Hope In Daily Life and Hard Times | Posted May-21-2024 What You Need to Know
Contemporary Pop/Rock band We Are Messengers is back with their fourth studio album, Where The Joy Is. The group released "God Be The Glory" as the lead single ahead of the full album release, and the collection is filled out by nine other songs, all with the theme of joy, hope, and the gospel. The energetic album features guest vocals from fellow Christian artists Blanca on "My Hope Is You" and Ben Fuller on "I Found Rest."
What It Sounds Like
I was hooked on this album from the first notes. No surprise there. We Are Messengers delivers every time. It's fitting that this album is called Where The Joy Is because the music is high-energy and joyful right from the first song and stays that way through the whole album. "How Great You Are" even gives off a bit of Coldplay vibes in my opinion which, as a fan of both theirs and We Are Messengers, I was excited to hear that whimsical, youthful sound also represented in a Christian song. Even the midtempo and ballad songs have a life to them that keeps you engaged through every word and every note.
The chord progressions have a lot of movement, which I personally love because I feel like it adds momentum to a song. So, it was fun to hear the band make that musical choice. It's a perfect compliment to lyrics that are equally joyful and hope-filled, making the project one cohesive theme lyrically and sonically.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
In every song you'll hear themes of the goodness of God, the good news of the gospel, joy, hope, and gratitude. My favorite lyric on the album is in "Where The Joy Is:" "Worry can't steal from a heart this grateful." What a powerful reminder and a fresh, beautiful way to capture the truth in a popular Bible passage we quote all the time. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
Best Song On The Record
I'm picking two for best song. "A Thousand Times" is a personal favorite of mine. It's such a fun song, and I love the message of remembering how God has come through for you in the past and knowing that He will come through in the present too.
But "Worthy Of Being Loved" is such a significant and special song that it cannot be overlooked. We Are Messengers has been open in conversations and in their songs on previous albums ("Maybe It's OK") about encouraging and supporting people in their mental health. In "Worthy Of Being Loved," lead vocalist Darren Mulligan sings to a person who might be struggling with hopelessness and maybe even thoughts of ending their life. The words encourage the listener that they are worthy of love and if they were no longer here, they would be missed. There's no question God will use this song to change lives, and even save lives.
If you need hope to fill your heart, look no further than Where The Joy Is. We all need some hope in daily life, and especially in hard times. And we need to be reminded that hope is found only in Jesus and His good news. Where The Joy Is will make you dance a little bit while the truth gets into your heart.
Faith For God To Move | Posted February-28-2024 What You Need to Know
Singer-songwriter Brad Alden is the former worship leader at the historic Angelus Temple in Los Angeles, and the current worship pastor at Coastline Community Church. Recorded live at Coastline Community Church, Change The Atmosphere is Brad's latest worship EP in collaboration with fellow musician and artist, Noel Robinson.
What It Sounds Like
Change The Atmosphere is diverse sonically. Opening song "Change The Atmosphere" is a corporate worship song that you will easily be able to see yourself singing on a Sunday morning. Even though it was recorded at a church, this one feels like an intimate house worship night, which I love. There is an unpolished and prayerful spirit about it that is really beautiful, and Brad's prayers and interactions with the congregation and their voices singing out too all add something special to the song.
"Lay My Burdens" down might surprise you in a good way from its opening note. It is a combination of styles taken from Blues, Rock, and Southern Gospel. "Rain" revisits that Sunday morning worship congregational sound.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Faith for God to move is a thread through all three songs on this EP. Whether crying out for the refreshing presence God, revival, God's miraculous work in our lives, or the blessings of God, you are reminded that you're singing to a God who can and will make Himself known tangibly and intervene in our lives.
Best Song On The Record
I'm giving best song to "Change The Atmosphere." I love the raw, sincere sound of God's people simply gathering together to cry out to Him in worship and prayer, and I love the faith for God to move powerfully that is inherent in the lyrics.
