Go
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John I first heard the incredible voice of John Schlitt in 1975 when I was a freshman in college and he was the lead singer of Head East. Their album Flat as a Pancake had two singles that were getting...
Hymns in the Round
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Shane & Shane The latest project from the duo Shane and Shane is an album of ten hymns and worship songs from acoustic studio sessions held in Dallas in November, 2019. Most (eight of ten) songs included here were also...
The Incredible Voice of John Schlitt | Posted March-01-2020
I first heard the incredible voice of John Schlitt in 1975 when I was a freshman in college and he was the lead singer of Head East. Their album Flat as a Pancake had two singles that were getting a lot of play on the radio – “Never Been Any Reason” and “Love Me Tonight”. I was excited when I heard that Schlitt had joined the Christian band Petra as lead singer in 1986. During his tenure with the band, Petra earned 10 Dove Awards and four Grammys. Schlitt has been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as the lead singer of Petra. Now, 45 years after Flat as a Pancake, and at age 70, he has released Go, his sixth solo album, and his voice still sounds amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed this new album, mostly made up of rockers.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Go – This up-tempo song was written by Schlitt and Mark Lee Townsend, with Townsend producing. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, electric guitar and drums. Petra’s John Lawry is among those adding backing vocals. The song addresses the question of what our path is. There is no time to stop. Take your shot and keep moving on. An excellent opener.
Feel It – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Scott Bernard and Dan Needham, and produced by Needham. The song features electric guitar, drums, backing vocals from Needham, and a nice guitar solo mid-song. When you feel like you are losing control, all you have to do is to have a little faith.
Takin’ It Higher – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Scott Bernard and Dan Needham, and produced by Needham. The song begins with some nice electric guitar and then drums are added. Needham adds backing vocals and Bernard a guitar solo. The song is about holding on with what you’ve got. Keep pressing on, and never stop. You’ll find your way. No matter what they say, take it higher, every day.
Fighting the Fight – This mid-tempo song was written by Schlitt and Ryan Horn, and produced by Petra’s John Lawry, who also adds backing vocals, keyboards and bass. The song features a nice guitar solo by Paul Brannon. The song is about living the Christian life and fighting the fight with the Lord’s help.
Key lyrics:
Looking forward I will run the race
Heading to the finish line
Where I see You face to face
With angels shouting cheers
I’ll run to the light
With all I got, I’ll never stop
I’ll never give in
I’ll keep fighting the fight
Just Let Go – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Jeff King and Dan Needham who also produced the song, in addition to adding backing vocals and drums. The song features guitar, drums, keyboards and some nice guitar from Jeff King. The song addresses that where we go from here isn’t so clear. Are you willing to let go of what is for what might be? Just grab hold of something new and be set free.
Time Keeps Rollin’ – This rocker was written by Schlitt and Mark Lee Townsend who also produced the song. John Lawry plays keyboards is among those providing backing vocals. The song features drums, guitar and backing vocals. The older you get the faster time moves. You need to know where you’re going to spend eternity.
Where Would I Be – This gospel flavored rocker was written by Schlitt and Chuck Anderson and was produced by John Lawry, who also adds keyboards and backing vocals. The song begins with keys and hand claps, and features guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. The song addresses where he would be if the Lord hadn’t saved him. Amazing grace keeps setting him free.
Find a Way – This easy-going song was written by Schlitt, Scott Faircloff and Dan Needham, who also produced the song, in addition to adding backing vocals, drums and guitar. The song opens with acoustic guitar, percussion and features some nice backing vocals. It has taken him so long to see the truth and find the Lord, he doesn’t want to waste any more time in finding the road that leads to Heaven.
Fake News – This rocker was written by Schlitt and John Lawry, who also produced the song and added keyboards and backing vocals. The song features guitar, drums, keyboards and backing vocals. He calls on God to help with the fake news we are exposed to.
Key lyrics:
Where is the truth?
Where has it gone?
Where is the trust?
What’s goin' on?
Let’s Go – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Scott Faircloff and Dan Needham, and was produced by Needham, who also added drums and guitar. It features guitar backing vocals, hand claps and a guitar solo. The song continues the theme of the song “Go”, when he sings that there is no time to hesitate, it’s time to go.
