Life & Breath
by
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...
The King Is Still The King
by
Chris Chris Tomlin returns with The King is Still the King, his eighteenth studio album, and first since 2022’s Always, which featured the song “Holy Forever”. The new album...
Rich Mullins Tribute Concert | Posted October-24-2025
On September 24, 2017 a number of artists led by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive gathered at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Rich Mullins. They performed a note-for-note concert of Mullins’ best album, A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band, complete with strings, special guests, and an appreciative audience.
Peterson and friends followed a concert format that he has used over the years on his Behold The Lamb of God Christmas tour. The first half of the concert had each of the guest artists sing a Mullins song of their choice, with Peterson singing a few of his own choices in along the way.
The first half set list:
Hello Old Friends - Andrew Peterson
Awesome God – Audience
Calling Out Your Name – Andrew Peterson
Boy Like Me/Man Like You – Andrew Peterson
You Did Not Have A Home - Finnegan Bell
The Howling - Jeremy Casella
Cry The Name - Jill Phillips
Hard to Get - Andy Gullahorn
What Susan Said - Andrew Osenga
Buenos Noches from Nacogdoches - Leigh Nash
Elijah - Matt Giraud
The Good Confession – Andrew Peterson
If I Stand – Andrew Peterson
The second half of the concert brought each of those artists back out to perform note-for-note versions of each song from Mullins’ album A Liturgy, A Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band. A string section played the original string charts as provided by Rich’s producer Reed Arvin (who himself was present and played the piano on “Creed” midway through the second half).
The second half setlist:
Here In America – Andrew Peterson
52:10 - Jill Phillips
The Color Green – Andrew Peterson
Hold Me Jesus - Brandon Heath
Creed – Andrew Peterson, Andy Gullahorn and Jill Phillips
Pass the Peace - Andy Gullahorn
78 Eatonwood Green - Gabe Scott on the hammered dulcimer
Hard - Finnegan Bell
I’ll Carry On - Jeremy Casella
You Gotta Get Up - Leigh Nash
How To Grow Up Big and Strong - Andrew Osenga
Land of My Sojourn – Andrew Peterson
After the completion of A Liturgy, A Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band all of the musicians are back for “Sometimes by Step”, featuring Skye Peterson and “I See You” featuring Andrew Peterson. The concert ended with the “Doxology”.
I really enjoyed this album. It will be loved by fans of Rich Mullins’ music and those who enjoy Andrew Peterson’s music.
Live Studio Worship from Matt Redman | Posted October-04-2025
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 Nashville, allowing him to achieve the precision of a studio while still capturing the energy and breath of a live worship setting. The album was produced by Steve Marcia, includes nine new songs, and has collaborations with worship leaders Joe L Barnes, CalledOut Music, Charity Gayle, and the Lipscomb University Gospel Choir.
I’ve long enjoyed Redman’s music and Life & Breath is a fine addition to his catalog. It will surely be on my list of favorite albums for 2025.
Redman co-wrote each of the songs. Here are a few brief comments and a key lyric from each of the new songs:
Praise to the Most High – This energetic praise song was written by Redman, Joe L Barnes, and Leonard Ray Jarman. The song features Barnes. It is a call to worship.
Key lyric:
Oh, come and magnify the Lord with me
What an honor, what a privilege to sing
Praise to the Most High God
Life & Breath – This song was written by Redman, Mitch Wong, Paul Duncan, and Quintin Trotter. It takes the listener through the grand narrative of creation, redemption, resurrection and eternity.
Key lyric:
To the one true, living, breathing God
Beginning and the end
To the one true, living, breathing God
Be all the praise, amen
Let Me See Jesus/Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – This song was written by Redman, Evan Wickham, Leonard Ray Jarman and Helen Lemmel. The song features Charity Gayle, and uses the 1922 hymn “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen Lemmel. This was the first song released from the album. It’s a good song, but running more than seven minutes it seems a bit too long.
Key lyric:
Isn't He wonderful?
Isn't He glorious?
Isn't He powerful?
Isn't He good to us?
Brighter than any sun
Greater than any storm
Faithful forevermore
Let me see Jesus
A Thousand Ways – This song about the goodness and faithfulness of God was written by Redman, Joe L Barnes and Leonard Ray Jarman. The song features Joe Barnes and Callout Music. The song builds powerfully with a choir.
Key lyric:
A thousand ways You show Your love
A thousand ways You reach my heart
For all You are and all You've done
I'll praise the ever-faithful God
Hallowed Be – This song about praise to the Trinitarian God was written by Redman, Dan Ballard, Joe L Barnes, Leonard Ray Jarman, Mitch Wong and Steve Marcia. The bridge includes words from the Lord’s Prayer. The song has a nice use of strings, piano and choir.
