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.
