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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Worship and BelieveWorship and Believe (Deluxe Edition) – Steven Curtis Chapman  
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This is Steven Curtis Chapman’s 23rd studio album and the first worship album in his wonderful career that to date has resulted in 10 million albums sold, 46 Christian radio number one songs, 5 Grammy Awards and an incredible 58 Dove Awards. The album is available in three different formats, the standard edition with eleven studio songs, and deluxe editions including either four or six of the songs recorded live.  I think worship music sounds good in a live format, but you’ll have to decide if the live versions are worth the additional cost.

It was when Chapman was on The Story tour with Pastor Randy Frazee that he first heard about BELIEVE, a 30-week church curriculum that Frazee was working on as the follow-up to The Story. Chapman wrote these songs to accompany the BELIEVE curriculum to be used by thousands of churches, but the songs certainly stand on their own as a worthy addition to Chapman’s outstanding body of work.

Chapman collaborates with some of the best artists in the worship music genre – Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Matt Maher, as well as Rend Collective and the drummer for One Direction. Long-time fans will enjoy his signature sounds in these songs addressed to God that I’m sure are already starting to appear in congregational worship.

Below are a few brief comment on each of the new songs:

We Believe – starts with acoustic guitar as Chapman sings of creation praising the glory of God. It builds into a bold song that will sound great in congregational worship.

One True God – a highlight, this track features Chris Tomlin in a song that would comfortably fit on a Tomlin release, as the two artists trade verses in a wonderful song about Christ as the one true God.

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Newsboys Love RiotMusic Review:  Love Riot – Newsboys
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The Newsboys follow Hallelujah For The Cross, their 2014 somewhat disappointing and relatively (for them) poorly selling take on classic hymns, with a return to form with Love Riot. Ten songs in the style that we have come to expect – simple, bold Christ-centered lyrics, excellent musicianship, and strong vocals from Michael Tait – in this 5th full-length studio album (plus a Christmas EP), in the Michael Tait-led Newsboys era. The album features a variety of styles – from full-out rockers such as “Crazy”, worship songs such as “You Hold it All (Every Mountain)”, and CCM radio friendly songs such as “Guilty”, “Family of God” and “Committed”. Although we could have asked for more than ten songs (2013’s Restart Deluxe Edition had 16 songs, for example), and from a pacing standpoint things get a little slow in the middle (“No Longer Slaves”, “Family of God” and “Committed”), these bold and encouraging songs will sound great in concert and Love Riot is a good addition to the band’s overall canon.

The Newsboys were formed 31 years ago. Currently comprised of lead vocalist Tait, guitarist Jody Davis, keyboardist Jeff Frankenstein and drummer Duncan Phillips, the band, riding the popularity of the two God’s Not Dead films, may be more popular than ever. In their career they have sold more than 8 million albums, had an amazing 33 number #1 radio hits, four Grammy nominations and won multiple Dove Awards. Love Riot was produced by Mark Needham as well as Seth Mosey and Mike O’Connor and has an excellent sound.

Below are a few brief thoughts about each song on the new album:

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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Music News:

  • Live Your Song. Jon Foreman TEDx. In this inspiring performance and talk, Jon Foreman sings “Only Hope,” “Terminal,” and “Dare You to Move.” Between songs he delivers an encouraging message that dares us all to live out the purpose for which we were born.
  • Jesus Muzik. Enjoy this classic video of Lecrae’s song “Jesus Muzik”, featuring Trip Lee. I use the song for my ringtone.
  • New Tedashii Song. Check out Tedashii’s latest single “808”.
  • NBA MVP Steph Curry with Lecrae. Lecrae invited Steph Curry to join him on stage for a performance of “I’m Turnt”.
  • Michael W. Smith Interview. In this two-minute video, Smitty talks about what album he would re-make, given new technology.

Music Quotes:

  • Does everybody’s fire alarm look like this? David Jiffy popCrowder
  • Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees. Thank God He can correct vision. Lecrae
  • There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again! And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me, For I am His and He is mine – Bought with the precious blood of Christ. “In Christ Alone” Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Song of the Week

 

Facing a Task Unfinished by Keith and Kristyn Getty

 

Watch this video to hear Keith and Kristyn Getty tell the story behind this song. Listen to the song here.

