I Love Jesus
by
Mac 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...
Rise My Soul (Live) EP
by
CityAlight CityAlight is a ministry of St. Paul’s Castle Hill in Sydney, Australia. Their vision is to write songs with biblically rich lyrics and simple melodies for the Christian church to sing. Rise...
Modern Hymns
by
Shane & Shane Modern Hymns is a collaborative effort of Shane and Shane and The Worship Initiative, along with Bryan Fowler and Semsen Music. This album includes covers of mostly Getty Music hymns with some...
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.
Covers with Excellent Choral Arrangements | Posted September-18-2024 Modern Hymns is a collaborative effort of Shane and Shane and The Worship Initiative, along with Bryan Fowler and Semsen Music. This album includes covers of mostly Getty Music hymns with some wonderful choral arrangements.
I really enjoyed this new project of ten excellent songs performed and produced well. Here are a few comments about each song:
Come Unto Jesus – This song was written by Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story and Matt Merker, produced by Bryan Fowler, and features Shane and Shane. The song, which builds powerfully, features, guitar, bass, drums, keys, backing vocals, and choir.
Key lyric:
Come unto Jesus, come unto Jesus
Lay down your burdens, He is enough
Come unto Jesus, rest in His love
I Set My Hope on Jesus – This song was written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, produced by Bryan Fowler, and features Dinah Wright. The song features piano, drums, bass, guitar, and choir.
Key lyric:
I set my hope on Jesus
My rock, my only trust
Who set His heart upon me first
I set my hope on Jesus
God of Every Grace – This song was written by Bryan Fowler, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Matt Boswell, produced by Bryan Fowler, and features Fowler and Shane and Shane. The song features, guitar, keys, drums, bass, and choir.
Key lyric:
Now to the God of every grace
Who counts my tears, who holds my days
I sing through sorrows, sing with faith
O praise the God of every grace
Speak O Lord – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, produced by Bryan Fowler, and features Shane and Shane. The song, which builds powerfully, features keys, drums, bass, guitar, and choir.
Key lyric:
And by grace we'll stand on Your promises
And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us
Speak, O Lord, 'til Your church is built
And the earth is filled with Your glory
All Sufficient Merit – This song was written by Bethany Barnard, Bryan Fowler and Shane Barnard, produced by Fowler and Adam Westlake, and features Lucy Shea. The song, which builds powerfully, features guitar, keys, bass, drums, and choir.
Key lyric:
It is done, it is finished, no more debt I owe
Paid in full, all sufficient merit now my own
The Lord Almighty Reigns – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, produced by Bryan Fowler, and features Hayden Browning. The song features keys, drums, bass, guitar, and choir.
Key lyric:
Certain of that day
Christ we will proclaim
Oh, that more would share the prize
Salvation in His name
Rejoice – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Bryan Fowler, Ben Shive and Skye Peterson, produced by Bryan Fowler, and features Davy Flowers. The joyful song features keys, drums, bass, guitar, and choir.
Key lyric:
With each breath, he's given Christ the Lord
In these times we live in, we will praise the Lord
Throughout every season, I am sure
We have every reason to praise the Lord
I Am Not My Own – This song was written by Skye Peterson, Ben Shive, Bryan Fowler and Tom Anderson, produced by Fowler, and features Robbie Seay. The song features keys, drums, guitar, bass, and choir.
Key lyric:
I belong to the Lord, oh I am not my own
I belong to the Lord, I am not my own
I will honor Him for this I know
I belong to the Lord, I am not my own
All My Boast Is In Jesus – This song was written by Bryan Fowler, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, produced by Fowler, and features Josh Duncan. The song features drums, bass, guitar, and choir.
Key lyric:
All my boast is in Jesus
All my hope is His love
And I will glory forever
In what the cross has done
Remember Him – This beautiful song was written by David Belt and Shane Barnard, produced by Barnard and features Shane and Shane and Belt. The song features acoustic guitar, strings, piano, drums, and choir.
Songs for the Church | Posted September-18-2024
CityAlight is a ministry of St. Paul’s Castle Hill in Sydney, Australia. Their vision is to write songs with biblically rich lyrics and simple melodies for the Christian church to sing. Rise My Soul, their latest release, offers the church a collection of songs that lift our eyes right up onto God in a world that is calling us to look down in a million different inferior directions.