Key lyric:
Hallowed be, hallowed be
Hallowed be Thy name
The Father, the Son, the Spirit of God
Hallowed be Thy name
The God We Love (Nicene Creed) – This song was written by Redman and Jonny Robinson and Rich Thompson of CityAlight. The song, which took five months to finish, is a musical interpretation of the Nicene Creed on the 1700th anniversary of the Creed.
Key lyric:
All glory to the Father now
All honor to the Son
And praise the Spirit now and always
This is the God wе love
Never Get Over – This beautiful worship song was written by Redman, Ethan Hulse, Steve Marcia, Dan Ballard, Jason Ingram, and David Funk, and features Quinter Trotter. He’s never run out reasons to sing God’s praise.
Key lyric:
A perfect throne, a rugged cross
A humble crown, mighty and merciful blood
The King who came to rescue us
Oh Jesus, I'll never get over Your love
Never get over Your love
Heard by Heaven – This upbeat song was written by Redman, Ethan Hulse, Steve Marcia, Dan Ballard, Jason Ingram, and Chris Tomlin. The song features a memorable chorus and choir, and would be a good song to open a worship service with.
Key lyric:
When the people of God
Sing the praises of God
In the presence of God
We are heard by heaven
Holy Be Your Name (Lord’s Prayer) – This musical interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer was written by Redman, Dan Ballard, Leonard Ray Jarman, Ludwig van Beethoven, Mark Alan Schoolmeesters and Steve Marcia, and features the Lipscomb University Gospel Choir. The song builds powerfully toward the end.
Key lyric:
Yours is the Kingdom
Yours is the power
Yours all the glory ever amen
I enjoyed all of the songs on this excellent album. Below are my favorites:
Praise and Worship from Chris Tomlin | Posted October-01-2025
Chris Tomlin returns with The King is Still the King, his eighteenth studio album, and first since 2022’s Always, which featured the song “Holy Forever”. The new album features sixteen new recordings, including four emoji-titled interludes.
I’ve long enjoyed and been blessed by Tomlin’s music. This new praise and worship album is an excellent addition to his catalog and will surely be on my top albums for 2025.
Here are a few comments about, and a key lyric from, each song:
How Good It Is - The album's lead single was written by Tomlin, Jess Cates and Jordan Mohilowski, and produced by Tomlin, Mohilowski and Jonathan Smith. It is an upbeat joyful anthem inspired by Psalms 92, 98, 100, and 113. It sounds like a classic Tomlin song.
Key lyric:
Oh, how good that it is to sing praise to the Lord
Oh, how great is the name above all names
From the rising of the morning sun to the setting of the same
Oh, how good that it is to sing praise
How good it is
Doesn’t He – This uplifting song was written by Tomlin, Patrick Mayberry and Jess Cates, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. The song is about how Jesus is the only one worthy of our worship and praise. The song features a choir.
Key lyric:
Praise Him with a hallelujah
Praise Him with a thousand tongues
Praise Him in the light of morning
Praise Him when the night is long
Doesn't He? Doesn't He?
Doesn't He deserve it all?
Still the King – This worship song was written by Colton Price, Jess Cates and Kaelob Mecum, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. Jesus is worthy of all our worship and the praises we bring.
Key lyric:
For the blood is still the blood
And the King is still the King
Rivers of Joy – This upbeat and joyful song was written by Tomlin, Jason Ingram and Pat Barrett, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. For the thirsty heart, and the soul that's dry, Jesus is the rain in the desert, the fountain of life.
Key lyric:
I got rivеrs of joy down in my soul
Like nothing I've ever known
I got rivers of joy deep in my bones
Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow
He Has Done Great Things – This reimagined Bethel Music song was written by Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Jonas Myrin, Phil Wickham and Brian Johnson, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. The beautiful song which references Psalm 103:12, features Phil Wickham and Tomlin singing accompanied by acoustic guitar and strings, and later joined by a choir.
Key lyric:
As high as the heavens above
Great is His everlasting love
Rivers of mercy
Run over us, run over us
As far as the East from the West
He has removed all our sin
We are forgiven
By His blood
Jesus Saves – This upbeat gospel music song was written by Tomlin, Chris Davenport, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham and Ben Fielding, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. The song features a choir and hand claps. Anyone can be set free by confessing and believing in Jesus.
Key lyric:
Jesus saves, Jesus saves
His mercy came running
When I called His name
Help My Unbelief – This song based on Mark 9:24, was written by Tomlin, Ben Johnson and KK Johnson, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. The song features a choir and hand claps.