Facing a task unfinishedFacing a Task Unfinished
That drives us to our knees
A need that, undiminished
Rebukes our slothful ease
We, who rejoice to know Thee
Renew before Thy throne
The solemn pledge we owe Thee
To go and make Thee known

Where other lords beside Thee
Hold their unhindered sway
Where forces that defied Thee
Defy Thee still today
With none to heed their crying
For life, and love, and light
Unnumbered souls are dying
And pass into the night

We go to all the world
With kingdom hope unfurled
No other name has power to save
But Jesus Christ The Lord

We bear the torch that flaming
Fell from the hands of those
Who gave their lives proclaiming
That Jesus died and rose
Ours is the same commission
The same glad message ours
Fired by the same ambition
To Thee we yield our powers

We go to all the world
With kingdom hope unfurled
No other name has power to save
But Jesus Christ The Lord

O Father who sustained them
O Spirit who inspired
Saviour, whose love constrained them
To toil with zeal untired
From cowardice defend us
From lethargy awake!
Forth on Thine errands send us
To labor for Thy sake

We go to all the world
With kingdom hope unfurled
No other name has power to save
But Jesus Christ The Lord

We go to all the world
His kingdom hope unfurled
No other name has power to save
But Jesus Christ The Lord


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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

music news

  • The Gettys Spearhead Call For a Global Hymn Sing. Ed Stetzer writes that Keith and Kristyn Getty are joining with OMF International to promote a “Global Hymn Sing” February 21, to reintroduce the nearly 100-year old hymn “Facing a Task Unfinished”. Our church will be participating. Watch the Gettys speak about the song here.
  • Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. Did you see Billy Joel perform his classic song “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” recently on The Tonight Show?

Matt Redman Quote

Favorite QuotesA great work is to grow yourself. The greatest work is to help grow others. Andy Mineo

Don’t chase accomplishments, people or positions to find your worth. You’re loved as you are by the Father. Chris Tomlin

faceHow come I keep acting surprised when Steph Curry plays like Steph Curry? I watch every game like this……  Trip Lee

Song of the Week

Now I Know by Andy Mineo

This is the latest single and my favorite song from Andy Mineo’s excellent album Uncomfortable. Watch the creative video here.

Here are the lyrics to the song:

Yeah, uh, look
The older I get, the more I realize
Almost everything that I believed
In my life was a lie
It started as a child, first was Santa Claus
Then I believed that a brawl would never come between my dawgs (wrong)
My sister Mary filled me in when I was 7
Told me Hulk Hogan only existed on television (what?)
The Stone Cold Stunner and the Leg Drop?
All scripted, N.W.O and X-Pac? Dang
I used to walk up to them automatic doors
My momma told me that my finger was the power source
So I pointed with my pointer, then pow
It was open, then come to find out she was joking
Had to let it soak in, my mind as a boy
Didn’t wanna believe that McGwire or Barry were on the ‘roids
But uh, when I was young, I thought the world was alright
It’s funny, I even thought that Jesus was white, but yoAndy Mineo

All that glitters ain’t made of gold
It’s the thing you’ve heard a million times before
It took a lot of time, now I realise
Now I know better
It’s better late than never
Now I know

Over the years you get more accustomed to pain
Used to believe my dad when he said he’d come to my games
Even believed my mother was a saint and could do no wrong
And then she sat me down and told me how I was born (shoot)
Mind-blown, but now it all makes sense
Why she didn’t spazz on me when she caught me having sex, uh
I was perplexed but now I get it
I used to think America was finished with racism
How could I miss it?
I’m mad so many people don’t get it
Holding this list of black names but now I’m blacklisted?
Got older, it’s like it got no different
I found out these independent artists isn’t independent
Cause major labels fund them quietly to keep perception
That’s deception in the game
Used to believe I wanted fame
Plus my name written in them lights
Now I know it’s so much greater cause it’s written in the hand of Christ
And I used to say the radio would play what the people wanted
Now I know they playing what’s payin’
Feeling jaded, but somehow I still believe in God
I even thought a college education got me a job, man

All that glitters ain’t made of gold
It’s the things you heard a million times before
It took a lot of time, now I realise
Now I know better
It’s better late than never
Now I know better
Yes I know better
Now I know better
Yes I know better
Now I know better
Yes I know better
Now I know better
Yes I know better
Now I know
Too many times before


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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Hymns IIMusic Review ~ Hymns II: Shine on Us – Michael W. Smith
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This is the follow-up to the multi-talented Michael W. Smith’s 2014 Hymns album recorded for the Cracker Barrel restaurants. This one could have been titled Hymns, Worship Songs and Patriotic Songs, as it includes some or all of these. As with all of Smith’s projects (and I’ve been a fan since his 1983 debut Project (a song from that album is included here), they are done with excellence. Here are a few thoughts about each song included on the project:

Down to the River to Pray – a fantastic version (musically and vocally with background choir), of a traditional song that was sung by Alison Krauss on the soundtrack of the 2000 film O Brother Where Art Thou? It starts off the album on a high note. It’s my favorite song on the album.