The new EP includes four new songs. Here are a few comments about each of the songs:
Rise My Soul, The Lord is Risen – This resurrection song was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. A version of the song was released earlier this year by Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. The song features keys, bass, drums, guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Rise my soul the Lord is risen
Come behold the empty grave
The Battle and the Blessing – This song was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, Nigel Hendroff and Matt Redman. The song features guitar, drums, keys, strings, bass, and backing vocals. Jesus paid our debt at the cross, fighting out fight.
Key lyric:
You stood and faced this world’s rejection
I stand, accepted by Your love
The Way, The Truth, and the Life – This song, based on John 14:6, was written by James Ferguson, Jaywan Maxwell and Ian Lewis. The song features piano, keys, drums, bass, guitar and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I will run the race with hope and faith
No turning back He leads the way
On that final day with thanks and praise
I will run through Heaven’s gates
Welcome Home – This song, based on Matthew 25:23, was written by Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, and Sandra McCracken. The song features keys, guitar, bass, strings, and backing vocals.
11 Reimagined Classic Worship Songs | Posted July-17-2024
Shane and Shane (comprised of Shane Barnard and Shane Everett), follow up their 2020 album Vintage with Vintage Vol. 2, an inspirational collection of eleven classic worship songs reimagined with fresh arrangements. The album was produced by Shane Barnard. I was familiar with some of these songs, but not all of them. I thoroughly enjoyed this new collection. Here are a few comments about each song:
Creed – This song was written by Rich Mullins and David Strasser. In addition to Mullins’ version, Third Day did an excellent version of this song. This upbeat version features dulcimer, strings, piano, drums, bass, and guitar.
Key lyric:
And I believe what I believe
Is what makes me what I am
I did not make it, no it is making me
It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man
Beautiful Scandalous Night – This beautiful song was written by Derald E. Daugherty and Steve Hindalong of the Choir. The song features acoustic guitar, dulcimer, cello, drums, and bass.
Key lyric:
At the wonderful tragic mysterious tree
On the beautiful scandalous night you and me
Were atoned by His blood
And forever washed white
On the beautiful scandalous night
In the Light – This song was written by Charlie Peacock and has previously been recorded by Peacock and DC Talk. This version features guitar, bass, banjo, piano, organ and drums.
Key lyric:
I wanna be in the light
As You are in the light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh Lord be my light
And be my salvation
All I want is to be in the light
Break Every Chain – This song was written by Will Reagan and has been recorded by Tasha Cobbs, among others. This version guitar, piano, and choir.
Key lyric:
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
There is power in the name of Jesus
To break every chain
Break every chain
Break every chain
Thy Word/Where Else Would I Go? - “Thy Word” was written by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, and recorded by Amy Grant. The song is based on Psalm 119:105. “Where Else Would I Go” was written by Shane Barnard. This version features drums, bass, dulcimer, piano, and strings.
Key lyric:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
More Precious Than Silver/I Sing Praises – This song was written by Lynn DeShazo and Terry McAlmon. This version features guitar, piano, and strings.
Key lyric:
Lord You are
More precious than silver
Lord You are
More costly than gold
Grace Flows Down – This song was written by David Bell, Louie Giglio, and Rod Padgett and was recorded by Christy Nockles. This version features bass, guitar, mandolin, piano and strings.
Key lyric:
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
Amazing love
Now flowing down
I Will Call Upon the Lord – This song was written by Michael L. O'Shields. I first heard the song on Petra’s 1989 album Petra Praise. This upbeat version features drums, bass, guitar, dulcimer, piano and choir.
Key lyric:
I will call upon the Lord
Who is worthy to be praised
So shall I be saved from my enemies
I will call upon the Lord
One Pure and Holy Passion – This song was written by Mark Altrogge, and has been recorded by a number of artists including Tasha Cobbs. This version features drums, bass, guitar, mandolin, piano, and strings.