Worship and Artistry | Posted February-06-2024 What You Need to Know
Coat of Many Colors is the follow-up to contemporary artist Brandon Lake's sophomore album, HELP! The project follows a successful Miracle Nights solo tour and a collaborative Summer Nights tour last year with fellow worship artist Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, a solo worship artist and member of Maverick City Music, has impacted many with his voice, songs, and heart for people to experience God's miraculous power. His songs "Gratitude," "Praise You Anywhere," and "Fear Is Not My Future" have made a significant impact on Christian radio and spread like wildfire in churches everywhere. He's also earned multiple GRAMMY and K-Love Fan Awards.
What It Sounds Like
From the moment the album opens with "Coat Of Many Colors," I felt like I was listening to a singer-songwriter, pop, and R&B album. The melody and Brandon's vocal delivery reminded me of the styles of mainstream artists Ben Rector and Coldplay. I loved hearing that style in Christian music. "Count 'Em" follows a rock song with some hip-hop influence and gospel choir background vocals. The grit and edge in this one fit the subject matter of how powerful and victorious God is.
And then, to complete the trifecta of the album's opening songs, we have the corporate worship anthem "Praise You Anywhere." And that is the perfect overview of the album. It's a versatile yet cohesive collection of Brandon's musical influences and the various genres he can sing.
Spiritual Highlights
Several songs on the album center around the theme of being a child of God and explore the implications of this truth. "Coat of Many Colors" is about God's favor, care, and provision that covers us. "Miracle Child" is about how God's grace miraculously brings forth a testimony and transformation in our lives that would not be the case apart from the work of Jesus. Brandon uses the lyrics of "Adoption Song" to renounce false beliefs, rebuke ungodly spirits, and align with God's truth. This is a unique and powerful spiritual practice and discipleship lesson for listeners.
Best Song
I'm giving the best song to "Tear Off The Roof." The opening lyric is powerful: "Tear off the roof/The King's in the house/Just get me to Jesus/I don't care how." The song borrows inspiration from the biblical story in Mark 2 about the paralytic's friends who lowered him through a roof to get him to Jesus so he could be healed.
This song meets me in a season when I desperately need to be reminded to run to Jesus and that there is power in His presence to meet every need I have. And if you need that same encouragement or some helpful language to form your prayers, I know this song will impact you, too.
Coat of Many Colors is a testament to how Brandon Lake skillfully walks in the balance of worship leader and artist. At the same time, He can lead God's people into passionate praise and prayerful conversation with God, and he's not afraid to play in all the various sonic spaces that different genres provide.
New and Nostalgic | Posted October-27-2023 What You Need to Know
GRAMMY award-winning worship artist Brooke Ligertwood has released EIGHT, her sophomore album, and follow-up to 2022's SEVEN (Live). EIGHT is a compilation of new versions of well-known worship songs ("Desert Song," "I Will Exalt," "King of Kings") that Brooke has co-written and led during her tenure as a worship leader. The compilation also includes new songs of worship and prayer for the Church. The album features collaborations with contemporary artists Martin Smith ("Lead Me To The Cross") and John Wilds ("Authority.")
What It Sounds Like
I was hooked from the very first note of EIGHT, and I think you will be, too. It's like you can sense the presence of God as soon as the album starts to play. Top to bottom, EIGHT is a refreshingly pure and sincere worship album. Brooke's voice, joined by God's people and instruments, lifts worship to our King.
I sincerely appreciate the intentional moments taken to linger in God's presence and leave room for spontaneity. I admit I have a soft spot for those moments on worship albums. I believe it's vital for every Christian to learn how to sing songs of praise to God that are "off-book" and unique to the heart and voice of each worshipper. There's something so freeing and beautiful about that. Brooke and her guest artists model this so well; they are some of the best moments on the album.
Spiritual Highlights
There's a wide range of lyrical themes on EIGHT. The project contains songs about praising God through trials ("Desert Song"), the authority of Jesus' name ("Authority"), the majesty of Jesus ("King of Kings"), surrender ("Lead Me To The Cross"), and more. "Fear of God" and "Soon" are particularly special because they are about the return of Jesus. I love when worship songwriters bring an aspect of theology into their songs that is less emphasized in the Church, and I love that Brooke went for it with these two songs.