I Need Thee – the traditional hymn written by Annie Sherwood Hawks in 1872, with the chorus written by Robert Lowry and music composed by Robert Lowry. Begins with Smith on piano and vocal with light strings and then builds with a backing choir.

Jesus, Only Jesus – this is Matt Redman’s excellent song from his 2013 Your Grace Finds Me album. Starts with Smith on piano and vocals, and then builds powerfully with light drums and backing vocals.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – written by Helen H. Lemmel in 1922. Features backing vocals from Audrey Assad. Begins with Smith on the piano and vocal and some light strings.

I’ll Fly Away – An upbeat version with drums, fiddle, banjo, backing vocals and a bluegrass feel. Was written by Albert Edward Brumley in 1929.

I Don’t Know Why (Jesus Loves Me) – a wonderful Andre Crouch song. Smith brings a smooth black gospel feel with choir to it. Not the first time Smith has covered an Andre Crouch song, singing “Jesus is the Answer” on the 1996 Tribute: Songs of Andre Crouch album.

His Eye is On the Sparrow – the song was originally written in 1905 by lyricist Civilla D. Martin and composer Charles H. Gabriel. The song is most associated with actress-singer Ethel Waters who used the title for her autobiography. Smith uses a scaled back approach, singing with piano and some backing strings.

Shine on Us – really a prayer to the Lord written by Smith and wife Debbie that has been covered by Phillips, Craig & Dean. It’ a ballad with piano, strings, light drums and backing vocals that gently builds toward a powerful ending.

That we may be saved
That we may have life
To find our way In the darkest night
Let Your love come over us
Let Your light shine on us

Nearer My God to Thee – a beautiful rendition of a hymn written by Sarah Flower Adams in 1841. Opens with violin and then Smith’s voice and piano. Features a duet with Susan Ashton.

I’d Rather Have Jesus – based on a 1922 poem by Rhea F. Miller, this was one of George Beverly Shea’s signature songs. Smith gives us a beautiful tender vocal, with piano and strings that builds gently with backing vocals.

O Sacred Head Now Wounded – Paul Gerhardt provided a German translation of Bernard of Clairvaux’s text in 1656, and about 200 years later James Waddell Alexander translated Gerhardt’s German text into English. Smith gives us a beautiful tender version with piano and strings that builds gently with backing vocals.

Be Still My Soul – This hymn was originally written in German by Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel in 1753. Smith’s vocal is paired with his piano and light strings that builds with backing vocals.

Great is the Lord – an excellent new version of Smith classic song from his first album Project in 1983. Features excellent backing vocals and instrumentation.

Great are you Lord
And worthy of glory
Great are you Lord
And worthy of praise
Great are you Lord
I lift up my voice
I lift up my voice
Great are you Lord
Great are you Lord

A Mighty Fortress is Our God – Martin Luther’s great Reformation hymn is based on Psalm 46. It is a celebration of God’s sovereign power over all earthly and spiritual forces, and of the sure hope believers have in him because of Christ. Smith gives us a beautiful and powerful version of this triumphant hymn, slowing down the pace and featuring excellent backing vocals and church organ. Definitely a highlight.

America the Beautiful – this is the one misstep as far as song selection is concerned. Its inclusion reminded me of when Cracker Barrel stuck “Cinderella” at the end of Steven Curtis Chapman’s excellent 2013 hymns project Deep Roots. Both songs are good, they just don’t fit on a hymns project. Like many of the songs this one starts simply with vocal and piano and then builds to a powerful ending with strings and backing vocals, with a bit of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” at the very end of the song. I can hear this song being played during 4th of July fireworks celebrations this year.

Most of the arrangements and instrumentation is kept simple, except where noted, and for the most part Smith chooses to goes with a light, scaled back production, different from his normal releases. The scaled back production and instrumentation at times expose his voice, never strong, as vulnerable and at times thin. But overall, this is a highly satisfying and wonderful new release which will be loved by those who love the hymns and Smith’s music.

music news

  • Wow to the Deadness. I’m excited about the February 5 release of Wow to the Deadness by Steve Taylor and the Danielson Foil. Read our review here.
  • New Andy Mineo Video. Check out the video for his song “Now I Know”, from his excellent album Uncomfortable.
  • New Scott Roley Music. I got to know Scott a bit when he joined Michael Card at a Biblical Imagination Conference at our church a few years back. I was excited to hear about his new album Nine Guitars which is now available on iTunes. The album includes “The Old Man”, which Scott included on his Patient Endurance release of a few years back (compilation of earlier songs and a few new ones). Scott is a believer who walks the talk as he lives among the poor in Franklin, Tennessee. Check out his books Hard Bargain: A Beautiful Place to Live and God’s Neighborhood: A Hopeful Journey in Racial Reconciliation and Community Renewal

