BLESSINGS

     Laura Story writes the following on her website: "Life is filled with things you don't expect, but the Bible tells us to respond by trusting God and continuing to worship Him."  Her husband Martin was in the hospital with a brain tumor in 2006 and he still hasn't been completely healed.  They are expecting their first child this Fall.  In 2009 Laura won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album of the Year with GREAT GOD WHO SAVES.  Her second major label release is BLESSINGS (2011, Fairtrade Services) produced by Nathan Nockels of Watermark fame.
     The album begins with two upbeat numbers.  'This is the Day' begins with these words of testimony: "I'm not the same/I have been changed/By the power of Christ/The truth in my life/I can't explain/This difference He's made/Old things have gone, something new has begun/This is the day of my salvation/I will rejoice with a song of praise."  'Friend of Sinners', co-written with Brenton Brown, emphasizes the social gospel: "So give us hearts that help the widow/Give us hands that feed the poor/Give us words that bring Your healing/To this hurt and broken world."  'You are Love' is a great song that declares God's awesome character and uses a choir to good effect: "You are justice for every oppression/You're forgiveness for every confession/You are beauty, goodness, blessing/You are love/You are healing for every sickness/You are power in every weakness/You are mighty, holy, faithful/You are love." 
     'What a Savior', written by Jeremiah Jones, is a Christian radio friendly song of praise to the Lord that borrows from Psalm 23: "Jesus, You are higher, my soul's deepest desire/Hallelujah, You are Savior/You are the shepherd King, You lead us by still waters/Hallelujah, You are Savior/You are my only hope, Your kindness is my friend/And in Your presence, You restore us."  The title track, 'Blessings' is a ballad that showcases Story's great voice.  It is one of five songs on the album written solely by her.  It won Best Contemporary Christian Song at this year's Grammy's.  Lyrically, it brings to mind James 1:2: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."  The song speaks of how God's ways are not always our ways: "And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near/And we doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love/As if every promise from Your Word is not enough/And all the while, You hear each desperate plea/And long that we'd have faith to believe/'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?/What if Your healing comes through tears?/And what if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near?/And what if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?"  'Your Name Will Be Praised', co-written with Mac Powell of Third Day, picks things up musically again and talks of exalting and following the Lord even in the difficult seasons of life: "Through the darkest of nights/When we can't find our way/We will walk by faith not sight, Lord/Your name will be praised.../For who You are/For what You've done/For what You've yet to do/This song we raise/This day we proclaim, all glory to You." 
     'One Life to Lose' is mellow and keyboard based.  It brings Matthew 16:25 to mind: "For whoever wants to save His life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it."  Here are some of the lyrics: "I've sworn again to lay it down, to bring an end/To this life lived for me/For I've one life to lose, one chance to find/A newer, better me, the old one left behind/For there's one Lord who leads, though steep the cost/I have learned when I am lost, it's there that I am found."  'Prodigal Song' reminds me of Mark Schultz with its' story telling quality.  It describes an earthly father longing for his son to come back home: "And he is watching and he is hoping/Though his eyes are weary, his arms are still open/And his prayer, so softly spoken/Please come home." 
     'Remember', written by Story, is reverent and would make for a good communion song: "This is the Lamb who was slain for us/So we the church may enter in/So bittersweet when we think of You/The One who bore our curse, our sin."  'Faithful God' is one of Story's favourites on the album and it is a great way to end the album.  A choir is nicely used to give the song power and a moving quality to it.  The lyrics show a desire for one's faith to remain strong: "May the grace that sought my heart on that first day/Be the grace that binds my heart to stay/May the truth that opened up my eyes on that first time/Be the thoughts on my mind that never go away/For You are a lamp unto my feet/A light unto my path."
     In the liner notes Laura Story shares from the heart: "To Jesus, these songs seem like such a frail offering to the One who gave Your very life for me.  May they be a sweet sound in Your ear!"  I'm recommending this album to fans of Chris Tomlin and modern worship in general.  I'm rating BLESSINGS 85%.  For more info visit http://www.laurastorymusic.com/ and http://www.fairtradeservices.com/.

BREATH OF GOD

     BREATH OF GOD (2012, Candlelight Concerts and Records) is an EP that is a collaboration between Randy Stonehill and Buck Storm.  Four of the songs were written by the duo, with the fifth, the title track, being penned solely by Stonehill.  You might remember these two artists contributed to 2010's SONGS FOR ISRAEL.  Randy Stonehill released his first album BORN TWICE in 1971.  He was born March 12, 1952.  Over the years he has delivered such wonderful songs as 'King of Hearts', 'Christmas at Denny's', Shut De Do', and 'American Fast Food.'  Buck Storm is a worship pastor and a Christian Americana artist.  On his website, of his ministry, he is quoted as saying: "I want people to see and hear the love of God in every word of every story, and every note of every song.  I want them to see that Jesus is the only star.  Christ was a radical.  He loved people for who they were, not for what they had to offer.  Lord, give me a heart like that!"