"Fear of God" goes: "Hold to what lasts/And keep your lamp lit/Standing in the knowledge of this/The fear of God will keep us/The fеar of God will keep us/ In the blink of an eye and a flash of light/Thе trumpet sounds and the dead will rise/The mortal clothed immortal in His name/Lift up your voice if you've been saved/By the blood of the lamb who forever will reign"
Best Song
I'm giving the best song to "Bless God" and "Every Chance I Get." The two songs are a pair, praising the name of God in every moment--morning or evening, season of blessing or trial, no matter what. It reminds me of Psalm 92:1-2: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening."
As I mentioned, if you want me to love your worship album, put a spontaneous moment on it. The simple, repeated chorus in "Every Chance I Get" ("I'll bless Your name in the morning/I'll bless Your name in the evening/Every chance I get I'll bless Your name") is my favorite moment on the album.
Brooke Ligertwood has always been my favorite songwriter, worship leader, and personal inspiration. Listening to EIGHT, I experienced newness and nostalgia. I rediscovered my connection with Jesus through new recordings of significant worship songs in the early days of my walk with Him, taking me back to that special place. At the same time, I felt immense gratitude for the new life God breathed into worship songs through Brooke's songwriting.
Pure Passion, Gospel-Centered | Posted October-16-2023 What You Need to Know
Patrick Mayberry, signed to music label Centricity Music, experienced Christian radio success with his breakout single "Holy Spirit Come," also the title of his 2021 EP. He is following up that project by releasing his full-length studio album, Wild Faith. "Lead On Good Shepherd," a collaboration with Crowder, was released as the first single ahead of the full album and became a Christian radio hit. Wild Faith features collaborations with kalley of Bethel Music, Crowder, and David Leonard.
What It Sounds Like
Wild Faith is the best of singer-songwriter storytelling influence and worship music all rolled into one. These songs can flow within the Worship ("He's Just That Good," "He Is"), Pop Contemporary ("Easy To Praise"), or Adult Contemporary genres seamlessly and appeal to fans of those styles and beyond. There are even some hints of Country/Country Rock influence here and there ("He's Just That Good," "Lead On Good Shepherd," "Wild Faith.")
Patrick's powerful vocals soar throughout this album, and you can hear the passion for God in his voice as he sings. This album has "sing at the top of your lungs" anthems and prayerful ballads. The melodies are memorable, the production feels like an extension of the worshipful passion in the lyrics, and you will find yourself singing along from the first song.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
No matter what the theme of each song is, the goodness of God is front and center. I also love how rooted these songs are in the gospel message. You can't listen without your focus consistently being drawn to who Jesus is, who we are in Him because of what He's done for us, and how He works in our lives. These are songs of praise and prayer and encouragement firmly rooted in the Good News of Jesus.
The Worthy One calls me worthy/The Holy One invites me in/The God of all the universe/Has given me a name/I'll be known as this/I am His ("His")
Best Song On The Record
"His" wins best song. There's something so captivating and soul-stirring about the lyrics and Patrick's vocal performance. It's a powerful ballad about the value and identity Jesus gives us and the relationship we can have with Him, not because of our own goodness or worthiness, but because of His grace and love. This is the song to sing if you want to declare the truth that you belong to Jesus and all that means for your life.
My goodness, I loved every moment of Wild Faith! Patrick Mayberry is a standout artist with an infectious passion for Jesus that brings his songs to life in a special way. If you need to be refreshed in your faith, encouraged by the goodness of God, and reminded who you are in Christ, listen to Wild Faith.
Pure Worship and Devotion | Posted September-26-2023 What You Need to Know
Phil Wickham is one of the premier worship leaders and songwriters in Christian music today, with his songs reaching the masses on Christian radio and being sung in local churches around the globe. The GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award-nominated artist has released his latest full-length studio album, I Believe. With singles "Sunday Is Coming," "This Is Our God," and "I Believe" released ahead of the album, I Believe features collaborations with worship artist Tiffany Hudson of Elevation Worship ("Psalm 23") and worship artist Naomi Raine of Maverick City Music ("Holy Moment.")