Not Dead Yet – This rocker was written by Schlitt, Jerry McPherson and Dan Needham, who also produces the song and adds backing vocals, keyboards and drums. The song is driven by drums and guitar by McPherson, and features bass and backing vocals. The 70-year-old Schlitt sings that you might think he’s washed up, but he’s still in the game, just getting started. He encourages all of us to live each moment like it was meant for us.
Second EP from Sing! 2019 Getty Worship Conference | Posted February-17-2020 Sing! The Life of Christ: Quintology is the fourth album to be released from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s Sing! worship music conferences, following 2018’s Sing! Live at The Getty Music Worship Conference and 2019’s Sing! Psalms: Ancient + Modern (Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference) and Sing! An Irish Christmas - Live At The Grand Ole Opry House.
The new album will be released in five separate EPs over the next several months. The project will follow the five main themes of the 2019 Sing! conference – Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, Commission, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, and include 30 songs. To find out more about my takeaways from the 2019 conference, held in Nashville, read my article “Reflections From the 2019 Sing! Getty Worship Conference here.
The album was recorded at the Gaylord Hotel Convention Center, the Grand Ole Opry House and the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Everything that the Gettys and their musical friends do is with excellence. Throughout, the songwriting, singing and musical performances are of a very high quality, especially noteworthy for a live recording.
The second EP to be released is on the Incarnation. Below are a few comments about each song:
The Power of the Cross – This worship song, one of the Getty’s best, was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. This wonderful version of the song was performed at the Bridgestone Arena. It is preceded by Jackie Hill Perry performing an original spoken word piece with flute accompaniment by Pedro Eustache. Kristyn Getty handles lead vocals, backed by the choir and the Getty Band – piano by Keith Getty, bass, drums, violin, etc. - as the song builds powerfully.
Key lyric:
This, the pow’r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
My Worth Is Not in What I Own (At the Cross) – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Graham Kendrick. The song was performed at the Bridgestone Arena, and features Fernando Ortega and Kristyn Getty sharing lead vocals. The song features Ortega on piano, backed by the Getty band - beautiful cello, violin, drums, and choir.
Key lyric:
Two wonders here that I confess
My worth and my unworthiness
My value fixed – my ransom paid
At the cross
My Savior’s Love (What Tongue Could Tell) – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Keith Getty. It was performed by Matt Papa, backed by choir, piano, drums and bass. I enjoyed the ending of the song, with the chorus being sung acapella.
Key lyric:
What tongue could tell my Savior’s love
What song of angels could describe
Could endless praises be enough
To echo full His sacrifice
His Mercy is More – This song has been one of my favorites since being introduced to it at the Sing! 2018 Conference. It was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. The song was performed at the Bridgestone Arena. Matt Papa and Matt Boswell share the lead vocals, backed by piano, drums, guitar, bass, violin, and choir.
Key lyric:
Praise the Lord!
His mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness; new every morn;
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more.
He Will Hold Me Fast – This song was written by Ada Habershon and Matt Merker. The song was performed by Selah during the “Hymn Sing” at the Grand Ole Opry House. Selah is backed by piano, a beautiful cello and choir.
Acoustic Hymns | Posted February-14-2020
The latest project from the duo Shane and Shane is an album of ten hymns and worship songs from acoustic studio sessions held in Dallas in November, 2019. Most (eight of ten) songs included here were also included on their 2019 Hymns Vol. 2 album. The difference here is that the songs are performed “unplugged”.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Praise to the Lord (Joyful, Joyful) - “Praise to the Lord Almighty” was written by Joachim Neander in 1680. “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” was written by Henry J. van Dyke in 1907. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, bass, backing vocals, banjo (giving it a bit of a NEEDTOBREATHE sound), cello/fiddle, and light drums.
My Jesus I Love Thee - This hymn was written by William R. Featherston in 1864. It features acoustic guitar, bass, cello/fiddle, light percussion, piano and backing vocals.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Amazing Grace) – “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” was written by Hellen Howard Lemme in 1922. “Amazing Grace” was written by John Newton. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, backing vocals, cello/fiddle, synth, light percussion, and piano.
Living Waters (As the Deer) – “Living Waters” was written by Kristyn Getty and Ed Cash. “As the Deer” was written by Martin Nystrom. The song features some nice percussion and banjo, cello/fiddle, piano, acoustic guitar, bass and backing vocals. “Living Waters” has a nice beat and country music sound.