     On most of the tracks of this EP, Buck and Randy share vocal duties.  The first song, 'We are Here', is the longest, running 5 minutes and 51 seconds.  It is upbeat, includes nice background vocals by a choir, and anticipates the 2nd Coming of Christ: "Lightning cuts the eastern sky as night gives into dawn/The devil's screaming in the courts of the kings of Babylon/And aching for that glorious day/All creation groans/When justice has it's perfect hour and Love will take His throne/Oh Lord behold Your people/We are ready to rejoice/For You have known the ending from the start/Awakened by Your Spirit, united as one voice/One single prayer to stir the Father's heart/We are here, hear our call."  Next up is 'Jesus', a rootsy, mid-tempo number for fans of the Lost Dogs.  It has Randy singing in his unmistakable falsetto at times, and would not have been out of place on his EDGE OF THE WORLD project.  The words of the song talk about the importance of how you view the person of Jesus and make it clear it is worth giving a lot of thought to: "Jesus in the woodwork, Jesus in the clouds/Jesus in the stained glass, Jesus in the shroud/Jesus in the music of a newborn baby's cries/Could that be the face of Jesus shinin' in those eyes?/Jesus Christ the Superstar, Jesus Christ the Lamb/Jesus as a curse word of a drunken businessman/Jesus in the measured words of the old and wise/Jesus King of glory in a flesh and blood disguise/I got real good news and real bad news for you/In the end I guess it all depends upon your point of view/I got real bad news, real good news it's true/The way it's gonna all shake down baby that's up to you."
     As 'Bones' starts, it has a decidedly old country, Johnny Cash feel to it.  The song includes a trumpet solo by Jim Hanson, and marvels at God's miraculous power as seen in the Old Testament: "Linking bone to bone, gonna make 'em alive/He's callin' them home like bees to the hive/God told Ezekiel 'Prophesy!'/Bones/Scattered like seed, beaten by war/But there's a sweet rain fallin' on the killin' floor/Shake off those grave clothes we'll need them no more/Hear the rattlin' winds (2X)/The prophet's callin' them in/Bones (3X)/Hear the rattlin' winds (2X)/See them rising again/Bones."  Storm's voice sounds gruff, similar to Barry McGuire's.  'Out of Egypt' is a laid back ballad with nice touches of electric guitar.  I take the song as a spiritual allegory of one moving out of the devil's bondage and into the freedom Christ gives.  It talks of how it can take a lot of faith to make this journey: "Out of Egypt I have come/The devil barking at my heels/Snappin' at my wheels/Howlin' at the sun/Out of Egypt I have come.../And the sun sets early in these canyons/And the nights get cold sometimes out here/Across the fire from my Companion/He brought this broken man/Out of Egypt.../Sometimes freedom can be frightening/Prison bars can feel like home/Then the Truth breaks through to me like lightning/He brought this broken man out of Egypt."
     'Breath of God' is the closing and shortest song (3:38).  It is a tender song with Stonehill carrying the vocals accompanied by an acoustic guitar.  The song describes intimate communion between God and man: "Oh breath of God, come in and dwell/Please make this aching heart Your home and use me well/For You created me and named me as Your own/To know the wonder of Your love and make it known/Breath of God, teach me Your ways/That I might serve You in these precious fleeting days/Now I know one thing if I've learned nothing else/Until I live for You I do not live myself.../Oh breath of God I'm tired and cold/And all the dreams I've chased have left me feeling old/You've been waiting here/Now I understand/Let me fall into Your loving nail-scarred hands/Breath of God, oh breath of God."
     Buck Storm told me he is unsure whether BREATH OF GOD will be fleshed out into a full record in the future or not.  Either way, it stands on it's own as a terrific, well crafted group of songs that is sure to move you.  For more info visit http://www.candlelightfellowship.org/, http://www.buckstorm.com/, and, http://www.randystonehill.com/.  You can also like 'Stonehill and Storm' on Facebook, or buy this EP which I'm rating 90%, on itunes.

DAVID CROWDER*BAND GIVES IT A REST

     David Crowder put out his first album, POUR OVER ME, in 1998.  Two of my favourite David Crowder*Band songs are 2003's 'Open Skies', and their cover of Michael W. Smith's 'Secret Ambition' which appeared on a 2005 tribute album.  GIVE US REST OR (A REQUIEM MASS IN C [THE HAPPIEST OF ALL KEYS]) is their final album.  The two disc project clocks in at 100 minutes, 29 seconds, and was released this year on Sparrow Records.  It was produced and recorded by the David Crowder*Band in various houses, buses and green rooms.
     Disc One begins with a priest speaking in Latin.  This is followed by 'Oh Great God, Give us Rest' written by Crowder and Matt Maher.  It is a heartfelt cry to God: "Oh great God give us rest/We're all worn thin from all of this/The end of our hope with nothing left/Oh great God give us rest."  'Lux Aeternam Shine' is a Gregorian chant.  'Come Find Me' is a power-pop song of deep gratitude: "The One who I've searched for/For so long has come/With open arms/Today is the day of glory/Today is the day I'm home/Oh day, what a day/Oh day, I'm Yours/Oh day of resurrection."  'God Have Mercy (Kyrie Eleison)' features heavy percussion and contains these penitent words: "Oh my God what have I done?/Oh my God what have I done?/What have I done?/Oh Lord have mercy/Oh Lord have mercy/Oh Christ have mercy/Have mercy."
     Next up is a real treat, that being an old country style, bare bones rendition of Kris Kristofferson's 1972 hit 'Why Me?'  It includes these lyrics: "Why me Lord/What have I ever done to deserve even one/Of the pleasures I've known?/Tell me Lord/What did I ever do that was worth love from You/Or the kindness You've shown?"  'Fall on Your Knees' is one of eight songs penned solely by David Crowder.  It is a song about being amazed at God's goodness: "To feel this grace rescuing/Lifting us up, washing our feet/Oh my God, oh my God/It's too wonderful/It's too wonderful."  'A Burial' includes these spoken, poignant words uttered amidst pouring rain: "How do you sum up a life in a few words?/How do you measure the weight of a soul in a matter of moments?/You do not/You cannot."  'Let me feel You Shine' shares a desire for the Savior to rescue from doubt and sin: "This place is trying to break my belief/But my faith is bigger than all I can see/What I need is redemption/What I need is for You to put me back on my feet.../God I need a Savior/O come Generous King/O God I need a Savior/To come rescue me."  'Reprise #1' is an instrumental featuring strings.  'Blessedness of Everlasting Light' was written with Mike Hogan and has a circus type '1-2' beat to it.  It is an earnest plea to the Father: "God hold back Your hand/Oh God hold back Your hand/Stay Your wrath again/Oh God hold back Your hand.../Oh Lord forgive (2X)/Free from chains of sin/Oh Lord forgive."  'The Sound of Light' and 'Interlude' are two instrumentals that may inspire various thoughts in the listener.
     Disc One closes with seven 'Sequences'.  'Sequence 1' musically is very heavy (think Tourniquet) and paints a dismal picture: "Day of wrath/Oh day of mourning/Day of wrath/Oh day of mourning/See the ashes, cities burning/Hear the final prophets' warning."  'Sequence 2' written by Mark Waldrop has a mass choir singing mostly in Latin except for these words: "Oh what wondrous noise the trumpet sounds.../Oh through all the earth it shakes the ground."  'Sequence 3' is a short instrumental that seems to include the use of jingle bells among other things.  'Sequence 4' uses acoustic guitar and is a ballad of great thankfulness: "Faint and weary You have sought me/Oh my Savior God through the cross You have bought me/What a love, Your Son for my salvation/What a cost, Your wondrous incarnation/God You came (2X)/My God You came down."  'Sequence 5' was written by Jack Parker and has a dark metal feel to it, with vocals reminiscent of Passafist.  Here are some lyrics: "Oh save a place for me/To Your right hand upraise me (2X)."  'Sequence 6' is a simple statement of worship: "I bow low with all my heart."  'Sequence 7' written with Jeremy Bush serves as a somber reminder for all of us what ultimately lies ahead for us: "When all is done/Judgment comes/And we will stand/Right in front of Him/Spare us, oh God (4X)/Have mercy, oh God (2X)."
     Disc Two begins with 'Reprise 2', a pretty instrumental.  'Oh My God' is a song of victory: "Born all over again/Bring Your rain and bring Your wind/I'm born all over/Born all over again/Death will lose and we will win/I'm born all over."  'I am a Seed' written by Mike Dodson and Mark Waldrop is a great, upbeat bluegrass song with banjo: "Oh I've been pushed down into the ground/ Oh how I have been trampled down/Lord I put my trust in Thee/You won't turn Your back on me/Oh I am a seed (2X)/I've been pushed down into the ground/But I will rise up a tree."  'After All (Holy)' is a wonderful song that reflects on how much greater God is than us: "I can't comprehend Your infinitely beautiful and perfect love/Oh I've dreamed dreams of majesty as brilliant as a billion stars/But they're never bright enough after all/You are holy/Oh holy/Holy, holy, holy."  'The Great Amen' has a choir repeatedly singing "Amen" to a crescendo.