Key lyric:
When my eyes can't see, God
Light my way, give me the faith to say, "I believe"
You Are My King (Amazing Love) – This acoustic guitar driven song was written by Billy Foote, and has previously been recorded by the Newsboys. The chorus uses lyrics and melody from Charles Wesley's hymn, "And Can It Be". The song was produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith, and features backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Amazing love
How can it be
That You my King would
Die for me
Amazing love
I know it's true
It's my joy to honor You
In all I do I honor You
That’s Who He Is – This upbeat and joyful song was written by Tomlin, Jonathan Smith and Jeff Pardo, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. The is a worship song to the Father and Son.
Key lyric:
The only One True God
That's who He is
The First Hymn – This worship song was written by Chris Tomlin and Ben Fielding based on the earliest known copy of a Christian Greek hymn dating back to the 3rd Century. The papyrus manuscript was discovered in 1918. The song features Fielding, and was produced by Jonathan Smith.
Key lyric:
All powers cry out in answer
All glory and praise forever
To our god
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Amen, we sing, amen
Coming Soon – This song about the return of Jesus was written by Tomlin, Chris Davenport and Nick Herbert, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. The song builds powerfully toward the conclusion.
Key lyric:
We don't know when, but we believe it's true
He is coming soon
This is My Father’s World – This song is based on the 1901 hymn written by Maltbie D. Babcock, and produced by Tomlin and Jonathan Smith. The song features Aodhan King, Jamie MacDonald and CalledOut Music and includes a new chorus.
Key lyric:
This is my Father's world
And to my listening ears
All nature sings and round me rings
The music of the spheres
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. My favorite songs would be:
Songs Born from Season of Grief and Spiritual Exploration | Posted September-20-2025
Ellie Holcomb returns with her fourth full-length studio album Far Country, the follow-up to Canyon, one of my favorite albums of 2021. The new album features eleven new songs born from a season of profound grief and spiritual exploration. Holcomb co-wrote all of the songs. The album was produced and engineered by Cason Cooley and executive produced by Holcomb’s father Brown Bannister, and Samantha Steele.
The songs feature Holcomb’s strong and expressive vocals. The album contains themes of being made for a different place, there having to be more than this, light, love, hope, and the goodness and mercy for the Lord.
Here are a few comments about each song.
The Whole Thing – This song was written by Holcomb, Jessie Early, and Kirby Kaple. There has to be more than this, and we may be made for a different place.
Key lyric:
Something in my bones knows there's a shore that we can't see
We can catch a little glimpse right now
One day we'll see the whole thing
The whole thing
Far Country – This song was written by Holcomb and Jason Ingram. Some people need to go find the far country, where the nights get dark. Some people have to go dark just to see.
Key lyric:
How spacious is the love of God?
No place I've been where He is not
From Heaven's heights to hell below
I've found no place, where He won't go
Oh Love – This song was written by Holcomb, Cason Cooley, and Thad Cockrell. You can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you're loved. There isn’t any darkness that is going to put that light out.
Key lyric:
Oh, love
Never gonna lose its strength
Never gonna lose its grip
Never gonna lose its power
Give Me Your Hand – This song was written by Holcomb, Cason Cooley, and Taylor Leonhardt. Something came into her life from nowhere, it knocked her off her feet and took the breath from her lungs. When she was sinking down and thinking it was the end, the Lord gave her His hand.
Key lyric:
I don't know what tomorrow's holding
I don't think I'll ever understand
I'll always have this sorrow with me
I'll believe in the resurrection
Holding out hope for the Promised Land
I might die with this promise in me
Oh, but You give me your hand
Hope's Gonna Find You – This song was written by Holcomb, Bear Rinehart and Cason Cooley. The song is about leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus.
Key lyric:
What if hope's not a rope you hold on to
What if it's the arms that have always held you (I'm leaning)
On the edge when it feels like you're not gonna pull through
Is the place you discover that hope's gonna find you
Hope's gonna find you
Small Boat – This upbeat song was written by Holcomb, Cason Cooley, and Kevin Scott Rhoads. It only takes your whole life to figure out just who you are.
Key lyric:
The best things in life they aren't always free
That love is gonna cost you everything
And every single drop of water is a galaxy
But it only takes a small boat
It only takes a small boat
Made For Love – This song was written by Holcomb, Cason Cooley, and Jon Guerra. We were made for a love story and it’s all ours.
