This is 72-year old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Bob Seger’s eighteenth studio album. It was self-produced and recorded in Detroit and Nashville and dedicated to longtime friend Glenn Frey, who died in 2016. The album cover features a mid-60’s photo of Seger. Some of the songs were written and originally recorded several years ago.
I saw Seger in concert with the Silver Bullet Band back at the now defunct Poplar Creek Music Theatre near Chicago in the summer of 1980 and have enjoyed his music ever since. Here are a few brief comments about each of the songs: Gracile – The album opens strong with this rocker, featuring excellent guitar, including a nice solo, bass, drums and backing vocals. This song is a about a woman. She’s a winner, her body is gracile (slender, thin, graceful), and she’s in control.
Busload Of Faith – This song was written by Lou Reed and appeared on his 1989 album New York. It was the first single released from the new album. Seger changed some of the lyrics, substituting “You can’t depend on the President” for Reed’s “You can’t depend on the churches”. It’s an upbeat song with horns, a guitar solo and gospel-like backing vocals. The Highway – This rocker is driven by guitar and a drum beat. It features a strong vocal by Seger, backing vocals, some of which sounds like an uncredited Bruce Springsteen, and a guitar solo. In a world of phony prophets, he’s packing up his gear, getting out of here and heading for the highway. Continue reading →
Ten years ago, Andrew Peterson, one of our most respected singer/songwriters, was working on an album that he says was more or less on the resurrection of Jesus. As he started working on the songs, he realized that they actually were more about the way Jesus’s resurrection plays out in our lives rather than the resurrection itself. So, the album was creatively titled Resurrection Letters, Vol. 2.
This year, Peterson finally began work on Vol. 1 with producer Ben Shive, who also produced Vol. 2, ten years ago. But Peterson felt it would be odd to write about Jesus’s victory over death without writing about his death itself. That led to this recording, which he humorously has called the prequel to the prequel. Got all that? Volume 1 will be out soon. For this release, Peterson has written ““The five songs on Prologue are meant to be a sort of fast, opening with the last words of Jesus on the cross and ending with his interment in the tomb. May they’ll be a good reminder of the hard road Jesus walked in order to make the world new.”
Let’s look at the excellent EP, Resurrection Letters: Prologue, which is superbly written and performed: Last Words (Tenebrae) – This beautiful song driven by piano, light percussion and backing vocals, focuses on Jesus’s last words on the cross, beginning with, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do”. The vocals are layered and build powerfully throughout the song. Ending with “Father into your hands I commit my spirit”. Well Done, Good and Faithful – This song features piano and light percussion. It takes the listener through the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross, through his cries and groans when his Father turned away from him. The chorus is based on Hebrews 12:2 which reads in part “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus finished his work, well, good and faithful, reminding us of the servant in Matthew 25:23. The Ninth Hour – This is a beautiful instrumental featuring strings and piano. Mark 15:33 states “And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” Always Good – This intimate song to Jesus is driven by acoustic guitar and backing vocals. Jesus, who laid down his life and suffered for us, knows what we are feeling. Somehow His sorrow is shaping our hearts like it should, as we try to believe what is not meant to be understood. It’s hard to know what He is doing. Help us to trust that His intentions for us are still good. Maybe the answer surrounds us, but we don’t have the eyes to see that He’s always good. God Rested – The EP ends with this song about Jesus’s body being taken down from the cross and being buried in the tomb of a rich man. Pilate had no peace during this time. Peterson creatively connects God’s work in creation with Jesus’s work. “Six days shall you labor, the seventh is the Lord’s. In six He made the earth and all the heavens, but He rested on the seventh.” He worked till it was finished (Matthew 19:30). God blessed the seventh day. The song is driven by piano, drums, synth and backing vocals.
Peterson has stated that his hope is that the listener would use these five songs during Lent and Holy Week to dwell on the terrible road Jesus had to walk in order to conquer not just sin, but the grave.
Meditate on these songs as you prepare your heart to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection.