     Two modern worship gems follow.  'There is a Sound', written by Crowder, looks with anticipation towards a brighter future.  It begins with these words: "There is a sound in the highest place/Of exaltation/Of unending praise/Here on the ground/On our brightest day in affectation/Of a coming reign/Peace on earth, let there be (3X)/Peace."  'Oh, Great Love of God', written with Matt Maher and Mark Waldrop, is another song that speaks of a hope-filled future: "Oh great love of God/Who takes away the sin of all of us/Gone forever/Heaven open wide in Your resurrection/You won't be denied bringing life to the dead and dying/You won't be denied we will rise and we'll sing forever."  'Our Communion' is creative and is about how God can restore us: "Sweet dreams of Heaven changing our waking lives/Breath, taken in and bringing what was dead to life/In the recesses of your heart where love had died/Let it rise and lead you across the great divide."
     'Sometimes' is a ballad that begins with these brutally honest words: "Sometimes every one of us feels/Like we'll never be healed/Sometimes/Sometimes every one of us aches/Like we'll never be saved/Sometimes."  'A Return' is sure to evoke contradictory feelings in your heart: "My heart runs far from where You intended/Come after me please (2X)/The son has come home, we're rejoicing/The son has come home, rejoice my soul."  'Oh My God I'm Coming Home' is a guitar driven song of great joy: "Oh my God I'm coming home/Dance all day and sing along/To the glory hallelujah/Oh my God I'm coming home."
     'Leaning on the Everlasting Arms/'Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus' is for those who miss old style hymn sings.  Here they are given a fairly traditional treatment with violin.  The lyrics state that Christ is sufficient: "Oh I'm leaning, leaning/Safe and secure from all alarms/Leaning, leaning/Leaning on the everlasting arms.../Jesus, Jesus how I trust You/How I've proved You o'er and o'er/Jesus, Jesus Precious Jesus/Oh for grace to trust Him more."  'Jesus, Lead me to Your Healing Waters' was written by Crowder, Dodson, Waldrop, Hogan and Parker.  It is an excellent Gaither style tune complete with applause.  It displays a genuine urge for revival: "Jesus lead me to Your healing waters/Take me down to your healing stream/Jesus lead me to Your healing waters/Take me down and wash me clean/Jesus purify me in Your fire/Burn me up until I believe."  The album closes with the Gaither classic 'Because He Lives' which won a Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1974, the year I was born.  The words of the chorus have comforted many, including myself, when grieving the loss of a loved one: "Because He lives I can face tomorrow/Because He lives all fear is gone/Because I know He holds the future/And life is worth the living just because He lives." 
     GIVE US REST is an ambitious, edgy, creative, artistic, boundary pushing praise and worship project.  It surpasses current worship projects by Chris Tomlin and Michael W. Smith.  It is to be praised for the diversity of musical styles on it.  I'm rating it 95% and recommending it to those who enjoyed 2011's GHOSTS UPON THE EARTH by Gungor, and 2003's !Hero: The Rock Opera.  For more info visit http://www.davidcrowderband.com/ and http://www.sparrowrecords.com/.

IZZI RAY

     According to her Facebook page Izzi Ray "is an up and coming young artist with a new, fresh take on songwriting and melody.  With a rich, warm, yet young and vibrant voice, Izzi brings a sweet and clear message of faith, hope and love in her songs."  She cites her influences as Phil Wickham, John Mayer, and Brooke Fraser.  On her self-titled debut (2012, Metro One) Izzi Ray wrote nine of the ten tracks.  Izzi Ray, Nic Rodriguez, and her brother Solomon Ray are responsible for all the vocals and instrumentation.
     'More Than Conquerors' is a mid-tempo number that starts with drum beats that remind me of the start of Michael W. Smith's 'Secret Ambition.'  The song is based on Romans 8:31, 37: "If my God is for me who can be against me?/If my God is for me who can bring me down?/If my God is for me no one can defeat me/If my God is for me/Bring it on!/We are more than conquerors (3X)/Through love/We are more than conquerors (3X)/Through Your love."  'Jeremiah' is a soothing ballad of exhortation directed towards young people: "Get up, the Lord has spoken to you/Get up, you're not too young to be used/Do not be afraid/Stand up and say/Exactly what I tell you to/I set you apart/My Word's in your heart/Now you know what to do/Like Jeremiah (4X)."  'Our Time is Now' is a great, upbeat pop song.  It is a song of one confident in their faith: "When I see Your face/I will run to You/When I hear Your Name/I will follow You/Nothing, nothing can stop us, stop us/From spreading the Truth/Nothing, nothing can stop us, stop us/From spreading the Truth/Our time is now (4X)."
