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Category Archives: Music & Concert Reviews and News


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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

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:

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  • 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

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS


Songs of Surrender – U2 
***

U2’s first album since 2017’s Songs of Experience reimagines forty songs from the band’s catalog (only 1981’s October and 2009’s No Line on the Horizon have no songs represented here). The album, which runs nearly three hours, is connected to Bono’s excellent 2022 memoir Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story (read my review of that book here), whose forty chapters are titled after U2 songs. The new album has a different selection of songs, curated by The Edge, with twelve of the songs differing from the Bono book chapters.
The album was The Edge’s COVID lockdown project. He is the album’s primary producer, with a few others, notably Bob Ezrin, assisting. The Edge compiled the songs and the project is arranged into individual band member volumes. The Edge, who also handles lead vocals on four songs, has stated that Songs of Surrender was made with the awareness that most people listen to their music through earbuds now.
The songs really are reimagined, they are not just unplugged versions. In the liner notes, The Edge writes “Once we surrendered our reverence for the original version, each song started to open up to a new authentic voice of this time. Some of the songs feature rewritten lyrics. For example, “Walk On” is written in light of the Ukraine war. “Pride (In the Name of Love)”, replaces “One man betrayed by a kiss”, with “One boy never will be kissed”. The song arrangements are mostly intimate and acoustic, frequently replacing Edge’s electric guitars with quiet keyboards. The Edge, playing numerous instruments, Bono’s voice and the lyrics are in the forefront here. Many of the tracks feature no rhythm section at all, leaving bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. to apparently sit them out.

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  • More of this review and a review of My Ideal: A Tribute to Chet Baker Sings by Amos Lee
  • Music News
  • Song of the Week Lyrics

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS


Only The Strong Survive – Bruce Springsteen
***

Only the Strong Survive is Bruce Springsteen’s 21st studio album and second covers album, following 2006’s We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions. The 15-song album was made during the COVID lockdown during “off hours” (Springsteen, co-producer Ron Aniello and engineer Rob Lebret called themselves “The Night Shift” due to their working hours). On the album, the 73-year-old Springsteen covers a selection of his favorite – many of them obscure – soul songs. Springsteen actually tossed out the first album he completed, and ended up with Only The Strong Survive, which is listed as Covers Vol. 1, giving the impression we’ll hear more songs at a later date.

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  • More of this review
  • Song of the Week Lyrics ~ Beautiful Day by U2

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS


Bellsburg: The Songs of Rich Mullins – Various Artists
****

Rich Mullins went home to be with the Lord following an accident near Lostant, Illinois on I-39 on September 19, 1997, on the way to a benefit concert in Wichita, Kansas, where he lived. Mitch McVicker was also in the vehicle, and though badly injured, he would survive. To commemorate the 25th year of Mullins’ homegoing, a new double-length album of his songs has been released. The album (and future documentary) was recorded in the living room of Mullins’ old house in Bellsburg, Tennessee, where he often crafted songs on the same piano that his parents acquired by trading for a cow from the family farm. Each of the 16 new folk/acoustic interpretations of recordings are by artists who were greatly impacted by the original versions. Each of the artists featured in the project has a personal connection with Mullins or has been deeply influenced by his music. Each side of the project ends with an original, never commercially released demo from Mullins.

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  • More of this review
  • Music News
  • Song of the Week Lyrics ~ Unconditional by Matt Redman, featuring Matt Maher

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS


The Stories I Tell Myself – Matt Maher
****

I was introduced to Matt Maher’s music when he opened for TobyMac several years ago. I’ve enjoyed his music ever since. This collection of songs, that were mostly written during the pandemic, celebrate friendship with God and other people. The album, which features a variety of musical genres, was recorded in a house owned by Marty Stuart. There are several collaborations, and a few of the songs have two versions, one of which was recorded live.
Here are a few brief comments about each song, several of which were released in advance of the official album release:

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  • More of this review
  • Music News
  • Song of the Week Lyrics:   Only a Holy God/Holy, Holy, Holy by CityAlight

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS


Live from Bridgestone Arena – NEEDTOBREATHE
****

NEEDTOBREATHE recently released a surprise concert film (and accompanying audio version), of their October 29, 2021 concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. I say surprise, because we saw them on their Into the Mystery Acoustic Tour in Peoria just eleven days before this project was released, and the band made no mention of this impending release.
NEEDTOBREATHE is an excellent, high energy live band. This is the band’s fourth live album, and second in two years. The twenty-five songs here span their career. Highlights include “Carry Me”, featuring Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and “I Will Remember” featuring Carrie Underwood.
If you are not familiar with NEEDTOBREATHE, this would serve as an excellent introduction to the band.
Watch the entire concert film here.

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  • More of this review and reviews of
    • Dreamland (Deluxe Edition) – Amos Lee
    • Stand (Deluxe Edition) – Newsboys
  • Music News
  • Song of the Week Lyrics ~ You’ve Already Won by Shane and Shane

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS


Always – Chris Tomlin
****

Following up his 2020 album Chris Tomlin & Friends, in which he partnered with country music artists, Tomlin is back with Always, doing what he does best, writing and singing worship songs for the church, though a few of the songs do have a country music feel to them. I have long enjoyed Tomlin’s music, and I really like this new album. It is one of my favorite albums of 2022.