Andrew will be one of the speakers at the Sing! 2018 Conference September 10-12 in Nashville. Continue reading →
Andy Mineo: Rappers Are Missionaries, Too. Andy Mineo talks to Christianity Today about Christian hip-hop, the role of creators and entertainers in the church, and how he feels God pushing him out of his own comfort zone.
2016 Grammy Award Nominations. The Grammy Awards nominees were announced last week. Among those receiving nominations were Matt Maher, Toby Mac, James Taylor, Don Henley and Bob Dylan.
Worship Night in America. Chris Tomlin presents five Worship Night In America dates with Louie Giglio, Max Lucado, Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Israel Houghton, and Phil Wickham and Tomlin. Closest one in the Midwest is in the Chicago area July 16.
Adore Exclusive Edition. Target is caring a special edition of Chris Tomlin’s Adore: Worship Songs of Christmas featuring two additional songs
Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat – Take 8. Listen to this song from Bob Dylan’s new The Best Of The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12.
The Power of a Great Affection by Andrew Peterson
This week we continue our countdown to our annual “My Favorites” listing with our #2 song of the year, “The Power of a Great Affection” by Andrew Peterson, from his excellent album The Burning Edge of Dawn. Listen to the song here.
I cannot explain the ways of love Life cannot explain the grace of kindness There’s no reason that can satisfy enough The healing of this blindness
I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection
And even in the days when I was young There seemed to be a song beyond the silence The feeling in my bones was much too strong To just deny it. I can’t deny this
I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection Seized by the power of a great affection
Now this is the theme of my song Now I must forgive as I am forgiven And even when the shadows are long I will sing about the Son that’s risen
That His kingdom has no end And His kingdom has no end
I will praise Him for the fields of green and gold I will praise Him for the roar of many waters I will praise Him that the secret things of old Are now revealed to sons and daughters
I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection
So Father I will give You thanks and praise The Son has opened wide the gate of glory He declared your mighty love and gave His grace And I will tell his story It is my story
I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection Seized by the power of a great affection
Now this is the theme of my song Now I will forgive as I’m forgiven And even when the shadows are long I will sing about the Son that’s risen
That his kingdom has no end His kingdom has no end His kingdom has no end His kingdom has no end His kingdom has no end
Music Review: Behold the Lamb of God 10th Anniversary 2-Disc Set– Andrew Peterson ****
I have to admit that I’m late to appreciate the music of Andrew Peterson. However, since seeing him in concert a few months ago I’m trying to make up for lost time by picking up After All These Years, his latest The Burning Edge of Dawn and this, his Christmas album Behold the Lamb of God.
This 10th Anniversary 2-disc set released in 2009, celebrates ten years that Peterson and friends have been performing the music on this album (recorded in 2004) live in annual Christmas concerts. This edition includes the original album remastered, plus the complete Behold the Lamb of God concert recorded live on the 2008 tour. See the dates for the 2015 tour on Peterson’s website.
Peterson has written that the album is a musical about the birth of Christ; an album that tells a story. The songs have the purpose of telling the true tale of the coming of God into the world. Justin Taylor of the Gospel Coalition, writes “Here are some YouTube videos for Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb album and live performance–a sort of biblical theology set to song by a talented musician and songwriter.”
He states: “What makes this bunch of songs unique is that I wanted to remind (or teach) the audience that the story of Christmas doesn’t begin with the birth of Jesus. Many people tend to forget or have never even learned that the entire Bible is about Jesus, not just the New Testament.
So the musical begins with Moses and the symbolic story of the Passover (Passover Us) and works its way through the kings and the prophets with their many prophecies about the coming Messiah (So Long, Moses) to the awful four hundred years of silence before God told Mary she’d be having a baby (Deliver Us). After the song called Matthew’s Begats, which lists the genealogy of Jesus, the story picks up in more familiar territory with Mary and Joseph and the actual birth (It Came To Pass, Labor of Love). The final song is called Behold, the Lamb of God, which ties together the Passover and the beauty and scope of the story.”