     'From Death' was penned by her brother Solomon. It is a playful sounding song of praise: "You are/You are/King of my heart/You are/You are/Lord of my love.../You have ripped me from death/Into life/Where I can see/Where I can breathe/You're beautiful/Into light/Where I can see/Where I can breathe and be with You."  'Drowning' finds Izzi acknowledging her desperate need for the Lord: "All this emptiness/Like chains around my neck/It weighs me down/It's gettin' hard to breathe/Rescue Me/I'm gonna drown/They pull me down/I'm confused/I need some help/Cut me loose/You need to set me free."  'Here I Am' begins with a keyboard solo and these words, inspired by Isaiah 6: "Woe is me for I am undone/I dwell in the midst of unholy ones/But You're takin' away all these things/My eyes have seen the holy King/Here I am/Send me/I'm willing/I'm ready/I'll say what You said/I won't be afraid or discouraged."
     'Crazy' has a funky groove to it, and finds Izzi love sick and a bit angry: "Stop gettin' inside my head/Just go to her instead/Just stay away from me/Don't be so nice to me/Make up your mind/You need to pick a side/Can we please stop this game?/I don't know how to play/I'm on the losing team/So why did you lead me on?/This heartache's going on and on/Don't know which way to turn/You're making me crazy."  'Your Eyes' is a slow, romantic love song: "You're the one, you're the one/I've been prayin' for/You're the one, you're the one/I've been waitin' for/You're the one, you're the one/I've been hopin' for/You're the one, you're the one/I've been holdin' out for/When I stare into your eyes/You're all that I need/When you stare right back into mine/You're everything/When you say something so sweet/It makes me sing/When you look at me/My heart stops beating."  These two human relationship songs really round out the album.
     'Running' shows Izzi's sincere passion for God and appropriately has a driven sound to it with heavy percussion: "I'm running/I'm running to You/Can't go any faster/I'm running/I'm running to You/Can't go any higher/Running, I'm running to You/Can't go any faster/Running, I'm running to You/I'll praise Your Name."  The album ends as it started, on a mid-tempo note.  'I Know I'll Make It' showcases creative instrumentation and makes it known Izzi wants to share her faith with others before it is too late: "This world is crazy/There's so much fear/Gotta get ready/The end is near/So let's make Him famous/Let's make it clear/It's almost over/He's almost here/I know I'll make (2X)/I know I'll make it through."
     IZZI RAY has a maturity and artistry to it not found on projects by her contemporaries such as Miley Cyrus and V. Rose.  You can really tell she poured her heart into this one.  Izzi Ray is a beautiful girl in love with the Lord.  She has a promising career ahead of her.  I should mention she is the teenage daughter of CCM legend Crystal Lewis and music producer/record company executive Brian Ray.  I'm rating IZZI RAY 85%.  For more info visit: http://www.izziray.com/, www.twitter.com/izziray, www.youtube.com/izziraymusic, or find her on Facebook!

HAVE YE ANY HOPE?

     Between consecutive Grammy winning albums WORLDWIDE (2003) and UNTIL MY HEART CAVES IN (2005) Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline "began to lose his trademark gravelly voice as well as a ten-year marriage.  Soon, life on the road with Audio A and the home life Mark had known were both over."  Stuart says: "I'm in awe of how God stops at nothing to pull our hearts back to His...He fights for us and uses our tragedies for good."  Stuart and Audio A bassist Will McGinniss went to the same church.  They continued to work on the Hands and Feet Project, a ministry that cares for orphans in Haiti.  They founded it before the big earthquake and often visit the orphanage that they helped build.  Their pastor encouraged them to start sharing with others how God had worked in their lives.  It began with small group fire-side chats.  Eventually "The duo set out to create an intimate and hope-filled night of music, testimony and worship with some of their new friends and musicians from their home church...The Know Hope Collective was born."  The Collective includes Julia Ross of Everlife, Leslie Jordan and David Leonard of All Sons and Daughters, and 2010 BMI Christian Music Award-winning Songwriter of the Year, Jason Walker. 
     Mark Stuart points out: "We have to be clear that this isn't Audio Adrenaline anymore.  It isn't run around and get crazy rock and roll music like 'Big House' was.  I loved every minute of that, but this is a moment for us to go out and encourage people that there is hope even in brokenness."  He continues: "I'm amazed that God is doing this through someone whose voice is broken.  It's a sweet, unique place to be and a complete surprise."