Favorite Quotes of the Week

  • Double lives take half as long. Steve Taylor
  • People will always question the good they hear about you, but believe the bad without a second thought. Lecrae
  • Leaders activate people through passion, not pity. Andy Mineo
  • Starve your distractions. Feed your focus. Lecrae
  • I know many super-smart Christians who say Two Corinthians as opposed to 2nd. That being said, please God – protect us from a Trump presidency. Fernando Ortega
  • And as He stands in victory,
    Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
    For I am His and He is mine—
    Bought with the precious blood of Christ. “In Christ Alone” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Chris Tomlin Quote

Song of the Week           

Whatever Happened to Sin? by Steve Taylor

 

This song was included on Steve Taylor’s 1983 debut EP I Want to Be a Clone, but the lyrics are as current as if they were pulled from today’s news. Listen to the song here.

The Christian counselor wrote, quote
“Who is the only humane choice aheadSteve Taylor
If you can’t support it
Why don’t you abort it instead?”

You say you pray to the sky
Why? When you’re afraid to take a stand down here
‘Cause while the holy talk reads like a bad ad lib
Silence screams you were robbing the crib

Say it ain’t none of my business, huh?
A woman’s got a right to choose
Now a grave digger, next you pull the trigger what then?
Whatever happened to sin?

I heard the reverend say
“Gay is probably normal in the Good Lord’s sight
What’s to be debated?
Jesus never stated what’s right”

I’m no Theology nut
But the Reverend may be a little confused
For if the Lord don’t care and he chooses to ignore, ah
Tell it to the people of Sodom and Gomorrah

Call it just an alternate lifestyle, huh?
Morality lies within
Consciences are restin’, please repeat the question again
Whatever happened to sin?

When the closets are empty and the clinics are full
When your eyes have been blinded by society’s wool
When the streets erupt in your own backyard
You’ll be on your knees praying for the National Guard

If you don’t care now how the problems get solved
You can shake your head later, that you never got involved
‘Cause the call came a ringing from the throne of gold
But you never got the message, never got the message
‘Cause your mind’s on hold

A politician next door
Swore he’d set the Washington Arena on fire
Thinks he’ll gladiate them
But they’re gonna make him a liar

Well, he’s a good ole boy who was born and raised
In the buckle o’ the Bible Belt
But remember when you step into your voting booth
He’ll never lie, he’ll just embellish the truth

Promises were made to be broken, right?
You’ve gotta play the game to win
When you need support, tell them that you born again
Whatever happened to sin?


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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

steve taylorWow to the Deadness – Steve Taylor and the Perfect Foil
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Steve Taylor has been one of my favorite artists since his 1983 EP I Want to Be a Clone. I was a new believer, and his witty, honest and creative way of expressing his beliefs and the hypocrisy he saw in the church really resonated with me, and still does. Since that time, I’ve purchased all of his music (solo, Chagall Guevara, Perfect Foil), and seen him in concert several times. Hey, I was even a member of his Clone Club!

In addition to being a singer and songwriter, he is also a film director (The Second Chance, Blue Like Jazz), songwriter (Newsboys), producer “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer, and record company owner (Squint). Taylor’s excellent 2014 album Goliath, with the Perfect Foil (consisting of Peter Furler, Jimmy Abegg and John Mark Painter), was his first since 1993’s Squint. So it is a joy that Wow to the Deadness comes just two years later.

To support Goliath, Taylor and the Perfect Foil toured with Danielson. I was not familiar with Danielson. Danielson’s Wikipedia article describes them as an American rock band that plays indie pop gospel music led by Daniel Smith.

The friendship resulted in this collaborative effort as they entered the Electrical Audio studio in June 2015 with engineer Steve Albini (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) using strictly analog gear. This EP, with cover art by Smith, is the result, which Albini described as being “really raucous and really great”. Smith states the recording rocks, but also moves around a bunch. He has stated “It can be delicate, but it’s rare. It mostly demands much, but it’s very inclusive and would really appreciate some singing and clapping along.”

The resulting product is something different from what Taylor’s fans may be accustomed to. But, we know that he has always been creative and pushed boundaries (who can forget the stir over the cover art on I Predict 1990 or the concern over his song “I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good”?