Key lyric:
I can see Your light shining through everything
I can hear Your voice, You're singing joy over me
I could live forever, and not hear it enough
Oh, God, help us remember
We were made for love
Wherever I Go – This song was written by Holcomb and Hank Bentley. Even if it seems hard to see, the goodness and mercy of the Lord will follow her. The song features some excellent backing vocals, and references Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”
Key lyric:
You are so kind to remind me
That if I am lost you'll come find me
Even in the darkest valley
Your goodness and mercy will follow me
How I Feel About You – This love song was written by Holcomb, Cason Cooley, and Kevin Scott Rhoads. Holcomb sings accompanied by piano and strings.
Key lyric:
It's the evergreens in the cold
Or a heart that won't grow old
It's the spring that pulls life through
That's how I feel about You
River – This beautiful song was written by Holcomb and Latifah Alattas. The song is a prayer based on Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
Key lyric:
Open my arms to the light above me
Bow my head low to the ground at my feet
There's a healing that I needed taking root within my soul
Hand to heart, I breathe you in, You are here, You make me whole
Where Does The Light Go? – This song was written by Holcomb, Cason Cooley, and Natalie Hemby. It looks at where the light goes after a candle burns out, after Jesus’ death and our death.
Key lyric:
Where does the light go
When we take our last breath?
Does it float out the window
Onto heaven's steps?
Will the Sun say, "Welcome home. It's like you never left"?
Strong Release from Phil Wickham | Posted September-19-2025
Phil Wickham returns with his tenth studio album featuring sixteen new songs, five of which, including “The King is in the Room” and “What an Awesome God”, were released in advance of the full album. Most of the songs were produced by Jonathan Smith.
The album features themes of God’s goodness, that God is able and awesome, what we believe, longing for Heaven, and what Christ has done for us. This is a strong album, one of the best I’ve heard this year. Here are a few comments about each song:
So So Good – This upbeat opening song about the goodness of God was written by Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake and Jonathan Smith.
Key lyric:
When I start remembering
How You carried my cross, callеd me by name
Loved mе like I was, but You didn't leave me that way
Was dead, now I live, yeah, that's what You did
Able – This praise song was written by Wickham, Steven Furtick and Brandon Lake. The song is based on Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” The song includes a nice chorus.
Key lyric:
To Him who is able to do exceedingly
Abundantly more than we could imagine
What An Awesome God – This worship song was written by Wickham, Rich Mullins and Jonathan Smith. The chorus is from Rich Mullins’ 1988 song “Awesome God”, and features a choir.
Key lyric:
Our God is an awesome God, He reigns
From Heaven above
With wisdom, power and love
Song Of The Saints – This song was written by Wickham and Steven Furtick. The lyrics are a statement of what Christians believe. The song builds powerfully.
Key lyric:
This we believe that we have a Father
Creator who was and who is and will be
Who sent us His Son and poured out His Spirit
Homesick For Heaven – This upbeat song was written by Wickham and Jonathan Smith. The song is about longing for Heaven.
Key lyric:
I want to walk with Moses on streets of gold
And dance with David before Your throne
To thank You face to face for the grace You've given
Flowers – This song was written by Wickham and Jonathan Smith. The song is praise to the One who loved us first and gave us grace we don't deserve. In return, we give Him our heart.
Key lyric:
For all You've done to save me
For the way You loved me first
Here's my broken hallelujah in return
The King Is In The Room – This upbeat worship song was written by written by Wickham, Ethan Hulse, Josh Farro, Danyew, Taylor Johnson and Tommy Iceland. This would be a great song to open a worship service with.
Key lyric:
Jesus, we bow only to You
We're laying down all of our crowns
God Is Good – This upbeat song about the goodness of God was written by Wickham, Jonathan Smith and Matt Armstrong. The song has a Black Gospel feel, featuring choir, piano, handclaps, bass and drum.
Key lyric:
God is good, He is good
In every way He's good
Oh, lift your eyes to heaven and remember He is good
He works all things together so much better than we could
Oh, lift your eyes to heaven and remember He is good
Running To A Runaway – This powerful song was written by Wickham and Paul Duncan. It reminded me of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. God chased him down when he lost his way.
Key lyric:
I called Your name
You heard my cry
And led me out into the light
A Savior with a soul to save
You were running to a runaway
Resurrection Story – This upbeat song was written by Wickham, Ethan Hulse and Jacob Sooter. Jesus alone gets the glory in his resurrection story.
Key lyric:
One cross, three days, then You rolled the stone away
Called my name, now I'm running out the grave
You alone get the glory in my resurrection story
Because He Lives (Moment) – This song was written by Bill Gaither and Gloria Gaither. Wickham sings the song backed by an organ.