What It Sounds Like
On I Believe, Phil gives us what we've come to know and love from him: both the tender, prayerful, and worshipful ballads that can be sung in your personal time alone with God, as well as those larger-than-life Sunday morning anthems that could be sung with a congregation. But he also branches out into sounds different for him in arrangement and instrumentation, showcasing his ability to be creative and versatile as an artist while still keeping a worshipful focus.
"Wait" almost has a synth-pop/alt-pop feel, and "100%" and "Relationship" feel like the pop meets hip-hop style we're hearing from Christian pop artists today and from some worship artists, like Elevation Rhythm. These songs are reminiscent of Phil's 2018 single, "Til I Found You."
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Multiple songs on this album fit within the lyrical themes, reinforcing the emotional impact on the listener. As you engage with this album, you'll sing about God's holiness ("Creator," "You Are Holy," "Holy Moment"), the core truths of the faith, and our commitment to follow Christ with our lives ("Sunday Is Coming," "I Believe," "The Jesus Way"), and songs of deep personal prayer and relationship with God ("Psalm 23," "Wait," "Relationship").
Best Song
Choosing the best song on an album written by someone I respect tremendously as a worship leader and songwriter is almost impossible. Still, I'm giving the best music to "Your Name Is Holy" and "Holy Moment." The two songs actually go together, with "Holy Moment" feeling like an unstructured response of worship that overflows from the heart, following "Your Name Is Holy." And the sound of Phil and Naomi's voices singing and worshipping Jesus together is captivating.
I think songwriting in the worship genre leans heavily on songs about God and what He does for us (good and biblical) and less on songs singing directly to God about His character and work in our lives (which is also excellent and biblical). But we need more of the latter in worship music to balance things out, and we also need more songs that model for believers how to worship from the overflow of their hearts as they find their own voice and their own personal song to God in worship.
Any chance I get to highlight those kinds of worship songs, I'll take it. Phil Wickham offers us a great example of that with these songs, and I would have even loved for him to lean into this a bit more on this album.
I Believe will draw you into a pure place of worship, devotion, and encounter with Jesus. Those qualities are something Phil so evidently carries in his own life as a follower of Jesus and as a worship leader, and his example and songwriting will draw you into that same posture of heart. Phil Wickham's ministry is such a gift to me and the Church, and I'm so grateful for his new collection of songs. Be sure to listen to this album.
Anthems of Praise and Faith | Posted June-02-2023 What You Need to Know
CAN YOU IMAGINE? is the 15th album for GRAMMY award-winning worship collective Elevation Worship. Elevation Worship released "More Than Able (feat. Tiffany Hudson and Chandler Moore)" as the lead single from the record, with follow-up "Trust in God (feat. Chris Brown)" shortly after. Live performance videos were released to the band's YouTube channel for both songs, as well as one for "Jehovah" to accompany the release of the full album.
What It Sounds Like
CAN YOU IMAGINE? is another iteration of Elevation Worship doing what they do best: writing anthemic, congregational worship songs full of faith and feel larger than life. The lyrics breathe fresh life into the hearts of the hearer. And whether a tender ballad like "Been So Good" or a high-energy "take you to church" moment like "Praise," the music captures what the lyrics are saying, bringing you into an all-encompassing experience with God both spiritually and musically. The album features collaborations with Maverick City Music artists Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore, who appear on four out of eight songs.
There is grit and passion exuding from Elevation Worship lead vocalists Tiffany Hudson, Chris Brown, and Jonsal Barrientos, as well as Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore. You can tell there is history with God behind the words they sing. They're singing about a God they have personally experienced and believing for others to experience Him too.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Elevation Worship consistently carries a message of faith in Jesus and the victory of Jesus over our lives in saving us from our sins ("No Body") and the way He intervenes in the circumstances of our lives ("Jehovah," "More Than Able," "Make A Way"). That message carries through on this project as well. Listening to these songs will leave you confident in the goodness of God and believing He can and will tangibly demonstrate His power in your life.