Ancient of Days – This song was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Michael Farren and Jesse Reeves. It features acoustic guitar, cello/fiddle, piano, backing vocals and drums. This is a bit of a slower version of the song than CityAlight’s.
Be Thou My Vision (Lord You Are) - “Be Thou My Vision” is an 8th century Irish hymn that was translated by Eleanor Hull in 1912. “Lord You Are (More Precious Than Silver)” was written by Lynn DeShazo. The song features acoustic guitar, synth, piano, drums, bass, cello/fiddle, backing vocals and banjo.
Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery - This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Michael Bleeker. It features acoustic guitar, synth, cello/fiddle, bass, percussion and backing vocals. The song builds powerfully towards the end.
Oh Lord Almighty - This song, which may be less familiar to many, was written by Jon Able and Shane Barnard. It includes an excellent lead vocal, acoustic guitar, synth, drums, bass, piano, and backing vocals.
Power of The Cross - This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. It features, synth, piano, acoustic guitar, backing vocals, bass, drums and cello/fiddle.
All I Have is Christ – This song was written by Jordan Kauflin. It features an excellent lead vocal, acoustic guitar, cello/fiddle, bass, backing vocals and light drums.
Live Worship from Matt Redman | Posted January-31-2020 Let There Be Wonder is worship leader, singer/songwriter Matt Redman’s fourteenth album, and first since 2017’s Glory Song. The album was produced by Jacob Sooter and Joshua Silverberg, and was recorded live in front of more than 1,000 people at Free Chapel in Orange County, California. Redman wrote all of the songs, collaborating with writers and friends such as Sooter, Phil Wickham, Hillsong's Joel Houston, Jason Ingram, Pat Barrett, Corey Voss, Andi Rozier (Vertical Church Band), Jon Guerra, and Brandon Lake, who also appears on the project along with Evan Craft.
I really enjoyed this album of live worship. Below are a few comments about each song:
The Same Jesus – This joyful song was written by Redman, Jacob Sooter and Josh Silverberg. It was the first song released from the album. The song features drums, backing vocals, keys and drums. The same Jesus is still with us, still on the move, making us new. We know that He is coming again. He’s alive and is keeping His promises.
Key lyric:
This Jesus
Who carried our shame
This Jesus
Who rose from the grave
The same Jesus
We worship today, we worship today
We Praise You – This upbeat worship song was written by Redman, Brandon Lake, Brian Johnson and Phil Wickham. Redman and Lake share the vocals. The song features guitar, backing vocals and some good drums. An excellent song for congregational singing.
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 begins with guitar and keys and builds at the chorus with backing vocals, drums and bass. 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 begins with keys and light guitar, and builds powerfully with backing vocals and drums. 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
Let There Be Wonder – This worship song was written by Redman, Joshua Silverberg, Jacob Sooter and Corey Voss. The song begins with synth, guitar and keys and then builds powerfully with bass drums and backing vocals. He is the God who parted the sea, who heals our disease and is the source of all that we need.
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
King Jesus – This song was written by Redman, Jason Ingram and Joel Houston. The worship song opens with electric and acoustic guitar and keys, and builds at the chorus with drums and backing vocals. His is the name above all names (Philippians 2:9). There will never be a higher name. All glory to God alone, the King is in residence here.
Key lyric:
All glory to God alone, praise to the One who gave it all
Name above all names, King Jesus, King Jesus
All glory to God alone, praise to the One who holds the throne
Name above all names, King Jesus, King Jesus
Merciful Father – This upbeat song was written by Redman, Tim Wanstall and Pat Barrett. The song begins with keys, drums, bass and builds with guitar and backing vocals. The song describes attributes of God such as love, goodness, faithfulness, merciful and kindness.
Mercies (New Every Morning) – This mid-tempo song was written by Redman, May Angeles, Edith Mcneill, DK Kim and Colby Taylor. The song features keys, guitar, drums and bass, and speaks to God’s faithfulness and goodness, though like many worship songs, lyrically it gets a bit repetitive.