Key lyric:
And life is worth the living just because He lives
What If I Told You - This song was written by Wickham and Jonathan Smith, and produced by Smith and Shane Becker. Wickham begins the song with a talk/sing or rap vocal. The evangelistic song ends with a brief clip from a Billy Graham sermon.
Key lyric:
Jesus is calling out your name
This is the reason you were made
Run to His arms just as you are
A little faith is all it takes
Come and be saved
The Day I Met You – This song was written by Wickham and Chad Carouthers, and produced by Micah Nichols. The song has him looking back at the day his life changed.
Key lyric:
I've been saved, set free and resurrected
Called by name, redeemed
Now I'm seated in the Heavens
And my heart can't contain all the praise that I wanna give
'Cause I was dead, then I met You, and now I live
Miracle Maker – This song was written by Wickham and Jonathan Smith. The song has him looking at characters from the Bible, and has a theme from Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Key lyric:
We stand on the side of the Miracle Maker
We stand on the side of the stone-rolling Savior
If He is for us, who can be against us?
Wondrous Cross – This song was written by Wickham, Jonathan Smith and Ethan Hulse. The song is based on the hymn “When I Survey Thy Wondrous Cross” by Isaac Watts, and includes a new chorus.
Key lyric:
Hallеlujah, what a Savior
I've been delivered, my chains are gone
Thank You, Jesus, my King forever
I stand amazed when I survey the wondrous cross
The Stand (Amen) – This worship song was written by Joel Houston. The song features Wickham accompanied by piano.
Strong Effort from TobyMac | Posted March-08-2025 Heaven on My Mind is TobyMac’s ninth studio album, following 2022’s Life After Death, my favorite album of that year. It is another solid effort featuring twelve new songs, five of which were released in advance of the full album on March 7. Toby co-wrote all of the songs and worked with a number of writers and producers. He was joined by guest artists Juan Winans and Terrian, and a choir providing backing vocals.
Heaven on My Mind features themes of loss and trusting God, and will certainly find its way onto my best albums of 2025. Here are a few comments about each song:
Heaven On My Mind – This song was written by TobyMac, Jordan Mohilowski, and Jess Cates, and produced by TobyMac and Mohilowski. This is an easygoing song with a good beat about looking forward to heaven. He has people waiting for him there, likely a reference to his son Truett, who died in 2020 and former band member Gabriel Patillo, who died in 2024.
Key lyric:
Life ain't bad down here, but I got Heaven on my mind, on my mind
Lord It Feels Good – This joyful song was written by TobyMac, Kyle Williams, and Benji Cowart, and produced by TobyMac, Williams and Micah Kuiper. The song is about being loved by God.
Key lyric:
I'm feelin' loved when the walls shake
Love when my heart breaks
In arms that are open wide (Wide, wide, wide)
I'm feelin' loved in the chaos
When I'm feelin' anxious
A river when my heart runs dry
Rearview – This song was written by TobyMac, Josiah Bell, Juan Winans, and Justin Gray (Christian), and produced by Bell and Winans. The song features Juan Winans. The song is about putting trouble in the rearview and features some excellent percussion.
Key lyric:
There's only One I can turn to
King of today and the King of my rearview
God Did It – This upbeat song was written by TobyMac, Jordan Mohilowski and Benji Cowart, and produced by TobyMac and Mohilowski. The song is about how God is working behind the scenes. We may not love His timing, but we still believe in the story He’s writing. The song features a joyful choir.
Key lyric:
Ain't nobody but God did it
There's no way around
Some things you can't explain away
Too good for me to doubt
a lil Church (nobody’s too lost) – This song was written by TobyMac, Benji Cowart and Kyle Williams, and produced by TobyMac and Williams. The song is about the fellowship of the local church. The song opens with a church organ and features a good beat and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I could use a little church right now
Love to have a little family around
I've been feelin' so overwhelmed
I could use a little church right now.
Resist (Keep The Devil Away) – This hard driving song was written by TobyMac, Micah Kuiper, Bryan Fowler, and Terrian Woods, and features Terrian. The song features a choir and is inspired by James 4:7: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Key lyric:
Give me the feet to walk on water
Keep me from the deep (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Give me the faith to move that mountain
Give me the eyes to see (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Give me the lungs to shout Your praises
Give me a song to sing (Oh-oh-oh-oh)
Give me the feet to walk on water (Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
And keep the Devil away from me
Been Through It – This song was written by TobyMac, Jeff Pardo and Matthew West, and produced by TobyMac and Pardo. It is a prayer of thanksgiving. He has been through difficult times but somehow the Lord has been with him through it all.