Key lyric:
To know and follow hard after You
To grow as Your disciple
In Your truth
This world is empty pale and poor
Compared to knowing You my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after You
Thank You Lord – This song was written and recorded by Dennis Jernigan. This version features drums, bass, guitar, piano, organ, trumpet, and choir.
Key lyric:
Thank You for loving and setting me free
Thank You for giving
Your life just for me
How I thank You
Jesus I thank You
Gracefully thank You
Oh I thank You
It’s So Nice to Get to Know You – This song was written and recorded by Tim Sheppard. This version features guitar, piano and strings.
Redman Brings Freshness to Much Loved Songs | Posted July-01-2024 Coming Back to the Heart is Matt Redman’s twentieth album. It was recorded live at the Beverly Theater in Las Vegas, with stripped-back instrumentation in order to make room for the voices of local worship leaders and singers present.
On this album, Redman reimagines ten of the songs he has written or co-written over the past twenty-five years, with “Better is One Day” being the oldest. In addition to that song, other favorites included are “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)”, “Heart of Worship” and “Blessed Be Your Name”.
One of the things you will notice is how he creatively combines similarly themed songs as medleys. For example, he combines “Better is One Day” with “Facedown”, songs with the theme of God’s presence, and “Never Once” with “You Never Let God”, songs about the faithfulness of God.
The album also includes “Let Me See Jesus”, a new and previously unreleased song.
I’ve enjoyed Redman’s music for many years. I really appreciated the freshness he brought to these songs. The album will be enjoyed by those familiar with these songs and Redman and those just being introduced to his music.
Not Bad, but Not Great | Posted June-11-2024
Jon Foreman, the lead singer and songwriter of Switchfoot (long one of my favorite bands) follows 2021’s Departures with this twelve song solo album co-produced with James McAlister. Foreman says about the album “To stay present in the moment along the way. Like a wildflower, may these songs bring you beauty and joy as you travel along your journey.”
Themes on the album include looking back, relationships in transition, transformation, belief and doubt, and being set free. Of note, Foreman sings with Joy Oladokun, who identifies as a queer Black person on the title song.
There were a few songs that I liked on the album, but many of the songs ended up sounding similar. Here are a few comments about each song:
I Propose A Toast – This upbeat song was written by Jon Foreman. The song features acoustic guitar and has Foreman looking back at all the roads that brought them there. The song is a celebration of life’s journey.
Key lyric:
Here's to every failure tried
Here's to friends that cash can't buy
And bonds that won't be severed
Here's to love and here's to life
Here's to fighting side by side
Here's to us together
Where The Sidewalk Ends – This song about a relationship in transition was written by Jon Foreman. It features guitar, keys, bass and percussion.
Key lyric:
We've lived our whole life leading up to this moment
Ain't no maps where we’re going
We only know where we've been
Eulogy – This song was written by Jon Foreman. The song features acoustic guitar and Foreman’s daughter Daisy singing harmony. The song builds with the chorus. The song has him looking in his rearview mirror dreams. He is the mosaic of a shattered man.
Key lyric:
Every day I write the eulogy
For everything I used to be
I'm still aiming for a better me
In Bloom – This upbeat song about transformation was written by Jon Foreman and Tim Foreman and features Joy Oladokun, who identifies as a queer Black person. The song features acoustic guitar, drums and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I see the chrysalis going through changes
But every transformation comes in phases
Antidote – This song, about feelings that won’t let him go, was written by Jon Foreman. The song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, and synth.
Key lyric:
Is there an antidote
For the feelings that won't let me go?
Open arms and open roads
Won't you come and take me home?
Stay Wild, Wildflower – This song was written by Jon Foreman. It features acoustic guitar and backing vocals. The song is about a small-town girl with big dreams.
Key lyric:
Don't let them change who you are
Heaven Is Yours – This song, based on the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, was written by Jon Foreman. The song features acoustic guitar, synth, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Where your treasure is where your heart goes
What does your heart want?
Lovers Are Believers – This song was written by Jon Foreman. The song is about belief and doubts features acoustic guitar, finger snaps, synth, and percussion.
Key lyric:
To say you don't believe in anything
Is to say that you trust your doubts
Cheap Wine (And Expensive Conversation) – This song about being set free was written by Jon Foreman, and features Abby Holliday. The song features acoustic guitar and background vocals.