The chorus is from Lamentations 3:23:
They are new every morning
New every morning
Great is Your faithfulness
Your mercies are new every morning
New every morning
Great is your faithfulness
Jesus Your Name – This song was written by Redman, Lindsey Sweet, Joshua Silverberg and Jacob Sooter. The song features acoustic guitar, synth, keys, bass, excellent drums, and backing vocals, 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
In The Name – This triumphant song was written by Redman, Ryan Ellis, Joshua Silverberg and Jacob Sooter. The song features keys, synth, bass, guitar, some nice drums, and backing vocals. Interestingly, it’s follows another song about the name of Jesus.
Key lyric:
In the name of Jesus, all fear must go now
In the name of Jesus, perfect peace
In the name of Jesus, burdens be lifted
In the name of Jesus we believe
Hymn of Surrender – This song was written by Redman, Mitch Wong, Joshua Silverberg and Jacob Sooter. The song features synth, keys, guitar, drums, bass and backing vocals. The song is a prayer to Jesus. He’s going to deny himself and follow Jesus. For less of him is more of Jesus.
Key lyric:
No compromise
I won't give You just half my life
If it's all or nothing
Let it all be, let it all be for Jesus
Send Me Lord – This song was written by Redman, Joshua Silverberg and Mitch Wong. The song features, synth, keys, guitar, backing vocals, and is a prayer to God. He contrasts his own selfishness with God’s holiness.
Key lyric:
Where You go, I will go, I belong to You alone
Letting go of my selfishness, send me Lord
A Ti Adoramos (We Praise You) – This is a second version of “We Praise You”, this time featuring Evan Craft, with some of the singing in Spanish.
The Same Jesus (single version) – This is a shorter version of the first song released from the album.
Final "Alive & Breathing" EP from Matt Maher | Posted January-21-2020
This is fourth and final of the excellent Alive & Breathing EP releases from Matt Maher. Each features three songs, a combination of new songs, live versions of songs that Maher has written for other artists but hasn’t recorded himself, and live versions of some of Maher’s previous songs. Here are a few comments on each song on Vol. 4.
Come as You Are – This is a live version of a song made popular by Crowder, and included on his 2014 album Neon Steeple. The song was written by Maher, Crowder and Ben Glover. The song begins with acoustic guitar and then slowly builds with piano, guitar, bass and the audience singing along.
Key lyric:
Oh, wanderer come home
You're not too far
Lay down your hurt
Lay down your heart
Come as you are
Lord, I Need You – This is a live version of perhaps Maher’s most popular song, which was written by Maher, Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves and Kristian Stanfill. I first heard this song sung by Chris Tomlin on the 2011 Passion conference album Here for You. The song begins with piano and gently builds with bass, drum and the audience singing along.
Key lyric:
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Come Holy Spirit – This is a live version of a song I hadn’t previously heard, featuring Martin Smith, formerly of the band Delirious? The song was written by Smith, Maher, Paul Nelson, Lydia McAllister, Henry Milne and Connor Patterson. The song begins with piano, and then builds powerfully with keys, strings, bass, drums, guitar, the audience singing along and ends with some excellent organ. This was the highlight of the EP for me.
Celebrating "Native Tongue" | Posted January-20-2020
Switchfoot kicked off 2019 with Native Tongue, their first album since 2016’s Where The Light Shines Through. They followed that up with a six song EP Live From The NATIVE TONGUE Tour in May, and recently released a new five song EP Native Tongue (Reimagine/Remix) on the one-year anniversary of the release of Native Tongue.
The EP includes two new remixes, as well as a collaboration with violinist Lindsey Stirling on "Voices," and "West Coast Editions" of “Wonderful Feeling” and "All I Need," the latter of which was previously only available as a webstore album preorder exclusive. Additional contributors include Brent Kutzle (One Republic), Will Chapman (Colony House), John Painter on horns (Fleming and John) and Mason Self.
I’m generally not a big fan of remix projects. And, although Switchfoot is one of my favorite bands, you have to wonder if another project of songs from Native Tongue, might be a bit of overkill (we now have four versions of the song “Native Tongue” for example).
Here are a few brief comments about each song on the new EP:
Wonderful Feeling (West Coast Edition) - This song was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman. The upbeat song opens with keys and features some good drums, backing vocals and horns. Jon sings how it’s funny how you fight what you need the most. Though he has spent a lot of time chasing his shadow, he has a wonderful feeling and hopes set high. His prayer is to let God’s light be his.