According to Taylor, their only rule was that if it sounded like something they’d already done, they would throw it out. He felt that they ended up with a recording that is not easily classifiable and hopefully doesn’t sound disposable.

Below are a few of my thoughts about each of the six songs after listening to each several times. Taylor handles most of the lead vocals with Smith handling some of them, plus backing vocals.

Wow to the Deadness – Begins with acoustic guitar before it takes off. Smith wrote most of the lyrics. Smith sings a response “We have a winner”, to Taylor’s lines. For example:

It was a battle to bring me around
We have a winner
Suddenly lilies appeared in the ground

Favorite lyric: Water seeps through these red flags right or wrong  

Wait up Downstep – This one also begins with an acoustic guitar. Smith sings a recurring Wait and Step and Wait.

Favorite lyric:

Give me joyful liberty
Transcending up in awe of
How you go, oh can I know
Let us be known by our love

The Dust Patrol – Opens with a blistering guitar. The drums lead into Taylor’s lead vocal. The song slows down in the middle, with Smith taking over, before some great guitar work turns it back over to Taylor’s machine gun like delivery.

Favorite lyric: We’re gonna roll your thunder. (Could this be a nod to Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue?)

Nonchalant – Again opens with acoustic guitar. This is a mid-tempo rocker, slowing things down a bit after the previous song.

Favorite lyric: Turn the cheek that bruised, til’ the purple drains

A Muse – This is a scorching rocker with great drums, guitar and Taylor’s defiant vocals.

Favorite lyric:

It’s my party you’re lucky to be here
You’re no Dylan so don’t make me laugh

Drats – The song features more of Smith’s vocals than any on the EP as he and Taylor share lead vocals.

Favorite lyric:

Be still and speak
Day by day
My delight
My delight    

And just like that, this unexpected collaboration is over. Here’s hoping it’s not the last we hear of Steve Taylor and the Danielson Foil. I’d love to hear these songs in concert.

You can pre-order the EP, to be released February 5, at Amazon here.

Here is the promo video for the EP. You can watch the video of Wow to the Deadness here. (Apologies for the bad word in the article).
music news

MUSIC QUOTES:

  • They say “Crae, you sold your soul, man” For real? Who bought it? “Let the Spirit take control, man” I don’t go nowhere without Him.  Lecrae
  • Moments of weakness are opportunities for God to show Himself strong. Lecrae
  • Neither Death nor Hope know any boundaries in this life. Breath is a fragile thing: a gift not an obligation. Jon Foreman

Song of the Week Freedom by Lecrae, featuring N’Dambi

This week’s song of the week comes from Lecrae’s new mixtape Church Clothes 3. Watch the video here.

They out here prostitutin’ kiddos
Fill they pockets with dinero
Pedophiles, pitiful
Sell a child to centerfold
Take they innocence, put in on the internet
Purities tainted, dignities shaken
Enslavin’ the soul of all of these babies
And freedom got a price nobody payin’
Makin’ money, American dream ain’t it, nah!
It’s a nightmare, don’t fight fair for white here
Benjamin Franklins, killin’ we hate for him
Write a song justifyin’ the lies we take for him, hold up
They ain’t with me, I’m willin’ to wait for ’em
Lil’ me sat up on the porch, thinkin’ dolla bills
Stomach filled from another meal that my momma killed still
I can’t keep still
I’d probably steal to keep a couple of Nike checks on the back of my heels
Grab my back on and pills
I need a stack of them bills
They say we slaves to the money
I guess we back in the field
I’ma go pursue my happiness, they told me it was free
But I’m still payin’ for it, I’m indebted to this thing
Heard a prophet say the profit, don’t focus on makin’ change
Just focus on tryna be it and maybe you’ll make a gain
Maybe you’ll free the slaves, maybe you’ll bring a change
The destinations are different but everyone’s on the train

Freedom isn’t free
But I still, I still believe in my freedom
So my mind can see
Please let me be free, please let me
Freedom

I’m out here chasin’ this freedom
They out here choppin’ my feet off
And if they catch me I’m Toby, but I ain’t ’bout to believe it
King Kunta, king of coonin’, or Kenan & Kel
Rather rot in a jail cell than be up in hell, well
Well done, is you cookin’ or is you hearin’ your Father say, “Well done”?
Is He lookin’ at all your honors?
Modestly I’ll be honest, I’m hangin’ onto that promise
Cause honestly I ain’t really been everything that I oughta
Oughta be on my Harriet, bury me next to Honest Abe
Here’s lies another man murdered for tryna free the slaves
I gave Chief Keef my number in New York this summer
I told him, “I could get you free”, I’m on my Nat Turner
Back burner, cookin’ up a fat burger
While we shuck and jive to a song about a crack murder
Know we need a change but we threw it on the stage
Got some money and a soul and neither one of us saved
Slaves, get free

Freedom, it isn’t free
But I still believe, I still believe in our freedom
So my mind can see
Please let me be free, please let me be free
Freedom

Freedom, freedom, freedom


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MY MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Music News:NTB with Alan Rickman

  • NEEDTOBREATHE with Alan Rickman. Alan Rickman died last week at the age of 69. He was best known for his role as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter films. Here he is in a 2006 photo with NEEDTOBREATHE.
  • Wow to the Deadness. I’ve been enjoying listening to the new EP Wow to the Deadness from Steve Taylor (long one of my favorite artists), and the Danielson Foil. It should be available on iTunes and other outlets in February.
  • “Warrior” by Steven Curtis Chapman. Here’s the video of “Warrior”, which Steven Curtis Chapman wrote for the film War Room.
  • New Switchfoot Website. As the band works on their tenth album, they’ve launched a new website. Check it out.

Song of the Week God and God Alone by Chris Tomlin

This new song from Chris Tomlin is from the new Passion album Salvation’s Tide is Rising. Watch him perform it at the 2016 Passion Conference.

One Church, one Faith, one anthem raised
God and God alone
One cross, one grace, one name that saves us all
All praise to You belongs
All praise to You belongs

We lift You higher, higher, God and God alone
Your name be louder, louder than any other song
You are forever seated on Your throne
You are forever God and God alone

Who else can wash our sin away?
God and God aloneGod and God Alone
Who else can raise us from the grave?
All praise to You belongs
Jesus, all praise to You belongs

We lift You higher, higher, God and God alone
Your name be louder, louder than any other song
You are forever seated on Your throne
You are forever God and God alone

And what could separate us from this amazing love?
What could say it’s greater than our God?
Every knee will bow down oh
And what could separate us from this amazing love?
What could say it’s greater than our God?
Every knee will bow down, every knee will bow down

We lift You higher, higher, God and God alone
Your name be louder, louder than any other song
You are forever seated on Your throne
You are forever God and God alone

And what could separate us from this amazing love?
What could say it’s greater than our God?
Every knee will bow down oh
And what could separate us from this amazing love?
What could say it’s greater than our God?
Every knee will bow down, every knee will bow down


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MY MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

PassionMusic Review:  Salvation’s Tide is Running – Passion
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This studio album of new songs from the Passion artists was released on January 1, the day before the annual Passion conferences, rather than a live album being released a few months after the conferences had taken place, as in the past. The ten songs include two from Kristian Stanfill and Crowder, and one song from Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Brent Younker, Christy Nockels, Melodie Malone, and Passion newcomer Jimi Cravity. Tomlin, Redman and Crowder are among my favorite artists.

The songs are worship anthems that were easy to sing at the conferences. Here are a few thoughts about each of the songs:

Salvation’s Tide – written by Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Kristian Stanfill and Brett Younker. Lead vocals are handled by Kristian Stanfill. A good opener, this is a powerful worship anthem:

Salvation’s Tide is rising
As all your people seek Your face
Your life a river flowing
To wash our sin and shame away

My Victory – Written by Hank Bentley, Ed Cash, Crowder and Darren Mulligan. Lead vocals are handled by Crowder. Features more of a Passion band sound than Crowder’s usual “folktronica” sound. It starts slow and then builds to a powerful chorus and the line “A cross meant to kill is my victory”.  Amen!

Remember – Written by Crowder, Mattias Franda, Oliver Lundstrom, Solomon Olds, Brett Younker and Johan Asgarde. Lead vocals are handled by Brett Younker. A big power anthem about remembering during our darkest days in the valley that the grave is empty and Jesus is alive. As Tony Campolo used to say, “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming!”

God and God Alone – Written by Jason Ingram, Jonas Myrin and Chris Tomlin. Lead vocals are handled by Chris Tomlin. Opens with an acoustic guitar and has a bit of his “Good Good Father” song feel to it. It is sung to the Lord that He is forever God and God alone, and forever seated on His throne. Nothing can separate us from the amazing love of the God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39). Every knee will eventually bow down to the Lord. This has the sound of another of Tomlin’s classic songs for the church.

Simple Pursuit – Written by Sam Bailey, Ben Cantelon, Nick Herbert and Matt Redman. Lead vocals are handled by Melodie Malone, who handled “Forever” on the 2015 Passion album Even So Come. This song of worship ballad begins slow with piano and strings and then powerfully builds. It is a prayer to take us back to a simple pursuit of God, and an unswerving faith in the power of His name.