You may recognize some of the singers and musicians who contribute to this album, including Andrew Osenga, Ben Shive, Sandra McCracken, Phil Madeira, Derek Webb, Steve Hindalong (of The Choir), Laura Story and Fernando Ortega. The quality of the music (including a few instrumentals) and singing is excellent.
This is not your typical Christmas album. I look forward to enjoying this album for many Christmas seasons to come.
· Manola. Watch Trip Lee’s new video of his song “Manola”, featuring Lecrae.
· Jeremy Camp Ups ‘Power’ to No. 1 on Christian Airplay Chart. Jeremy Camp topped Billboard‘s Christian Airplay chart on November 21, “Same Power”. The song is Camp’s eighth No. 1, lifting him into a solo share for the third-most No. 1s in the chart’s 12-year history. MercyMe leads with 13 toppers, followed by Casting Crowns (9). Camp passes Chris Tomlin and Third Day, each with seven number ones.
· Adore. Watch this video of Adore, the title song from Chris Tomlin’s new Christmas album.
· Mr. Blue Sky. Jeff Lynn of the Electric Light Orchestra, is back with a new album Alone in the Universe. He recently performed the ELO song “My Blue Sky” on The Tonight Show.
· Hello. Adele sings “Hello” from her new album 25 (already the top-selling album of 2015) with Jimmy Fallon and the Roots on The Tonight Show.
· Presidential Medal of Freedom. Congratulations to James Taylor, who will receive the 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, at a ceremony at the White House.
· You Can Close Your Eyes. Watch Stephen Colbert sing “You Can Close Your Eyes” with James Taylor.
· Party Lights. Watch this lyric video of “Party Lights” from The Ties That Bind: The River Collection by Bruce Springsteen.
Music Quotes:
Love people. Use things. Never vice versa. Lecrae
The world is over. Adele just dropped. My wife is losing it right now. I’ve already heard HELLO 5093498273 times. I ain’t even mad tho. Andy Mineo
Many worship song writers use what I call “Yoda-speak”. Eg. “Son of God, you are” or “His righteousness, I am” – Drives me nuts, it does! Fernando Ortega
Good Good Father
by Chris Tomlin
This week we continue our countdown to our annual “My Favorites” listing with our #4 song of the year, “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin. Listen to the song here.
I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
But I’ve heard tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
You’re a Good, Good Father It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are And I’m loved by you It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide But I know we’re all searching For answers only you can provide Cause you know just what we need Before we, we say a word
You’re a Good, Good Father It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are And I’m loved by you It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
You’re a Good, Good Father And I’m loved by you
You are perfect in all of your ways Perfect in all of your ways You are perfect in all of your ways to us
You’re a Good, Good Father It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are And I’m loved by you It’s who I am, it’s who I am, It’s who I am
You are perfect in all of your ways
You’re a Good, Good Father It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
Music Review: Cass County (Deluxe Edition) by Don Henley ****
The first album in 15 years (and fifth overall) from the 68 year-old founding member, drummer and co-lead vocalist of the Eagles, recently debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Country Charts, his first solo album to top the charts. The album is co-produced by Henley and Stan Lynch (former drummer with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), and features guest appearances from Mick Jagger, Merle Haggard, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Lee Ann Womack, Ashley Monroe and others.
The album was recorded in Nashville and also in Dallas where Henley lives, and took several years to complete. While many are calling it Henley’s “country album”, he says much of it fits better into the Americana format. The album title refers to the underpopulated area of east Texas near the borders of Arkansas and Louisiana, where Henley was born in 1947 and grew up in the 1950’s. The deluxe edition includes 16 songs, eleven of which were written by Henley and Lynch with others, and is solid from the opening cover of alternative country artist Tift Merritt’s “Bramble Rose”, featuring Miranda Lambert and Mick Jagger (who actually does country quite well), to the closing rocker “Where I Am Now”. Henley’s ballads include themes of the passage of time, looking at the past and also to the future, regret, acceptance and love, present and in the past.