All I Need (West Coast Edition) - This song was written by Tim Foreman and Jon Foreman and was also included in the live EP. The love song features keys, drums, and backing vocals. The chorus is memorable as he sings that all he needs is the air he breathes, the time they share and the ground beneath his feet. He wants to know if she believes in him.
Voices - This song was written by Brent Kutzle, Jon Foreman, Ryan Tedder, Tim Foreman and Tyler Spry, and features Lindsey Stirling on violin. The song, which was also included on the live EP, was inspired by a homeless man at the beach. In the chorus, Jon sings of having an army of voices in his head. Each moment is crowded with choices, which speak to him and drown out the voices.
Let It Happen (Will “FRANKLIN” Chapman Remix) - This song was written by Jon Foreman, and was also included on the live EP. This remix gives the song a significantly different sound – distorted vocals and electronic dance beat percussion. This life seems hollow, he doesn’t know the meaning and his body is aching. He doesn’t know what is going to happen tomorrow but he trusts God with his future.
Native Tongue (Mason Self Remix) - This song was written by Tim Foreman, Jon Foreman and Brent Kutzle. This upbeat remix features distorted vocals, keys, guitar and percussion. Love is the language, our native tongue. He wonders where we went wrong, we forgot our song. He wants the world to sing in our native tongue and use our lungs for love. Two versions of this song were included on the live EP.
New Christmas EP From Shane and Shane | Posted December-06-2019
The duo Shane and Shane returns with a new five-song Christmas EP. The project includes one new song "Sing We The Song of Emmanuel", as well as four Christmas classics. The duo’s voices blend well and the instrumentation is top-notch.
Below are a few comments about each song:
Sing We The Song of Emmanuel – This new Christmas song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Stuart Townend, and Keith Getty. The song features acoustic guitar, bass and chimes. The song builds powerfully with the mid-song “Gloria”.
Key lyric:
Come we to welcome Emmanuel
King who came with no crown or throne
Helpless He lay, the Invincible
Maker of Mary, now Mary’s son
Oh Holy Night – This joyful song was written by Adolphe Adam in 1847. The song features acoustic guitar, drums, bass, piano and an excellent vocal with a good overall pace. A highlight.
Little Drummer Boy – This song was written by Katherine K. Davis, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone in 1958. The upbeat and joyful arrangement features guitar, bass, and of course drums. A highlight.
The First Noel – This traditional English Christmas carol dates back to 1823. The song features acoustic guitar, piano, bass, backing vocals, and is driven by a light percussion beat.
O Come O Come Emmanuel – This song was translated by John Mason Neale in 1861. The joyful song features acoustic guitar, bass, synth, piano, backing vocals, and some nice drum work.
First of 5 EPs from 2019 Sing! Conference | Posted December-06-2019 Sing! The Life of Christ: Quintology is the fourth album to be released from Keith and Kristyn Getty’s Sing! worship music conferences, following 2018’s Sing! Live at The Getty Music Worship Conference and 2019’s Sing! Psalms: Ancient + Modern (Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference) and
Sing! An Irish Christmas - Live At The Grand Ole Opry House.
The new album will be released in five separate EPs over the next several months. The project will follow the five main themes of the 2019 Sing! conference – Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, Commission, and Ascension of Jesus Christ, and include 30 songs. To find out more about my takeaways from the 2019 conference, held in Nashville, read my article “Reflections From the 2019 Sing! Getty Worship Conference here.
The album was recorded at the Gaylord Hotel Convention Center, the Grand Ole Opry House and the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Everything that the Gettys and their musical friends do is with excellence. Throughout, the songwriting, singing and musical performances are of a very high quality, especially noteworthy for a live recording.
The first EP is on the Incarnation. Below are a few comments about each song:
Across the Lands/Of the Father’s Love Begotten – “Across the Lands” was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” was written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius. This track begins with the recitation of John 1 by astronaut Colonel Jeff Williams before segueing into the choir singing verses one and three of “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” before the full band goes into “Across the Lands” with Kristyn Getty on lead vocals.
Key lyrics:
You’re the Author of creation;
You’re the Lord of ev’ry man;
And Your cry of love rings out across the lands.