I Turn to Christ – Written by Jonas Myrin and Matt Redman. Lead vocals are handled by Matt Redman. A mid-tempo song with light guitar, keyboards and drums. He sings of turning to Christ alone, surrendering and living for Him alone.

Your Grace Amazes Me – Written by Daniel Carson, Jason Ingram and Christy Nockels. Lead vocals are handled by Christy Nockels, opening with keyboards, and then building with bass and drums. It’s a new twist on thoughts expressed in John Newton’s beloved hymn “Amazing Grace”. Sung to the Lord as we stand in awe; there is nowhere else we can run but to His arms.

All We Sinners – Written by Ed Cash and Crowder. Lead vocals are handled by Crowder. Begins and ends with acoustic guitar. A triumphant song that starts slow and then builds. The keys to the grave have been stolen and the gates of heaven are open.

Surrender – Written and lead vocals are handled by Jimi Cravity, who I was previously not familiar with. The Atlanta worship leaders is a singer, songwriter, musician and producer. This song is musically creative and unlike any of the other songs on the album.

I am transformed in your image
From glory to glory
Your blood has bought my redemption
And I, I surrender

Good Good Father – Written by Pat Barrett and Tony Brown. Lead vocals are handled by Kristian Stanfill. I thought that this was an interesting choice to include on the album, especially since Chris Tomlin’s version has been near the top of the Christian charts for several weeks and there are other versions of the song out there as well.

This is another fine album of worship songs from the Passion artists.

Music News: Wow to the Deadness

  • Good Good Father. Watch Chris Tomlin perform his chart-topping song “Good Good Father” at the Ryman Auditorium during his Grand Ole Opry debut on December 4.
  • Steve Taylor and the Danielson Foil. One of my all-time favorite artists, Steve Taylor, will release Wow to the Deadness as Steve Taylor and the Danielson Foil on February 5.
  • BeatlesBeatles Music Debuts on Streaming Services. On Christmas Eve, the Beatles’ music — 224 songs across 13 studio albums — was added to nine streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal and Amazon Prime.
  • The Beatles in HD. With the release of The Beatles 1+ video collection, the official Beatles YouTube channel has been uploaded with HD videos of some of their classic performances.

Music Quotes:

  • Don’t forget that a new year doesn’t guarantee a new you. Growth won’t be any easier this year. We still need grace and grind! Trip Lee
  • EVERYONE is guilty in Gods eyes, yet he still loves us, sacrifices, and absorbs. Can we follow suit? Lecrae

Song of the Week

Surrender by Jimi Cravity

I was not familiar with Cravity until this song was included in the new Passion album Salvation’s Tide is Rising. The Atlanta worship leader is a singer, songwriter, musician and producer who has produced records for artists such as Ludacris, Akon, Jordan Morris, and Alien Ant Farm. Listen to the song here.

You’re every beat of my heart
And every breath in my lungs
Is yours
Lord, every day of my life
Every dream in my mind
Is yours
From glory to glory
I am transformed in your image
From glory to glory
Your blood has bought my redemptionJimi Cravity
And I, I surrender
I surrender
I surrender
And I, I surrender
I surrender
I surrender
Lord, I am your vessel here
I’ll be your horse now
On the earth, the earth
Lord, let your kingdom come
And let your will be done
Make me your witness
From glory to glory
I am transformed in your image
From glory to glory
Your blood has bought my redemption
And I, I surrender
I surrender
I surrender
And I, I surrender
I surrender
I surrender
Who may ascend (King of Glory)
Who may ascend (Lord Almighty)
Who may ascend (Everlasting)
Who may ascend (Lord)
And I, I surrender
I surrender
I surrender


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MY MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Dylan The Best of the Cutting EdgeMusic Review: The Best of The Cutting Edge 1965 – 1966: The Bootleg Series Vol. 12 by Bob Dylan.
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In 1991 Bob Dylan released the first three volumes of The Bootleg Series, most of which I have in my collection. The Cutting Edge is the twelfth volume in the well-done series. It includes alternate versions, outtakes and some studio banter from an incredible fourteen month creative stretch from January 1965 to March 1966, when Dylan moved from folk to electric and recorded three extraordinary albums Bringing it All Back Home, Highway 61 Revisited and the double album Blonde on Blonde with producers Tom Wilson and Bob Johnston.

There are three configurations of The Cutting Edge that have been released. The Best of The Cutting Edge is a two-disc, thirty-six track collection. There are also six and a massive eighteen disc versions available.