     Know Hope Collective's first release is self-titled and was released by Integrity Music in 2011.  It begins with 'Attention', a mid-tempo track that lyrically sounds like a modern day take on Psalm 23: "You call me here from all the things I'm chasing/You bring me to this place to lie down/You pull me from the wars I've been waging/And remind me there's a table set for us/Exhale/Shut my eyes and make me/Slow down and be still/Speak/You have my attention."  'Sanctuary' speaks of the work the Lord does in our lives when we completely open up to Him: "Jesus, You are worthy/And You have made us holy now/These walls have been my refuge/Offering an anchor/Resting in Your sacred love/You've drawn me to Your altar/I'm here but I have nothing."  'Build us Back' written by Mark Stuart and Jason Walker was previously recorded by Newsboys on their 2010 release BORN AGAIN.  It is a great song that finds them crying out to the Lord and being answered: "Redeemer/Redeem us/Restorer/Restore us/You build us back/Though the mountains be shaken/The hills be removed/Your unfailing love remains/After all that's been taken/Your promise still sacred/You build us back with precious stones."
     'Hands and Feet' is an Audio A classic.  Here it is performed nicely by Mark Stuart and Julia Ross and has a decidedly missional chorus: "I wanna be Your hands/I wanna be Your feet/I'll go where You send me/I'll go where You send me/And I'll try, yeah I'll try/To touch the world like/You touched my life/And I find my way/To be Your hands."  'We Remember' is catchy and displays an intentionally thankful attitude towards the Lord: "How could we forget death has no power and we are free/That You thought of us there on Calvary?/We remember/Your story burns upon our hearts/A beautiful and binding scar/Forever we will (2X)/Think of You/For the things that You have done/And great things You've yet to do/We remember You."  'Ocean Floor' doesn't hold up to Audio A's version.  It is, however, a song of good news that reminds us while we may remember our sins even after confessing them, God most certainly does not: "Your sins are forgotten/They're on the bottom/Of the ocean floor."
     'Spirit Speaks' is a ballad that builds and is about making oneself available for the Lord's use: "With every breath I breathe/With every song I sing/I want to shout it out/Lord I am listening/To every word You speak/I'll go where You will lead/To love the least of these/My greatest offering."  'Jealous God' has a tender, not angry musical feel, and is inspired by Deuteronomy 4:24 which reads: "For the LORD thy god is a consuming fire, even a jealous God."  Some of the lyrics are: "Through this life everyday You've chased me/Like a treasure underneath the sea/When hope was gone, Jesus You came running/To the ends of the earth for me.../You're beautiful and furious/I tremble at the thought of this/That You would go to Calvary/How deep Your love must be for me."
     'Good Life' was originally penned about Mark's friend's divorce.  Later on Mark himself would become divorced.  The song is about finding the Lord to be sufficient.  It opens with these words: "This is the good life/I've lost everything/I could ever want/And ever dream of/This is the good life/I found everything/I could ever need/Here in Your arms."  The album concludes with 'Just to Be Here' written by Mark Stuart and Jason Walker.  It reflects on God's holy and powerful nature: "You walk in our midst like the wind that sweeps the trees/Deeper still You beckon us into Your mystery/And we come to this place/Come to this altar/And we hide, we hide our face/Hide from You Father/And You open our eyes and we're washed in Your light/Overcome just to be here."
     KNOW HOPE COLLECTIVE is a good contemporary worship album that should satisfy fans of that particular genre.  I would have liked to hear even more vocals by Mark Stuart and Julia Ross.  I also would have enjoyed a couple more faster paced songs on the project.  This being said, any Audio A fan should add this album, which I'm rating 82%, to their collection.  For more info visit http://www.integritymusic.com/, http://www.handsandfeetproject.org/, or go to wikipedia.org and search for 'Know Hope Collective.'

DO I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION?

     Dara Maclean could easily be a model.  Instead, her chosen profession is that of a Christian singer.  On her website she writes: "I love making music you can move and groove to, but at the same time, as Christian artists we have a responsibility to speak the truth of the finished work of Christ in love.  Ministering to the broken, unloved and discouraged and ultimately showing people God's better way is what's in my heart.  It's how I'm wired.  My message, my purpose is to express the heart of God for His kids."  Dara's major label debut, YOU GOT MY ATTENTION (2011, Word Entertainment) was produced by Ian Eskelin with whom she writes the first three tracks.
