Nichole Ellyse Nordeman was born on January 3, 1972 and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She put out her debut album, WIDE EYED, in 1998. All four singles from it, including 'To Know You', became Top 40 hits on Christian adult contemporary radio, according to Wikipedia.org. Her second album was 2000's THIS MYSTERY. What I am reviewing here is her third album, WOVEN & SPUN, which came out on Sparrow Records in 2002. It was produced by Charlie Peacock and Mark Hammond and executive produced by Brad O'Donnell. Reflecting on the album, Nichole writes: "These songs beckoned to me. Ushered me in to a place of deep reflection...I pray that this music will beckon to you as well. To your knees before the Father. And into the arms of His Son...To behold alongside you, the most befuddling, jaw-dropping kind of Goodness ever".
First up is 'Holy', one of two co-writes between Nichole and Mark Hammond. This pop song praises God: "And all You ever wanted/Only me, on my knees/Singing 'Holy, holy'/Somehow all that matters now is/You are holy, holy/Holy, holy". 'Mercies New' is one of two co-writes between Nichole and Charlie Peacock. Scott Dente plays acoustic guitar, while Bebo Norman and Nirva Dorsayint provide backing vocals on the adult contemporary track. It celebrates God's goodness: "And Your mercies are new every morning/So let me wake with the dawn/When the music is through or so it seems to be/Then let me sing a new song, old things gone/Every day it's true/You make all Your mercies new".
'Healed' is one of six songs solely penned by Nichole. This adult contemporary song uses The Love Sponge String Orchestra and speaks of our need for God: "Passed over and passed by until You claim us/Orphaned and abandoned til You name us/Hidden and disclosed til You expose our hearts/By Your death we live/It is by Your gift that we might give/That we might give/And by Your wounds we are healed". Nichole plays piano and David Larring mandolin on 'Legacy'. It's an adult contemporary song that speaks of living for more than today: "In the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides the temporary trappings of this world/I want to leave a legacy/How will they remember me?/Did I choose to love?/Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?/I want to leave an offering/A child of mercy and grace/Who blessed Your Name unapologetically/And leave that kind of legacy".
Piano, violins, and cello are used on the easy listening number 'I Am'. It's addressed to God: "And when I am weak, unable to speak/Still I will call You by Name/Oh, Shepherd, Savior, Pasture Maker/Hold on to my hand/You say 'I Am'". Next up is a cover of Peter Gabriel's #1 hit 'In Your Eyes' from his 1986 album SO. This cover version finds Charlie Peacock on background vocals and piano. It's not as good as the original. It is a love song: "In your eyes/The light, the heat/In your eyes I am complete/I see the doorway to a thousand churches/In your eyes/The resolution of all the fruitless searches".
'Even Then' is about being honest with Christ: "So I put aside the masquerade and admit that I am not okay/Which may not be the thing to say/But I'm not ashamed to need You more each day/So, thank You Jesus/Even when You see us just as we are/Fragile and frail and so far/From who we want to be". Kenny Greenberg and Jerry McPherson play guitars, and Mark Hill plays bass on 'Never Loved You More'. It's a breezy, upbeat pop song with a fairly simple chorus: "I have never loved You more/Cause You have never loved me less/Than the day before or the day before/I have never loved You more".
'Take Me As I Am' is a song of spiritual surrender: "You're the only one that can take me as I am/At the end of myself/And the end of the day/I can find little else/But the courage to say/'I need You, that's all' (2X)". 'Doxology' runs under a minute, is acappella, and features these familiar words: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow/Praise Him all creatures here below/Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts/Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost".
Violins and cello are used on the adult contemporary ballad 'My Offering', on which Bebo Norman and Nirva Dorsayint sing backing vocals. It's a beautiful song of praise: "Open up the heavens, open up the skies/All of Your creation wants to testify/I have a song so let the earth sing along/Cause I just want to praise You". Last up is 'Gratitude', on which Gary Burnette plays electric guitar and Danny O'Lannerghty, the upright bass. It includes these prayerful words: "Daily bread, give us daily bread/Bless our bodies/Keep our children fed/Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight/Wrap us up and warm us through/Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs/Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time/Or maybe not, not today/Maybe You'll provide in other ways".
Nichole shares: "This record is dedicated to my best friend and husband, Errol. Very few people will every fully know and understand the level of sacrifice and love you have offered me over these last months". Whereas Nichole's previous album found her struggling and wrestling with doubts and questions about God and life, WOVEN & SPUN definitely finds her more at peace. She praises God for His holiness, mercy, healing, and faithfulness. She thanks God for loving us as we are and for being trustworthy. She expresses her love for God and her desire to leave a Christian legacy to those who follow after her. Light pop and adult contemporary sounds make up this record which is on the quiet and reflective side of things. I would have liked a couple more faster songs included that had more energy. Still, I'm rating WOVEN & SPUN 88%. For more info visit www.nicholenordeman.com or connect with her on social media.
Soulbreather describe themselves as "ambient indie folk rock for believers". Husband and wife duo Mark Gersmehl (WhiteHeart) and Brynn Gersmehl (Rachel Rachel) make up this duo. Mark goes by 'gersh' by the way. In 2012 they released their debut album SEVEN POINT EIGHT and in 2014 they released ALMOST INSTRUMENTAL. Fast forward to 2018 and they are back with COME ALONG, dedicated to their now deceased beagle, Hammy. Most of the songs here were written by Brynn and gersh during a week in the winter at a friend's cottage on Lake George. Brynn is responsible for acoustic guitar and vocals, while gersh is responsible for keyboards, drums and percussion, programming, and vocals. Mark Hill also adds his guitar talents, as does a former WhiteHeart member, which you'll see if you keep reading.
First up is the atmospheric pop ballad 'Come Along'. This title track is terrific and is a song of spiritual invitation: "I'm going to a land of peace/Come along with me/I'm going to find release/Come along with me/I'm going to a secret place/Come along with me/I'm going to seek His face/Come along with me". 'Over the Edge' is a moving adult contemporary number about placing oneself totally in God's hands: "Now the waters rise and fall/But there's a reason for it all/I am trusting You with my survival/And as I am letting go/I can feel the healing flow/You are leading me to my revival". 'God is Love' is a co-write between Gordon Kennedy and gersh. Kennedy plays electric guitar and sitar on this pleasant praise and worship number: "Gloria in excelsis deo/Sing with the angels and say so/Glory to God/He is love/Praise Him/His mercy is deep as the oceans/Towering steep as the mountains/Glory to God/He is love".
Next up is 'To Be With You', a reverent ballad desiring intimacy with God: "How far would I go to be with You/And feel the healing glow/To be with You/And let my spirit flow/Into the sea of You/I want to be with You (2X)/Oh, I want to be". 'On the Journey Home' is an easy listening, romantic love song: "Here, here we are again/The very best of friends/Seems as if no time has even passed/The room is warm with light/We could stay all night/Make each and every moment last/We're sharing together/A life that is better than we were hoping for". 'Wishing Well' is a call to come to Christ: "You don't want to be alone/But the love you've known has come and gone like the setting sun/But I, I want to let you know/Living Water's flowing/It doesn't matter all the things you've done.../If you come and drink it in/You will never thirst again".
'Go' is a quiet ballad that is prayerful: "I'll follow where Your light has shown/By myself but not alone/And I will let You lead this dance/Nothing will be left to chance/I want to go (4X)". This is followed by 'How the Light Comes Down', an easy listening ballad about heaven coming down to earth: "When the One True Light is on my face/Then everywhere I go's a sacred space/And the world is gonna be a better place/They'll see (2X)". Last up is 'Opening Wide', a song of testimony: "I can feel Your presence filling this place/Your splendor and Your majesty/And when I look upon Your beautiful face/You're changing me/Veil after veil is falling away/And what I couldn't see before/Is shining in the light of Your glorious day/And I want more".
COME ALONG is simply a spectacular album! Brynn's sweet vocals mesh well with gersh's hauntingly compelling vocals. The music presented on these nine songs is soothing, calming, and relaxing. The lyrics are devotional and meditative. It is clear that this husband/wife duo's relationship is anchored by Jesus Christ. In Him they find their meaning and their peace. The lyrics on this album make it clear they want others to give their lives over to God as well and find out who they truly are. I'm rating COME ALONG a perfect 100%. The album photography by Deby Dearman is beautiful. For more info visit www.soulbreather.com and/or connect with them on Facebook.
Natalie Diane Grant was born on December 21, 1971 in Seattle, Washington. Her self-titled debut album came out in 1999. She followed this up with 2001's STRONGER. Her third album was 2003's DEEPER LIFE (Curb), which I'll be reviewing here. It peaked at #25 on the US Billboard Christian Albums chart.
First up is the title track, 'Deeper Life', written by Christine Dente and Jim Cooper. It's a peppy pop/dance song that uses a choir and clappers. On it, Natalie sings of her true desires: "It's a Kingdom and it's hidden deep inside/I will be living for much more than meets the eye/Cause I need the deeper life/Where the love of God runs far and wide/I need the deeper life/I will give Him all my heart and mind/I won't be swept away by every changing tide/I believe in the deeper life". 'Days Like These' is a light pop song featuring The Nashville String Machine. It's a song of gratitude: "Days like these, so graceful that I'm falling/On my knees and thanking God/For all the little things that make me wanna say/'How I wish I had a million days like these'".
Bernie Herms and Lowell Alexander wrote 'Love Without Limits'. Michael Ripoll plays the nylon guitar and horns are used also on this catchy pop/dance song that praises God: "He loves without limits/Sees us every minute/Wherever we are walking, He is near/His Spirit is relentless/His hope for us is endless/I know, I know/He loves without limits". 'Within Me' is an adult contemporary ballad of testimony: "Within me/You wiped away all my tears/There's nothing to fear/Your love's within me/You give me the strength to believe/All that I am and that all I'll ever need/Is within me".
'I Will Be' is the first of five singles from the album. This cheerful adult contemporary song features The London Symphony Orchestra and these wonderful words: "One heart, one voice/Living out love in this world of noise/My dream and my joy/Giving You all, I have made a choice/Desperately I'm wanting to answer to Your calling/I will be a candle in the darkness/I will be the hand of heaven above/I will be a mirror that reflects Your endless love". Nichole co-wrote 'Always Be Your Baby' with Stephanie Lewis and George Teren. It's dedicated to her father, Arnold. It's a tender ballad: "Your faith, your love/And all that you believe/Have come to be the strongest part of me/And I will always be your baby".
Next up is 'That's When I'll Give Up (On Loving You)', an upbeat pop love song: "When the earth is finished spinning around/When it's raining up instead of down/When a dream can't come true/When the rivers all run out of blue/That's when I'll give up on loving you". 'Salvation' is one of two songs on the record solely penned by Natalie. This R&B song finds her sharing the Good News: "Come on and sit next to me/I'll tell you 'bout a Man who can set you free/Died when He was thirty-three/He gave His life on Calvary/It's undeniable/His page in history/So incredible/This human deity".
'I Desire' was written by Natalie, Bernie Herms, and Cindy Morgan. It's a praise and worship ballad: "The one thing I desire is just to know You more/To live a life that moves and breathes and loves to bring you joy/So fill me with a fire that burns away my doubts and all my fears/Into a place where You are all I hear/It's the one thing I desire/To do what You require is the one thing I desire". A choir and The Love Sponge Strings are used. 'Live For Today' was the last of the album's five singles. It's a pop song of one living with a purpose: "I'm gonna live for today/I'm gonna follow in Your way/I'm gonna let my little light shine like there's no tomorrow/I won't worry about the past/I know my future is intact/So I'll choose to live my life one way/I'm gonna live it for today".
Tim Davis, Michelle Swift, and Lisa Cochran provide backing vocals on 'I Am Not Alone'. This adult contemporary ballad speaks to God's faithfulness: "You walk beside me/Giving strength I've never known/And I am not alone/You walk beside me/I am not alone/Wherever the road leads". Last up is the Bonus Track, 'No Sign of It' (The Humberto Gatica Radio Mix), from the film 'View from the Top'. It includes these words of positivity: "No sign of any rain/My skies are clear today/I keep bracing for that hit/But there's no sign of it/No obstacles in sight/My skies are clear tonight/I keep thinking I might see that cloud arrive/Oh, but there's no sign of it/No sign of it".
In the liner notes Natalie writes: "First and foremost, thank You, Jesus, for loving me. You've entrusted me with so much. I pray You are pleased. This is all about You". The music on this album can largely be divided into two categories-pop/dance, and adult contemporary. There are an equal number of fast and slow songs. Natalie celebrates life and being alive, and God's love for us. She desires to have an intimate, vibrant relationship with Him. She wants to share God's love with the world. There's also a standout love song addressed to her Dad. I'm rating DEEPER LIFE 97% and recommending it to fans of Tammy Trent, Michael English, and Jaci Velasquez. There are several pretty pictures of Natalie included with this CD. For more info visit www.nataliegrant.com or connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Nichole Ellyse Nordeman was born on January 3, 1972. She was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She released her debut studio album WIDE EYED in 1998. All four singles from it became Top 40 hits on Christian Adult Contemporary radio. Her second album, THIS MYSTERY, was released by Sparrow Records in 2000. It was produced and arranged by Mark Hammond and executive produced by Grant Cunningham. In the liner notes, Nichole writes: "'Walking On Water' by Madeleine L'Engle should be, in my opinion, required reading for anyone who has ever tried to navigate the murky waters where the worlds of faith and art still swim around together. Ms. L'Engle has given me a gentle nudge to remember and reclaim the innocence, naivete, and mystery of my faith long before it got lost in the land of adult reasoning".
Starting things off is one of eight songs Nichole penned alone, 'This Mystery', the title track. This bouncy pop song is addressed to God: "Do You wish, do You want us to breathe again?/Say goodbye to the lines that we've colored in brown and grey/From day to day, hey, yeah/Do You cry, do You hope for all things made new?/Try and try to invoke us to live in You/That we might be/The hands and feet of this mystery, oh". 'Tremble' is a funky adult contemporary ballad about Nichole's relationship with God: "Have I come too casually?/Because it seems to me/There's something I've neglected/How does one approach a Deity with informality/And still protect the Sacred.../Oh, let me not forget to tremble (2X)". 'Fool For You' is a beautiful song of spiritual dedication: "I would be a fool for You/All because You asked me to/A simpleton who's seemingly naive/I do believe You came and made Yourself a fool for me".
Next up is 'Help Me Believe', a quiet song that longs for a more innocent time: "Take me back to the time when I was maybe eight or nine/And I believed/When Jesus walked on waters blue/And if He helped me, I could too/If I believed/Before rationale, analysis, and systematic thinking/Robbed me of a sweet simplicity/When wonders and when mysteries/Were far less often silly dreams/And childhood fantasies". Fernando Ortega provides harmony vocals on 'Small Enough'. It's an easy listening number that includes these prayerful words: "Oh great God/Be small enough to hear me now/Oh great God/Be close enough to feel You now/There have been moments when I could not face Goliath on my own/And how could I forget we marched around our share of Jerichos.../Just wanna know that everything will be alright".
Nichole co-wrote the pop/R&B track 'Lookin' At You (Lookin' At Me)' with Mark Hammond and Jill Tomalty. It has very relatable lyrics: "I'm not tryin' to set an expectation/I'm not askin' for the moon/I just need a little confirmation, something true/Lookin' at you/I'm lookin' at you, lookin' at me/Lookin' for love that comes with a guarantee/What if I knew all that I need/Is held in a hand that'll always offer me this love". 'As' is a cover of a 1976 Stevie Wonder song. Geoff Thurman provides backing vocals on this upbeat pop/R&B song of romance: "As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving/And the rose buds know to bloom in early May/Just as hate knows love's the cure/You can rest your mind assure/That I'll be loving you always".
Nichole co-wrote 'Home' with Mark Hammond. It's a nice pop song of testimony: "And the mystery of Your love for me/Is not as hidden as it seemed to be/Should have known then when You said to me/'Seek and you will find'/It was right here all the time". 'Please Come' is a song of spiritual invitation: "There is room enough for all of us, please come/And the arms are open wide enough, please come/And our parts are never greater than the sum/This is the heart of the One/Who stands before an open door and bids us, 'Come'".
'Every Season' is an easy listening ballad about seeing God in nature: "And I notice You in children's games/In those who watch them from the shade/Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder/You are summer.../And still I notice You when branches crack/And in my breath on frosted glass/Even now in death/You open doors for life to enter/You are winter". The Nashville String Machine is used to good effect. Last up is the Bonus Track, 'Why'. In 1998 it won Nordeman a songwriting competition sponsored by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and led her to receive a recording contract. Here, on this live version, Roger Ryan plays piano and John Catchings plays cello. Much like Ray Boltz's 'Watch the Lamb', this is a moving ballad that sees Calvary through a child's eyes: "So I said, 'Daddy, why are they screaming?/Why are the faces of some of them beaming?/Why is He dressed in that bright purple robe?/I bet that crown hurts Him more than He shows/Daddy, please, can't you do something?/He looks as though He's gonna cry/You said He was stronger than all of those guys/Daddy, please tell me why/Why does everyone want Him to die?'".
On THIS MYSTERY Nichole Nordeman wrestles with her questions and doubts such as: Who is God? Where is He? What is her relationship with Him to be like? The lyrics are very thought provoking and some Christians might not appreciate her being so inquisitive, but I believe God can handle it. In the end, she finds God to be loving and true. Fans of the pop, adult contemporary, and easy listening sounds of Sara Groves, Sarah McLachlan, and Jann Arden should check this one out! Though there are a couple times where the album gets sleepy, I'm still rating it 92%. For more info visit www.nicholenordeman.com and connect with her on Facebook.
Paul Lester Overstreet was born on March 17, 1955 in Vancleave, Mississippi. He released his self-titled solo debut in 1982. His second solo album, SOWIN' LOVE, birthed five straight Top 10 hits on the country charts, including 'Love Helps Those', and 'Seein' My Father In Me'. Paul had a #1 hit with 'Daddy's Come Around' from 1991's HEROES. Fast forward to 1992 and Overstreet put out his fourth studio album LOVE IS STRONG (RCA Nashville). It peaked at #28 on the Billboard Christian Albums chart. The album was produced by Brown Bannister and Overstreet.
'Take Another Run' is upbeat country when it comes to the music. Paul Franklin plays steel guitar and pedabro, while Rob Hajacos plays fiddle. It's about persevering in relationships: "Sometimes the mountain looks so high when we're standing at the bottom/But once we've made it to the top we can't see the problem/Right now it hurts a little bit but we've never been the kind to quit/And I know we'll make it over, we'll be rolling in the clover/Let's take another run at it baby, take another run at our love". 'Still Out There Swinging' is the only song Paul wrote alone here. It's an old school country and western song that tells a story: "So she gave him enough rope to hang himself/Now he's still out there swinging/He's all over town/He can always be found anywhere there's a cowgirl singing/She said that she hoped he might change, but she don't think that thought has ever entered into his thinking/So she gave him enough rope to hang himself/Now he's still out there swinging".
'Me and My Baby' is one of two co-writes with Paul Davis. Strings are arranged by D. Bergen White and background vocalists include Kathie Baillie and Lisa Bevill. This light pop love song was a #22 hit. Here's the chorus: "Me and my baby got a good old fashioned love/We ain't giving it up for nobody when the times get tough/As long as the world keeps spinning around/This is where I'll be found/Here with my baby, got a good thing going/And it keeps on growing/Got a good old fashioned love, oh yeah, uh huh". Paul and Taylor Dunn wrote 'There But For the Grace of God Go I'. It includes backing vocals by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Christopher Harris and won a Dove Award for 'Country Recorded Song of the Year'. This great mid-tempo country song encourages us to remember and help the least of these amongst us: "Oh there but for the grace of God go I/How without compassion can we pass them by?/Oh, it could be you and it could be me the world has locked outside/There but for the grace of God go I/Oh the time has come for everyone to learn to help another/We could turn this whole wide world around if we'd only love each other".
Next up is the title track, 'Love is Strong', a country ballad with these beautiful words: "Love is strong (2X)/It can move a mountain/It can roll away the stone/Love is strong (2X)/But never demands its own way/No love never demands its own way". Steel guitar is played by Paul Franklin and strings are arranged by Archie Jordan. 'Head Over Heels' is the song of one smitten by a lady: "I'm still head over heels in love with you/Just like the first time that we met/I know I never will forget/I knew right then that it was real/I still get a thrill when I think about you/Don't ever doubt the way I feel/I love you now and always will/I'm still head over heels".
Paul co-wrote 'What Goes Without Saying' with Jeff Borders. Supporting vocals are provided by Paul, Glen Campbell, Susan Ashton, and Kelly Willard. This is a sentimental country number: "He stood there looking at his father who was 85 years old/He remembered all the ball games they played so long ago/Then he put his arms around him and kissed him on the cheek/He said 'Dad, it's time I told you what a friend you've been to me'". 'Take Some Action' is a groovy sounding country song that includes this story: "Now Harry, he was married to his work and his wife/Had to decide which was first in his life/He traded some money for some more time at home/Now his wife calls him 'honey'/The romance is back on".
Paul and Randy Travis wrote 'Lord, She Sure is Good at Loving Me'. It's a country and western ballad of gratitude: "Lord, she sure is good at loving me/I know You had a hand in this/Cause it's been so plain to see/That I've been blessed with the very best that love will ever be/Lord, she sure is good at loving me". Last up is 'Till the Answer Comes (Gotta Keep Praying)'. Matt Rollings plays piano and Kelly Willard and Buddy Greene are background vocalists. It's an upbeat country song encouraging spiritual persistence: "Till the answer comes you gotta keep praying/Keep praying till the answer comes/If you knock one time and there's no answer/Well, don't turn away from the door/You've got to knock again until you've been let in/Sometimes it only takes once more"
To be truthful, to this day, there isn't a lot of great Christian country music out there. LOVE IS STRONG is a splendid album of country music, with some country and western music mixed in. There are more fast songs than slow songs. There are ones about happy, fulfilling, romantic, committed relationships, and ones about the value of working on relationships. God's tender, but strong, love for us is spoken of and we are reminded to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. We are reminded as well to be a people of prayer. I'm rating this album, which runs 38 minutes and 42 seconds, a 100%. Paul's vocals are easy to listen to. For more info visit: www.pauloverstreet.com and connect with him on Facebook.
Carrie Marie Underwood was born on March 10, 1983 in Oklahoma. She won the fourth season of 'American Idol' in 2005. Between 2005 and 2015 she released five studio albums. Some of her most loved songs are: 'Jesus, Take the Wheel', 'All American Girl', 'Undo It', 'Blown Away', and 'Church Bells'. Fast forward to 2018 and she has released her sixth studio album, CRY PRETTY (Capitol Records Nashville).It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200. The first twelve tracks were produced by David Garcia and Carrie, with the thirteenth being produced by Jim Jonsin. In the liner notes Carrie writes: "Thank You God, for the gifts You give and the opportunities You give us all to use them".
Carrie, Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna wrote the title track which was the album's lead single, 'Cry Pretty'. It's a powerful, autobiographical, inspirational anthem: "You can pretty lie and say it's ok/You can pretty smile and just walk away/Pretty much fake your way through anything/But you can't cry pretty/You can't turn off the flood when the dam breaks/When all your mascara is going to waste/When things get ugly/You just gotta face that you can't cry pretty". 'Ghosts on the Stereo' is a country ballad that uses pedal steel and bouzouki. On it, Carrie pays tribute to her musical predecessors: "What you don't know is I'm throwing a party/And everybody tonight is feeling alright/With some Jack in their Coke/The records are spinning and the speakers are smoking/There ain't no last call/I'm having a ball/With Hank, Haggard, and Jones/No, I ain't alone/I feel right at home/With my ghosts on the stereo". 'Low' is one of three songs penned by Carrie, David Garcia, and Hillary Lindsey. This one is a bluesy country ballad that ain't exactly uplifting: "Like a diamond ring without a stone/Like a guitar without a song/Everything that was right is wrong/Ever since baby you've been gone/I'm so low (2X)/Yeah, I'm low and blue/I'm so lonesome for you".
'Backsliding' is an adult contemporary ballad many folks will be able to relate to: "So why am I at 2am picking up my phone/And you're standin' in my porch light/Backsliding/Wearing your old t-shirt in the morning/It feels so right/Backsliding/Ooh-we say we won't/Ooh-but then we do/Same old thing fallin' right back in/Say it's gonna be the last time/Backsliding (3X)/I'm backsliding". 'Southbound' is a country/pop celebration: "Got the rope swing swinging like a chandelier/Little bit of heaven on the water right here/Don't need much, just a couple of beers and you and me/Gotta love this time of year/Getting Southbound, southbound".
Next up is the pop/R&B ballad, 'That Song That We Used to Make Love To'. It has lyrics that some of Carrie's Christian fans will disapprove of: "That song that we used to make love to (2X)/It kills me, heals me, gets me, thrills me/I know I shouldn't say it/But I just wanna play it/That song that we made love to/That we made love to/I know I'm contradicting everything I said/But I wanna turn it up when I'm lying in this bed/Pull the sheets over my head/Drift off dreaming/Baby, go on, let it take my breath". Danny Rader plays dobro on 'Drinking Alone', which has typical country lyrics: "We should be drinking alone, together/Drowning the pain is better/With somebody else who got problems/We ain't gonna solve 'em/But misery loves company/Tonight all I need is a stranger/Lips with a whiskey chaser/And a corner booth kiss/To make me forget that he's gone/We should be drinking alone/We should be drinking alone, together".
Marc Beeson, Andy Albert, and Allen Shamblin wrote 'The Bullet'. It's a sad, moving country ballad: "Line of limousines leaves one by one/The prayer's been prayed, the hymn's been sung/Black mascara's already run/But the tears keep flowing/You can blame it on hate or blame it on guns/But mamas ain't supposed to bury their sons/Left a hole in her heart and it still ain't done/The bullet keeps on going". Austin Hoke plays cello and Dan Dugmore pedal steel on 'Spinning Bottles', a memorable song about alcoholism: "He's passed out on the bathroom floor/Spinning rooms, spinning wheels, spinning out of control/Spinning bottles (2X)/This ain't a game/Nobody wins/Nobody gets lucky/When that bottle spins/Again and again (3X)".
The album's second single, 'Love Wins', was written by Carrie, David Garcia, and Brett James. It's a great modern country anthem: "I, I believe you and me are sisters and brothers/And I, I believe we're made to be here for each other/We'll never fall if we walk hand in hand/Put a world that seems broken together again/Yeah, I, I believe in the end, love wins.../Love is the answer/Love's an open door/Love is the only thing worth fighting for, yeah". 'End Up With You' is a groovy pop song with a simple message: "All I wanna do is end up with you".
'Kingdom' was written by Carrie, Chris DeStefano, and Dave Barnes. It's a great love song that makes good use of strings: "No, I wouldn't trade a minute/We've come so far/It made us who we are/Right here, right now.../It's church on Sunday, tire swings/Good and the bad times, praying on our knees/Thanking the Lord for this beautiful life/The love we have built will stand the test of time/Oh, this is our kingdom". Last up is the bonus track 'Champion', a pop/dance number with a rap break by Ludacris. This song is all about self-confidence: "I am invincible, unbreakable, unstoppable, unshakeable/They knock me down, I get up again/I am the champion/You're gonna know my name/You can't hurt me now/I can't feel the pain/I was made for this/I was born to win/I am the champion".
CRY PRETTY is comprised of eight country songs, three pop/dance, and two R&B. There are also traces of adult contemporary thrown in. As always, Carrie's vocals are second to none! Nine of the tracks are slow, while four are faster. The main topic explored is loneliness and longing for romantic companionship. Sadness and sorrow are no strangers here. There's a song about grieving a loved one's death, and a song about alcoholism. There are, however, some happier songs as well. 'Southbound' is about letting loose and having a good time, and 'Kingdom' is a celebratory love song. I'm rating CRY PRETTY 100%. There are a few gorgeous photos of Carrie in the CD booklet. For more info visit: www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com.
In November 2017 The Proverbs, one of my all-time favourite groups from Ontario, released their latest album GOOD THINGS as a quartet-Dave Daw, his wife Kathy, their youngest daughter Natasha, and Dave's sister Karyl Tymciw. Shortly after this Karyl resigned due to health issues. A press release states: "Our decision to re-record our album became unavoidable; since this project was originally arranged to include all of us, so without changes, we would have only been able to perform a few of the songs from the CD with our current group...Vocals on some songs have been completely redone in new keys, and all solos are now covered by either Kathy, Natasha, or me" writes Dave Daw. Karyl does provide some backing vocals though. The revised edition of GOOD THINGS dropped in July 2018.
Kathy takes the lead on 'Good Things Are Happening', a bouncy pop number overflowing with optimism: "Good things are happening/I don't have to worry about anything/Cause God's sending blessings down my way/I can lift my head up high/Cause He has promised He will provide/Good things are happening today". Dave takes the lead on the Southern Gospel ballad 'He Already Knows'. It's encouraging: "Whenever circumstances won't allow your heart a moments rest and you shudder just to face another night/But in your darkest hour/You can rest assured He knows what is best/And everything will be alright".
'Waste Another Day' is a song about dedicating oneself to Christ: "I don't want to waste another day, not one minute, if You're not in it/Jesus, You're the only reason that I live/So I'm giving You my all, surrendering/My life, my love, my everything/I don't want to waste another day (2X)". The Southern Gospel toe-tapper 'I've Got My Foot on the Rock' follows. It talks of spiritual warfare: "Now the devil, he will tempt you/He'll fill your way with strife/He'll make you sick in body, even try to take your life/But put your trust in Jesus/Say 'Lord, I've had enough'/The Lord will say 'Move on Satan'/He's got his mind made up".
'So Many Nights' finds the group in adult contemporary territory musically. It includes these very relatable lyrics: "I've been forgiven a long time ago/But somehow I kept pickin' up the guilt again/Never would leave it at Jesus' feet/Thought if I was good I could impress Him". Another adult contemporary track is up next. It's a smooth ballad called 'Ready to Sail'. You can hear Natasha more here. The song sees life as a journey: "If this ship is gonna make it/We're going to have to take it to the water/For I'll never know Your purpose standing here alone on the shore".
'Lamb, Lion & King' is a fast paced honky tonk tune that's under 3 minutes in length. It reflects on Christ as Victor: "You know Jesus left His splendor to live on earth for man/By most He was rejected because He came forth as a Lamb/Oh, but the day is soon approaching that every eye will see/The Lamb and Lion of Judah has been crowned, church/The King of Kings". Natasha sings lead on the beautiful ballad 'Here's My Everything'. It's a testimonial: "You formed me with Your holy hands before my birth/You planned Your perfect purpose for me on this earth/I want to be all that You created me to be/Cause for all You've done You deserve the glory".
Track Nine, 'Jesus is in the House', is a jazz/pop one inspiring faith: "Tear off your roof of fear/Tear off your roof of doubt/Lay down your problems/Jesus is in the house/Tear off your roof of pain/It's time to lay it down/It's gonna be alright/Jesus is in the house". 'Living for Heaven' is a Southern Gospel ballad about eternal life: "You won't hear him talk of crowns or trophies/That's not the reason for the race he's run/But the hope of one day soon the sound of Jesus saying 'My child, 'Well done!'" Closing things out is 'Almost Home', a catchy Southern Gospel song anticipating life in our heavenly, eternal abode: "Won't you listen to that heavenly choir singing the song for the redeemed/The crowd's getting so excited/It will be more than a dream/Well, you might find me running up and down those streets of gold/In my brand new body/Oh, the half has not been told!"
We live in a world full of political tension, racism, and debate over moral issues. We also are susceptible to sickness, financial issues, and relationship problems. On GOOD THINGS, The Proverbs, who have been putting out gospel music for 50 plus years, offer hope that is found only in Christ Jesus. He is the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. The vocals here are terrific, as is the musicianship, including a horn section arranged by Dave Barton. This album is nominated for a GMA Canada Award in the 'Country/Southern Gospel Album of the Year' category. For more info visit www.theproverbs.com and connect with them on Facebook. I'm rating GOOD THINGS 96%. The cd comes with some great photos of the group.
Leeland Mooring wrote his first song, 'Shine', when he was 11. The Christian band Leeland, named after him, and fronted by him on lead vocals and guitars, put out their debut album SOUND OF MELODIES in 2006. It was nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album'. In 2007 Leeland was nominated for five Dove Awards, including 'New Artist of the Year'. In 2008 Leeland released their second album, OPPOSITE WAY (Essential). It was produced by Matt Bronleewe and executive produced by Jason McArthur. It reached #1 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart and was nominated for a Grammy for 'Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album' and nominated for a Dove Award for 'Praise & Worship Album of the Year'. Band members on OPPOSITE WAY, in addition to Leeland Mooring, are: Jack Mooring (piano, vocals), Jake Holtz (bass), Mike Smith (drums), and Matt Campbell (guitars).
Starting things off is 'Count Me In', an energetic rocker that peaked at #25 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. It's about willingly accepting God's love and ways: "No greater gift than a man to lay down His life/How could I miss this?/I'm not about to pass it up/Count me in, I'm amazed this love is for me Lord (2X)/I'm looking at these plans You have/For me they're plans of hope and peace/Much bigger than the ones I have". 'Let it Out Now' is one of 3 songs Leeland Dayton Mooring wrote alone. This pop/rock number is about following God when others don't: "I'm drawing the line between being them or being me/I'm not ashamed to call myself Yours, Lord/But it's a narrow path/I've got to break from the pack/No turning back (2X).../Yes, God's looking for a people/With a passion in their hearts".
'Enter this Temple' is a lovely, prayerful modern worship ballad: "Father, enter this temple/Come touch Your people/We need to be where You are/And children living as their Father/Washed in pure water/We need to be like You are". Next up is the title track, 'Opposite Way'. It's a rock ballad about not following the crowd: "You want to run the opposite way/And it seems like you're locked in a cage/And you need to find a way of escape/When everyone is setting the pace/It's okay to run the opposite way".
'Wake Up' is a pop/rock song about the need for witnessing: "The nation lost and dying/Searching for You/Creation waits/Children with the Word of God/Written in their hearts/Show love to the world/We need to wake up, wake up/Live like God/Pour out love/We need to wake up, wake up/Live like God/Pour out love". 'Beginning and the End' follows. It's a rock ballad that speaks of the crucifixion: "Everything that I've done wrong/Put You there on that cross/Where nails drove in Your hands/A crown of thorns deep in Your brow/I never knew it until now/It was all Your plan/God, You've always been/The beginning and the end".
'Brighter Days' is an adult contemporary ballad of longing: "You see I'm looking for the brighter days/When all my hurts seem to fade away/I'm looking for the brighter days to come my way/I'll see the sun one day shine upon me/I'll see the sun one day/And watch the nighttime turn to morning/But for now it all comes back around". 'Falling For You' contains these words of testimony: "It feels so good to be in Your arms/You never left me/I just chose to stay behind/I want to thank You for Your love/That gives me freedom/To run back, to come back".
'Don't Go Away' is an energetic pop/rock song about spiritual passion: "First comes salvation, then comes obsession/Fire starts with a flicker/And it consumes me/Suddenly I feel I can follow You blindly/Because You've covered my eyes with love/You've given me more than enough (2X)/Hide away in Your arms of grace/Living life the way You want me to". 'Thief in the Night' follows. It's a beautiful modern worship song: "I'll sing the glories of Your Name/Your awesomeness I will proclaim/Until You come/Until You come and take Your bride away/Like a thief in the night (2X)/You'll take us away". Last up is 'May Our Praise'. It begins: "May our praise be all that You can hear/From our lives to Your ears, Father".
OPPOSITE WAY contains seven slow songs and four faster ones. The main musical genres here are: pop, rock, and modern worship. God's love for us and faithfulness to us, His children, are celebrated. Our response should be one of love and praise to God. His plan for our lives is salvation and to prosper us. He gave His very Son for us! We should dare to be a different people. We should live for Jesus, being a light and a witness for Him. Fans of Sanctus Real, Audio Adrenaline, and Hawk Nelson should acquire OPPOSITE WAY, which I'm rating 95%. For more info visit: www.leelandonline.com or connect with the band on Facebook.
Sara Lee Colbaugh, who we know as Sara Groves, was born on September 10, 1972. According to Wikipedia.org, in 1994 she got her Bachelor of Science degree in History and English from Evangel University in Missouri. She was a high school teacher for four years in Rosemount, Minnesota. In 1998 she independently released her debut album, PAST THE WISHING. Fast forward to 2001 and INO Records released her CONVERSATIONS project. Sara wrote all the songs and the album was produced by Nate Sabin. Sara dedicates this album to her husband Troy, her "partner in everything".
Jeffrey Roach plays piano and Peter Ostroushko the mandolin, on the adult contemporary title track, 'Conversations'. It includes these beautiful words: "And I'm not trying to judge you/No, that's not my job/I am just a seeker too/In search of God.../The only thing that isn't meaningless to me/Is Jesus Christ and the way He set me free/And this is all that I have/This is all that I am/It's all that I have". 'The Word' is a terrific pop song that begins with confession: "I've done every devotional/Been every place emotional/Trying to hear a new word from God/And I think it's very odd/That while I attempt to help myself/My Bible sits upon the shelf/With every promise I could ever need/And the Word was/And the Word is/And the Word will be".
'Painting Pictures of Egypt' is a wonderful, thoughtful adult contemporary song: "I've been painting pictures of Egypt/Leaving out what it lacks/The future feels so hard/And I want to go back/But the places that used to fit me/Cannot hold the things I've learned/Those roads were closed off to me/While my back was turned". 'Hello Lord' quietly petitions God: "I don't doubt Your sovereignty/I doubt my own ability to hear what You're saying/And to do the right thing/And I desperately want to do the right thing/But right now I don't hear so well/And I was wondering if You could speak up".
'Generations' is a light pop song about the importance of our actions: "And to say that the devil made me do it/Is a cop out and a lie/The devil can't make me do anything/When I'm calling on Jesus Christ/Remind me of this with every decision/Generations will reap what I sow/I can pass on a curse or a blessing/To those I will never know". 'This Journey is My Own' was inspired by John Ortberg's book THE LIFE YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED. This inspirational song is one of introspection: "So much of what I do is to make a good impression/This journey is my own/And so much of what I say is to make myself look better/But this journey is my own/And why would I want to live for man, and pay the highest price?/And what does it mean to gain a whole world, only to lose my life?"
Matt Pierson plays bass on `How is it Between Us`, an adult pop song about our need for Christ in our daily lives: `When I wake up I am on my way/Reinventing the wheel and saving the day/I have learned this lesson a thousand times/I am the branch and You are the vine/Apart from You we are mice and men/With our fancy dreams of grandeur and no way to get there/Oh, I can think about You now and then/Or I can make a mark on eternity/Lord, first of all, how is it between You and me?" 'What Do I Know' is a beautiful, easy listening story song that uses cello, viola, and violin: "She lost her husband after sixty years/And as he slipped away she still had things to say/Death can be so inconvenient/You try to live and love/It comes and interrupts/And what do I know?/What do I know?/Well, I don't know that there are harps in heaven/Or the process for earning your wings/And I don't know of bright lights at the ends of tunnels or any of these things".
Peter Ostroushko plays fiddle on 'Cave of Adullum'. It's about David: "I need to know You're near me/I need to know You are holding me just as closely as the day You took my life and gave me a vision/As the day You poured the oil and gave me a dream/I can't believe this is happening/How does a shepherd become a king?" Gary Burnett plays guitar. 'Know My Heart' is a folk song with a prayerful chorus: "Search me and know my heart, oh God/See if there is any wrong thing in me/All I have ever wanted are clean hands and a pure heart".
Sara longs for heaven on the quiet ballad 'Going Home'. She sings: "There's a feeling I can't capture/It's always just a prayer away/I want to know the ending/Things hoped for but not seen/But I guess that's the point of hoping anyway/Of going home, I'll meet You at the table/Going home, I'll meet You in the air/And You are never too young to think about it/Oh, I cannot wait to be home". Sara plays piano and Solveg Peterson the cello on 'He's Always Been Faithful'. It's a song of testimony: "I can't remember a trial or a pain/He did not recycle to bring me gain/I can't remember one single regret/In serving God only and trusting His hand/All I have need of, His hand will provide/He's always been faithful to me". Last up is a live version of 'Tent in the Center of Town', dedicated to Pastor Philip Wannemacher. It was recorded at Apostolic Bible Church on July 25, 1999. The music has a circus like feel to it, but it's a song about God moving: "And revival hits like a wave/And hundreds are joyously saved/And the thief and adulterer lay it all on the altar/Cause there's grace in the center of town".
CONVERSATIONS is a creative and artistic endeavor from Sara Groves. There is nothing fancy or frilly about her, but her self-penned songs have a way of speaking to the heart. This album, which is comprised of light pop, adult contemporary, and folk/easy listening music, depicts life as a journey. By times we are tempted to sin or to try to please other people, but our true identity can only be found in God. He is faithful to us and wants to speak through His Word and have an intimate relationship with us. Also, our hope of heaven is celebrated in a couple of the songs here. This is a lengthy record, clocking in at 58 minutes and 44 seconds. I'm rating it 100% and recommending it to fans of Twila Paris, Michael Card, and Sarah McLachlan. For more info visit: www.saragroves.com.
Phil Driscoll was born on November 9, 1947 in Seattle, Washington. In the 1970's he worked with the likes of Joe Cocker, Leon Russell, and Billy Preston. In the late 70's he became a Christian. In 1985 he and Debby Boone won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance-Duo/Group for the song 'Keep the Flame Burning'. Over the years he has been a master of the trumpet. Let's fast forward to 1996 when he released the album A DIFFERENT MAN (Word). It was produced by Chris Harris.
1. First up is 'Road to Jerusalem' a composition by Michael W. Smith, David Mullen, and Chris Harris. It's a nice adult pop song featuring Dana Powell & The Straight Gate Choir. It's about a heavenly journey: "Somebody say 'Hallelujah!'/Somebody say 'Amen!'/The road is shown to all of God's children/Cause we are one heart, one mind/We seek the truth and find/Find it in Jerusalem/One faith, one God/Blessed are the feet that walk/The road to New Jerusalem".
2. 'Walk With Me Jesus' is a gospel prayer: "Walk with me Jesus/On this journey/The road is too rocky/To make it alone/In the darkest night/You'll lead me to morning/Walk with me Jesus/Soon we'll be home".
3. Dennis Matkosky and Richard Page wrote the lovely adult pop title track 'A Different Man'. It's about a spiritual transformation: "You turned me around/You gave me a brave new start/I was longing for a thrill/But only You could fill my empty heart/All the love You have given/All my past You have forgiven".
4. 'Christ Remains' is one of two songs penned by the duo of Scott Krippayne and Tony Wood. Phil plays the piccolo trumpet on this easy listening number about Jesus' faithfulness to us: "My provider, my protector/Always watching over me/My comforter, my counselor/He is all I need/My constant in the chaos/My source of strength unchanged/Everyday the same/Christ remains, Christ remains".