McBride joins Henley for a duet on “That Old Flame”, as well as singing on the closing “Where I Am Now”. “That Old Flame” is a song about long-lost friends who were once lovers. “Where I Am Now” is a confident song in which Henley reflects on his life, liking where he is now.
I been east, west, north and south But I made it through somehow And I like where I am now
“Take a Picture of This” portrays the end of a marriage. Dolly Parton joins him on the Louvin Brothers’ hit from sixty years ago “When I Stop Dreaming”.
“A Younger Man” is about a younger woman falling for an older man, but he sings:
If you believe in better days ahead For this crazy human race That we will somehow be delivered By goodness and by grace And if you’re lookin’ for believers In faith and hope and charity Then, you’re you’re lookin’ for a younger man – not me
“Train in the Distance” is the album’s most autobiographical song as Henley reflects back on his childhood when life was simple and now the responsibilities of an adult as he sings:
You better make friends with your angels and your demons They will be riding with you wherever you go
“The Cost of Living” with Merle Haggard is about dealing with getting older, but not regretting a single day as they sing: It’s the cost of living and everyone pays.
“Waiting Tables” is the story of a young girl who grew up in a small town, married a reckless fool, and is now a single mother waiting tables. She sighs: Dear Lord above, there must be more than this.
“Praying for Rain” is about farmers dealing with drought conditions and praying for rain soon:
I’m praying for rain I’m praying for rain Lord, I ain’t never asked for much And I don’t mean to complain But I’m praying for rain
In singing about pride in “Too Much Pride”, which features some tasty piano from Mike Rojas, he sings:
Some people tell you it’s a good thing Some people tell you it’s a sin Just like a weed in the garden You’re askin’ for trouble if you let it in
I’m a longtime Eagles fan who saw them in concert more than 35 years ago in their prime. I’ve listened to this album several times, and it sounds better with each succeeding listen. I’ve always loved Henley’s voice and it is still excellent here. The songwriting and instrumentation are strong and the album benefits from the guest artists and their contributions. I found it to be one of the top releases of the year.
Lecrae, Lauren Daigle and Seth Mosely Win Big at Dove Awards. Moseley took home four honors, including songwriter and producer of the year. Lecrae won three awards including artist of the year and accepted the honor via video from the road. His 2014 album, Anomaly, won rap/hip hop album of the year.
Matt Maher Shares Thoughts on the Pope at Dove Awards. While in the press room for the 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards, renowned artist and devout Catholic Matt Maher shared his thoughts on Pope Francis and his role in the Church.
O Children Come (Live). Watch this video of “O Children Come” from the new Joy-An Irish Christmas LIVE album from Keith and Kristyn Getty.
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window? Listen to Bob Dylan’s “Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?” (Take 1) from the forthcoming The Cutting Edge 1965-1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12.
Music Quotes:
I don’t want to sacrifice who I am for the sake of acceptance. Andy Mineo
There is no humility I can manufacture, no penitence I can create that can move the heart of God. True brokenness is a gift from Him alone.Fernando Ortega
There is grace today for yesterday’s failures. Lecrae
Be Kind to Yourself by Andrew Peterson
This week’s song of the week is a song that Andrew Peterson wrote for his daughter Skye, who deals with self-condemnation. He performed this song when we saw him in concert on August 29 when he was accompanied on drums by his 15 year-old son Asher. He sings that he loves Skye just the way she is, and the way the Lord is shaping her heart. Watch the video here.
You got all that emotion that’s heaving like an ocean
And you’re drowning in a deep, dark well
I can hear it in your voice that if you only had a choice
You would rather be anyone else
I love you just the way that you are
I love the way He made your precious heart
Be kind to yourself Be kind to yourself
I know it’s hard to hear it when that anger in your spirit
Is pointed like an arrow at your chest
When the voices in your mind are anything but kind
And you can’t believe your Father knows best
I love you just the way that you are I love the way He’s shaping your heart
Be kind to yourself Be kind to yourself
How does it end when the war that you’re in Is just you against you against you Gotta learn to love, learn to love Learn to love your enemies too
You can’t expect to be perfect It’s a fight you’ve gotta forfeit You belong to me whatever you do So lay down your weapon, darling Take a deep breath and believe that I love you
Be kind to yourself
Be kind to yourself
Be kind to yourself
Gotta learn to love, learn to love Learn to love your enemies Gotta learn to love, learn to love Learn to love your enemies too
Music Review: The Burning Edge of Dawn by Andrew Peterson
****
Singer-songwriter and author Andrew Peterson returns with his eleventh studio album, produced by friend Gabe Scott. In comparison to his previous studio album Light for the Lost Boy, Peterson has stated that the album is more joyful. Friends Ellie Holcomb and Caleb Chapman of the band Colony House add backing vocals on a few of the songs.
The album features 10 new songs written by Peterson with Scott between February and May 2015. The process of making this record was a departure for Peterson, since most of the songs were written during the recording process. Having just completed writing The Warden and the Wolf King, the final book in the Wingfeather Saga series, Peterson went into the studio with very few songs completed. As a result he has stated that “It meant that I had no choice but to write about exactly what’s happening in my life right now, in real time. And what’s happening is that I’m seeing the first glimmers of sunrise after what feels like a long, painful night. These songs are about joy.”
Andrew has stated that “This album is the result of looking hard at a lot of painful stuff and arriving at the conclusion that when God the gardener tears open the earth, he’s doing it in order to bring about something beautiful. If you want the joy of the harvest, you first have to plant the seeds; and anyone who has planted seeds knows that the soil must be torn open. That’s how joy works. I know that now.”
Here are a few brief thoughts about each song:
The Dark Before The Dawn – This is a song of joy and hope and of looking forward. He is ready for a change. I liked the thought that the same wind that does damage is going to blow the storm away and that darkness is a small and passing thing.
I believe that that light is going to come This is the dark before the dawn
Every Star Is A Burning Flame – This is a story song with references to Idaho, Tennessee and Louisville. He sings of being on the inside looking out, and seeing the sky as it’s going to be again one day. He can imagine the host of heaven singing out loud.
We Will Survive – Andrew has stated that “’We Will Survive’ is a song I wrote for Jamie about a tough season I went through last year. She has been a steady reminder of God’s good intentions during long months of uncertainty”.
Tell me the story I still need to hear Tell me we’re to make it out alive again I need to know there’s nothing left to fear There’s nothing left to hide So will you look me in the eye And say we will survive?
My One Safe Place – This is another song written for his wife Jamie. It is written from one broken person to another. He sings that she is his oasis in the eye of the hurricane. I like the idea of “running away home to you”.
I believe in the love of the father I believe in the power of grace I believe in that He brought us together You are my one safe place
The Rain Keeps Falling – Andrew has stated that “This one was partly inspired by a Luci Shaw poem called “Forecast.” The song features his good friend Ellie Holcomb, along with his daughter Skye singing harmony. It is a very honest song (as all of his are), featuring piano and some strings. He is tired, there is pain in his heart, as the rain keeps falling during “a season of night” in North Carolina, while his wife was praying for him back home. I liked the line about Dying to live, but learning to wait. A calming “Peace, be still” refrain adds hope to the song.
Rejoice – This song is a bit more complex musically. It is hopeful and joyful, and based on Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice”.
I Want To Say I’m Sorry – Featuring an acoustic guitar, this is a song to a friend. He wants to say he is sorry, but he doesn’t know how. He has said words that he wished he hadn’t. He is sorry for his words that have hurt his friend. He drew the line and built a wall between them. He recognizes that the fault is his and he must trust in grace and give it time. He calls the song their communion hymn.
Be Kind To Yourself – This is a song to his daughter Skye who deals with self-condemnation. He performed this song when we saw him in concert on August 29 when he was accompanied on drums by his 15 year-old son Asher. He sings that he loves Skye just the way she is, and the way the Lord is shaping her heart.
How does it end when the war that you’re in Is just you against you against you?
