HOPE – NF
****
HOPE is thirty-one-year-old NF’s (Nathan Feuerstein) fifth album, and first since 2021’s CLOUDS (THE MIXTAPE). NF has built a loyal following that has earned him over 30 billion global streams on music platforms.
Themes on the excellent new album include taking the reins of his life, staying true to himself, faith, overcoming odds, relationships (his mother, wife, child, and a failed relationship), being a lonely soul, being at the top of his game, and running from darkness and depression. There are two guest artists on the album – Cordae and Julie Michaels.
Here are a few brief comments about each song:
Click on ‘Continue reading’ for:
- More of this review and a review of Sing! Christ Our Hope in Life and Death. Live at the Getty Worship Music Conference by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Friends
- Music News
- Song of the Week Lyrics
HOPE – This song, which was the lead single for the album, was written by NF and Tommee Profitt. It was produced by NF, Profitt and Jeff Sojka. The hard-hitting song features keys, strings, bass, and percussion. He addresses dreaming big, regret, growing pains, his son, his former self and ends by saying that he is taking the reins of his life. Watch the video for “HOPE”.
Key lyric:
I’m a prime example of what happens when you choose to not accept defeat and face your demons.
MOTTO – This song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. The song features keys, strings, drums, and a memorable chorus. He addresses industry expectations but would rather stay true to himself than chase “success” in the music industry.
Key lyric:
You heard the sayin’, “If it ain’t broke
Don’t fix it,” that’s my motto.
CAREFUL – This hard-hitting song was written by NF, Cordae and David Garcia and produced by NF and Garcia. The song features Cordae and a bass beat. NF and Cordae trade verses about overcoming odds, protecting their family, feeling blessed and taking risks.
Key lyric:
I was talkin’ to God ’bout what’s real or what’s not
All He said was, “Remain faithful.”
MAMA – This song was written and produced by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X. In this song, NF addresses his mother who died from drug abuse when he was young. He prays that she has found peace in heaven, and he wants her to know that he loves her. The mid-tempo song features keys and drums.
Key lyric:
Is He standin’ in front of you so you can look at His face?
When you talk to Him, does He talk back?
You ever have conversations about what you regret?
Or did it all go away once you got there?
HAPPY – This song was written by NF and Tommee Profitt and produced by NF, Profitt and Jeff Sojka. The song is a painfully honest prayer, with NF indicating that it has been a few years since he has talked to God. He’s a lonely soul and knows he needs help, but he just can’t imagine who he’d been if he was happy. The music is upbeat, in contrast to the lyrics, and has a pop element, with strings, keys, drums and a memorable chorus.
Key lyric:
Hanging by a thread’s how I live
I don’t know why, but I feel more comfortable.
PANDEMONIUM – This song was written by NF and Tommee Profitt and produced by NF, Profitt and Jeff Sojka. This hard-hitting song features electronic percussion.
His confidence in his music is at the highest level. He’s successful and blessed.
Key lyric:
What’s the latest trend?
I don’t have a clue, I don’t follow them
They just follow me, keep ’em on the edge
Keep ’em on they toes, keep ’em wonderin’
SUFFICE – This song was written and produced by NF, Tommie Profitt and Saint X. The song features drums and keys. He’s better than ever. It didn’t happen overnight, and you shouldn’t bet against him. Life is a gift, and he wants to live it to the fullest while he can.
Key lyric:
Mediocre, that just won’t suffice
GONE – This song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt and Julia Michaels and produced by NF and Profitt. The slower paced song features Julia Michaels. The song about a failed relationship features excellent vocals. The song features keys, and drums.
Key lyric:
I pray, someday
You find yourself
Somehow, someway
With someone else
BULLET – This song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X, and produced by NF, Profitt, Saint X and Jeff Sojka. The song is dedicated to NF’s wife, Bridgette Doremus. He assures her that he would do anything for her, even taking a bullet for her. The mid-tempo joyful song features drums and keys.
Key lyric:
I would take a bullet, give my life in a second if it came down to it
Sacrifice anything to see the light in your eyes, I swear I’d do it
TURN MY BACK – This song was written and produced by NF, Saint X and David Garcia. The song features keys and drums. He doesn’t need anybody’s help. He’s at the top of his game. It’s God’s plan. Got a problem with him, take it up with God.
Key lyric:
Need grace, need love, need God, need faith
MISTAKE – This intimate song was written and produced by NF and Tommee Profitt. The song features keys and strings. He admits that he’s made mistakes, and has qualities he’s not proud of, but he’s trying his best.
Key lyric:
Mistake, might’ve made some
Can’t argue with that, but I ain’t one
LET EM PRAY – This hard-hitting song was written by NF, Tommee Profitt and Saint X. The song was produced by NF, Profitt, Saint X and Jeff Sojka. The song features synth and drums. The song is about others praying for his downfall.