5. 'Everytime I Say Yes' finds Billy Mason playing the Hammond B-3 and piano, Terry McMillan playing harmonica, and Eric Silver playing the mandolin. This one's an upbeat pop/soul song many of us will be able to relate to: "God, I gotta tell You/That You're scaring me again/Well, You're asking me to do something/I'm not really sure I can/Well, I'm trying to figure out Your plan/But the pieces don't fit/Well, I've been here before/Looking back I must admit/Everytime I say 'yes' to You/Seems there's something wonderful You're waiting to do".
6. 'Place in My Heart' is an uplifting song that finds Will McFarlane and George Cocchini on guitars, and Jimmy Lee Sloas on bass. It also finds God speaking words of reassurance to us, His children: "No matter where you go/How near or far/My love will be with you/Right where you are/Just think of me and know/You still have a place in my heart".
7. Next up is a cover of John Lennon and Paul McCartney's 'The Long and Winding Road'. This song appeared on The Beatles' 1970 album LET IT BE. Driscoll plays the flumpet on this inspirational ballad of a spiritually longing pilgrim: "Don't keep me waiting here/Lead me to Your door/The long and winding road/That leads to Your door/Will never disappear/I've seen that road before/It always leads me here/Leads me to Your door".
8. Lynn Keesecker wrote the jazzed up pop song 'Can God? God Can!' It's a praise and worship number: "Who can make an enemy into a friend?/Who can bring the bad times to an end?/Who can open up all the deaf ears?/Who can dry up all of the tears?/Raise the dead, give them life again?/Can God? God can!/Yes, God can!/Move a mighty mountain/He can conquer all impossibilities/Can God? God can!/Yes, God can!/In the desert make a fountain/Who can answer prayer?/Oh, I know God can!" This is the album's shortest song at under three minutes.
9. 'Love Won't Let Me' is the album's longest song at over six minutes. This slow ballad is actually a good love song: "Love has captured me, love has set me free/Love has taken me this far/Think I'm gonna stay awhile/Think I'm gonna stay awhile.../I commit to you my love, forever/I commit to you forever, together/Laying down my life for the one I really love/Can be the only love that's real".
10. Chris Harris and Matt Huesmann wrote the gentle ballad 'The Time of Your Life'. It has a good message for us even in 2018: "It's time to show love, it's time to be kind/It's time to share the gift of life, and hope, and joy/Every heart needs to find/It's time to be true/It's time to follow the road in view/And live to hear the words/'Well done, my son/You've given the time of your life'". Lisa Cochran sings a bit of a female lead at one point.
11. Last up is 'The Lights of the City' (also known as 'I See the Lights of the City') written by Ray Lewis. It dates back to 1967. This gospel number anticipates heaven: "Well, I can almost see the lights of the city/Oh, they're shining, shining down on me/I can almost see, oh the lights of the city/Forever Lord, I shall be free".
A DIFFERENT MAN is certainly of professional quality! Style-wise you will find adult contemporary, adult pop, and gospel music presented here. There are six faster paced songs and five slower paced. Phil testifies that God alone can transform us and situations in our lives into something beautiful and new. God is faithful and good and loves us, His children. We should desire intimacy with God and seek out His guidance during life's journey. A couple of the songs anticipate eternity in heaven, and there is a romantic love song thrown in for good measure. I'm rating A DIFFERENT MAN 90%. Fans of the vocal stylings of Michael Bolton, Joe Cocker, and Clay Crosse should pick this one up. For more info visit: www.phildriscoll.com.
Building 429 take their name from Ephesians 4:29 which reads: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen". SPACE IN BETWEEN US (2004, Essential) was their first full-length album on a major label. 'Glory Defined', the first track from it, became a #1 hit on several Christian charts and to this day remains a signature song for them. In 2005 the band won a Dove Award for 'New Artist of the Year'. Fast forward to 2008 and they released the self-titled BUILDING 429 (INO), which I will be reviewing here.
1. The album begins with 'Not Gonna Let You Down' written by Scott Faircloff, Jesse Garcia, Jason Roy, Michael Anderson, and Chris Stevens. It's a strong rock song of encouragement: "This is the hope that you've been longing to know/God is alive and He's never left you alone/So hold on through the tears.../Lift up your soul, don't you let go/Lift up your soul/Never let go".
2. 'End of Me' is a good rock song about spiritual surrender: "Once upon a time the story goes/I laid it all down and let it go/To lose it all, to lose it all/I took a step of faith and said goodbye/Everything I had I left behind to find true life/Well, all I longed for I found finally/At the end of me".
3. 'Erase' finds Claire Indie on cello and Zach Casebolt on violin. There is also some nice electric guitar work on this rock ballad that serves as a love song: "I can always go back to the place of you and me/And I will find you once again/Just like I remember/Time it will erase the world around us/But I will never be alone/Cause time can't erase love".
4. Tony Wood and James Rueger wrote 'Overcome'. It's a great modern praise and worship song: "Your heart was moved with such mercy/That in love You endured the cross/You've overcome the world/Rescued my soul/I don't have to worry/Cause whatever comes, You're in control/Forever I will worship You/I'm amazed by the things You have done/I am overcome".
5. 'Always' is one of two songs written solely by Jason Roy. This one is an adult contemporary ballad that begins with this emotional picture: "I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night/Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye/Her face was taught and her eyes were filled/And to my surprise she pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside/She said 'He would have been three today/I miss his smile/I miss his face'".
6. Jason Roy and Sam Mizell wrote 'Shoulder', a melodic song about God's faithfulness: "And if you're on top of the world and you fall down/You're shaking inside and you can't find your ground/When you lose yourself, God will find you/Yeah, you need to know that the door is open/When you're broken/Come on, step on through".
7. 'Bring Me Back' serves as a sincere adult contemporary prayer: "Bring me back to the innocence of You/And bring me back to the first love I ever knew/Back to the way that it was when I was young/I'm tired of the mess that I've become/I want to see the world the way You do/So bring me back to You".
8. The uplifting pop song, 'Your Love Goes On', is up next: "One hope is never gonna change/One truth is certainty today/That Your love goes on/One promise covered all our shame/One Savior died to take the pain/And His love goes on and on.../Your love goes on/I see it and I feel it/We're not alone/I know that Your love goes on".
9. 'Coming Home' is a strong rock song told from the perspective of a prodigal son: "Every other road carried me away to anger/And every destination was just another point of danger, so/I'm coming home (2X)/There's nothing left to prove anymore/I'm coming home (2X)/So father, don't you close that door/Won't you wait for me when the sun goes down?/I'll be running straight to You/I'm coming home (2X)".
10. Last up is 'Oxygen (Bringing Me Back to Life)'. It's a cry to God for help: "And if I could breathe You in/I'll be sure to hold my breath/Cause You are like oxygen/Bringing me to life/So here I stand once again/Open me and come on in/Cause You are like oxygen/Bringing me to life".
I am quite impressed with this, my first album ever owned from Building 429. These songs offer hope and encouragement for those going through dark valleys and trials in life. These songs specifically point to God's faithfulness and love for us and encourage us to have an intimate and personal relationship with Him. That will not take all of our problems away, but it will help us navigate them. Jason Roy's lead vocals are quite good. On this album there are about an equal number of rock and adult contemporary songs. The band plays both equally well. I'm rating BUILDING 429 a 95% and recommending it to fans of Kutless and Jeremy Camp. For more info visit: www.building429.com and www.inorecords.com.
Brooke Nicholls is a Canadian worship leader/songwriter. Her bio states: "Seven years into a pop music career; three independent records, and many missed successes later, Brooke began looking backward, at all the heartache and disappointment, and saw very clearly the hand of God guiding her each step of the way-and so she wrote". The result was 2016's FOUND IN YOU. It was produced by her husband Steve Lensink. In the liner notes, Brooke writes: "Thanks Jesus-The reason I sing, the reason I worship, and the reason I write. Without You, my purpose in all of this wouldn't exist. Thank You Lord for calling me into the unknown with grace and everlasting love". In 2018 Brooke won two GMA Canada awards: 'New Artist of the Year' and 'Female Vocalist of the Year'. She has shared the stage with the likes of MercyMe, Love & The Outcome, and The Color.
1. First up is 'Beauty from Ashes'. It's one of five songs on this project that are solely penned by Brooke. This one is an adult contemporary ballad that speaks of God's transforming power: "Once empty, made whole/Rekindled light burns within my soul/You're near me, I'm restored/Hope alive, I will rise/Stronger than before/Beauty from ashes with peace that surpasses/You turned my mourning into joy/Hearts that are broken find healing unspoken/You turned my silence into song".
2. Brooke co-wrote the title track, 'Found in You', with fellow Canadian artist Dan Macaulay. It's a great light pop song about finding one's identity in Jesus: "I rest in Your truth, perfectly loved by You/No condemnation, my one salvation/I rest in Your truth, perfectly loved by You/No condemnation, Jesus I belong to You/And the truth's that I am found in You/Covered by unending love/I am enough".
3. Fanny J. Crosby and Phoebe P. Knapp wrote one of the Christian faith's most beloved hymns, 'Blessed Assurance'. The melody is toyed with on this version to modernize it a bit and it works well. It's still a song of personal testimony: "Perfect submission, all is at rest/I, in my Saviour, am happy and blessed/Watching and waiting, looking above/Filled with His goodness, lost in His love, oh His love, yeah/This is my story, this is my song/Praising my Saviour all the day long".
4. 'All I Need to Know' is a beautiful adult contemporary song of faith: "When the night is closing in/Fear begins to whisper I am not enough/Then the dawn begins to break/You have come to rescue/You have come to save/I will praise You in the dark/I'll praise You when it's hard/I will sing through all the pain/There's victory in Your Name/You, God-You never let me go/You God-Your strength is all I need to know".
5. 'Grace Today (A Prayer)' is a pretty easy listening number that declares reliance on God: "You speak to me so humbly/Reminding me You're all I need/Nothing else could ever satisfy/Grace today, I need Your grace.../Your power made perfect/When I'm weak You're strong/Your grace sufficient/I find my rest though a thorn in my flesh/Your grace sufficient".
6. The classic hymn 'How Great Thou Art' follows. Here it is essentially presented as a modern praise and worship song: "And when I think that God, His Son not sparing/Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in/That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing/He bled and died, to take away my sin/Then sings my soul/My Saviour God to Thee/'How Great Thou art! How Great Thou art!'"
7. Next up is the album's lead single, 'Home', which hit #1 on Canada's largest Christian radio station. It's an adult contemporary song that invites people to come to Christ: "Come blind, come cripple/Come be made new/The gates of pearl are open/New life is waiting you/Oh, come thief, come beggar, come confess/Your history's rewritten/Yes, in heaven find your rest, living in eternity".
8. 'I Am Free' seems autobiographical and is moving: "Like a sheep gone astray/I had turned my own way/Wandering alone, I was lost/A slave to my shame/I could not make my own way/I never understood the cost/He came to pay my debt/He came to make a way/I am free/Bought by the blood of the King/Jesus laid His life down for me/Broke the chains that bound and rescued me/So that I could live free/I am free".
9. Last up is Eugene Monroe Bartlett's vintage praise and worship tune 'Victory in Jesus' which we used to sing at my home church a lot back in the day. Here, the song is presented in a tender, subdued, ballad manner. It is splendid and still reflects on Calvary and salvation: "Oh victory in Jesus, my Saviour forever/He sought me and He bought me with His redeeming blood/He loved me ere I knew Him/And all my love is due Him/He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood".
FOUND IN YOU is comprised of mainly slower, quieter modern praise and worship and adult contemporary fare. The people you will hear on this record are: Brooke Nicholls (vocals, keys), Steve Lensink (guitars, vocals, keys, programming), Justin Brix (guitars), Jared Fox (guitars, programming), and Jacob Schrodt (drums). The message of this album is that it is only in Jesus Christ that we can find our true identity. Through Christ, the Father loves on us, gives us His grace, heals us, restores us, and gives us His joy. Songs of testimony are found on this project. Gratitude for the cross, the blood of Jesus being shed, salvation, God's keeping power even in the dark times, and His creation are expressed here. It is made clear that Heaven is our true home. I'm rating this project 85.5%. For more info visit: www.brookenicholls.ca or connect with her on Facebook.
Darlene Joyce Steinhardt, who we now know by her married name, Darlene Zschech, was born on September 8, 1965 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. At ten she was part of an Australian children's show 'Happy Go Round'. She has sung jingles for companies such as McDonald's, KFC, and Coca-Cola. She released her solo debut, MAKE THE CHOICE, in 1987. In 1993 she wrote her signature song 'Shout to the Lord' which became a massive praise and worship hit internationally. She joined the staff of Hillsong Church, and has went on to release a few more solo albums. The one I will be reviewing here is 2011's YOU ARE LOVE (Fair Trade/Columbia). In the liner notes Darlene writes: "These songs have been gathered, written, and recorded as I continue to walk this journey of loving and worshiping my King in every season...and as my heart discovers new ways and new melodies to sing a very earnest THANK YOU".
1. 'Under Grace' is one of seven songs penned solely by Darlene. David Davidson is responsible for the lovely string arrangements on this light pop song of personal testimony: "Under grace, You cover my failing again/Heavenly rain, You wash all my fear away, away/When I woke today, the sun was not hiding away/And hope filled my world once again/My life forever, changed by the Master/My life forever, given to praise/And I`m forever grateful for my salvation/Washing over all my sin/You are washing over all my sin".
2. Michael Gungor, Israel Houghton, and Darlene co-wrote 'Saving Me', a joyful, bouncy pop song featuring Darlene's daughter Zoe Z: "Love is saving me/Everything I am becoming free to love/You're saving me, Your love saving me/This beauty for ashes/Your love changing me/Your presence is calling me/Oh hear the sound of salvation".
3. The title track, 'You are Love', is a beautiful praise and worship anthem: "You are love/Love unfailing, love divine/You are love/Love that mends a heart like mine/You are love/Lifted high for all to see/You are love/The heavens sing of Your glory/You are love, You are love".
4. 'We are Your People' is a modern worship song of spiritual consecration: "We are Your people/We live to worship/We live to carry Your Name/Making a way by Your love/To move every mountain/We're living with healing and grace/We carry Your Name, Jesus". Electric guitar is put to good use here.
5. 'I Will Wait' runs over six and a half minutes long. It is one of two co-writes between Darlene and Israel Houghton. This wonderful adult contemporary ballad that builds in musical intensity is one of spiritual dedication: "Though the storms may rage around me/In the eye I will rest my soul/Lord I love You more than life itself/This I know/I will wait for You/I will wait/Lord, I'll wait for You/I will wait/In Your presence I surrender/Laying down all my foolish pride/As this deep calls unto deep/I will love You with all my life".
6. 'Beautiful' includes these calming words: "Oh peace, flood my soul/Be still my anxious heart/When I don't understand/You hold me/Peace, flood my soul/You're beautiful/Amazing love over me/You're beautiful/A love beyond all I see".
7. Next up is 'Hope for Humanity', which points everyone directly to Christ: "Jesus, Jesus/Saviour, Emmanuel/Oh Jesus, my Jesus/Healer, only You are/Hope for all humanity/Jesus, my Lord/The hope of the world is Jesus".
8. 'Faithful' is a great modern worship song: "You rescue me from enemy lines/You're reaching down from heaven's open skies/You run to my defense, You cover me/For when I am weak/You are strong/Savior, all my days in Your hands/Redeemer, every dream, every plan/Father, at Your word I respond/You are my God, You are faithful".
9. 'Cry of the Broken' includes a nice electric guitar solo and expresses gratitude for Calvary: "You were wounded for my sin and You were bruised for all my shame/You were broken for my healing/Only by the cross I am saved".
10. 'Face to Face' is an easy listening number that is a duet with Barry Southgate. Stu Garrard plays guitar while Tony Lucido plays bass. The song paints a beautiful picture with these words: "My searching heart was aching for a place to find a home/You knocked upon its doors, I asked You in/Oh, You loved me into life and all its fullness/Now I know that I am Yours forever/You are mine".
11. Last up is a Bonus Exclusive Australian Mix of 'Under Grace'.
Darlene Zschech's vocals are just lovely to listen to on YOU ARE LOVE. This album is comprised of mostly slow adult contemporary, modern worship, and light pop songs. Made clear is the fact that we all need to have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Also we should worship God. Our God is full of beauty, grace, mercy, love, healing, and holiness. He provided a way through the death and resurrection of Christ for us to receive forgiveness and salvation. In addition, we are reminded to share God and His message of love with people who don't yet know Him. The Cd booklet is nicely put together with some beautiful shots. I'm rating YOU ARE LOVE 95%. For more info visit: www.darlenezschech.com or connect with her on Facebook.
Steve Green was born on August 1st, 1956 in Portland Oregon. He spent a lot of his early life in Argentina as his folks were Baptist missionaries. He sang tenor on the first two albums by the Gaither Vocal Band and also sang lead on White Heart's self-titled debut album in 1982. Fast forward to 1984 and he put out his self-titled debut solo project (Sparrow). It was produced by Greg Nelson. In the liner notes Steve thanks: "My Lord, for the miracle of salvation and reconciliation, and for the promise of continuing the work that He started. Praise the Lord-Hallelujah!"