Gotta learn to love, learn to love Learn to love your enemies too.
The Power Of A Great Affection – Andrew has said that “This is the closest thing I’ve written to a corporate worship song in a long time, and tells a little of the story of my life with Jesus. I read somewhere that about 100 years ago, when someone became a Christian they often said, “I’ve been seized by the power of a great affection.” That’s a beautiful sentence if ever there was one. That affection seized me and has never let go” Andrew wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music with Gabe Scott. This is one of my favorite songs of the year.
This is now the theme of my song And now I must forgive as I’m forgiven And even when the shadows are long “I will sing about the Son who’s risen.” And his kingdom has no end His kingdom has no end So Father, I will give you thanks and praise The Son has opened wide the gate of glory He declared your mighty love and gave us grace And I will tell his story, it is my story
The Sower’s Song – is a song about the leading of the Sower (God). Andrew sings “Abide in me Lord as I abide in You” It is a powerful and hopeful closing song that builds throughout, and is perhaps based on Isaiah 55:10-11:
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
This is a very strong album. It is personal, serious and intimate about his what was going on in his life as he wrote these songs between February and May of this year. The songs fall into a soft rock, acoustic rock, and country genres. The music perfectly complements the lyrics. Highly recommended.
Guilty. Here’s the video for “Guilty”, the new Newsboys song that will be featured in the Spring 2016 film God’s Not Dead 2.
Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship. Chris Tomlin’s new Christmas album is now available for pre-order on iTunes. When you pre-order, you receive the song “He Shall Reign Forevermore”.
Andy Mineo breaks down ‘Uncomfortable’ song ‘Now I Know’ for Genius. Rob Markman of Genius recently interviewed Andy Mineo about “Now I Know,” track No. 3 on his new album Uncomfortable. Mineo told the stories behind rhymes about once thinking Jesus was white and his mother catching him having sex.
It was a big week for Chris Tomlin ~ the premiere of his new song ‘What Child Is This?’ featuring All Sons & Daughters. Check out the new song from his upcoming Christmas album here.
Music Quotes:
KB: The great mistake made by most people is hoping to discover in themselves, that which is only to be found in God.
Fernando Ortega:
~ A great piece of art reflects the glory, imagination and creativity of God, whether the author of that piece acknowledges Him or not.
~ When I get to Heaven, I imagine I’ll be sweeping the mansion floors of many I had deemed to be less theologically sound than I.
Lecrae:
~ Don’t let the compliments go to your head or let the criticisms go to your heart.
~ Remember what God brought you thru yesterday and stop worrying about today.
~ Extend to others what God regularly extends to you. Love. Patience. Forgiveness.
Andy Mineo: If you’re not driven by the mission, you’ll be driven by the cars. Focused on what you’ve been getting, more than becoming who you are.
Good, Good Father by Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin recently released his version of this song, written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown, and has been recorded by Housefires. You can listen to Tomlin’s version of the song here.
Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories Of what they think You’re like But I’ve heard the tender whisper Of love in the dead of night And You tell me that You’re pleased And that I’m never alone
You’re a good good Father It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are And I’m loved by You It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
Oh, and I’ve seen many searching For answers far and wide But I know we’re all searching For answers only You provide ‘Cause You know just what we need Before we say a word
You’re a good good Father It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are And I’m loved by You It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
Cause You are perfect in all of Your ways You are perfect in all of Your ways You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
You are perfect in all of Your ways Oh, You are perfect in all of Your ways You are perfect in all of Your ways to us
Oh, it’s love so undeniable I, I can hardly speak Peace so unexplainable I, I can hardly think As You call me deeper still As You call me deeper still As You call me deeper still Into love, love, love
You’re a good good Father It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are And I’m loved by You It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
You’re a good good Father It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are And I’m loved by You It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am You’re a good good Father
You are perfect in all of Your ways You are perfect in all of Your ways You are perfect in all of Your ways
Andrew Peterson is not only an excellent singer/songwriter, but also the author of the four-book fantasy series for young readers called the Wingfeather Saga. After completing the latest book he was creatively spent and decided it was a good time to put out a collection of his music spanning his recording career which began in 1996. The result was this 20-song release, comprised of four new songs, eight of his classics re-recorded and eight favorites, specifically chosen by his fans on his Rabbit Room website. I found it similar in nature to Matt Maher’s 2013 All the People Said Amen and Jars of Clay’s 2014 20.