Key lyric:
Life is precious, life is treacherous
Life is filled with dead-end roads
Keep on pushin’, keep on healin’
See you prayin’ on my downfall
Go on, keep on prayin’, God ain’t listenin’ to you
RUNNING – This song was written and produced by NF and David Garcia. The song has NF addressing his darkness. The song features acoustic guitar, which later builds with synth and drums. He no longer wants to continue carrying the weight of his depression and darkness. There’s happiness on the horizon.
Key lyric:
I love you to death, but I
Can’t spend the rest of my
Life in this darkness, I’m
Done
Favorite Songs
HOPE
MOTTO
MAMA
HAPPY
MISTAKE
Sing! Christ Our Hope in Life and Death. Live at the Getty Worship Music Conference – Keith & Kristyn Getty and Friends
****
This excellent live album is from the 2022 Sing! Getty Worship Conference, which had a theme of “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”. The twelve songs were pulled from a wonderful conference that took place at the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center and the Grand Ole Opry over three days last September in Nashville. (Read my Reflections from the conference here).
In addition to Keith & Kristyn Getty and their incredible band, this album features Blessing Offor, Shane and Shane, CityAlight, Skye Peterson, Matt Papa, Matt Boswell, Bob Kauflin, Jordan Kauflin, Sandra McCracken, Joni Eareckson Tada, Matt Merker, Kirk Whalum and others.
It had to be hard to pick just a few songs among the many highlights from the conference. In addition to enjoying this album, I look forward to more music from the 2022 conference being released in the coming months.
Here’s a few brief comments about each song:
The Lord Almighty Reigns –This song was written by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Blessing Offor.
Rejoice – This song was written by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive, Skye Peterson and Bryan Fowler, and was performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Shane and Shane.
Only a Holy God/Holy, Holy, Holy – “Only a Holy God” was written by Michael Farren, Jonny Robinson, Dustin Smith and Rich Thompson, and performed by CityAlight. “Holy, Holy, Holy” was written by Reginald Heber.
Love Still Bids You Welcome – This song was written by Ben Shive and Skye Peterson and performed by Skye Peterson.
Come Christians Join to Sing – This song was written by Christian H. Bateman, arranged by Zach White, and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty.
The King in All His Beauty – This song was written and performed by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell.
Speak O Lord – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Shane and Shane.
Behold Our God – This song was written by Jonathan Baird, Meghan Baird, Ryan Baird and Stephen Altrogge and performed by Bob Kauflin and Jordan Kauflin.
Lord Have Mercy (For What We Have Done) – This song was written and performed by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, and features Sandra McCracken.
I Stand Amazed (How Marvelous) – This song was written by Charles H. Gabriel and performed by Joni Eareckson Tada.
He Will Hold Me Fast (Prayer for Peace) – This song was written by Matt Merker and Ada Habershon, and performed by Keith & Kristyn Getty, Joni Eareckson Tada, Elizabeth Klimchuck, Milena Kabodko and Matt Merker
Crossing the Pond/Total Praise – “Crossing the Pond” is an instrumental performed by Kirk Whalum and the Getty band. “Total Praise” was written by Richard Smallwood.
- Watch the TobyMac’s new video of his song “Cornerstone”, featuring Zach Williams.
- Shane and Shane Acoustic. Shane and Shane perform acoustic versions of their songs “You’ve Already Won” and “All Sufficient Merit”, two of my favorite songs of 2023.
- Praise God. Enjoy the lyric video for Matt Redman’s song “Praise God”.
“The Lord Almighty Reigns” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, featuring Shane and Shane
This week’s song of the week is a new version of “The Lord Almighty Reins” by Keith and Kristyn Getty and featuring Shane and Shane. The song was written by Keith and Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell and Matt Papa, and is included on the new expanded edition of the Christ Our Hope in Life and Death album. Listen to the song here.
[Verse 1]
There’s an endless song waiting to be sung
With the voice of every tribe, the sound of every tongue
When the bride of Christ on that day of days
Brings with joy unto the land a multitude of praise
[Pre-Chorus]
Like the roar of mighty seas and rolls of thunder
Hear His people sing
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For the Lord Almighty reigns
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns
[Verse 2]
We will join the feast, rest from battles won
Tell with grеat rejoicing all the wonders God has donе
[Pre-Chorus]
Like the roar of mighty seas and rolls of thunder
All the church will sing
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For the Lord Almighty reigns
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns
[Post-Chorus]
(Hallelujah, hallelujah)
(He reigns)
[Bridge]
Certain of that day, Christ we will proclaim
Oh, that more would share the pride, salvation in His name
[Pre-Chorus]
Then greater will the anthem ring
The mighty chorus rising to the King
[Chorus]
Hallelujah (Hallelujah), hallelujah
For the Lord (For the Lord) Almighty reigns (Lord Almighty, hey)
Hallelujah (Hallelujah), hallelujah (Oh-oh-oh)
For the Lord our God (Our God) the Almighty reigns (Reigns)
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For the Lord Almighty reigns (Hallelujah)
Hallelujah, hallelujah
For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns
