City Of God - Leeland
Some people seem to produce beautiful melodies time after time. I feel the group Leeland do this. They have joined the Bethel stable and that explains to me the dream like quality of some of the songs.
I was originally drawn to the group with their “Love is on the Move” album.
I have been listening to their latest album “City of God.” Never have a felt a group so succinctly said what I had been thinking at the time. There are a couple of points in the album that lose me (Fall of Dagon and Jacob’s Ladder) and in some of the songs I really like I find it a bit repetitive. The redeeming factor to me is the exceptional melody.
But I love the majority of songs. I know of no other group that so obviously uses scriptures in their songs. Heart and Flesh I find a beautiful song. In Yahweh they sing “Breathe on me breath of God / Until my heart is pure / To love the things You love / And want for nothing more”
The song “City of God” put a take on the city of God I had not considered but really like. “I can see the streets of gold in your eyes / 'Cause heaven touches earth through you and I” “We are the temple of the Lord / Habitation of His love / Now behold the kingdom come / We are the city of God”
Musically and lyrically, this is a great album. 4/5
I was originally drawn to the group with their “Love is on the Move” album.
I have been listening to their latest album “City of God.” Never have a felt a group so succinctly said what I had been thinking at the time. There are a couple of points in the album that lose me (Fall of Dagon and Jacob’s Ladder) and in some of the songs I really like I find it a bit repetitive. The redeeming factor to me is the exceptional melody.
But I love the majority of songs. I know of no other group that so obviously uses scriptures in their songs. Heart and Flesh I find a beautiful song. In Yahweh they sing “Breathe on me breath of God / Until my heart is pure / To love the things You love / And want for nothing more”
The song “City of God” put a take on the city of God I had not considered but really like. “I can see the streets of gold in your eyes / 'Cause heaven touches earth through you and I” “We are the temple of the Lord / Habitation of His love / Now behold the kingdom come / We are the city of God”
Musically and lyrically, this is a great album. 4/5
I have been listening to The Afters for a number of years. Their music is great but I felt there was a shallowness about it and they were catering for the radio market. Having said that I felt there were some unbelievably good songs.
This album is a continuation but lyrically probably the best I have heard of theirs. Their music is still unbelievably good. They make albums which I feel like every song could go on my playlist.
This to me is the most Christian album lyrically I have heard of theirs, yet the music would appeal to any radio listener. It is like they have embraced who they are and produce the best radio music possible.
Lyrics would not be considered their strong point but they are good. And in amongst it all there are gems. I particularly like “What home feels like” and the words in “Fear No More,” “ Even though I’m in the storm, the storm is not in me” and in “Well Done” that say, “I’m waiting my whole life to hear You say, Well done…Welcome to the place where you belong.” And in “Forever and Always”, “I just know He is close to the broken hearted, Forever and Always He will never leave your side”
This is a typical The Afters album full of great songs and good words. 4/5
This album is a continuation but lyrically probably the best I have heard of theirs. Their music is still unbelievably good. They make albums which I feel like every song could go on my playlist.
This to me is the most Christian album lyrically I have heard of theirs, yet the music would appeal to any radio listener. It is like they have embraced who they are and produce the best radio music possible.
Lyrics would not be considered their strong point but they are good. And in amongst it all there are gems. I particularly like “What home feels like” and the words in “Fear No More,” “ Even though I’m in the storm, the storm is not in me” and in “Well Done” that say, “I’m waiting my whole life to hear You say, Well done…Welcome to the place where you belong.” And in “Forever and Always”, “I just know He is close to the broken hearted, Forever and Always He will never leave your side”
This is a typical The Afters album full of great songs and good words. 4/5
Wholehearted - We are Messengers
I heard a song on theirs on a compilation album. The music is no different from many albums but having said that almost every song is excellently done featuring a good sing along melody.
For me the words set this band apart. Originally out of Ireland they are now based in the US. The lead singers voice reminds me of the lead singer of Need To Breathe. Apart from the accent and last song the band could be from anywhere and I found myself thinking some of the music sounded reggae.
The album leads off with the song from which the album is named. “When I need grace You give it wholehearted.” “When all my bridges have been burned / You make another way.”
Rather than go through each song, listed are some lines I found great. “Sometimes its gonna hurt/to love without reserve.” “You're turning ashes into art/Your death-defying love” “The friend of sinners is a friend of mine.” “sometimes the weight of being me / Is more than I can take” “So listen, child, listen / His love for you is here to stay / So keep the faith” “Maybe the why just don't matter / What if it's not for me to know / Maybe the point is just to trust You / Find the faith to let it go” “Faith sees best in the dark / God hears every broken heart”
My favourite song would be “Keep the Faith.” All in all a good album, good music, good words.” 3/5
I heard a song on theirs on a compilation album. The music is no different from many albums but having said that almost every song is excellently done featuring a good sing along melody.
For me the words set this band apart. Originally out of Ireland they are now based in the US. The lead singers voice reminds me of the lead singer of Need To Breathe. Apart from the accent and last song the band could be from anywhere and I found myself thinking some of the music sounded reggae.
The album leads off with the song from which the album is named. “When I need grace You give it wholehearted.” “When all my bridges have been burned / You make another way.”
Rather than go through each song, listed are some lines I found great. “Sometimes its gonna hurt/to love without reserve.” “You're turning ashes into art/Your death-defying love” “The friend of sinners is a friend of mine.” “sometimes the weight of being me / Is more than I can take” “So listen, child, listen / His love for you is here to stay / So keep the faith” “Maybe the why just don't matter / What if it's not for me to know / Maybe the point is just to trust You / Find the faith to let it go” “Faith sees best in the dark / God hears every broken heart”
My favourite song would be “Keep the Faith.” All in all a good album, good music, good words.” 3/5
Katy Nichole - Jesus Changed My Life
There must be many albums like this. There definitely are good songs and they grow on you. Some are destined to be sung by churches or already are, like the opening track “In Jesus Name (God of possible).
Other songs I would go back to. Like “God is in this story” (https://youtu.be/R_zI1Iy5_EQ) which contains the words “God is in the details” or the song which is definitely not a worship song, but a song of longing called “Things I wish I would have said.” (https://youtu.be/cdRq5h_k8eI) “Time keeps going by, but time just won't let me forget / All the things I wish I would've said and “I can't find the good in that goodbye” and “last words that sound like slamming doors / Tears we never saw each other cry.
A song I have been playing a lot is “Living Proof.” (https://youtu.be/6tzKe2T25ZI) “When it looked hopeless, You said I’m not done.” I admit it is a concept I love. My life being seen as evidence that God is real. I have also started playing “Turn to Jesus.” (https://youtu.be/CtSpOIpD_A8) “I could give a million different reasons / For why I turn / I turn to Jesus.
It is a good album. I would not say a great album, but it is easy listening and some songs stand out. 3/5
There must be many albums like this. There definitely are good songs and they grow on you. Some are destined to be sung by churches or already are, like the opening track “In Jesus Name (God of possible).
Other songs I would go back to. Like “God is in this story” (https://youtu.be/R_zI1Iy5_EQ) which contains the words “God is in the details” or the song which is definitely not a worship song, but a song of longing called “Things I wish I would have said.” (https://youtu.be/cdRq5h_k8eI) “Time keeps going by, but time just won't let me forget / All the things I wish I would've said and “I can't find the good in that goodbye” and “last words that sound like slamming doors / Tears we never saw each other cry.
A song I have been playing a lot is “Living Proof.” (https://youtu.be/6tzKe2T25ZI) “When it looked hopeless, You said I’m not done.” I admit it is a concept I love. My life being seen as evidence that God is real. I have also started playing “Turn to Jesus.” (https://youtu.be/CtSpOIpD_A8) “I could give a million different reasons / For why I turn / I turn to Jesus.
It is a good album. I would not say a great album, but it is easy listening and some songs stand out. 3/5
Alexander Pappas
I thought I would try to write something before this guy was famous. But I have the feeling I am too late already.
Much of what he writes reminds me of “The Afters.” Beautiful songs but nothing new. A formula found to work that is stuck with and there is no obvious progression.
But having said that the songs are magnificent. He was a front man for Hillsong “Young and Free” and is responsible for writing some iconic songs including “Echo.”
He has produced one EP to date called Idaho and is due to bring out another EP this month.
What attracted my attention to him was a song called “Keep you Word.” Since listening to that song I have heard a heap of his stuff that I think is magnificent. The latest is “A Beautiful Life” which I had heard but not realized he wrote.
I reckon he has a great career in store and companies will be falling over themselves to sign him up.
Much of what he writes reminds me of “The Afters.” Beautiful songs but nothing new. A formula found to work that is stuck with and there is no obvious progression.
But having said that the songs are magnificent. He was a front man for Hillsong “Young and Free” and is responsible for writing some iconic songs including “Echo.”
He has produced one EP to date called Idaho and is due to bring out another EP this month.
What attracted my attention to him was a song called “Keep you Word.” Since listening to that song I have heard a heap of his stuff that I think is magnificent. The latest is “A Beautiful Life” which I had heard but not realized he wrote.
I reckon he has a great career in store and companies will be falling over themselves to sign him up.
Brave
The production values on this album are unbelievably good. To me it is full of good songs. He is considered to be a folk/pop musician. I heard a song of his and this is his latest album I can find. It does not disappoint.
When I first listened to it I thought it had a strong theme of love. But further listening shows it is love built on hope. “This world may not be home / But that don’t mean we’re on our own / Because His love is alive in us / Hope is right here, hope is right here”
The hope emphasised is built on His love provided by His example “learning how to love is learning how to lose.” I love the words in the song “I Can’t Imagine.” “Let me love you in the here and now / And the mystery of tomorrow will soon be found.” That to me talks about hope built on trust. I may not understand what is happening, but He does ad I can love and trust Him.
If there is any song that says it how it is it is “Firefly”. “You were. made to soar /You were made for more, you were made for more / You were born to fly, you were born to fly”
The whole album does not shy away from the fact that life can be hard. But hard is not the end of the story. We have a hope built on His character.
The words that sum life up for me are from the song “Worlds Apart.” “I travel far, I travel long all to find that you’re my home” and “Your Love is Saving Me” “Your love is bringing me home”
I really do enjoy this album. 4/5
The production values on this album are unbelievably good. To me it is full of good songs. He is considered to be a folk/pop musician. I heard a song of his and this is his latest album I can find. It does not disappoint.
When I first listened to it I thought it had a strong theme of love. But further listening shows it is love built on hope. “This world may not be home / But that don’t mean we’re on our own / Because His love is alive in us / Hope is right here, hope is right here”
The hope emphasised is built on His love provided by His example “learning how to love is learning how to lose.” I love the words in the song “I Can’t Imagine.” “Let me love you in the here and now / And the mystery of tomorrow will soon be found.” That to me talks about hope built on trust. I may not understand what is happening, but He does ad I can love and trust Him.
If there is any song that says it how it is it is “Firefly”. “You were. made to soar /You were made for more, you were made for more / You were born to fly, you were born to fly”
The whole album does not shy away from the fact that life can be hard. But hard is not the end of the story. We have a hope built on His character.
The words that sum life up for me are from the song “Worlds Apart.” “I travel far, I travel long all to find that you’re my home” and “Your Love is Saving Me” “Your love is bringing me home”
I really do enjoy this album. 4/5
Ending is Beginning
I confess I am totally bias. This is one of my favourite bands. They have disbanded now but they produced some amazing albums. They were a Canadian group. I do remember saying in a comment that if I was on an island and could only have three songs I would take three that appeared in a row on this album. “Coming Back Home, All at War and Don’t Miss Now.”
I guess I really liked them as their sound transcended much contemporary Christian music. I love surprises and there is one at the end of the first track on the album. They have two lead singers. One sings really high and the other low. One of their albums was a free download.
I had words from this album as the sign off on my emails under my name. From “All at War” It's justice and mercy, the old dichotomies / All along the front lines of my heart in both doubt and belief / The sinner, and the saint, the old arch enemies / All at war in me.
It is really hard to pick out songs as special as so many are so good. If find it hard to review this album objectively. I guess it is inevitable, but I felt a sense of loss when they finished up.
I guess I really liked them as their sound transcended much contemporary Christian music. I love surprises and there is one at the end of the first track on the album. They have two lead singers. One sings really high and the other low. One of their albums was a free download.
I had words from this album as the sign off on my emails under my name. From “All at War” It's justice and mercy, the old dichotomies / All along the front lines of my heart in both doubt and belief / The sinner, and the saint, the old arch enemies / All at war in me.
It is really hard to pick out songs as special as so many are so good. If find it hard to review this album objectively. I guess it is inevitable, but I felt a sense of loss when they finished up.
I admit it. I am bias. I have been putting together a playlist and I was amazed at the number of times this name came up with songs I wanted to add to the list. I decided it was time to listen to an album. The latest of hers I found was “Trust” from 2017. I now have it on rotation.
The words I have loved and always found the music rich and full. This album is no different. I love the words. My favourite songs at this point are “Great is Your Faithfulness” and “God who Moves the Mountains” but picking out favourites is fraught, as all songs have a pertinent message.
(I Will Call) “For I know my place and where I belong / In Your presence,” (God Who Moves The Mountains) “The rocks are falling / The broken calling / To the God who moves the mountains.” (Great Is Your Faithfulness) “Great is Your faithfulness / … / Through the years / You've always been there / Great is Your love for us / … / Through the years / You'll always be there,” (It’s Never As Dark As It Seems To Be) “It's never as dark as it seems to be / Lift up your head and you will see / The cross still stands, there's victory / It's never as dark as it seems to be.”
I do like what this artist has to say, and how it is said. 4/5
The words I have loved and always found the music rich and full. This album is no different. I love the words. My favourite songs at this point are “Great is Your Faithfulness” and “God who Moves the Mountains” but picking out favourites is fraught, as all songs have a pertinent message.
(I Will Call) “For I know my place and where I belong / In Your presence,” (God Who Moves The Mountains) “The rocks are falling / The broken calling / To the God who moves the mountains.” (Great Is Your Faithfulness) “Great is Your faithfulness / … / Through the years / You've always been there / Great is Your love for us / … / Through the years / You'll always be there,” (It’s Never As Dark As It Seems To Be) “It's never as dark as it seems to be / Lift up your head and you will see / The cross still stands, there's victory / It's never as dark as it seems to be.”
I do like what this artist has to say, and how it is said. 4/5
“You're not impressed with all of my best / Not disappointed when I don't land on my feet / In everything, you are asking me to lean”
Every now and then I become aware of an artist I find special. I enjoy listening to a number of female artists but the ones that have impacted me most are Carolyn Arends and Cheryl Keaggy. Today another was added. Nichole Nordeman. I could have reviewed a number of albums as there are so many that are good, but the one reviewed here is “Every Mile Mattered” from 2017. As one reviewer said, “nothing here comes across as trite or cliché; it comes from a place of depth that only experience can inform.”
Her music is easy listening. She is a singer/songwriter who writes songs in which the words stay with me long after the song has finished. “Everything's holy, everything's sacred / Even in the mundane, you'll find nothing's wasted” “Touch me / Take me to that other place / Teach me / I know I'm not a hopeless case.” “Love don't need a roof / Love don't need four walls / You can say my name / I'll come anytime you call” “I am your biggest fan / I hope you know I am / Do you think you can somehow / Slow down”
A good album makes me want to listen to all they have produced. That is how I feel with this one. I’m challenged and encouraged. I want for more of a good thing. 4/5
Every now and then I become aware of an artist I find special. I enjoy listening to a number of female artists but the ones that have impacted me most are Carolyn Arends and Cheryl Keaggy. Today another was added. Nichole Nordeman. I could have reviewed a number of albums as there are so many that are good, but the one reviewed here is “Every Mile Mattered” from 2017. As one reviewer said, “nothing here comes across as trite or cliché; it comes from a place of depth that only experience can inform.”
Her music is easy listening. She is a singer/songwriter who writes songs in which the words stay with me long after the song has finished. “Everything's holy, everything's sacred / Even in the mundane, you'll find nothing's wasted” “Touch me / Take me to that other place / Teach me / I know I'm not a hopeless case.” “Love don't need a roof / Love don't need four walls / You can say my name / I'll come anytime you call” “I am your biggest fan / I hope you know I am / Do you think you can somehow / Slow down”
A good album makes me want to listen to all they have produced. That is how I feel with this one. I’m challenged and encouraged. I want for more of a good thing. 4/5
“Butterfly Kisses.” “I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is / I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember / Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses...”
I was looking to review a Bob Carlisle album and was amazed to discover his last album was 2000.
It is easy listening music containing some “sock you between the eyes” words. The music contains nothing new or revolutionary. It is understated good music from a good song writer.
The album I listened to was Butterfly Kisses. I know that song was designed to make me cry and it about worked. I’ll never forget in the movie “Show Me the Money” the star watching tv and scoffing that the person being interviewed always cries at this point. And so it was for him, when he was in that position. I braced myself but to no avail. It is a beautiful song.
I like the line in the song “Man of his word” “He wasn't a saint / But he was saint enough for her / He was a man / A man of his word.”
One Man Revival” was the song that led me to the album. “I need a one man revival, a renewing of my heart / To capture me before I stray too far / It's the one thing I cry for and the only way I know / Is a one man revival” “But if I'm gonna see a change / There's got to be a change in me.” The song “Mighty Love” contains words that reflect the way I see things. “I'm not tryin' to preach to ya / and tell you that I've found all the easy answers. / when half the time I can't even / find my keys.” While in Living Waters he says, “I hear your voice gently say "come to me" / I long for your love as the earth longs for the rainfall / I'm weary Lord I've wandered this desert too long” “So come Living Water flow through me like a river.” In “on My Knees” he sings “…on my knees the worlds a little smaller and I stand taller on my knees.” The album ends with “I’m Gonna be Ready.” “..Oh yes, I'm much more than willing / I've got a desire that's burning like a flame / I'm gonna be ready when You call my name”
Musically it is good but not outstanding. Lyrically it is outstanding. 4/5
I was looking to review a Bob Carlisle album and was amazed to discover his last album was 2000.
It is easy listening music containing some “sock you between the eyes” words. The music contains nothing new or revolutionary. It is understated good music from a good song writer.
The album I listened to was Butterfly Kisses. I know that song was designed to make me cry and it about worked. I’ll never forget in the movie “Show Me the Money” the star watching tv and scoffing that the person being interviewed always cries at this point. And so it was for him, when he was in that position. I braced myself but to no avail. It is a beautiful song.
I like the line in the song “Man of his word” “He wasn't a saint / But he was saint enough for her / He was a man / A man of his word.”
One Man Revival” was the song that led me to the album. “I need a one man revival, a renewing of my heart / To capture me before I stray too far / It's the one thing I cry for and the only way I know / Is a one man revival” “But if I'm gonna see a change / There's got to be a change in me.” The song “Mighty Love” contains words that reflect the way I see things. “I'm not tryin' to preach to ya / and tell you that I've found all the easy answers. / when half the time I can't even / find my keys.” While in Living Waters he says, “I hear your voice gently say "come to me" / I long for your love as the earth longs for the rainfall / I'm weary Lord I've wandered this desert too long” “So come Living Water flow through me like a river.” In “on My Knees” he sings “…on my knees the worlds a little smaller and I stand taller on my knees.” The album ends with “I’m Gonna be Ready.” “..Oh yes, I'm much more than willing / I've got a desire that's burning like a flame / I'm gonna be ready when You call my name”
Musically it is good but not outstanding. Lyrically it is outstanding. 4/5
Chris Renzema’s music is from the folk/pop gene. The album is so laid back. There are only a few faster songs.
I agree totally with the opinion of a couple of people that this album contains a few instant hits and the rest are slow burners. It is said it takes several times through to fully appreciate what is being heard. This has been so true for me.
I first got on to him as it was suggested that if I liked Andrew Peterson I may like him. I do, but not as much.
What I find most interesting is his use of words. In Signal Fire he sings “there’s a compass in my bloodstream” In what is probably the popiest of tunes, “Maybe this is the End” he sings “I never saw it coming from above or from below / I never saw it coming, but here we are and here we go.” The song title I find most fascinating is “Older than our God (Forever Young)” It emphasises how we should be as little children but we have made things different. The song “Better” summarizes where many are at. “God, help me believe that what You've said is what You've done, We all just wanna get better ”
This is lazy afternoon music for me. There are no stand out songs but all are good. While it is not an album I would turn to for any hits it is one I would play to be edified and reflect. I can see myself putting it on more regularly than many. 3.5/5
I agree totally with the opinion of a couple of people that this album contains a few instant hits and the rest are slow burners. It is said it takes several times through to fully appreciate what is being heard. This has been so true for me.
I first got on to him as it was suggested that if I liked Andrew Peterson I may like him. I do, but not as much.
What I find most interesting is his use of words. In Signal Fire he sings “there’s a compass in my bloodstream” In what is probably the popiest of tunes, “Maybe this is the End” he sings “I never saw it coming from above or from below / I never saw it coming, but here we are and here we go.” The song title I find most fascinating is “Older than our God (Forever Young)” It emphasises how we should be as little children but we have made things different. The song “Better” summarizes where many are at. “God, help me believe that what You've said is what You've done, We all just wanna get better ”
This is lazy afternoon music for me. There are no stand out songs but all are good. While it is not an album I would turn to for any hits it is one I would play to be edified and reflect. I can see myself putting it on more regularly than many. 3.5/5
I never thought reviewing an album from 2010 would seem old. But it is 11 years ago now.
I am reviewing the self-titled album of Newworldson. This is the second album of these guys I have review. I admit I love their sound. It is different to anything in Christian music. They are classified as pop/soul. It is hard to classify but one thing is obvious to me. These guys not only have excellent words they are very obviously into the music. It is so refreshing to hear breaks by various instruments.
The album is full of good songs. The first track “You Set The Rhythm” is an acquired sound but it is guaranteed to get the foot tapping by the end. “Listen to the Lord” has a real negro Southern US sound to it. It is one of my favourite songs. In Your Arms reminded me immediately of the Beatles.
There are plenty of great songs and I have put some on my playlist “Sheep in Wolves Clothing.” They are definitely worth a listen. Some will dismiss the sound and others will be right into it. That was me. 3.5/5.
I am reviewing the self-titled album of Newworldson. This is the second album of these guys I have review. I admit I love their sound. It is different to anything in Christian music. They are classified as pop/soul. It is hard to classify but one thing is obvious to me. These guys not only have excellent words they are very obviously into the music. It is so refreshing to hear breaks by various instruments.
The album is full of good songs. The first track “You Set The Rhythm” is an acquired sound but it is guaranteed to get the foot tapping by the end. “Listen to the Lord” has a real negro Southern US sound to it. It is one of my favourite songs. In Your Arms reminded me immediately of the Beatles.
There are plenty of great songs and I have put some on my playlist “Sheep in Wolves Clothing.” They are definitely worth a listen. Some will dismiss the sound and others will be right into it. That was me. 3.5/5.
This is a remarkable band. It is not Hillsong worship. I had never given them much time as I had not gotten past the screams. Turns out there is a lot of good music.
Reading other reviews of their albums they say that they seem to throw in the obligatory ballads. They are not the only good songs but the ones I have heard are outstanding. On this album I love “Not Alone” and “Best Is Yet To Come”
There is no doubt many songs point to Jesus, but it is no wonder they have a following both Christian and non-Christian. For me the key lyrics are in the song “Buried Beneath”. I built this house on the shore / All I wanted was more / But I felt the sand start shifting /Saw the cracks in the walls / I painted over them all / I tried my best to just ignore / I can't ignore / I'm finally breaking…. Pull me out before I am buried beneath
There is a lot of heavy rock and roll. And a few screams. For those not into it the first song “Feed The Machine” would have them go elsewhere. Yet beyond the screams there is a lot of good music. This is an album I am choosing to listen to. It is not something I would subject others to who were not into it, but given the chance by myself I go there. For me it has taken more than one listen to appreciate what I was listening to.
The musicianship is outstanding, as are the production values. As far as I am concerned this album contains a lot of gems musically and lyrically. 4/5
Reading other reviews of their albums they say that they seem to throw in the obligatory ballads. They are not the only good songs but the ones I have heard are outstanding. On this album I love “Not Alone” and “Best Is Yet To Come”
There is no doubt many songs point to Jesus, but it is no wonder they have a following both Christian and non-Christian. For me the key lyrics are in the song “Buried Beneath”. I built this house on the shore / All I wanted was more / But I felt the sand start shifting /Saw the cracks in the walls / I painted over them all / I tried my best to just ignore / I can't ignore / I'm finally breaking…. Pull me out before I am buried beneath
There is a lot of heavy rock and roll. And a few screams. For those not into it the first song “Feed The Machine” would have them go elsewhere. Yet beyond the screams there is a lot of good music. This is an album I am choosing to listen to. It is not something I would subject others to who were not into it, but given the chance by myself I go there. For me it has taken more than one listen to appreciate what I was listening to.
The musicianship is outstanding, as are the production values. As far as I am concerned this album contains a lot of gems musically and lyrically. 4/5
I do like this album. The music is good with a variety of formats and the words are real but build a person up. Having said that it is not an album I would return to continuously But some songs are outstanding.
“Hope in Front of Me” tells it like it is. Times can be hard. There is no disguising it. “This is What it Means.” There's fear, there's faith, there's loss, there's grace / I've seen it from both sides / This is what it means to be alive. One Life addresses sudden tragedy. Cause tomorrow isn't promised / All we have is one life. But the album resounds with hope. “More than you think I am”, I am more than you dreamed. He is more than able.
“Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” is the song that drew me to the album and is my favourite song. Yesterday's a closing door / You don't live there anymore.
All in all, a good album. Not outstanding but it contains what I consider some outstanding songs. 3/5
“Hope in Front of Me” tells it like it is. Times can be hard. There is no disguising it. “This is What it Means.” There's fear, there's faith, there's loss, there's grace / I've seen it from both sides / This is what it means to be alive. One Life addresses sudden tragedy. Cause tomorrow isn't promised / All we have is one life. But the album resounds with hope. “More than you think I am”, I am more than you dreamed. He is more than able.
“Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” is the song that drew me to the album and is my favourite song. Yesterday's a closing door / You don't live there anymore.
All in all, a good album. Not outstanding but it contains what I consider some outstanding songs. 3/5
This album is pure rock and roll. It sure would not be everyone’s cup of tea. But it contains some real gems.
I marvel how they sound like the Beatles and Phil Keaggy comes to mind. Reading other reviews it seems I am not alone in thinking they sound Beatle like.
What I really enjoy about this album are some of the words and how the music is not a typical Christian sound. The music in parts has a very experimental “dare to be different” sound. The difference is in evidence from the very first bar but seems to be especially true on the tile track “Them.” It is about the media. “They tell us what they want us to hear / They patronize our aching ears / We don't have to watch what they want us to see / Yet we've let them bind our hands and feet” Another line sums up the effect. “They have left so many bleeding, needing help from Christ the King”
The album opens with “Pour Me Out.” The words are very familiar. The container is very different. “Daddy Never Cried” is an unexpected gem. “Do you understand / Just how much the truth can change a man” “Anything” is a sound more likely to be heard “And what I know of love, is that I'm not deserving of / One You call Your son, once sent to save me” “Fight” is a Ballard “We fight on our knees.” I thought of Phil Keaggy when I heard the guitar in this one. “Line of Love” is one of those songs the louder the better. “Your line of love goes on and on / Leads to a place where I belong / Where mercy waits to embrace me.” “Ordinary Day” is very Beatlesque but the words point to Him “On this, an ordinary day / There's an extraordinary Saviour’” I love the line in “Tried to Tell Her” “A failure at failure” but it points very clearly to the answer. “Face to Face” contains the words “Face To face with the One who made mountains / Who hung the stars in the sky / He is love and loved us so much / That He was willing to die? Kingdom Smile contains words any kingdom person understands, “He's come and everyone in the kingdom wears a smile.” Say states what we all need. “I could really use some words of comfort” The album ends with “Garden” and states what I feel is the the heart of this band “I hear you calling / I hear you calling to me”
An album that required more than one listen. Well worth it.
I marvel how they sound like the Beatles and Phil Keaggy comes to mind. Reading other reviews it seems I am not alone in thinking they sound Beatle like.
What I really enjoy about this album are some of the words and how the music is not a typical Christian sound. The music in parts has a very experimental “dare to be different” sound. The difference is in evidence from the very first bar but seems to be especially true on the tile track “Them.” It is about the media. “They tell us what they want us to hear / They patronize our aching ears / We don't have to watch what they want us to see / Yet we've let them bind our hands and feet” Another line sums up the effect. “They have left so many bleeding, needing help from Christ the King”
The album opens with “Pour Me Out.” The words are very familiar. The container is very different. “Daddy Never Cried” is an unexpected gem. “Do you understand / Just how much the truth can change a man” “Anything” is a sound more likely to be heard “And what I know of love, is that I'm not deserving of / One You call Your son, once sent to save me” “Fight” is a Ballard “We fight on our knees.” I thought of Phil Keaggy when I heard the guitar in this one. “Line of Love” is one of those songs the louder the better. “Your line of love goes on and on / Leads to a place where I belong / Where mercy waits to embrace me.” “Ordinary Day” is very Beatlesque but the words point to Him “On this, an ordinary day / There's an extraordinary Saviour’” I love the line in “Tried to Tell Her” “A failure at failure” but it points very clearly to the answer. “Face to Face” contains the words “Face To face with the One who made mountains / Who hung the stars in the sky / He is love and loved us so much / That He was willing to die? Kingdom Smile contains words any kingdom person understands, “He's come and everyone in the kingdom wears a smile.” Say states what we all need. “I could really use some words of comfort” The album ends with “Garden” and states what I feel is the the heart of this band “I hear you calling / I hear you calling to me”
An album that required more than one listen. Well worth it.
I was working in the yard and listening to music. A song played and I listened to it several times. It was “Follow You” by John Guerra. I thought I want to know more about this person. I was amazed his latest albums received five out of five from one place I look at reviews. Another reviewer said it was possibly the best Christian album ever. I admit I have not been able to get into it yet. They suggest it takes a few listens.
I really enjoyed another album of his though called “Little Songs” and it is this one being reviewed.
He sure piqued my interest when he started his web site describing his style as devotional music - “less Sunday morning worship music and more Monday morning prayer music.”
“Little Songs” is full of good songs. In “Ever Chasing God he sings “I drew Your water but You drew me further” In “Rolling, rolling, rolling” I love the words “you can take His brand new life and He will take your stone.” Bound for Glory contains the words “I am free because I am bound, I am bound for heavens gates.” “The One We’re Looking For” is full of great lyrics, “I’ve spent my life looking for the ultimate prize, I was looking for You”
Then there is the song that attracted me in the first place. He sings, “Even in the good I’ll follow you.” I reckon it is hardest to follow God when all goes well. In distress we call on Him, but in the good times He can seem like an extra.
I love this album. It is not often I like every song, but I do on this one.
I really enjoyed another album of his though called “Little Songs” and it is this one being reviewed.
He sure piqued my interest when he started his web site describing his style as devotional music - “less Sunday morning worship music and more Monday morning prayer music.”
“Little Songs” is full of good songs. In “Ever Chasing God he sings “I drew Your water but You drew me further” In “Rolling, rolling, rolling” I love the words “you can take His brand new life and He will take your stone.” Bound for Glory contains the words “I am free because I am bound, I am bound for heavens gates.” “The One We’re Looking For” is full of great lyrics, “I’ve spent my life looking for the ultimate prize, I was looking for You”
Then there is the song that attracted me in the first place. He sings, “Even in the good I’ll follow you.” I reckon it is hardest to follow God when all goes well. In distress we call on Him, but in the good times He can seem like an extra.
I love this album. It is not often I like every song, but I do on this one.
Air For Free - Relient K
I must admit I really love this album. I bought one of their albums previously “Five Score and Seven Years Ago” and I was put off.
However I read a review of Air For Free that described changes in the 15 years or more they have been around. I thought it was time to give them another go. I am so not disappointed I did. I bought the album online as I did their previous one and commenced to listen.
At this point with reviews a lot of people go into each song and describe it. I like every tune bar one and that is probably just me at this point. The song I am not keen on is “Runnin.” I also agree wholeheartedly with what I have read about “Empty House.” It is a great song and what they did to his voice was so unnecessary.
Basically I am just listening out for what hits me. I am more inclined to be listening to the words if I like the tune. “I’m too old to be growing up” in “Man” resonates with me.
“Local Construction” reminds me of work done locally that seemed to take forever. “Mrs Hippopotamuses” has got to be one of my favourite songs in the world. I just can’t help but want to dance. I can’t dance for nuts but I can on the inside, and I do with this song. I am glad I am from Oz and not the US as I have no biases. The Cleveland Browns are supported by me due to this song as I don’t really have any US teams I support. But then as far as US teams go I am fickle. Write a good song and I will support you. I read a comment about the bass walking being really good in this song and I totally agree.
Anyway I love this album and would highly recommend it to anyone. I give it 4/5. The drawbacks are “Runnin’” and what they did to the voice on “Empty House.” In its favour are the tunes and the imagery of the words.
That’s my two bits worth.
However I read a review of Air For Free that described changes in the 15 years or more they have been around. I thought it was time to give them another go. I am so not disappointed I did. I bought the album online as I did their previous one and commenced to listen.
At this point with reviews a lot of people go into each song and describe it. I like every tune bar one and that is probably just me at this point. The song I am not keen on is “Runnin.” I also agree wholeheartedly with what I have read about “Empty House.” It is a great song and what they did to his voice was so unnecessary.
Basically I am just listening out for what hits me. I am more inclined to be listening to the words if I like the tune. “I’m too old to be growing up” in “Man” resonates with me.