The new songs are:
After All These Years – This song was released as a single and features a light, folk-pop melody. Peterson sings of God’s faithfulness:
‘Cause you never let go. You never let go.
You led me by the hand into a land of green and gold.
You never let go. You never let go.
Your love endures forever wherever I go
after all these years.
Everybody’s Got a Song – This is a loving tribute to Peterson’s hometown of Nashville.
To All the Poets – This song was written with Gloria Gaither. Peterson thanks God for all of the poets he has known for sharing their gifts with him.
Romans 11 (Doxology) – Peterson puts Paul’s words to music. I can hear this being sung in a worship service:
For from Him, through Him,
to Him, is everything
To God be the glory forever and ever.
To God be the glory forever, amen.
Peterson’s lyrics creatively paint pictures over his acoustic backing. All of the songs are excellent here, so it’s really hard to pick favorites. Mine would be “Dancing in the Minefields”, “The Silence of God” (which I actually thought had been written by Peterson’s friend Michael Card, as it was included in his 2006 album The Hidden Face of God), and “The Good Confession”. Peterson was born in Illinois and I enjoyed the multiple references to the state, having lived here my entire life.
If you are an Andrew Peterson fan, this is a nice collection. If you are not familiar with this music, this would be an excellent introduction.
Concert Review
Andrew Peterson at Calvary Baptist Church in Normal, Illinois (August 29, 2015)
Andrew Peterson appeared in concert at the Calvary Baptist Church for their “Back to School Weekend” event. He was accompanied on drums by his 15 year-old son Asher. Andrew immediately built a good rapport with the audience with his warm smile and the stories he told about his songs, many of which are about his family.
He opened with “All Things New” and followed that up with his “legalism recovery song” “Rest Easy” from his most recently studio album, 2012’s excellent Light for the Lost Boy:
You don’t have to work so hard
You can rest easy
You don’t have to prove yourself
You’re already mine
You don’t have to hide your heart
I already love you
I hold it in mine
So you can rest easy
Next was “God of My Fathers”, most of which was written by Ben Shive, with Peterson changing just a few words.
Peterson was born in nearby Monticello, Illinois, where his dad was a pastor and he lived his first seven years. He said that returning to the state and seeing corn fields and silos was for him like seeing the Grand Canyon.
He told a story about his Grandma Click who lived in Lakeport, Florida, and then sang “All the Way Home”. One of our favorite songs of the evening was about his uncle Steve (a dairy farmer), who had been diagnosed with cancer and had only a few months to live. He decided to drive with his wife Margie to Alaska to fish for salmon. Peterson said that he sang the song “Alaska or Bust” in front of his uncle’s casket at his funeral:
So get in, I’ll do the driving
And your bag’s already packed and in the truck
So Margie, get in, put down those dishes
Well, the town will see us go if we’re in luck
So come on, it’s Alaska or bust
He played “Lay Me Down” next, which was the first song that mentioned Illinois:
I suppose you could lay me down to die in Illinois
Bury me beneath the rows of corn
Or in-between the maple trees I climbed on as a boy
Where in the Land of Lincoln I was born
Peterson has been married to Jamie for 20 years and they have three children. After a big fight at year 15 he wrote “Dancing in the Minefields”, which was what he called a “get outta trouble song” and is one of my favorite of his songs:
We went dancing in the minefields
We went sailing in the storm
And it was harder than we dreamed
But I believe that’s what the promise is for
He then told of a song he wrote on a night when he couldn’t sleep. It had been his birthday and also a day when he released a new album. The only review on iTunes had ripped the album and given it a one-star rating. It bothered him all day and he wrote the song “Fool with a Fancy Guitar”.