Here are a few brief comments about each of the thirteen songs on the album:

Yahweh (No One) – This song was written by Chandler Moore, Jason Ingram, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick and Tomlin, and produced by Jeff Sojka and Ben Glover. The song is a cover of Elevation Worship’s “No One” and features Chris Brown of Elevation Worship on vocals. The upbeat song highlights the first commandment “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3), and the third commandment “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” (Exodus 20:7). A good opener.
Key lyrics:
There will be no other God before You
There is no one above You, no one beside You
And nobody like You

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  • More of this review
  • Music News
  • Song of the Week Lyrics ~ Your Praise Goes On by Crowder

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS


Still – Steven Curtis Chapman 
***

Still is Steven Curtis Chapman’s first all new full-length release since 2016’s Worship and Believe. The new album features twelve new songs of hope and encouragement from the most awarded artist in Christian music history. In his 35-year career, the soon to be 60-year-old Chapman, has won 5 Grammy Awards, 59 Dove Awards, had 49 number 1 songs, while selling more than 11 million albums with 10 RIAA-Certified Platinum and Gold albums. Still is a solid addition to Chapman’s catalog as he works with respected producers Bryan Fowler, Micah Kuiper and Ben Shive.

Below are a few comments about each song:

Welcome Back to Wonder – This short song was written by Chapman and Dave Barnes and produced by Chapman, Bryan Fowler and Micah Kuiper. The song features keys, guitar, backing vocals, bass, and drums. The song is about experiencing the majesty of the world God has created.
Key lyric:
With every beat of my heart, I hear You callin’
“Welcome back, welcome back to wonder”

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  • More of this review and a review of Revolver (Super Deluxe) by the Beatles
  • Music News
  • Song of the Week Lyrics ~ The Praise Is Yours by Matt Redman

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Sandra McCracken is a singer-songwriter and hymn writer from Nashville, Tennessee. A prolific recording artist, McCracken has produced 14 solo albums over two decades. Her best selling release, Psalms (2015) received critical acclaim, followed by God’s Highway (2017) which made the top 50 on Billboard Heatseekers chart without a major label. She has had songs featured in TV, including ‘Ten Thousand Angels’ on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and has over 15 million streams. Blending the old and new, Sandra has also shown a unique ability to recast sacred scripture texts into theologically rich yet accessible songs. Her thoughtful lyrics and gospel melodies in songs like “We Will Feast In The House Of Zion,” “Steadfast” and “Thy Mercy My God” have become staple anthems in churches across the U.S. As a published writer, she contributes a regular column in Christianity Today and released her first book “Send Out Your Light” in September 2021.  She has released three full-length albums in 2022. Here are reviews of each of them:

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  • More Sandra McCracken reviews
  • Music News
  • Song of the Week Lyrics ~ Rejoice by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Rend Collective

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7 Upcoming 2023 Music Releases 

There are several upcoming music releases that you might be interested in during the first quarter of 2023. Here are seven of them:

Fragments: Time Out of Mind Sessions 1996-1997 The Bootleg Series Vol. 17 – Bob Dylan

To be released January 27.

The 17th volume in Dylan’s Bootleg Series, this one focuses on sessions from his acclaimed album Time Out of Mind. The song “Love Sick” (Version 2) has been released in advance of the album.

Sing! Christ Our Hope in Life and Death – Keith and Kristyn Getty and Friends

To be released January 27.

This is the live album from the 2022 Sing! Getty Music Conference from Nashville. Artists will include Keith and Kristyn Getty, Shane and Shane, CityAlight and many more. Thus far, the song “Rejoice” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, with Shane and Shane has been released.

Lamb of God – Matt Redman

To be released February 17.

This is a live album from Matt Redman recorded at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, California. Three songs have been released in advance of the album – “The Praise is Yours”, “Son of Suffering” and “Halfway Empty”.

Moving on Skiffle – Van Morrison

To be released March 10.

The prolific Morrison’s next project is a 23-track, double album. Two songs have been released in advance of the album – “Streamline Train” and “I’m moving On”.

Wilder Woods (title to be determined)

Release date to be determined.

Wilder Woods is NEEDTOBREATHE’s lead singer and songwriter Bear Rinehart. “Maestro (Tears Don’t Lie)” is the first single released in advance of the album.

Songs of Surrender – U2

To be released March17

During the lockdown, U2 reimagined and recorded 40 of their songs. We can expect the track list to follow the chapters in Bono’s recent book Surrender. The first single from the album is “Pride (In the Name of Love)”

Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs (Live) – Shane and Shane

To be released March 17

I was introduced to Shane and Shane at the 2018 Sing! Getty Worship Conference, and have enjoyed their worship music ever since. “You’ve Already Won” and “All Sufficient Merit” have been released in advance of the album.

These are seven upcoming music releases that I’m looking forward to. What new albums are you looking forward to in 2023?