“Local Construction” reminds me of work done locally that seemed to take forever. “Mrs Hippopotamuses” has got to be one of my favourite songs in the world. I just can’t help but want to dance. I can’t dance for nuts but I can on the inside, and I do with this song. I am glad I am from Oz and not the US as I have no biases. The Cleveland Browns are supported by me due to this song as I don’t really have any US teams I support. But then as far as US teams go I am fickle. Write a good song and I will support you. I read a comment about the bass walking being really good in this song and I totally agree.
Anyway I love this album and would highly recommend it to anyone. I give it 4/5. The drawbacks are “Runnin’” and what they did to the voice on “Empty House.” In its favour are the tunes and the imagery of the words.
That’s my two bits worth.
Citizens and Saints - A Glass Dimly
I love this band. This album reminds me of so many good things. It is not that this band has not been through a lot. They have. It is where they end up that I relate to so well. They were a band out of Mars Hill. This is the first mega church that I have heard of that has failed.
Their music is so well done. It leaves one wanting more. That is the best way I think. Even though the album is only 9 songs long and an album is often 10 or 12 songs, it is 42 minutes of understated music and words and all their own.
The words are great to me. There are gems there. “Stumbling saved” I love as that is me. I sure don’t have it all together but I am giving it my best shot. “Faith is true sight” I love too. “To loose my life is not defeat” is me too as I have no desire to put myself at the centre of my life as I am only another flawed human being. “”Can I sit here at Your feet cause this is right where I belong”
In Day by Day I Iove the imagery of ”The Ghost of God” “I’m not who I was, I am who I am”
My favourite song at the moment has to be “Majestic.” I’m a softy, and the music and words are beautiful. “Burdens are met with grace,” “All hopeful and all broken, all peaceful and all violent” It is the title of a song but “Doubting Doubts” is what I can relate to as well. “I can see that I am stronger broken.” “I am loved no matter what.”
All in all this is a great album. I would recommend it to anyone.
Their music is so well done. It leaves one wanting more. That is the best way I think. Even though the album is only 9 songs long and an album is often 10 or 12 songs, it is 42 minutes of understated music and words and all their own.
The words are great to me. There are gems there. “Stumbling saved” I love as that is me. I sure don’t have it all together but I am giving it my best shot. “Faith is true sight” I love too. “To loose my life is not defeat” is me too as I have no desire to put myself at the centre of my life as I am only another flawed human being. “”Can I sit here at Your feet cause this is right where I belong”
In Day by Day I Iove the imagery of ”The Ghost of God” “I’m not who I was, I am who I am”
My favourite song at the moment has to be “Majestic.” I’m a softy, and the music and words are beautiful. “Burdens are met with grace,” “All hopeful and all broken, all peaceful and all violent” It is the title of a song but “Doubting Doubts” is what I can relate to as well. “I can see that I am stronger broken.” “I am loved no matter what.”
All in all this is a great album. I would recommend it to anyone.
Phil Keaggy - Various
I must admit I am a huge Phil Keaggy fan. Ok I know it sort of dates me but hey I am dated anyway. Or as House said on tv last night when talking to a 101 year old who wanted a full battery of tests “does that include carbon dating?” To me Keaggy was at his best in the eighties. 1980’s that is.
I was in the front row to see him in concert, but so many people turned up they added another row in front of us. I’m not bitter and twisted. I don’t need counselling for it. It was only like 40 years ago. As Dylan sings concerning Gregory Peck “I’ll see him in anything so I’ll stand in line.” I was just glad to see him live.
He was considered by some to be among the best guitarists in the world. I do not doubt it on hearing him play and hearing him talking about guitars. The album “The Master and Musician” was totally instrumental.
He has so many good songs across a number of albums. It is hard to say what stands out. I remember Marcia Hines singing a song I thought could be Christian if a few words were changed. It turns out a few words were changed by her. It was the song “Love Broke Through” which was the title of an album and a song sung by Phil Keaggy’s. Also on that album was a song called “As the Ruin Falls.” To me it is one of the best songs ever written but I could be bias as I reckon it summed up me! Another great song on that album was “Abraham.” On Ph’lip Side I loved “I belong to You” and “Spend my Life with You.” The album “Town to Town” I really enjoyed. Songs like “Wished you were there” and “Full circle” stand out to me.
Phil Keaggy occupied a time and was a firm foundation of quality which we now take for granted. His songs were original and I regarded him as much as a poet as a musician.
I was in the front row to see him in concert, but so many people turned up they added another row in front of us. I’m not bitter and twisted. I don’t need counselling for it. It was only like 40 years ago. As Dylan sings concerning Gregory Peck “I’ll see him in anything so I’ll stand in line.” I was just glad to see him live.
He was considered by some to be among the best guitarists in the world. I do not doubt it on hearing him play and hearing him talking about guitars. The album “The Master and Musician” was totally instrumental.
He has so many good songs across a number of albums. It is hard to say what stands out. I remember Marcia Hines singing a song I thought could be Christian if a few words were changed. It turns out a few words were changed by her. It was the song “Love Broke Through” which was the title of an album and a song sung by Phil Keaggy’s. Also on that album was a song called “As the Ruin Falls.” To me it is one of the best songs ever written but I could be bias as I reckon it summed up me! Another great song on that album was “Abraham.” On Ph’lip Side I loved “I belong to You” and “Spend my Life with You.” The album “Town to Town” I really enjoyed. Songs like “Wished you were there” and “Full circle” stand out to me.
Phil Keaggy occupied a time and was a firm foundation of quality which we now take for granted. His songs were original and I regarded him as much as a poet as a musician.
dc TALK - JESUS FREAK
I feel like I am catching up. I just downloaded “Jesus Freak” by dc Talk. I was inspired to do so by a review I read that said “Jesus Freak is a phenomenal record that is a milestone in Christian music that has changed the industry forever” It was produced in 1995. Be warned as another reviewer said “dc Talk never had, nor never shall rock as hard as they did in 1995.”
I think it is a really good album. What I really enjoy, is that it is not just verses and choruses and a bridge. There is a lot that is interesting besides. To me, it is a concept album. Songs are good and can stand alone, but it is really to be appreciated in its entirety.
For the record at this point I really love “Mind’s Eye”, “In the Light” and “Between You and Me”. However there is a lot more listening to do. and there is so much I like, it is really hard to choose
Rend Collective Experiment
Homemade Worship by Handmade People
Ok I am probably a bit of a snob when it comes to music. I think maybe we all are.
For the group that meets at our place I wanted to sing a song we had sung in the service. That led me to look up “My Lighthouse” on Spotify. I found it sung by a group called “Rend Collective.” I listed to their whole album called “The Art of Celebration.” There was a song on there that really grabbed me called “All that I am.” I loved the arrangement. It is now on my playlist.
I reckon there is a time and place for everything. I love worship songs. They tend to be not what I look for in an album. Sure I love the words of worship songs but I tend to like things that are put in a different way. I guess it is getting rid of the “church speak.”
When I like a group I tend to look them up on Jesus Freak Hideout. I looked up “Rend Collective.” They had gotten really good reviews. Turned out they are a Northern Ireland folk band. As a group called “Rend Collective Experiment” they had produced an album that got my attention called “Homemade Worship by Handmade People.” I love that title. To me this album is a great fusion of worship sung differently and good arrangements. Sorta like early Crowder and music by Citizens and Saints.
Naturally the music has to be good and the arrangements different, and this group seems to have it. I have a theory that arrangements can make a good song great. I think this group does that. There were some things that really stood out to me. There is a good chance, others will find other words challenging.
I loved Second Chance. “Your cross it changes everything.” “A second chance is Heavens heart.” “Your love crafts our mistakes.” I do like that these people are real. They do not pretend life is all sugar and spice and all things nice. “When sin and ugliness collide with redemption kiss beauty awakens by romance.” In True Intimacy they sang “You’re my ambition, my destination, my souls true mission.” “More than living, more than breathing, You're the reason, My heart's beating.” In Desert Soul “I'm desperate for a desperate heart.” “I am broken but running towards You God.”
That was just a snapshot of things that I like. There is heaps to like about the album.
For the group that meets at our place I wanted to sing a song we had sung in the service. That led me to look up “My Lighthouse” on Spotify. I found it sung by a group called “Rend Collective.” I listed to their whole album called “The Art of Celebration.” There was a song on there that really grabbed me called “All that I am.” I loved the arrangement. It is now on my playlist.
I reckon there is a time and place for everything. I love worship songs. They tend to be not what I look for in an album. Sure I love the words of worship songs but I tend to like things that are put in a different way. I guess it is getting rid of the “church speak.”
When I like a group I tend to look them up on Jesus Freak Hideout. I looked up “Rend Collective.” They had gotten really good reviews. Turned out they are a Northern Ireland folk band. As a group called “Rend Collective Experiment” they had produced an album that got my attention called “Homemade Worship by Handmade People.” I love that title. To me this album is a great fusion of worship sung differently and good arrangements. Sorta like early Crowder and music by Citizens and Saints.
Naturally the music has to be good and the arrangements different, and this group seems to have it. I have a theory that arrangements can make a good song great. I think this group does that. There were some things that really stood out to me. There is a good chance, others will find other words challenging.
I loved Second Chance. “Your cross it changes everything.” “A second chance is Heavens heart.” “Your love crafts our mistakes.” I do like that these people are real. They do not pretend life is all sugar and spice and all things nice. “When sin and ugliness collide with redemption kiss beauty awakens by romance.” In True Intimacy they sang “You’re my ambition, my destination, my souls true mission.” “More than living, more than breathing, You're the reason, My heart's beating.” In Desert Soul “I'm desperate for a desperate heart.” “I am broken but running towards You God.”
That was just a snapshot of things that I like. There is heaps to like about the album.
Pierce Pettis
I have been listening to a guy I had never heard of until today.
What I really like apart from good melodies is how he sings about every day stuff and combines it seamlessly with his Christian walk.
Some words are overtly Christian like those in Kingdom Come where he sings “I will walk by faith 'til my walking is done, Holding on 'til the kingdom come.” Others are overtly secular like when he sings in Alabama 1959 “Men wore hats and called you "Son," Children said, "Yes sir, yes ma'am"; ladies called you "Hun" And the days just blew away like dandelions in Alabama, 1959.” Others combine both in the one song like in Comet “Seek and you shall find it – that is what they say, Just give it time and don't get in your own way ”
Like me he is getting long in the tooth but as Shakespeare shows us words well said transcend the ages.
What I really like apart from good melodies is how he sings about every day stuff and combines it seamlessly with his Christian walk.
Some words are overtly Christian like those in Kingdom Come where he sings “I will walk by faith 'til my walking is done, Holding on 'til the kingdom come.” Others are overtly secular like when he sings in Alabama 1959 “Men wore hats and called you "Son," Children said, "Yes sir, yes ma'am"; ladies called you "Hun" And the days just blew away like dandelions in Alabama, 1959.” Others combine both in the one song like in Comet “Seek and you shall find it – that is what they say, Just give it time and don't get in your own way ”
Like me he is getting long in the tooth but as Shakespeare shows us words well said transcend the ages.
Out Of Body
NEEDTOBREATHE
Every now and then a pleasant surprise comes along. Fans of NeedToBreathe have known how good they are. They have won a new fan here.
This trio of southern rockers showcases southern rock at its best. Lead Vocalist and chief song writer “Bear” (William Stanley) Rinehart 111 has a “I could listen to you all day” voice.
Water features heavily on a number of tracks. “Mercy’s Shore “I don’t know if I can swim no more/White knuckles and wild horse/One day we’ll wash up on mercy’s shore.” Survival “I’m a fallen man/ But I found me a river/ And it washes me clean”, Banks, which is a stand out track “I wanna hold you close but never hold you back/ Just like the banks to the river” and Seasons, “Like tides of ocean blue/We won’t be here forever.”
This is the bands 7th album. They have chosen to be with Atlantic Records (Elektra label) so their music is accessible to all. Many songs are overtly Christian while others are love songs which a Christian can make Christian.
Either way the production values are second to none, and the plate the words are served on helps maintain interest. As a personal favourite song (which also mentions water) states “In the cosmic light/ In the by and by/ I wanna see your heart/Through my younger eyes.” (Child Again)
This album is a breath of fresh air. While acknowledging darkness it points to light and gives hope to saint and sinner alike.
NEEDTOBREATHE
Every now and then a pleasant surprise comes along. Fans of NeedToBreathe have known how good they are. They have won a new fan here.
This trio of southern rockers showcases southern rock at its best. Lead Vocalist and chief song writer “Bear” (William Stanley) Rinehart 111 has a “I could listen to you all day” voice.
Water features heavily on a number of tracks. “Mercy’s Shore “I don’t know if I can swim no more/White knuckles and wild horse/One day we’ll wash up on mercy’s shore.” Survival “I’m a fallen man/ But I found me a river/ And it washes me clean”, Banks, which is a stand out track “I wanna hold you close but never hold you back/ Just like the banks to the river” and Seasons, “Like tides of ocean blue/We won’t be here forever.”
This is the bands 7th album. They have chosen to be with Atlantic Records (Elektra label) so their music is accessible to all. Many songs are overtly Christian while others are love songs which a Christian can make Christian.
Either way the production values are second to none, and the plate the words are served on helps maintain interest. As a personal favourite song (which also mentions water) states “In the cosmic light/ In the by and by/ I wanna see your heart/Through my younger eyes.” (Child Again)
This album is a breath of fresh air. While acknowledging darkness it points to light and gives hope to saint and sinner alike.
For King and Country
Burn the Ships
Burn the Ships
It is hard. I thought I better do a review of an album, I don’t like. I do not rate this as highly as many, but it is good. What I also find amazing on this album is the sense of anointing. These 11 songs at 42 minutes and 25 seconds are not bad for a couple of Aussie brothers whose sister is Rebecca St James.
Probably the most well-known song is Burn the Ships but every song has something to say. Never Give Up is the catchiest song. “Never ever, ever, ever, ever give up, Never ever, ever, ever give up, no, Never ever, ever, ever, ever give up, Never ever, ever, ever give up, Never give up” They may be suggesting that never giving up is a good idea. Probably the song I find has the most poignant words is Control. “Can I speak honestly? I've still got some questions, Still fightin' attention, I need some relief, No, I'm no Superman, this is my confession, Been learnin' my lesson, help me understand / I give up control, oh, oh whoa, Body, mind, and soul, oh, oh whoa, Can't do this on my own, no, no, I give up control”
The last two songs are love songs with a good message. Hold Her. “Hold her tonight, Oh, God, would you hold her tonight?, 'Cause I'm not there to stay close, keep watch, tell her she's not alone, Hold her tonight” and Pioneers “Throw open the doors, You know my heart is yours, What are we waiting for? Yeah, Let's be pioneers, And we'll build our home, In the great unknown, yeah, Let's be pioneers”
A good album full of good tunes.
Probably the most well-known song is Burn the Ships but every song has something to say. Never Give Up is the catchiest song. “Never ever, ever, ever, ever give up, Never ever, ever, ever give up, no, Never ever, ever, ever, ever give up, Never ever, ever, ever give up, Never give up” They may be suggesting that never giving up is a good idea. Probably the song I find has the most poignant words is Control. “Can I speak honestly? I've still got some questions, Still fightin' attention, I need some relief, No, I'm no Superman, this is my confession, Been learnin' my lesson, help me understand / I give up control, oh, oh whoa, Body, mind, and soul, oh, oh whoa, Can't do this on my own, no, no, I give up control”
The last two songs are love songs with a good message. Hold Her. “Hold her tonight, Oh, God, would you hold her tonight?, 'Cause I'm not there to stay close, keep watch, tell her she's not alone, Hold her tonight” and Pioneers “Throw open the doors, You know my heart is yours, What are we waiting for? Yeah, Let's be pioneers, And we'll build our home, In the great unknown, yeah, Let's be pioneers”
A good album full of good tunes.
The Things That Got Us Here
I’ve always loved the name “Sidewalk Prophets” and it is hard to write an objective review when an album is enjoyed as much as “The Things that Got Us Here.”
These guys are country. They are like so many other country bands. They do not have a sound that would immediately identify them. Yet every song is good, and the words set them apart. They are edifying, while not shying away from our humanity.
Two songs highlight how switched on they are to the time. “The Comments Section” “Sticks and stones are nothing/ compared to how this hurts” and in “Don’t You Think it’s Time” they sing “Scrolling through someone's sunrise/ Don't want to miss the good life”
Every song highlights dark times they have seen, but always point to the hope in Jesus. “Smile” “There's a bigger plan/ The storm only lasts for a while/ So smile.” In Chosen “Whoever told you that you're not strong/ Today's the day you're gonna prove them wrong/ It's in your victory song.” And in “Where Forgiveness Is” “I'm going back to a place where hope collides with grace again/ Freedom's where forgiveness is”
My two favourite songs on the album follow each other. “Thank You Jesus” was the first song on the album that reached me deep inside “'Cause I was made to bring You all my praise/ Even in my darkest days/ Nothing changes how deeply I am loved/ Thank you, Jesus.” “Don’t Sweat It” is such good fun. “Don't sweat it/ He meant it when He said it/ He's always in control/ Let it go/ Leave your worries behind/ Don't sweat it.”
