testimony of needing Him and then expressing the freedom that God has given us. Life with Jesus is far better than anything this world could ever offer. This wrapped into one of the best and most unique summer pop songs is a win.
I Am Not A God is a top-tier project. Charlotte has set a high standard for Christian pop music, especially as an independent artist. The EP is filled with infectious energy and songs that invite listeners to know Jesus and the hope of new life that He offers. With fantastic production and lyrics that you can't help but sing and dance to, I Am Not A God is a must-listen for pop music fans and a guaranteed favorite for summer.
A Real Story To Tell | Posted January-26-2024 What You Need To Know
Kevin Quinn is one of the newer faces making waves in Christian pop music. Kevin first stepped into the spotlight for his role on the Disney Channel show Bunk'd. He eventually landed the starring role in the Netflix Christian musical A Week Away, where his experience helped him rededicate his life to following God. Since then, Kevin has released two EPs and toured with Winter Jam as a part of their 2020 and 2022 lineups. His most recent pop offering, Real Me, shares his battle with mental health and trusting God's plan for his life in the middle of it.
What It Sounds Like
Real Me is a fantastic showcase of Kevin's modern sound and honest songwriting ability. Many of the songs find a sound between mainstream pop radio and current CCM sounds, giving the project a welcoming and heartful sound for listeners. Songs like "I'm Not There Yet" and "Rise Above" lean in on Kevin's vocal delivery paired with acoustic and contemporary music influences, while songs like "Real Me" and "Way Up" put his signature pop sound at the forefront. Kevin even ventures into the R&B music scape with the project's lead and catchy single, "Blessed."
Spiritual Highlights
Real Me is a project of growth. The EP tackles these topics like trying to fit in, finding purpose, and learning we can't make it ourselves. Songs like "I'm Not There Yet" stand out as an honest prayer. The lyrics are filled with emotions of confusion and frustration before accepting God's plan beyond our own. Even the more fun-sounding songs like "Way Up," "Learning To Let Go," and "Give You Up" are songs of overcoming, surrender, and having faith in God's plan for us. The whole project is a powerful reminder, especially for young listeners, to keep trusting in God through the growing pains of life.
Best Song
The project's first song and title track, "Real Me," immediately struck me when I first heard it. The song is an honest look at struggling with mental health and accepting the freedom to be ourselves. Over the past few years, I've gone through my own battle with mental health and learning not to live as a "people pleaser." The identity and the story God has given us wasn't a mistake to hide. He uses it to make us into who He has made us be.
Although I've walked through my shares of trials, brokenness, feeling left out, and finding myself again, I look back and see how far He's brought me. It's a testimony for myself to keep holding onto Him and to share with others who are going through the same battles. The song shares that even in our broken state, God is restoring, revealing, and walking with us to become more like Him in the perfect identity He destines for us all.
After watching the movie A Week Away, I became a huge Kevin Quinn fan. Hearing behind the scenes how being in that movie impacted his faith and helped him decide to pursue Christian music was even more exciting to me. I had high hopes for his first project, and Real Me delivered. It's a solid modern pop project that pushes the lines of what I usually hear in Christian music. The EP is upbeat, deep, honest, and full of God's truth of identity, told to connect with listeners for whatever challenges they are walking through.
Riding To A New Era | Posted November-25-2023 What You Need To Know
Jordan Stevens, aka JSteph, is one of the new rising faces in Christian indie and pop music. The now 23-year-old found his love for music while writing songs on Apple's full-creation music studio GarageBand in 2015. Jordan's artistic journey had a rocky start, but he has become an exceptional artist. He has built a dedicated fanbase and joined the indie pop collective Young Pop Renagaes, led by Matthew Parker, due to his songwriting and music skills. His new album, MMXXII(2022 in Roman numerals), tells his story of moving to Nashville, identity, love, breakups, and trusting God's plan in every season.
What It Sounds Like
Each song on MMXXII is precisely placed to tell Jordan's story over the past year. The album combines multiple music influences of pop ("The Year I've Waited For" and "I'm So Happy That We Broke Up"), electronic ("Be This Way" and "Snow In June"), emotional ballads ("In The Midst" and "Live For You"), contemporary ("Ride of My Life" and "Do It Afraid"), and even some cinematic elements. The album is a fantastic showcase of Jordan's talent and the indie pop space in which he has found a sweet spot.
Spiritual Highlights
No story is complete without highs and lows. MMXXII touches on many themes, lessons, and trials Jordan has endured. "Bound To Break" and "In The Midst" are prayers to God for His help in the unknown when life seems to be falling apart. Jordan deals with heartbreak in songs like "Be This Way" and "Already Gone" before coming to the upbeat, almost-sassy bop "I'm So Happy That We Broke Up." In the song, he recognizes that the person he was in a relationship with wasn't right and thanks God for healing his heart. In another standout song, "Picture Perfect People," Jordan sings honestly about the emptiness we experience from social media and the pressures of comparison.
Best Song
It's hard to pick just one best song. But what I've replayed the most is "Snow In June." It's a fun, catchy song that could be interpreted as the joy of finding Jesus or that special someone. Fellow indie pop artist JAZLYN leans her vocals to the track, making it even more enjoyable.
The last song, "Ride of My Life," is a true standout. It expresses gratitude and faith in God's constant presence and unwavering support throughout our journey in life. The final track is exceptionally well done and features a brief monologue from Jordan that encourages listeners.
Jordan's album is more than just a telling of his life through 2022. It's an introduction to JSteph and the testimony of what God has done in his life. Jordan expresses so much honesty, truth, hope, and growth through this project that captivated me. These songs are favorites and have encouraged me through life's craziness. The album's production, modern style, and timeless feel bring MMXXII to life in a powerful way that leaves listeners with renewed hope and trust in Jesus.
Finding Better Days | Posted November-06-2023 What You Need To Know
Since releasing her first album in 2009, Word | Curb Records artist Sarah Reeves has become very versatile in her music. From the beginning of posting worship covers to Christian pop, to cinematic soundtracks, and now with her mainstream-focused pop project, Best Days, Sarah Reeves is always capturing fans with her beautiful voice and connecting music. The new album is a fresh start following her 2020 release, Life Love & Madness, and crafted into a standout project.
What It Sounds Like
Best Days is an exciting pop album that offers an engaging listening experience. Despite being Sarah's second pop project, which focuses on the mainstream audience, she has done an excellent job of expressing each song with modern pop production and vocals that can compete with those of most popular contemporary pop artists. The album features fun anthems ("Billboards On Sunset," "I'd Rather Be Living," "Any Other Way"), powerful ballads ("Zuma Beach, "Wanna Be Here, "Flash"), and personal stirring pop tracks ("Best Days," "Get Back Your Fight," "Conversations With Myself"). The album also sees Sarah experiment with retro elements sprinkled in songs like "Jealousy," "Back In Time," "Curtains," and a few others with her current style, which serve as a fun treat to listeners.
Spiritual Highlights
Sarah shared a deeply personal message with her fans when her single "Zuma Beach" was released. In the post, she talked about her recent divorce and revealed that the song was written to heal. The single was part of her upcoming album, and the post was a vulnerable moment for Sarah as she opened up to her fans.
Best Days is filled with songs that tackle challenging emotions like heartbreak, anxiety, depression, and moving forward when everything inside seems broken. Songs like the title track and the viral hit "Get Back Your Fight" stand out for their relatable lyrics and powerful message that Sarah carries with hope, as she does throughout the album. Although it doesn't contain many clear cries to God, the album takes the first step in honesty on the things in life we need God's help to step out of towards the better days He has for us. The album isn't afraid to be real, which Sarah demonstrates well in each song.
Sarah drops the h-word in "Curtains." Many won't mind, but some might be caught off guard by including the word. Although I wasn't too fond of hearing it being used this way, it doesn't raise an alarm or take away the message and reliability of this project or song.
Best Song
The album's best song is "Get Back Your Fight." When I first heard the song, it connected with me while I was coming out of a season of depression. The song is a cinematic anthem paired with some of the best vulnerable songwriting I've heard in Christian music recently. I love everything from the production, the lyrics, and Sarah's soaring vocals. Millions have found encouragement through her vocals during mental battles. The title track is another "can't miss" favorite.
Best Days finds Sarah bringing her beautiful songwriting and voice to the forefront, intertwined with modern pop beats and ballads that hit in a fresh and connectable way. I've listened to this album multiple times and repeatedly played many of the songs on my playlists. If you have yet to listen to her music, Best Days is a great place to begin and a solid addition to her music catalog. If you're in a good place or struggling to get there, Sarah's latest album is a fun look back that encourages us we aren't alone and can overcome to find the best days ahead for us.
Heart To Heart Worship | Posted November-18-2022 What You Need to Know
Based in Lakeland, SEU Worship is the worship expression from Florida Southeastern University. Since releasing their first project independently in 2013, the band has since signed to Provident Label Group while continuing to release new anthems for every generation to encounter God's love. The band's latest album Heart Cry, is their 11th album presenting some of their deepest and most moving collection of worship songs yet.
What It Sounds Like
Heart Cry doesn't sound like your typical worship album. The project is crafted with a refreshingly modern touch that gives each song it's own space and energy to fully resonate. The album, while not featuring as many upbeat songs as some of their previous projects, is full of life while still giving listeners a deep dive into many powerful worship encounters. Backed with it's stellar vocalists and and high quailty production, SEU Worship deliever a captivating collection of worship songs for the year,
Spiritual Highlights
Leading up to the album's release, the first few singles are what caught my attention of it. I was surprised by the richness of Biblical truth sung in such a simple, mature, and passionate way. The album draws from the longing to know God as He wants to be known to us and perfectly captures that prayer through worship. As the album's title says, Heart Cry is truly a heart cry for our generation filled with songs of surrender, freedom, passionate love, and revival in the Father.
Best Song
There are so many incredible songs on this album that have become some of my favorites such as "Monday Morning Faith," "Famailar Song," "Pour It Out," and "Heart Cry." "Deep Dive" however, is without any doubt my favorite song from the album. The whole song is a beautiful honest prayer, but the bridge is what especially wrecked me and has drawed me into encountering His presence so powerfully (the lyrics are also my phone's current background). As you read the brige below, let this prayer sink in and stir you to step into His embrace again.
"Show me what’s breaking Your heart/Even if it messes me up/I don’t wanna know You in part/I wanna know You, really know You/Don't wanna reach the end of my life/Knowing there was more I could find/I don’t wanna know You in part/I wanna know You, really know You."
Heart Cry does something that I love seeing done is worship music. It bridges more than just generations through its musical styles but it also bridges our heart cries. From its fun praise anthems to its slower powerful moments, each track comes together to create an album that reminds us how our God is holy, moving, and calling each of us, into a deeper revelation of His Spirit. It's something that has believers in all walks of life can come together and sing, holy is the Lord. Heart Cry is an stirring worship experience that leads listeners to encounter the heart of the Father in one of the best worship projects of the year.
BraddenFord_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