Just before the break he played “Be Kind to Yourself”, his only song on the piano (all of the others were on the acoustic guitar) and the only song he played from the forthcoming album The Burning Edge of Dawn, which will be released October 9. The song, produced by Gabe Scott, was written for his daughter who deals with self-condemnation.
Peterson mentioned that he is 41 years old and on Father’s Day broke his leg hopping stones in a river in Asheville, North Carolina. This was his first show since having the boot removed.
The first of two songs about the Resurrection was “Day by Day”. Another “Illinois song” was “The Ballad of Jody Baxter”. This song was about the main character in the book, “The Yearling”. He also mentioned that Frederick Buechner is one of his favorite writers, and one of the things Buechner wrote about was listening to your life. In “The Ballad of Jody Baxter”, he looked at his childhood in Illinois as Eden and Florida as the Fall.
What was good, good, good
Is gone, gone, gone
And there’s a little boy
Who’s lost out in the woods
Always looking for the fawn
He then asked for requests and played a powerful version of “High Noon”, another song about the Resurrection.
He finished a wonderful concert with “Calling Out Your Name”, “The Reckoning” and “After the Last Tear Falls”, written with Normal native Andrew Osenga. It was my first time seeing Peterson in concert and Lord willing, it won’t be the last. I’m very much looking forward to the new album on October 2.
The Wonderlands: Darkness. The third of Jon Foreman’s four EPs will be released on September 4. You can pre-order it on iTunes and get “Come Home” and “June & Johnny” instantly downloaded.
Highland Hymn. Watch this video of a performance of “Highland Hymn” from the album Glory to the Holy One, performed live during a concert the evening before the start of the 2015 Ligonier Ministries National Conference at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Florida.
Laser Detects Brain Tumour Cells During Surgery. Reuben Hill was diagnosed with epilepsy and a brain tumour after he was found collapsed in his bedroom. During the laser-guided surgery to remove the tumour, he was asked to talk or sing to see if these functions had been negatively affected. Fergus Walsh writes “With the lights dimmed, Mr Hill sang these poignant words from the (Matt Redman) hymn “10,000 Reasons”: “Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me, I’ll still be singing when the evening comes.” The operation was a success and he’s now well on the road to recovery.
What a Fool Believes. Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers performed their classic song recently on The Tonight Show.
Song for Someone. Illustrator and photographer Matt Mahurin directs this video for “Song for Someone” from U2’s latest album Songs of Innocence.
Much of modern worship music has become disconnected, even uninterested in sound theology. We need to work towards a re-connection. Fernando Ortega
The Silence of God by Andrew Peterson
This song was included in Michael Card’s 2006 album about lament – The Hidden Face of God, so I naturally thought it was written by Michael. I recently found out that it was actually written by Michael’s friend Andrew Peterson. It is our song of the week. Listen to the song here.
It’s enough to drive a man crazy, it’ll break a man’s faith It’s enough to make him wonder, if he’s ever been sane When he’s bleating for comfort from Thy staff and Thy rod And the Heaven’s only answer is the silence of God
It’ll shake a man’s timbers when he loses his heart When he has to remember what broke him apart This yoke may be easy but this burden is not When the crying fields are frozen by the silence of God
And if a man has got to listen to the voices of the mob Who are reeling in the throes of all the happiness they’ve got When they tell you all their troubles Have been nailed up to that cross Then what about the times when even followers get lost? ‘Cause we all get lost sometimes
There’s a statue of Jesus on a monastery knoll In the hills of Kentucky, all quiet and cold And He’s kneeling in the garden, as silent as a Stone All His friends are sleeping and He’s weeping all alone
And the man of all sorrows, he never forgot What sorrow is carried by the hearts that he bought So when the questions dissolve into the silence of God The aching may remain but the breaking does not The aching may remain but the breaking does not In the holy, lonesome echo of the silence of God
I Knew You When – Bob Seger (Deluxe Edition)
Resurrection Letters: Prologue
Good Good Father