“The Light” which is one of the last songs underscores the hope instilled through this album. “The old is gone/ The new has come/ And I'm alive/ Inside Your light… Every story that I've heard/ Always has an end/ But the minute ours is over/ Eternity begins
I’ve always loved the name “Sidewalk Prophets” and it is hard to write an objective review when an album is enjoyed as much as “The Things that Got Us Here.”
These guys are country. They are like so many other country bands. They do not have a sound that would immediately identify them. Yet every song is good, and the words set them apart. They are edifying, while not shying away from our humanity.
Two songs highlight how switched on they are to the time. “The Comments Section” “Sticks and stones are nothing/ compared to how this hurts” and in “Don’t You Think it’s Time” they sing “Scrolling through someone's sunrise/ Don't want to miss the good life”
Every song highlights dark times they have seen, but always point to the hope in Jesus. “Smile” “There's a bigger plan/ The storm only lasts for a while/ So smile.” In Chosen “Whoever told you that you're not strong/ Today's the day you're gonna prove them wrong/ It's in your victory song.” And in “Where Forgiveness Is” “I'm going back to a place where hope collides with grace again/ Freedom's where forgiveness is”
My two favourite songs on the album follow each other. “Thank You Jesus” was the first song on the album that reached me deep inside “'Cause I was made to bring You all my praise/ Even in my darkest days/ Nothing changes how deeply I am loved/ Thank you, Jesus.” “Don’t Sweat It” is such good fun. “Don't sweat it/ He meant it when He said it/ He's always in control/ Let it go/ Leave your worries behind/ Don't sweat it.”
“The Light” which is one of the last songs underscores the hope instilled through this album. “The old is gone/ The new has come/ And I'm alive/ Inside Your light… Every story that I've heard/ Always has an end/ But the minute ours is over/ Eternity begins
Brandon Lake is with Bethel Music having joined the label in 2019. He sees his ministry as being one of he and his wife ministering to couple who are burned out and had been in ministry. He sees that not just churches are a House of Miracles but people. He is the Worship Pastor at Seacoast Church in South Carolina. He said in an interview with Bethel Music “There’s nothing like pastoring and shepherding someone through their next steps and seeing them accomplish more than they ever thought they could” and coined the phrase “Wonders are still what you do.”
I think I must be mellowing in my old age. I have always enjoyed artists with cryptic words. So different from this album by Brandon Lake. “House of Miracles.” The words are so upfront. They are good and memorable. Sometimes it seems it is not just how you say something but how you say something that leaves the impression. Ghost says “I need a Holy Ghost, awaken in my soul / I need a heart on fire that'll never grow tired wherever I go”….” I don't need a counterfeit comfort” House of Miracles would be one of my favourite songs. The words leave no mistake as to their meaning. “We sing come alive in the name of Jesus….This is a house of miracles.”. “Temple” is another song that states things very clearly. “'Cause I am a temple of Your Spirit / A born again believer, by the grace of Jesus / And I am an ambassador of Heaven / A lover of Your presence, prophesying freedom / And it's all for Your glory.” The song “Just Like Heaven” is slow and pretty and states things so well. “Here I will stand in Your presence / In my true identity / Doesn't it sound like? / Yeah, it sounds like / Just like Heaven”
This album builds up. The words edify. The music is right for the songs. The artists sounds vulnerable and wears his heart on his sleeve. He wants all that God has to offer and makes the lister want that too.
I think I must be mellowing in my old age. I have always enjoyed artists with cryptic words. So different from this album by Brandon Lake. “House of Miracles.” The words are so upfront. They are good and memorable. Sometimes it seems it is not just how you say something but how you say something that leaves the impression. Ghost says “I need a Holy Ghost, awaken in my soul / I need a heart on fire that'll never grow tired wherever I go”….” I don't need a counterfeit comfort” House of Miracles would be one of my favourite songs. The words leave no mistake as to their meaning. “We sing come alive in the name of Jesus….This is a house of miracles.”. “Temple” is another song that states things very clearly. “'Cause I am a temple of Your Spirit / A born again believer, by the grace of Jesus / And I am an ambassador of Heaven / A lover of Your presence, prophesying freedom / And it's all for Your glory.” The song “Just Like Heaven” is slow and pretty and states things so well. “Here I will stand in Your presence / In my true identity / Doesn't it sound like? / Yeah, it sounds like / Just like Heaven”
This album builds up. The words edify. The music is right for the songs. The artists sounds vulnerable and wears his heart on his sleeve. He wants all that God has to offer and makes the lister want that too.
I was listening to a random Contemporary playlist on Spotify. I decided any song I liked I would add to my playlist. I chose some songs. One name kept coming up. Matthew West.
I definitely liked the music, but the lyrics really stood out to me. I thought I need to check this guy out.
He has a number of albums out, and I listened to various songs, but I was drawn to one in particular. It is a 2010 album called “The Story of Your Life.” What he had done was asked his fan base to submit their story to his web site. They did and he gathered them up and took them to a studio in the middle of no-where. The songs were written based on what he read.
What he seems to be able to do is seamlessly proclaim how life can be hard, but God understands and has the answers. Songs cover a number of topics including divorce (Two Houses), cancer (Survivors), adoption (One Less). One person wrote they had been adopted and that song very much impacted them.
The songs I enjoyed most are Family Tree, “Ooh, this will be your legacy/ This will be your destiny/ Yesterday did not define you/ Ooh, this will be your legacy/ This will be your meant to be/ I can break the chains that bind you. And just like the seasons change/ Winter into spring/ You're bringing new life to your family tree now”, Survivor “For the cancer that stole all your hair/ For the smile like you just don't care/ For your hope in midnight prayer/ You're a survivor, and The Reason for the World, “…God is good/ but life’s still hard” “No ear has heard/ No eye has seen/ Not even in your wildest dreams/ A beauty that awaits beyond this world/ When you look into the eyes of grace/ And hear the voice of mercy say/ Child, welcome to the reason for the world.
The last song is appropriate and called “The Healing Has Begun,” “You have carried the weight of your secret for way too long/ Thinking if there is a place called forgiveness you don't belong/ Oh, but freedom can never be found behind those walls/ So just let 'em fall, just let 'em fall/ Oh, the healing has begun/ Oh, the healing has begun
What I like about his songs is that they are about many and varied topics which he states beautifully, while all the time beinng willing to call a spade a spade. God is good and He is the answer, but sometimes life is hard. While we walk in victory, there will no doubt be a sense of relief when our work is done, and we come home and see the Reason for the World.
I definitely liked the music, but the lyrics really stood out to me. I thought I need to check this guy out.
He has a number of albums out, and I listened to various songs, but I was drawn to one in particular. It is a 2010 album called “The Story of Your Life.” What he had done was asked his fan base to submit their story to his web site. They did and he gathered them up and took them to a studio in the middle of no-where. The songs were written based on what he read.
What he seems to be able to do is seamlessly proclaim how life can be hard, but God understands and has the answers. Songs cover a number of topics including divorce (Two Houses), cancer (Survivors), adoption (One Less). One person wrote they had been adopted and that song very much impacted them.
The songs I enjoyed most are Family Tree, “Ooh, this will be your legacy/ This will be your destiny/ Yesterday did not define you/ Ooh, this will be your legacy/ This will be your meant to be/ I can break the chains that bind you. And just like the seasons change/ Winter into spring/ You're bringing new life to your family tree now”, Survivor “For the cancer that stole all your hair/ For the smile like you just don't care/ For your hope in midnight prayer/ You're a survivor, and The Reason for the World, “…God is good/ but life’s still hard” “No ear has heard/ No eye has seen/ Not even in your wildest dreams/ A beauty that awaits beyond this world/ When you look into the eyes of grace/ And hear the voice of mercy say/ Child, welcome to the reason for the world.
The last song is appropriate and called “The Healing Has Begun,” “You have carried the weight of your secret for way too long/ Thinking if there is a place called forgiveness you don't belong/ Oh, but freedom can never be found behind those walls/ So just let 'em fall, just let 'em fall/ Oh, the healing has begun/ Oh, the healing has begun
What I like about his songs is that they are about many and varied topics which he states beautifully, while all the time beinng willing to call a spade a spade. God is good and He is the answer, but sometimes life is hard. While we walk in victory, there will no doubt be a sense of relief when our work is done, and we come home and see the Reason for the World.