Key lyric:
As long as it's your love that's binding me
Darling, I don't wanna be set free
Lover – This song about love was written by Jon Foreman. The song features acoustic guitar, guitar, and keys.
Key lyric:
Without love, I'm the soil without seed
Without love, I'm the ship without seas
Without love, I'm the ghost of the man that I wanna be
Lover, be patient with me
As. Simple. As. Us. – This love song was written by Jon Foreman. The song features synth, backing vocals, electrical guitar and acoustic guitar.
Key lyric:
Faith and doubt are different names
For these mysteries that I can't control
Sojourn (epilogue) – This short song was written by Jon Foreman. The song features Foreman singing over acoustic guitar and the laughter of children.
Family Themed Acoustic Driven Songs from Mat Kearney | Posted June-07-2024 After more than twenty years in the music business, Mat Kearney returns with his self-titled eighth studio album. Nashville band The Brook & The Bluff played on a handful of the songs, and Kearney split production duties between himself, Micah Tawkls, and Marc Scibilia. The album features twelve acoustically driven songs – all of which Kearney wrote or co-wrote - with gentle melodies, crisp percussion, and memorable choruses. Kearney has described the album as a friendly, organic hug. The primary theme on the album is family – love songs to his wife, a song about his daughters, getting back home to family from being out on tour, etc. I really like the music on this release, but I didn’t find the lyrics as interesting.
Here are a few comments about each song:
Headlights Home – This upbeat song was written by Kearney, Eli Teplin, Jordan Minton and Jordan Reynolds. The song is about him heading back home after being out on tour. The song features some good drum work.
Palisades – This catchy song was written by Kearney, Brett Truitt and Trent Dabbs. Musically this is my favorite song on the album. I like the line “We never really made it, but we're closing in on a long-gone destination.”
Real One – This song was written by Kearney and Nate Miles. Kearney has said that this song is about having history with someone and realizing they’re worth fighting for. “If you've got the one worth holding, then hold ‘em”. I enjoyed the drums on this song. The song features a memorable chorus.
Good Thing Going On – This love song was written by Kearney, Mokita and Trent Dabbs. This is a slower song that features a memorable chorus. Kearney has stated that the song is about the time spent with someone, enjoying the experiences you share with someone, the things you do together and then that feeling of missing them when they’re not around.
Sumac – This song which features some good percussion and Kearney singing in a falsetto, was written by Kearney and Joseph Settine. Kearney has stated that the song is a celebration of the differences of people.
Drowning In Nostalgia – This song was written by Kearney, Mokita and Trent Dabbs. Kearney has described it as the most fictitious song on the album. The easy-going song features some nice backing vocals.
My Two Hands – This love song was written by Kearney and Natalie Hemby. The song has a bit of a reggae beat. It’s perhaps the least interesting song on the album.
Watch Me Go – This upbeat acoustic driven song was written by Kearney and Trent Dabbs.
Easy – This song was written by Kearney, who also played all of the instruments. The song is about how his wife makes everything look easy.
Dandelion – This upbeat song was written by Kearney, Emily Falvey and Nate Miles. Kearney has stated that he wrote the song about his daughters, and wanting to watch them soar into whatever passion or path they choose. The song features a memorable chorus and backing vocals.
Old Flame – This easy-going love song was written by Kearney and Trent Dabbs. He asks “How about wasting one more day on that old flame”?
Daydream – This love song was written by Kearney, Josh Dorr and Nick Bailey. Kearney has stated that the song is about the fantasy of being on vacation. The song has Kearney singing accompanied by acoustic guitar. The song features some excellent backing vocals.
Another Excellent Release from Crowder | Posted June-06-2024
Three years after Milk & Honey, Crowder is back with another excellent album in The EXILE. The album, which features a number of musical styles (rock, country, CCM, worship), and clocks in at just over thirty-eight minutes, was produced by Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. Themes include exile, salvation, our purpose in life, growth in our Christian life, prayer, and hope. It’s one of my favorite releases of 2024 thus far.
Here’s a few comments about each song:
The EXILE Intro - This is a very brief intro to the album.