Key lyric:
'Cause You've been through it
The blood, the Cross; Your life, You chose to lose it
A sacrifice that goes beyond the bruises and the scars
This old world can be so hard
Yeah, I've been through it
But I know You've with me through it all
Can't Stop Me – This song was written by TobyMac, Jordan Mohilowski and Benji Cowart, and produced by TobyMac, Mohilowski and Tommee Profitt. Doubts and fears can’t stop him from believing. Despite hardships, his faith remains strong. The song is hard hitting and features good backing vocals.
Key lyric:
The coldest of the seasons
That break my heart to pieces
Can't stop me from believin'
Nothin' Sweeter – This joyful song was written by TobyMac, Benji Cowart, and Jordan Mohilowski, and produced by TobyMac and Mohilowski. He has seen the view from the top of the world and the sorrow by the bitter graveside, but there isn’t anything sweeter than God’s love. The song features some excellent backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I've been uptown, I've been downtown
In the spotlight, I've been broken down
I've seen so much, might not know much
But there ain't nothin' sweeter than His love
Oh My Soul (Psalm 103) – This mid-tempo worship song was written by TobyMac, Bryan Fowler, Micah Kuiper and Shawn Newby and produced by TobyMac and Kuiper. The song features an excellent choir. Till his days are done he is going to bless the Lord’s name.
Key lyric:
Praise the Lord, my soul
And all that is within me
Bless His holy name
Campfire (That Very Love) – This song was written by TobyMac, Kyle Williams and Benji Cowart, and produced by TobyMac and Williams. This folk-oriented song is a plea for healing from cancer for his friend Gabriel Patillo.
Key lyric:
But even if that mountain doesn't move
God's already made a way for you.
Goodbye (For Gabe) – This song was written and produced by TobyMac and Jordan Mohilowski, and was written for Toby’s friend Gabriel Patillo, who he described as his “right-hand man on stage and in life.” The two of them had worked together and grown in their faith in God together for 25 years. Patillo died on April 12, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
5 New Songs for Congregational Singing | Posted March-01-2025
The latest project from Australia’s CityAlight is a wonderful five-song EP Hear the Hallelujahs Roar. The songs are a nice balance of upbeat and more slower songs for congregational singing.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Hear the Hallelujahs Roar – This upbeat song about worshipping the Lord in Heaven, was written by Niki Shepherd & Natasha Percy. The song features guitar, drums, bass, backing vocals, and keys.
Key lyric:
A song of praise is rising
From every tribe and tongue
O hear the hallelujahs roar
To Christ the worthy one
My Labour Is Not In Vain – This song was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Tiarne Tranter and Michael Farren. The song is about our work, and features guitar, keys, drums, bass, and backing vocals, and is based on 1 Corinthians 15:58 and 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Key lyric:
So may all I do, be it great or small
Bring glory to Your name
In Your grace alone I will car – ry on
Your promise to me remains
My labour is not in vain
We Too Have Overcome – This upbeat song was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Ben Fielding. The song features guitar, bass, keys, drums and backing vocals. Christ has overcome the world (John 16:25-33) and those in Christ will as well.
Key lyric:
Yes the victory we need
Is the victory He won
So take heart, He has overcome
In Christ we have overcome
He Will Be – This song about Jesus being faithful, gracious and worthy, was written by James Ferguson and Jaywan Maxwell. It’s my favorite of the new songs. The song features guitar, keys, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Worthy He has been, Worthy He will be
Crowned in endless praise all earth and heaven sing
Holy is the Lord who reigns in majesty
Worthy He has been, worthy He will be
All To Honour Jesus – This beautiful song was written by Sue Lack and Scott Lavender. The song about serving and loving like Jesus and telling others about Him, loving features guitar and backing vocals.
Wilder Woods Hits New Heights | Posted February-15-2025 Curioso is Bear Rinehart's (singer and songwriter with NEEDTOBREATHE) third solo release as Wilder Woods, and my favorite of the three. The album is fresh and energetic. Each repeated listening brings out new elements of each song. Rinehart’s strong vocals are excellent as usual, and I particularly liked the guitar, drums, and backing vocals on the album. The album features a mix of upbeat, mid-tempo and slower songs, all of them strong. I list my favorites below.
Rinehart wrote or co-wrote each of the ten songs. The album was produced by Jeremy Lutito. Curioso is sure to show up on my best albums of 2025.
Here are a few comments on each of the songs.
Swimming In The Ocean – This song was written by Bear Rinehart and Sam Westhoff. The song features a driving beat led by guitar and drums. He’s asking her to take a ride with him in his 1973 Camino. A highlight.