     'Suitcases' is a great pop song.  Of it, she says: "This song is my encouragement to us all to let go of the baggage of the past."  Some of the lyrics are: "How can you move when they're weighing you down?/What can you do when you're tied to the ground, yeah?/You carry your burdens, heavy like gravity/Just let them go now, there's freedom in release/You can't run when you're holding suitcases/It's a new day, throw away your mistakes/And open up your heart, lay down your guard/You don't have to be afraid."  The title track is a toe-tapper that includes the use of trumpet and saxophone.  It is about being fixated on the Lord: "You got my attention now/You captured me/You got my attention now/I can't take my eyes off of You/You're the One I need/You've stolen my affection/You got a hold of my heart/I'm so caught up/Nothing compares to how beautiful You are/So I'm givin' all of me to You/Cause no one loves me like You do."  'Unreachable' offers hope to the sinner: "You're not too far away/You can't fall too far to save/Sounds unbelievable, but you're not unreachable/Just take the hand of grace/Your sins have been replaced/By something beautiful, you're not unreachable/You've been waiting to be rescued from your shame/But He was there, before you called His name."
     'What Love Looks Like' slows things down and has the impossible task of describing love: "It's losing yourself and/Discovering the truth/More than a feeling/Your love is living proof/The only thing that gives me any hope/Knowing I'll never be alone/That's what love looks like/Words fail to say/Just what love looks like/When you give your heart away/It takes you in, holds you close/Never lets you go/So picture all the best things in life/That's what love looks like."  'Free' is one of three songs written solely by Dara.  It has Christian pop radio written all over it and speaks of God's goodness: "I was caged in, then You opened/Every door that held me bound and You gave me the key/No more pressure I can just breathe/The girl I tried so hard to be, has always been me/My strength alone will never be enough/But Your arms keep lifting me up."  'Yours Forever' is a song of intimacy with God: "I'm with You/You're right beside me/I feel You near/Right here to guide me/I'm with You/You're right beside me/To guide me home/Thank You for finding me when You did/You changed my life, now I believe/That love is all that I'll ever need/I promise my heart and all that I am/I'm Yours forever my Love."
     'Nothin' You Won't Do' co-written with Ben Glover, declares God's love for each person on the planet and has a high energy chorus: "There You go (2X)/Doing what You do/Chasing me, lovin' me/You ain't afraid to/Move the universe, just to prove/Yeah, that if I was/The only one/Here on the planet/You would still send Your Son/Cause You couldn't stand it/To see me anywhere but next to You/Ain't nothing that You won't do."  'The One' features keys by Tim Lauer, and is a declaration of faith: "I know You're the way/I know You're the risen One/Sent from above, to deliver us, in You we trust/I know You're the truth/I know You're the only One/You hold the key to this mystery, no more captivity/Jesus You're the One/You're the only One (2X)."  'Had to Be You' is a pleasant love song that could be addressed to God or a boyfriend: "I've been waiting all my life/Just to find/Someone like you/Love you caught me by surprise/One look and I/Just knew/It had to be you/No one else can love me like you do/Eternally I'm yours/You know it's true/Nothing in this world could ever/Change the meaning of forever/Me and you."
     'So Good to Me' testifies to God's upright character: "Why would I ever worry?/Why would I ever live in fear?/I know my God is for me/There's a peace surpassing every single tear/His eye is on the sparrow/He's even livin' in the little things/I'm stickin' to the narrow/Cause His heart has captured me."  Dara wrote 'Gratitude' with Ronnie Freeman who also contributes background vocals on the album.  The song opens with these words of testimony: "I was in trouble and You rescued me/Torn to pieces now I'm complete/Fatherless till You called me Your own/No direction, till You showed me where to go."  The album closes with a wonderful ballad about finding security in God.  'Home' was written with Paul Alan and utilizes cello, violin and viola.  The lyrics include these words: "Still a fire burns, lighting up the room/I know You're here with me/You wrap me in Your arms/Like only You can do/I know You're all I need/With You, I'll always be/Home."
     Her website says: "Just 25, she has forged a sound rooted in the '70s Motown, funk and soul her parents loved and filtered through a thoroughly contemporary urban pop lens."  It also says she was influenced by Adele, Natasha Bedingfield, Ray LaMontagne, John Legend and Marc Broussard.  I would also make vocal comparisons to fellow CCM artists Ayiesha Woods and Fracesca Battistelli.  YOU GOT MY ATTENTION is a breath of fresh air in an oft stale musical environment.  I'm rating it 90%.  For more info visit http://www.daramaclean.com/ and http://www.wordlabelgroup.com/.

GOD SHED HIS GRACE-SONGS OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM

     Twila Paris has now released 23 albums, had 33 No. 1 hits, and won numerous Dove Awards including three for 'Female Vocalist of the Year'.  Her latest release is GOD SHED HIS GRACE-SONGS OF TRUTH AND FREEDOM (2012, eOne Christian Music).  It is a collection of eleven previously recorded tracks that have been re-mastered, and two new patriotic recordings, they being 'God of our Fathers' and 'America the Beautiful'.  Of this project Paris says: "I'm getting more and more concerned about the direction of the nation and more and more passionate about the things I believe...We've gotten to a place where we think every generation is smarter than the last, and none of us need to hear anything from God.  Our founders got it right.  They really did.  We need to get back to what they intended and not be reinterpreting and superimposing agendas.  We have been moving away from what makes us great as a nation; and this isn't about politics.  Politics is simply a reflection of who we are." 