In "More Than Able," Chandler Moore sings: "You are more than able/Who am I to deny what the Lord can do/Can you imagine with all the faith in the room/What the Lord can do, what the Lord can do/It's gonna happen, just let the Way Maker through/He's gonna move, He's gonna move."
Best Song On The Record
"Runnin" with Brandon Lake stands out as the best song. Pulling language from Psalm 23 and Psalm 84, the lyrics express pure and simple gratitude to God for His unfailing love, mercy, and goodness that constantly pursue us. I heard this song and immediately started dreaming about leading it during worship in my local community. I believe this is one that will especially translate well to church services and worship gatherings.
The melodic and lyrical hooks are strong, which are not only fun to sing, but help the truth of this song's message get stuck in your head. And I especially love the drum parts in this song.
This collection of songs magnifies Jesus as the God who is intimately, personally, and powerfully involved in every detail of our lives. CAN YOU IMAGINE? will give you language to express your worship to God for His greatness and your trust in Him to work in your life.
Worship For All Generations | Posted May-02-2023 What You Need to Know
Turn Your Eyes (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) Volume II is the first full-length studio album since platinum-selling vocal group Point of Grace's 2015 album, Directions Home (Songs We Love, Songs You Know), which was nominated for a GRAMMY. Continuing their legacy of three decades of music and ministry, Point of Grace has released an album that feels like a celebration of the best of worship music, spanning decades and generations.
What It Sounds Like
The album includes covers of contemporary worship hits like Phil Wickham's "House of the Lord" and Sinach's "Waymaker," which was popularized by Leeland. There are also classics like Rich Mullin's "Awesome God," Amy Grant's "Somewhere Down The Road," and beloved hymn "It Is Well." An original song, "At The Table," opens the album.
As has been the case for 30 years of ministry, Point of Grace's vocal harmony is front and center and flawlessly delivered. It's interesting to hear worship songs often sung by one lead singer interpreted and sung by a group. As you listen to this album, you'll hear a lot of Country and Southern Gospel influence to your favorite worship songs; intricate vocal harmonies and banjo riffs make an appearance more than once. But right alongside that are intimate piano ballads accompanied by a string section and joyful praise that will take you to church.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
Through the covers chosen for this project, themes emerge of God's greatness and power ("Awesome God"), trust in God ("It Is Well)", and compassion for others ("At The Table)."
Best Song On The Record
There's something about Point of Grace's take on "Way Maker" that is especially stirring. I love the piano melody and strings section in this interpretation of the song. The group's vocals are prominent, making the powerful message of the lyrics stand out even more. They even added some pre-choruses and made changes to the bridge melody that were not in the original version of the song to truly to make it their own. This song felt like a group of believers simply gathered around a piano singing to Jesus, and it's captivating.
I admit this is a different style than the worship music I listen to regularly, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. There's something beautiful about Point of Grace, who are so seasoned in music and ministry, releasing a project that champions classic songs from decades ago right alongside the modern worship songs so many of us have on our current playlists.
It's a significant statement the body of Christ really needs right now: unity and valuing all generations of believers and the diverse styles of Christian music we use to express our praise to God. I'm grateful to Point of Grace for setting that example for us.
The Hope of Heaven | Posted March-10-2023 What You Need to Know
"Heaven Changes Everything" is the follow-up to contemporary band Big Daddy Weave's radio hit collaboration with emerging worship artist Katy Nichole, "God Is In This Story," and is the lead single from their upcoming album. The song was inspired as lead singer Mike Weaver pondered eternity after facing the loss of his parents and his brother, Jay Weaver, the bassist in the band.
What It Sounds Like
"Heaven Changes Everything" is the quintessential pop meets adult contemporary sound. This song is midtempo but joyful and high-energy, as a song about the hope of heaven should be. Mike Weaver's vocal performance adds to the mix--you can hear the joy and hope in his voice as he delivers these poignant lyrics. He's singing the truth that has really impacted him in a deep and personal way.