Grave Robber – This rocker about being saved was the first song released from the album. It was written by Crowder, Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. The song features some grungy guitar, excellent drumming and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
I got stolen by the grave robber
Picked me up from that rock bottom
Washed my soul in that holy water
Brought me back to life (Brought me back to life)
-[DASH] – This song was written by Crowder, Jeff Sojka, Ben Glover, TobyMac and Louie Giglio, and features TobyMac on vocals. The song is asking about our purpose on earth between our birth and death. The upbeat song features guitar, synth, bass, percussion, and the vocals of Crowder and TobyMac blend well.
Key lyric:
There's a day we're born, day we pass
In between, there's just a dash
What on Earth am I doin'? (Yeah)
STILL – This midtempo song about growth in our Christian life, was written by Crowder, Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. The song features guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocal.
Key lyric:
He's working on me still
Changing me piece by piece still
Making me better, gonna do His thing
Don't care how long it takes till
Rinsed In The Blood – This rocker about being saved was written by Crowder, Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka, Solomon Olds, and Rebecca Olds. The song features keys, guitar, bass, drums, and backing vocals. God is going to get His man.
Key lyric:
Rinsed in the blood, battle been won
Deadman pulled right outta that mud
Baptized by the fire, washed in the flood
Ain't dirty no more, you're rinsed in the blood
Even In EXILE – This song about hope was written by Crowder, Matthew West and Jeff Pardo. The song features keys, synth, drums, guitar, and backing vocals. The song builds in intensity during the chorus.
Key lyric:
But there's still a promise, there's still a song
There's still a Rock where my help comes from
Hope is not lost, hope is not gone
Even in exile
Somebody Prayed – This song about the power of the God we pray to was written by Crowder, Ben Glover, Jeff Sojka and Michael Cochran. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, drums, keys, and backing vocals. The song builds in intensity during the chorus.
Key lyric:
So every night there by your bed
When you fold your hands and bow your head
Not a single word you've ever said in vain
'Cause He hears everything
Hands Of Jesus – This song about the hands of Jesus was written by Crowder, Ben Glover, Hank Bentley, Jeff Sojka, and Jonathan Smith. The song features piano, bass, drums, guitar, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
So bring your hurt and
All your broken pieces
And put them in the miracle-working hands of Jesus
Lord Of All – This worship song was written by Crowder, Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka. The song features keys, backing vocals, guitar, drums, and bass. The song builds in intensity during the chorus.
Key lyric:
All glory to the King
Always, eternally
God of everything
Lord of all
Unstoppable – This rocker was written by Crowder, Ben Glover and Jeff Sojka, Solomon Olds, and Rebecca Olds. The song about the power of God in us features guitar, bass, drums, harmonica, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
When I got You, I am unstoppable
When I got You, nothing's impossible
No way I lose, I am unbeatable, powerful
Stronger than invincible
I feel bulletproof when I got You
When I got You
All My Tears – This song was written by Julie Miller and features Buddy Miller. Some will remember the excellent Jars of Clay version of the song from their Good Monsters album. The song features acoustic guitar, drums, bass, electric guitar, and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
And it don't matter
Where you bury me
I'll be home, and I'll be free
It don't matter where I lay
All my tears be washed away
Truth Be Told – This song was written by Crowder and Hank Bentley. The song features acoustic guitar, banjo, backing vocals, drums, and bass. The song completes the exile theme.
Music Inspired by the Film | Posted April-29-2024
This album, by the four-time GRAMMY Award winning duo For King + Country, comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, is a collection of songs (covers, previously released songs by the band, etc.), that were inspired by their film Unsung Hero.
The album has the band collaborating with a number of artists, including Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, sister Rebecca St. James, Stryper, Lecrae and more.
Below are a few comments about each song:
You're The Voice – This song was written by Chris Thompson, Andy Qunta and Maggie Ryder. It was recorded in 1986 by Australian singer John Farnam, and in 1991 by Heart. It was covered by Rebecca St. James on her 1996 album God.
Place In This World – This song was written by Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Wayne Kirkpatrick, and features Michael W. Smith. This was Smith’s biggest mainstream success when his recording of the song hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1991.
