A Future Household Name
Posted May 19, 2015
By DwayneLacy_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Houston, Texas resident Jonathan Singh has not necessarily been a household name in terms of the CCM mainstays. However, there was a time when Matt Maher, MercyMe, for KING & COUNTRY and more were also relatively unknown in the mainstream. With the powerhouse Save the City Records (who has an already impressive roster of artists) behind him, Jonathan is ready to bring his own niche sound into world. This sound is a blend of pop, contemporary Christian and, of course, praise and worship. The album is smoothly titled City Love Music.
As I listened to "Alive Forevermore," I was drawn in by the proclamation and proud declaration of Christ being alive in him. The drum track included was also impressive. It is a sort of scaled-back electronica track that never fully develops into an all-out party sound. Yet still, when Jonathan proclaims "there's nothing that can stop you," the party is basically on!
The perfect song to play after this is "Father We Love You." Can there be an electronica adult contemporary? If so, that's what this is.
"You're the anthem that I sing / You're the anchor that I hold on to / You're the hope when I have none / My Forever! My Forever." These words seem to resonate and reassure of God's infinite grace and sovereignty on "My Forever." This may be a song that Jonathan needs to release as a single, or at least sing at his live shows.
Songs of worship seem to be a very strong point for him. "Nothing Worth More" proves this even more as Jonathan takes this song from a soft anthem to a driving ballad of adoration. Throw in "Wide Open," and here are three powerful ballads and worship songs that could work well during his worship set. They are sure to find their way into set lists for worship leaders.
I did not expect "Tell the World," which has a hint of dance hall sprinkled into the pop/electro sound. It just works. Labelmate Je'kob brings a little heat to round out the already enjoyable track. I liked the song as soon as it came on, but before long my head was bobbing and I was all in!
Closing Thoughts:
I really like what Save the City Records is building. The label is diverse in terms of genre and ethnicity, and Jonathan Singh seems to fit very well in that framework. I am definitely feeling City Love Music, and hopefully it will gain traction in Christian radio and on the charts.
Song to Download Now:
"My Forever" (Get it on iTunes here.)
View All Music And Book Reviews By DwayneLacy_NRT | View DwayneLacy_NRT's Profile
|