The production of these songs from fifty some years ago is amazingly clear. I loved hearing the organ coming through so clearly. We get an inside look into Dylan’s creative process during this period. Longtime Dylan fans will easily discern these versions from original album versions we have been familiar with all these years. Arrangements vary, such as up-tempo versions of “Visions of Johanna” and “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry (Take 8, Alternate Take)” or a very different take of “Just Like a Woman”. At times the lyrics differ from the original album version such as the rocking “Tombstone Blues Take 1”. This doesn’t surprise, as those of us who have seen him in concert several times know he often changes up the lyrics to songs.

Many of the songs will be very familiar to Dylan fans – “Like a Rolling Stone”, “Hey Mr. Tambourine Man” (which ends abruptly with Dylan complaining about the drums), “Highway 61”, “Positively 4th Street” and “I Want You”, while others will be less known – “She’s Your Lover Now” and “Can You Please Crawl Out of Your Window?”.

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this release, giving us glimpses into the genius of Dylan during arguably his most creative period. As a result, this is my favorite volume in The Bootleg Series. This version also comes with a 60-page booklet, with photos and liner notes. Highly recommended for all Dylan fans.

musicnews

  • Artists and Poets: Lecrae. Lecrae inspires us all to see the magic inside a personal story put to poetry and a poem put to song.
  • “Hellurrrr!!!” Adele may have a worldwide hit with “Hello”, but Madea knocks it out of the park with her version.
  • Restored “Hey Jude” Video. Hey Jude topped the charts in Britain for two weeks and for 9 weeks in America, where it became The Beatles longest-running No.1 in the US singles chart as well as the single with the longest running time. This video was first broadcast on David Frost’s Frost On Sunday show, four days after it was filmed. To help with the filming an audience of around 300 local people, as well as some of the fans that gathered regularly outside Abbey Road Studios were brought in for the song’s finale. I remember watching it as a 12 year-old Beatles fan when it was first aired in America a month later on 6 October 6, 1968 on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
  • Hymns in the Spotlight. Laura McClellan writes “Season 9 of the popular NBC vocal competition show The Voice (which concluded on December 15) brought several young artists into the spotlight with one thing in common: their faith in Christ. Roberts, pop hopeful Jordan Smith, and youthful crooner Braiden Sunshine each chose to use their moment on national television to exalt Christ in a bold way—singing hymns.”

Favorite Music Quotes of the Week:

Matt Maher QuoteChange begins at the end of your comfort zone. Lecrae

A distorted view of grace is taking the LOVE of Christ seriously without taking the Lordship of Christ seriously. Andy Mineo

If Wile E. Coyote had enough money for all that Acme stuff, why didn’t he just buy dinner? Crowder

song-of-the-year 

Abide with Me by Matt Maher and Matt Redman

This week we complete our countdown to my annual “My Favorites” listing with my #1 song of the year, “Abide in Me”, written and recorded by both Matt Maher and Matt Redman. It was included on Maher’s album Saints and Sinners and Redman’s album Unbroken Praise.

You can listen to their respective versions here:

Matt Maher

Matt Redman

I have a home, eternal home
But for now I walk this broken world
You walked it first, You know our pain
But You show hope can rise again up from the grave

Abide with me, abide with me
Don’t let me fall, and don’t let go
Walk with me and never leave
Ever close, God abide with me

There in the night, Gethsemane
Before the cross, before the nails
Overwhelmed, alone You prayed
You met us in our suffering and bore our shame

Abide with me, abide with meMatt Maher and Matt Redman
Don’t let me fall, and don’t let go
Walk with me and never leave
Ever close, God abide with me

Oh love that will not ever let me go
Love that will not ever let me go
You never let me go
Love that will not ever let me go
Oh You never let us go

And up ahead, eternity
We’ll weep no more, we’ll sing for joy, abide with me


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MUSIC REVIEWS and NEWS

Behold the Lamb of GodMusic Review:  Behold the Lamb of God 10th Anniversary 2-Disc Set – Andrew Peterson
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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.

musicnews

·       Manola. Watch Trip Lee’s new video of his song “Manola”, featuring Lecrae.

·       What Would People Think If They Knew That I’m a ‘Jesus Freak’ Freak? Joel Heng Hartse looks back at DC Talk’s Jesus Freak album, which he calls “the most important Christian pop album of all time”, released 20 years ago.

·       Sara Groves Interview – Floodplain. Read this interview with Sara Groves about her new album Floodplain.

·       Chick Fil-A (to the tune of the Beatles’ Yesterday). Enjoy this humorous song. I can only say a big “Amen” to this.

·       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

M. Card Quote

Song of the WeekGood 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