She Believes – This song was written by Joel Smallbone. The song was included as “She Believes in Me” on the band’s 2008 debut EP A Tale Of Two Towns.
To Hell With The Devil (RISE) – This reimagined song is based on the title song from Stryper’s 1986 album. This version was written by Joel Smallbone, Joseph Prielozny, Lecrae, Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Tedd T and Dyame. The song features Stryper and Lecrae. The Smallbone’s father David promoted a Stryper tour in Australia when he was a successful concert promoter. For King + Country had previously collaborated with Lecrae a few times, beginning with Lecrae’s 2014 song “Messengers”.
Checking In – This song was written by Garrett Jacobs, Kenneth Cooper Hart and Michael Farren, and features Lee Brice. The song tells the story of a son wrestling with grief about the loss of his father through imagining how he would respond to a voicemail of the father “checking in” with him. The song connects with the film when David is seen grieving over the unexpected death of his father James.
You Make Everything Beautiful – This song was written by Rebecca St. James, Luke Smallbone, and Fred Williams, and features Rebecca St. James performing her 2011 song.
Rhythm Of My Heart – This song was written by John Joseph Capek and Marc Wallace Jordan, made popular by Rod Stewart in 1991.
Unsung Hero (Single Edit) – This song was written by Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Seth David Mosley, and Federico Vindver. The song was originally released on the band’s 2022 album What Are We Waiting For?
Harmony – This short song was written by Federico Vindver, Aqualung, Seth Mosley, Luke Smallbone, and Joel Smallbone, and features Sleeping At Last. The song was originally released on the band’s 2022 album What Are We Waiting For?
Lead Me On – This song was written by Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, and features Amy Grant. This is a reimagined version of Grant’s 1988 version of the song. David Smallbone’s promotion of Grant’s failed (in terms of attendance) Australian tour plays a major role in the Smallbone family’s story in the film.
I Surrender All – This hymn was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896 features Hillary Scott, who had a small role in the film, and Michael W. Smith.
Crazy (Theatrical Version) – This song was written by Guy Sigsworth, and features Rebecca St. James. The song was recorded by Seal in 1991.
I enjoyed the album, especially some of the reimagined songs.
Beautiful Psalms Project | Posted April-16-2024
The All of My Days EP by Ellie Holcomb (daughter of legendary CCM producer Brown Bannister), is a beautiful collection of seven Psalms that have personally carried her through difficult times as well as played an encouraging role in the lives of her listeners through her “Memory Mondays” where she sings Scripture verses to songs each week.
The instrumentation on these songs is acoustic and minimal, matching Holcomb’s tender vocals. On this project, Holcomb partnered with her father and with Jac Thompson, her keys player.
Here are a few comments about each song:
All Of My Days - Psalm 23 – This song features Holcomb singing with acoustic guitar, bass, light background vocals and soft drums.
Key lyric:
You're here
You prepare a table before me
You're here
In the presence of my deepest pain
You'rе here
And my cup is overflowing
'Causе all your goodness and your mercy follow me
Where Can I Go - Psalm 139 – This song features acoustic guitar, cello, strings, backing vocals, drums, and keys.
Key lyric:
Where can I go from Your spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to the heavens
You are there
I Lift My Eyes - Psalm 121 – This song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, keys, and light drums.
Key lyric:
He's always by your side
The Lord watches ovеr you day and night
Wait For You - Psalm 130 – This song features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, and cello.
Key lyric:
More than the watchmen wait
I'll wait for you
Don't Forget His Love - Psalm 103 – This song features piano and backing vocals.
Key lyric:
Praise the Lord, oh my soul
Oh, and all my inmost being
Praise the Lord, oh my soul
Don't forget His love
My Heart Is Steadfast - Psalm 108 – This song features bass, drums, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, and light drums.
Key lyric:
My heart is steadfast, oh God
I'll sing praises up to thee among the nations
I'll givе thanks to thee, oh Lord, among the peoples
I'll sing praisеs up to thee within my soul
Thy Word - Psalm 119 – This song was written by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Amy Grant recorded the song on her 1984 album Straight Ahead, which was produced by Brown Bannister. It features acoustic guitar, backing vocals, bass, cello, and light drums.
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