1. First up is 'Lift Up A Song', a short, but jubilant praise and worship song of victory: "Oh it is Jesus/The Lamb who has saved us/Who now has been raised and is seated in power/At the hand of the Father/Behold His presence/Comes to His temple/As the redeemed of the Lord join the dance of the passover Lamb (2X)".
2. Melodie Tunney, Dick Tunney, and Bev Darnall wrote the upbeat Christian pop song, 'Looking for the City' which anticipates heaven: "Since the moment of new birth/I've been a stranger on this Earth/An exile of promise living in this world/But with my new eyes of faith/I`m looking for the day/When I'll be gone from this house and at home with the Lord".
3. 'Bring Back the Glory' was penned by Bill and Gloria Gaither and Bill George. It's an inspirational ballad that begins by describing what it's like to be in a spiritual valley: "All the laughter is gone/And the sound of the song that we sang/Slowly faded away/Simple joys that we knew/When we walked close with You, hand in hand in the cool of the day/Are just memories/Or are they dreams?/Yet we hold to the hope/That the music will come back again/Bring back the Glory/Won't You show us what life is for?/Bring back the Glory/Make us open once more".
4. 'Proclaim the Glory of the Lord' is an upbeat praise and worship number that is definitely joyful: "He is our Messiah, our Savior and our King/Let all our voices join as one/And fill the Earth with singing/Glory to our God!/His greatness we applaud/Let every race on every shore/Proclaim the glory of the Lord!"
5. Dony McGuire and Reba Rambo co-wrote 'Wounded Soldier', an easy listening ballad about bearing one another's burdens: "Obeying their orders/They fought on the front lines for our King/Capturing the enemy's stronghold/Weakened from battle/Satan crept in to steal their lives/Don't let a wounded soldier die/Come let us pour the oil/Come let us bind the hurt/Let's cover them with a blanket of His love".
6. 'Lamb of Glory' is a moving praise and worship anthem centered around Calvary: "Precious Lamb of Glory/Love's most wondrous story/Heart of God's redemption of man/Worship the Lamb of Glory/On the cross God loved the world/While all the powers of hell were hurled/No one there could understand/The one they saw was Christ the Lamb".
7. Horns are arranged by Dan Cleary on 'Other Side of the Grave', a light Christian pop song of testimony: "We are alive in Christ/Dead to the world/Free from the sin that enslaves/In His death we died/In His life we live again/On the other side of the grave".
8. 'Broken and Spilled Out' is the longest song at over five minutes in length. It expresses gratitude for Calvary: "And though You were perfect and holy/You gave up yourself willingly/You spared no expense for my pardon/You were used up and wasted for me/Broken and spilled out/Just for love of me, Jesus/God's most precious treasure lavished on me".
9. Mark Gersmehl and Billy Smiley of White Heart co-wrote 'You Can Be (As Full as You Want to Be)' with Dwight Liles and Steve Green. This one's a peppy pop song about totally surrendering to Jesus: "You can be as full as you want to be/Look inside your heart and you will see/All the places that you need to give to Him/Open up your heart and you will see/You can be as full as you want to be/But it's up to you how much you let Him in/Let Him in".
10. Last up is 'People Need the Lord', one of two co-writes on the album by Greg Nelson and Phil McHugh. It would become one of Steve's signature songs over the years. This splendid adult contemporary ballad is about sharing the Gospel with the lost: "Every day they pass me by/I can see it in their eyes/Empty people filled with care/Headed who knows where/On they go through private pain/Living fear to fear/Laughter hides their silent cries/Only Jesus hears/People need the Lord (2X)/At the end of broken dreams/He's the open door/People need the Lord (2X)/When will we realize/People need the Lord".
STEVE GREEN has five fast songs and five slow ones on it. The main musical genres are light pop and inspirational, with touches of easy listening and adult contemporary mixed in. Praising and worshiping God for who He is and what He has done is prevalent on this album. Also prevalent is the story of how Christ came to earth to purchase our salvation at Calvary. God's love for us is great! A desire for intimacy with God is expressed. Also, we are encouraged to care for others, whether they be Christians or not. Steve's vocals are great as are the backing vocals. I'm rating this one a perfect 100%. For more info visit: www.stevegreenministries.org or look him up on Facebook.
In 1989 Word Records released the multi-artist project OUR HYMNS. It was executive produced by Loren Balman and Michael Blanton.
1. First up is a laid back version of 'Holy, Holy, Holy'. Michael W. Smith gives a nice vocal here. The Christ Church Choir and Donna McElroy are among the other singers on this essentially praise and worship classic: "Holy, holy, holy!/Lord God Almighty!/Early in the morning my song shall rise to Thee/Holy, holy, holy!/Merciful and mighty!/God in three Persons, blessed Trinity".
2. Amy Grant sings "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus', while Gary Chapman plays bass. Dulcimer and accordion are two of the other instruments used on this rootsy, Americana song about having faith: "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus/Just to take Him at His word/Just to rest upon His promise/Just to know/'Thus saith the Lord'.../I'm so glad I learned to trust Thee/Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend/And I know that Thou art with me/Wilt be with me to the end".
3. Bruce Carroll presents 'More Love to Thee' in an easy listening manner. It's a quiet, reverent song: "More love to Thee/More love to Thee!/Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee/This is my earnest plea/More love, O Christ to Thee/More love to Thee/More love to Thee!"
4. Christian dance queen Kim Boyce brings a slow R&B groove to 'I Must Tell Jesus'. It features Kirk Whalum on sax and Alphie Silas and Jean McRath on backing vocals. It's sung from the standpoint of one with an intimate relationship with Christ: "I must tell Jesus all of my troubles/He's a kind, compassionate friend/If I but ask Him, He will deliver/Make of my troubles quickly an end/O how the world to evil allures me!/O how my heart is tempted to sin!/I must tell Jesus, and He will help me/Over the world-victory to win".
5. Russ Taff delivers a soulful version of 'Near the Cross' which will lift your spirits. Julie Miller is a guest vocalist. Again, this song speaks of a personal relationship with Christ: "Jesus, keep me, keep me near the cross/For there is a precious, precious fountain/O it's free, free to all, a healing, cleansing stream/And it flows from Calv'ry's, Calv'ry's mountain/Always near, keep me Jesus/Let it, let it be my glory ever/Till my raptured soul, soul shall find/Rest, rest beyond the river".
6. Next up is a gem from Phil Keaggy. It's called 'Prelude: Bach's Bourree/O God, Our Help in Ages Past'. Smitty Price plays keyboards and Phil as usual is great on guitar. This track begins as a soothing instrumental and transitions into a light adult pop number. It includes these prayerful lyrics: "O God, our help in ages past/Our hope for years to come/Be Thou our guard while life shall last/And our eternal home/Our home (4X)/O God, lead us, guide us, we pray".
7. First Call presents 'O Sacred Head, Now Wounded'. It reflects on Calvary: "O sacred Head, now wounded/With grief and shame weighed down/Now scornfully surrounded/With thorns Thine only crown/How pale Thou art with anguish/With sore abuse and scorn/How does that visage languish/Which once was bright as morn!/What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered/Was all for sinners' gain/O mine was the transgression/But Thine the deadly pain". Tommy Sims plays bass.
8. Wayne Watson presents a great adult contemporary version of 'It is Well with My Soul'. These words anticipate heaven: "O then Lord, hurry the day when the faith shall be sight/The clouds be rolled back as a scroll/The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend/Even so, it is well with my soul".
9. Take 6 put their cool acappella spin on 'The Savior is Waiting', a song of spiritual invitation: "The Savior is waiting to enter your heart/Why don't you let Him in? (2X)/There's nothing in this world to keep you apart/Why won't you answer Him? (2X)/Time after time He has waited before/And now He is waiting again/To see if you're willing to open the door/O how He wants to come in/If you'll take one look at the Savior, my friend/You'll find His arms open wide (2X)".
10. Last up is a rock battle cry from Petra, 'Onward, Christian Soldiers', which begins with these words: "Onward, Christian soldiers/Marching as to war/With the cross of Jesus/Going on before!/Onward, then, ye people/Join our happy throng/Blend with us your voices/In our triumph song". John Elefante and Dave Amado are on background vocals.
OUR HYMNS was a kind of who's who of Contemporary Christian musicians at the time. It was a forerunner to many multi-artist projects that would follow, such as the CITY ON A HILL series. On OUR HYMNS there are seven slower songs and three faster paced ones. Adult contemporary and easy listening are the main musical styles, but we are given samples of Americana, R&B, acapella, and rock music as well. Loving and trusting Jesus Christ and a gratitude for His sacrifice at Calvary are main themes. God's love for us and His holiness are made clear here. This is a pretty decent praise and worship record. I'm rating it 90%. For more info visit the artists' official web pages or connect with them on facebook/twitter.