Key lyric:
We can ride it like a river
Going down our spines, holy ghost given shivers
Time On My Hands – This love song was written by Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs and Mokita, and features My Morning Jacket’s Jim James on vocals. The mid-tempo song features a bass line, keys, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Cause we got time on our hands
We got love that we can't deny
Oh, we got time on our hands
Slow it down, let the water just roll on by
Hide Anymore – This upbeat song was written by Bear Rinehart, Foy Vance and Konrad Snyder. The song features drum, bass, guitar, and is about him asking God not to hide anymore.
Key lyric:
The hope, the shame
The crown of thorns
The love, the pain, I felt it all
I know your name, I hear your calling
I really need you not to hide anymore
I really need ya
Offering – This mid-tempo love song was written by Bear Rinehart and Mokita, and features Anna Graves on vocals. The acoustic song - guitar, light drums, bass - features wonderful harmonies between Rinehart and Graves.
Key lyric:
Baby, I don't really know just where we're going
But I promise I'll never leave
I guess that'll have to be my offering
Love Last – This upbeat love song was written by Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs and Konrad Snyder. The song about fighting to make love last, features a driving beat led by keys, bass, guitar, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Down on your knees, empty-handed
Pile full of bones on the canvas
Carried me home, wrapped a bandage and took the pain
Where Do We Go From Here – This song was written by Bear Rinehart. It starts with drums and distorted vocals. It is a driving song led by guitar, bass, backing vocals, and drums. It’s the most musically interesting song on the album.
Key lyric:
Love my place in the wild, but I keep the doors wide
Fall down every turn, but I hold the line
Devil In My Eyes – This rocker was written by Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs and Konrad Snyder. The song features a raucous vocal over guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. He’s got those angels on his shoulders and the devil in his eyes.
Key lyric:
Running ragged nearly all my life
Still I'm chasing something
That I should not find
Kind Of Magic – This mid-temp love song was written by Bear Rinehart and Trent Dabbs. The song features drums, synth, background vocals and guitar. He will love her to the end and after that.
Key lyric:
'Cause you are my favorite kind of magic
Don't know how it happened
Close my eyes and there you are
Descendants – This upbeat song was written by written Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs and Anderson East. The song is driven Rinehart’s strong vocal and keys, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals. He hopes the world gets better for all your descendants.
Key lyric:
Shame, we got a lot of it
Pain, we paid the cost of it
Blame it on the currency, blame it on the crawl
Shine a little light into the nature of it all
Wild Fire – This love song was written by Bear Rinehart, Trent Dabbs and Anderson East, and features Maggie Rose on vocals. The song features piano, guitar, drums, and bass, and wonderful harmonies of Rinehart and Rose.
Powerful Album from Russ Taff | Posted February-01-2025
I have long been a fan of Russ Taff. The six-time Grammy-winner’s latest album is Cover Story. The album chronicles Taff’s life journey of recovery and redemption via strong performances of songs by Bob Dylan, U2, Simon and Garfunkel, Prince, and many more.
The album was produced by John Mark Painter, with Steve Taylor serving as executive producer. Matt Wallace mixed the album. Taff is supported by an all-star band of session superstars including Painter, guitarist Kenny Vaughan, keyboardists Blair Masters and Phil Madeira. I especially liked the use of horns and a gospel choir on the album.
Taff has been inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame, three times – for his work as a solo artist, and as a member of both The Imperials and The Gaither Vocal Band.
Taylor and Painter challenged Taff to be vulnerable on the album. The result is that Taff’s voice sounds incredible on these songs. The production by Painter is excellent.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Tear This Building Down – This song was written by Blind Willie Johnson. Taff gives a strong vocal performance on this song, backed by guitar, backing vocals, and drums.
Key lyric:
If I had my way
If I had my way
I would tear this building down
People Are People – This song was written by Martin Gore and performed by Depeche Mode. The song features some excellent horns, backing vocals, bass, drums, and guitar.
Key lyric:
I can't understand
What makes a man
Hate another man
Help me understand
When Love Comes To Town – This song was written by Paul David Hewson, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen, and Dave Evans, and performed by U2 and B.B. King. The song features drums, horns, backing vocals, guitar, and piano.
Key lyric:
I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide
Demons – This song was written by Matt Berninger and Aaron Dessner, and performed by the National. The song features guitar, organ, backing vocals, and drums.
Key lyric:
I stay down with my demons
Ordinary World – This song was written by Simon Le Bon, and performed by Duran Duran. The song features guitar, drums, and an excellent gospel choir.
Key lyric:
But I won’t cry for yesterday, there’s an ordinary world
Somehow, I have to find
And as I try to make my way to the ordinary world
I will learn to survive
The Cross – This song was written by and performed by Prince. The song features upright bass, guitar, horns, a gospel choir, and drums.
