I enjoy music in a variety of genres, from worship, Contemporary Christian, Christian rap/hip-hop, pop, rock, classic rock, etc. Here are 12 new albums released this fall, plus a bonus 2022 release, that I’m looking forward to, and perhaps you might be as well.
Worship Forever – Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith has re-recorded his #1 best-selling album Worship, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the album’s release. Worship Forever reimagines the album from start to finish with a full symphony orchestra. The album was recorded in front of a live audience at Allen Arena in Nashville on July 12. Special guests include Amy Grant, Matt Redman and Tauren Wells. Here’s my review.
Almost Home – Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
The first album by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, His Mercy Is More: The Hymns Of Matt Boswell And Matt Papa was my top album of 2019. The title song was released in July, and the new album was premiered at the Sing! Global 2021 Conference in Nashville. This is my top album of the year thus far. Here’s my review.
Springtime in New York: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 16 / 1980-1985 – Bob Dylan
The latest chapter in Bob Dylan’s excellent Bootleg Series features 54 previously unreleased outtakes, alternate takes, rehearsal recordings, live performances and more from his 1980-1985 albums Shot of Love, Infidels and Empire Burlesque. The project will come in a variety of formats. Dylan’s Christian fans will find the songs from Shot of Love of particular interest.
Never Land II – Andy Mineo
Andy Mineo’s 2014 EP Never Land may have been his best release to date. He returns with Never Land II, which features the single “It Could Be Worse” and “Comin’ On Hot” (featuring Lecrae).
Emmanuel: Christmas Songs Of Worship – Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin releases his third full-length Christmas project which features guests such as Matt Redman and CeCe Winans.
Change The World – Ringo Starr
Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has said that in the future he will not be releasing any full-length albums, only EPs. He recently released the title song of this four song EP.
Roll Tape: Live From Melody League Studios – Jon Foreman
Switchfoot lead singer/songwriter Jon Foreman released a solo album, Departures, earlier this year. His next album is a special live album, titled Roll Tape: Live From Melody League Studios. The first single is “Jesus, I Have My Doubts”.
S
tand – Newsboys
After 2019’s excellent United album, which featured original members Peter Furler and Phil Joel, the Newsboys return to their previous lineup. The band has released three songs in advance of the album’s release.
January Flower (Deluxe Edition) – Mat Kearney
Mat Kearney will release a Deluxe Edition of his 2021 album January Flower. The album will feature the recently released “Odds”.
New Creation – Mac Powell
This is the Christian music solo debut for Mac Powell, longtime lead vocalist of Third Day. Previously, he had released the excellent Back Again by Mac Powell and the Family Reunion, which followed two solo country music albums. Powell has released five strong songs from the new album to date.
Let It Be (Super Deluxe) – Beatles
Giles Martin (son of the Beatles’ legendary producer George Martin) follows his excellent work on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles (“White Album”) and Abbey Road, with this reissue of 1970’s Let It Be. There is a lot of history to the Let It Be album, which was originally to be titled Get Back and was the last Beatles album released, though Abbey Road was recorded later. Also of note, Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit) will premiere The Beatles: Get Back a three-part documentary series written and produced by Jackson on Disney+ November 25-27.
Confessio – Irish American Roots – Keith and Kristyn Getty
“Confessio is a diary of hymns and songs that underscore the Gettys’ Irish American journey. This collection is a ‘confessio’ in word and note of the musical and spiritual roots that continue to call us to the ancient paths.
Last year, Keith and Kristyn celebrated twenty years of hymn writing by returning to their home in Northern Ireland with their daughters for a sabbatical. During this time, they had the chance to revisit the people and places, lessons and practices, hymns and folk tunes, melodies and poetry which are part of their Scots-Irish history, and explored with their daughters how the roots of this beautiful heritage spread to America and influenced church, folk, and popular music alike. This album shares the words and melodies of that journey.”
And looking forward into 2022:
Dreamland – Amos Lee
To be released February 11.
Dreamland is Amos Lee’s first album since 2018’s My New Moon. Thus far, two singles have been released from the new album, “Worry No More” and “Shoulda Known Better”.
What other new music releases are you looking forward to?