Sing We the Song of Emmanuel – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Stuart Townend, and Keith Getty. The song opens with piano, and then the full band kicks in. This is my favorite new Christmas song this year. Boswell and Papa share lead vocals with the audience joining in on the closing “Gloria”.
Key lyrics:
Glory shining for all to see
Hope alive, let the gospel ring
God has made a way, He will have the praise
Tell the world His name is Jesus
Come Adore the Humble King – This song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. This piano driven song has Boswell and Papa sharing lead vocals. The song features a violin solo and builds powerfully.
Joy Has Dawned/Angels We Have Heard on High – “Joy Has Dawned” was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. “Angels We Have Heard on High” was written by James Chadwick. The song begins with the choir singing verse one and the refrain from “Angels We Have Heard on High” before the full band kicks in with “Joy Has Dawned”, with lead vocals by Kristyn Getty. The upbeat song gives the band an opportunity to flex its muscles mid-song. The song ends with the refrain and verse three from “Angels We Have Heard on High”.
Key lyrics:
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst’ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist’ry.
Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Michael Bleecker. The song begins with piano, before adding drums, bass and guitar. Boswell and Papa share lead vocals.
Key lyrics:
What a foretaste of deliverance
How unwavering our hope
Christ in power resurrected
As we will be when He comes
In Christ Alone/I Stand Amazed (O How Marvelous) – “In Christ Alone” was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. “I Stand Amazed’ was written by Charles Gabriel. Kristyn Getty and Travis Cottrell share lead vocals on “In Christ Alone”, and the album closes with a spirited version of “I Stand Amazed”.
Key lyrics:
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
Best songs: All
Note: The 2020 Sing! Getty Worship Music Conference will be held August 31 – September 2 in Nashville. To get more information and register go here.
Alive & Breathing III EP | Posted November-20-2019
This is the third of four Alive & Breathing releases, with the fourth to be released in January. Each features three songs - a new song, a live version of a song that Maher has written for other artists but hasn’t recorded himself, and a live version of some of Maher’s previous songs. Here are a few comments on each song on Vol. 3.
Lord of My Life – This new song was written by Maher and Daniel Bashta. The song features piano, backing vocals, guitar, synth, and drums. He is prone to wander. The Lord is the destination and the way to get there. He surrenders all.
Key lyric:
Be the song I sing, be my guiding light
Savior of my soul, be the Lord of my life
Every step I take, always by my side
I am Yours, You are mine, be the Lord of my life
Your Love Defends Me – This is a live version of Maher’s song that he wrote with Hannah Kerr. Maher has said that the song comes out of Psalm 91, and the idea of God being not a refuge, but our only refuge. The song features acoustic guitar and the audience singing along and then builds with electric guitar, piano and drums.
Here for You – This is a live version of a worship song Maher wrote with Tim Wanstall, Jesse Reeves and Matt Redman, who originally recorded the song. The song was also recorded live at a Passion Conference, with Chris Tomlin handling the lead vocals. The song features keys, synth, bass, drums, partially distorted vocals, the audience clapping and singing along.
Alive & Breathing I EP | Posted November-20-2019
This is the first of four Alive & Breathing releases from Matt Maher. Each EP will feature three songs - a new song, a version of a song that Maher has written for other artists but hasn’t recorded himself, and a live version of some of Maher’s previous songs. Here are a few comments on each song on Vol. 1.
Run to the Father – This song was written by Maher with Cody Carnes and Ran Jackson and produced by Bernie Herms. The powerful song of surrender features piano, strings, drums, and backing choir vocals.
Key lyric:
I run to the Father, I fall into grace
I’m done with the hiding, no reason to wait
My heart needs a surgeon, my soul needs a friend
So, I’ll run to the Father, again and again
Lord, I Need You (Señor, Te Necesito) – This is a live version of Maher’s worship song “Lord, I Need You”, which Maher recorded with Bianca, who sings in Spanish. Maher wrote the song with Christy Nockels, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves and Kristian Stanfill. The song features piano, bass, guitar, drums, and the audience singing along. The voices of Maher and Bianca blend well.
White Flag – This is a live version of a song that Chris Tomlin originally recorded at the Passion Conference. Maher wrote the song with Tomlin, Jason Ingram and Matt Redman. The song features synth, drums, guitar, bass and the audience singing along.
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