Spiritual Highlights
This song celebrates the comfort and purpose that comes with the hope of eternity, especially during life's challenges. It emphasizes the importance of holding onto this hope as a source of strength and perseverance. What I love about this song is that it's packed with theology while being accessible and fun at the same time. When these lyrics get stuck in your head, God's truth is also in your heart. It's clear the writers drew inspiration from passages like Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:18-40, John 14:3, and Revelation 21:1-7.
"These tears would just be tears fallin' down my face/And this hurt would just be hurt with no healing on the way/Thank You, Jesus, Heaven changes everything/ A goodbye would be goodbye with no "I'll see you again"/And when a life is over, that would simply be the end/Thank You, Jesus, Heaven changes everything"
"Heaven Changes Everything" is one of Big Daddy Weave's best. Whether you need to be reminded what the Bible says about heaven, or you're looking for a song to anchor you as you walk through a tough time, this one's for you.
Buy the song on Apple Music or stream it on Spotify. Read the full lyrics of "Heaven Changes Everything" here.
Pushing Musical Boundaries in Worship | Posted March-09-2023 What You Need to Know
LEELAND comprises lead singer and songwriter Leeland Mooring and guitarist and co-writer Casey Moore. They have contributed several well-known worship anthems, such as "Lion and the Lamb," "Where You Are," "First Love Fire," and a cover of Sinach's "Waymaker," helping the already powerful worship song gain even more traction in the Church. Following 2019's live worship album Better Word, the GRAMMY and Dove Award-winning worship collective has released their latest album, City of God.
What It Sounds Like
Sonically, this album might not be what you expect when you think of a worship project. Unlike LEELAND's previous album, Better Word, which had a live church worship feel, City of God sounds like a fusion of alt-pop and worship. LEELAND's heart for worship and for artistry come together in this collection of songs. "Heart & Flesh" featuring TAYA and "Yahweh" are the more contemporary worship-sounding songs on the album that immediately stand out as ones that could translate into church contexts well. Songs like the opener, "Still Mighty," still have a prayerful, worshipful tone but lean more into the singer-songwriter approach.
In addition to TAYA, there are other collaborations with fellow worship leaders on this project as well: Vanessa Hill on "Ark," Charity Gayle (who penned "I Speak Jesus") on "You're Not Done," and veteran worship leader Rita Springer on "Jacob's Ladder."
Spiritual Highlights
Many of the songs on the album are of prayer and praise mixed together. Those lyrics are Leeland praying to God, reminding himself of truth or what he's heard God speaking to him about His prayers and struggles, and responding to God with worship. The title track, "City of God," is a joyful tune reminding us of the truth that we are the dwelling place of God's Spirit and all that implies.
There are also several songs whose titles and themes are clearly inspired by biblical passages and stories, such as "Fall of Dagon," referencing 1 Samuel 5, "Jacob's Ladder," referencing Genesis 28:10-21, and "Midnight," which pulls heavily on Psalm 139. Along those same lines, "Ark" draws imagery from the story of Noah: "Waves are rising all around/Flood as far as I can see/And all of a sudden, wrapped up in light/I hear the heavens cry/My son, build yourself an ark/Let Me heal your broken heart/So when the floodwaters rise, and the sun grows dark/You'll be safe in my arms"
Best Song
I'm partial to raw, extended, spontaneous worship moments, so I'm giving the best song to "Yahweh." It feels like a humble, pure cry of longing for God's presence and, in my opinion, showcases where Leeland Mooring particularly thrives as a worship leader and songwriter. The song's bridge is so powerful. Leeland sings about how atmospheres and lives are changed when God draws near with His presence. I could see churches latching onto this, and I think you'll be singing in your personal prayer time a lot, too. I know I will be.
My favorite context for LEELAND as a worship band is live, congregational church worship, so I did miss the prominence of that sound a little bit on this album. But I also appreciate that they are not only worship leaders but true creatives who aren't afraid to explore new sounds and push musical boundaries while maintaining a heart of worship. You'll hear that intricate blend on City of God. If you love both pure worship and creativity and singing truth over God's people, City of God will be exciting listen for you.
JasminPatterson_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