Newworldson
Rebel Transmission
These guys are out of Canada and play a pop/soul music. This album is probably their most accessible. Earlier albums are very eclectic. This one is too, but the music definitely sounds more mainstream. A person either likes their type of music or they don’t. It feels very Southern US. They have toured widely with Newsboys and are obviously very accomplished musicians.
I personally really like this album. There are many good songs but my favourite three are Today, Son of Man, and Radio Ghost Town. “Learning to be the Light” was a hit single and is a great song that could easily make the list. https://youtu.be/pqs24i1RBQo “Southern Cross” is a very pretty song too. I'm on the flipside of the world / And I believe there is a reason
I had to think about Ghost (Radio Ghost Town) but I have a negative image of ghosts, yet the Holy Spirit is called the Holy Ghost. That is where I believe this song comes from. Standing outside the gates / Waiting in the shadows now / No one's got time to waste / But we don't know what to do / And we don't know how to get in to that city of gold / There's got to be some way around / Trying to get out of the cold / Underground
Admittedly for the song “Son of Man” it is the music that gets me in on this one. I like the words but love the music. Saviour I fell down and I rolled in the dirt / Saviour I fell down and I buried the hurt / Saviour I fell down and I cried out / My face in the sand / Son of man, can You give me Your hand?
The song “Today” is different. I love the imagery of, “Maybe this time You can take the lead / And I won't try to pull You by the sleeve.” Maybe this time You can take the lead / And I won't try to pull You by the sleeve / Because every time I think that I know better I lose my way / So God, what You wanna do today?
Definitely an album worth a listen.
Rebel Transmission
These guys are out of Canada and play a pop/soul music. This album is probably their most accessible. Earlier albums are very eclectic. This one is too, but the music definitely sounds more mainstream. A person either likes their type of music or they don’t. It feels very Southern US. They have toured widely with Newsboys and are obviously very accomplished musicians.
I personally really like this album. There are many good songs but my favourite three are Today, Son of Man, and Radio Ghost Town. “Learning to be the Light” was a hit single and is a great song that could easily make the list. https://youtu.be/pqs24i1RBQo “Southern Cross” is a very pretty song too. I'm on the flipside of the world / And I believe there is a reason
I had to think about Ghost (Radio Ghost Town) but I have a negative image of ghosts, yet the Holy Spirit is called the Holy Ghost. That is where I believe this song comes from. Standing outside the gates / Waiting in the shadows now / No one's got time to waste / But we don't know what to do / And we don't know how to get in to that city of gold / There's got to be some way around / Trying to get out of the cold / Underground
Admittedly for the song “Son of Man” it is the music that gets me in on this one. I like the words but love the music. Saviour I fell down and I rolled in the dirt / Saviour I fell down and I buried the hurt / Saviour I fell down and I cried out / My face in the sand / Son of man, can You give me Your hand?
The song “Today” is different. I love the imagery of, “Maybe this time You can take the lead / And I won't try to pull You by the sleeve.” Maybe this time You can take the lead / And I won't try to pull You by the sleeve / Because every time I think that I know better I lose my way / So God, what You wanna do today?
Definitely an album worth a listen.
Beauty Will Rise
Steven Curtis Chapman
A good thing about Spotify is the access it gives to albums.
I knew Steve Curtis Chapman lost a daughter in a tragic accident. I recently lost my brother. I doubt it is the same as losing a child or spouse but apart from Merril he was the person I was closest to in this world.
I read about Steven and wanted to know the album he released after the loss. It is called “Beauty will Rise.” What stands out to me is the pain in his heart and the hope he has. The album finished with a song called “Spring is Coming.” “It won't be long now, it's just about here / (Out of the dark clouds, beauty will shine) / (All above in heaven, rejoice) / (Spring is coming soon)”
The song “Beauty will Rise” contains the words “And we will dance among the ruins / We will see it with our own eyes / Out of these ashes / Beauty will rise.”
Unfortunately love in this sin-stained world involves pain. It cannot be avoided. We suffer loss. We get hurt and we cause hurt.
But there is a hope we have. Job lost everything. One after the other disaster struck. Yet his words resound through the ages. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”(Job 13:15). We do not understand. The song “I Will Trust You” to my mind says it well. “God, I'm longing for the day to come / When this cloudy glass I'm looking through / Is shattered in a million pieces / And finally I can just see You”
It ends well though for anyone who has received the salvation offered by Jesus. The song “God is in Control” says it like it is. “This is not how it should be / This is not how it could be / This is how it is / ‘And our God is in control”
There is pain, but there is hope. Steve Curtis Chapman has experienced that. I have and so have countless others. But this earth is not our home.
I knew Steve Curtis Chapman lost a daughter in a tragic accident. I recently lost my brother. I doubt it is the same as losing a child or spouse but apart from Merril he was the person I was closest to in this world.
I read about Steven and wanted to know the album he released after the loss. It is called “Beauty will Rise.” What stands out to me is the pain in his heart and the hope he has. The album finished with a song called “Spring is Coming.” “It won't be long now, it's just about here / (Out of the dark clouds, beauty will shine) / (All above in heaven, rejoice) / (Spring is coming soon)”
The song “Beauty will Rise” contains the words “And we will dance among the ruins / We will see it with our own eyes / Out of these ashes / Beauty will rise.”
Unfortunately love in this sin-stained world involves pain. It cannot be avoided. We suffer loss. We get hurt and we cause hurt.
But there is a hope we have. Job lost everything. One after the other disaster struck. Yet his words resound through the ages. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”(Job 13:15). We do not understand. The song “I Will Trust You” to my mind says it well. “God, I'm longing for the day to come / When this cloudy glass I'm looking through / Is shattered in a million pieces / And finally I can just see You”
It ends well though for anyone who has received the salvation offered by Jesus. The song “God is in Control” says it like it is. “This is not how it should be / This is not how it could be / This is how it is / ‘And our God is in control”
There is pain, but there is hope. Steve Curtis Chapman has experienced that. I have and so have countless others. But this earth is not our home.
This album has been such a pleasant surprise. I have albums by Susan Ashton and Christine Dente from “Out of the Grey” and I like the music of Margaret Becker. Having all three of them together I thought was something special and I was not disappointed.
It is great to find an album where the music matters even if the arrangements are sparse. It has a country folksy feel. It is not all about producing a hit but crafting a song. Although solo’s are rare they are worth it. It seems ages since I have heard an acoustic guitar solo.
From the first words of the album it is quality. In “Angels” Dente sings “The touch of His hand will let me know / He takes me in and lets me go”
I am not wrapped with every song but most. The one that first got me in was “Taking my Time.” It did not surprise me it was written by Charlie Peacock and Christine Dente. The defining words on that song for me are “And I won't be bringin' a single thing / That my heart can't carry inside"
There are a number of good songs but the stand out ones for me at the moment are “Angels”, “Song of Reconciliation”, “Breathe”, and “Taking my Time.”
One word describes the album for me. “Refreshing.” Good food well presented.
It is great to find an album where the music matters even if the arrangements are sparse. It has a country folksy feel. It is not all about producing a hit but crafting a song. Although solo’s are rare they are worth it. It seems ages since I have heard an acoustic guitar solo.
From the first words of the album it is quality. In “Angels” Dente sings “The touch of His hand will let me know / He takes me in and lets me go”
I am not wrapped with every song but most. The one that first got me in was “Taking my Time.” It did not surprise me it was written by Charlie Peacock and Christine Dente. The defining words on that song for me are “And I won't be bringin' a single thing / That my heart can't carry inside"
There are a number of good songs but the stand out ones for me at the moment are “Angels”, “Song of Reconciliation”, “Breathe”, and “Taking my Time.”
One word describes the album for me. “Refreshing.” Good food well presented.
I feel like a very hungry man that has been fed. I grew up on Phil Keaggy. Little did I realize how good he was and that it was not all like this.
It is so refreshing to hear words that are so edifying combined with music that lets its hair down. I secretly long for musicians to break loose at times. These guys do.
The album is a compilation of Keaggy’s previous songs and I have heard some of them before but Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul play them in a raw refreshing way. I have always loved the slower songs “Let Everything Else Go” and “Spend my life With You.” Even on them the musicianship is uncontained and excellent.
This feels like I am getting an entrée and main meal.
It is so refreshing to hear words that are so edifying combined with music that lets its hair down. I secretly long for musicians to break loose at times. These guys do.
The album is a compilation of Keaggy’s previous songs and I have heard some of them before but Phil Keaggy and Rex Paul play them in a raw refreshing way. I have always loved the slower songs “Let Everything Else Go” and “Spend my life With You.” Even on them the musicianship is uncontained and excellent.
This feels like I am getting an entrée and main meal.