Key lyric:
Black day, stormy night
No love, no hope in sight
Don't cry for He's coming
Don't die without knowing the cross
Grandma’s Hands – This song was written and performed by Bill Withers. The song features guitar, drums, organ, backing vocals, and horns.
Key lyric:
But I don't have Grandma anymore
When I get to heaven I'll look for
Grandma's hands
I Believe In You – This song was written and performed by Bob Dylan. The song features horns, guitar, a gospel choir, organ, and drums.
Key lyric:
I believe in you even through the tears and the laughter
I believe in you even though we be apart
I believe in you even on the morning after
Oh, when the dawn is nearing
Oh, when the night is disappearing
Oh, this feeling is still here in my heart
The Sound of Silence – This song was written by Paul Simon and performed by Simon and Garfunkel. The song features bass, guitar, horns, organ, and drums.
Key lyric:
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
I Will – This song was written by written and performed by Andy Gullahorn. The song features guitar, percussion, and drums.
Key lyric:
The truth is
We're all gonna take a last breath
That's not the only sad death we are meant to fear
If you need a friend to do some dying with you
I will
All The Poor and Powerless – This song was written by David Leonard and Leslie Jordan, and performed by All Sons & Daughters. The song features, guitar, horns, an excellent gospel choir, drums, and organ.
Joyful Songs about the Gospel | Posted October-30-2024 I Love Jesus is Powell's second solo contemporary Christian music album after his 2021 album New Creation which was preceded by his three-decade career as the co-founder and frontman of four-time Grammy Award and twenty-four time Dove Award winning band Third Day. The new album, clocking in at just thirty-two minutes, features eleven new mostly upbeat three and four chord songs that celebrate the simple gospel message of what God has done in our lives.
The album has themes of God’s miracles, love for Jesus, God and Jesus being the giver of all good things, who Jesus died for, the Gospel, perseverance, praise, wanting to live like Jesus, God being nothing but good to us, Jesus rescuing us and working all things out for our good and His glory.
I really enjoyed this album. Each song is solid, so it’s hard to pick out favorites. Below are a few comments about each song:
Like It’s Nothing – This joyful song was written by Mac Powell, Jeff Pardo and Hank Bentley. It was produced by Pardo and Bentley. The song features guitar, hand claps, drums, bass and backing vocals. The song is about how Jesus can do anything “miracle after miracle”, like it’s nothing.
Key lyric:
There ain't nothing You can't do
With a wave of Your hand
Ain't no mountain You can't move
Like it's a grain of sand
God of wonder working
Always up to something
Miracle after miracle
You do it like it's nothing
I Love Jesus – This joyful song about love for Jesus features hand claps, guitar, bass, guitar, backing vocals and drums.
Key lyric:
If you know him like I do
Sing it with me now
I love Jesus
The Giver – This song features guitar, drums, organ, keys, bass, and backing vocals. It is about how Jesus is the giver of all good things.
Key lyric:
I’ve been found and forgiven
I’ve been washed in the water
I’ve been saved and delivered
By the giver of all good things
Who The Cross Is For – This encouraging midtempo song is about who Jesus died for. It features, keys, guitar, bass, and drums.
Key lyric:
You’re who the cross is for
The reason why He came
Heaven went to war
So you could speak His name
Good News – This joyful song about the good news of the Gospel features guitar, drums, backing vocals, and bass.
Key lyric:
Its gonna change your heart and mind
Whenever hope gets hard to find
You can stand upon the solid gospel truth
Keep On Keepin’ On – This upbeat song about perseverance features guitar, bass, backing vocals, and drums.
Key lyric:
Children we're gonna make it
To the promised land one day
Yeah the journey won't be easy
But the Lord will make a way
Go To My Grave – This joyful song of praise features keys, drums, guitar, bass, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I will go to my grave
Singing ‘bout my Jesus
And for all of my days
I’ll let the whole world know
Live Like Jesus – This song about wanting to live like Jesus for all our days, features keys, organ, guitar, bass, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I wanna live like Jesus
For all of my days
I wanna live like Jesus
Let love lead the way
Nothing But Good – This song of testimony about God being nothing but good to us features guitar, keys, drums, bass, organ, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Lord, You are so good and this is my testimony
Lord, You are so good, this is my song, this is my story
The 99 – This song inspired by Matthew 18:12, features keys, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
There ain’t no one too far gone, oh Jesus I believe
‘Cause I know You left the 99 to come and rescue me
My Good Your Glory – This upbeat song inspired by Romans 8:28, features keys, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals.
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