     The album begins with the inspirational 'God of Our Fathers (National Hymn)' written by Daniel C. Roberts and George W. Warren.  It is a song Paris' 77 year old Dad learned in school, not in church.  She shares: "In recent years, singing our National Hymn in church has caused my heart to ache with grief rather than swell with pride, because the conflict between the words I'm singing and the world I live in is undeniable.  But I believe these words can be true again.  It's clear that God's people are praying.  And as we pray, He is showing us how to think, speak and act in ways that can truly be salt and light in a darkened culture."  Some of the lyrics are: "Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise/Thy love divine hath led us in the past/In this free land by Thee our lot is cast/Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay/Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way."  'True North' is the soft pop title track from her 1999 album.  It is about coming to the realization that we need divine guidance: "How did we ever wander so far?/And where do we go from here?/How will we find it again?/True North/There's a strong, steady light that is guiding us home/True North/In the lingering night we were never alone/We need an absolute compass now more than ever before/True North, True North."  'Wisdom' makes the bold claim that there is only one true God: "Wisdom is granted in the name of Jesus Christ/In the name of Jesus Christ/You are the only way/You are the only voice/You are the only hope/You are the only choice/You are the one true God/No matter what we say/You are the breath of life/We need you here today." 
     You can hear the passion in Twila's voice as she sings 'I See You Standing' from 1990's CRY FOR THE DESERT.  It was inspired by the courageous young man who stood in front of the tank in Tiananmen Square: "I see you standing in the fire/Standing on the Word/Remembering the call/I see you standing, standing/I see you standing tall/In the dire struggle you have held your ground."  'The Warrior is a Child' was Twila's first No. 1 back in 1984 and is one of my all time Twila faves.  It is a ballad that shows a vulnerable side of Twila: "People say that I'm amazing/Never face retreat/But they don't see the enemies/That lay me at His feet/And they don't know that I go running home when I fall down/They don't know who picks me up when no one is around/I drop my sword and look up for a smile/'Cause deep inside this armor (3X)/The warrior is a child."  'There is a Plan' from 2007's SMALL SACRIFICE has a more contemporary feel to it and puts total confidence in God: "He is working through the night/Behind the scenes, behind the eyes/Though we would never realize it at a glance/When He comes to work in me/The building of eternity/I pray I do not miss the moment/Do not miss the chance (2X)/I still believe/There is a plan/Moving just beneath the surface of the world we understand."
     'God is in Control' was a hugely popular, upbeat song on 1993's BEYOND A DREAM.  It was "written in response to her own anxieties about the direction of our nation", according to a press release.  Some of the lyrics are: "There is only one thing that has always been true/It holds the world together/God is in control/We believe that His children will not be forsaken/God is in control/We will choose to remember and never be shaken/There is no power above or beside Him, we know/Oh God is in control (2X)."  'How Beautiful' is a worshipful wedding favorite that opens with these words of praise to Jesus: "How beautiful the hands that served/The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth/How beautiful the feet that walked/The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross/How beautiful (2X)/How beautiful is the body of Christ."  'I Can Do All Things' contains a nice electric guitar solo and draws from Philippians 4:13.  It reminds us of the life-giving power of Christ: "You are my solid rock/You are my victory.../Through Christ who strengthens me/I can do all things/Through Christ who strengthens me/I can do all things."  A  nice surprise is the inclusion of 'Runner' from 1985's KINGDOM SEEKERS.  It was written by Twila and Starla Orene Paris.  It sees life as a race and is a song of encouragement: "Faster and harder, run through the night/Desperate relay, carry the light/Carry the light/Runner when the road is long/Feel like giving in but you're hanging on/Oh runner, when the race is won/You will run into His arms." 
     'What Did He Die For' from 1996's WHERE I STAND "was inspired by the 50th Anniversary of D-Day, after Paris watched World War II footage on TV, tears filling her eyes."  The song includes these words: "Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears/And as I watch him struggle up that hill/Without a thought of turning back/I cannot help but wonder/What did he die for, when he died for you and me?/Made the sacrifice so that we could all be free/I believe we will answer each to heaven/For the way we spend a priceless liberty/Look inside and ask the question/What did he die for when he died for me?"
     'America the Beautiful' was recorded in Twila's living room.  Scott and Christine Dente from Out of the Grey appear on it.  Twila says "I wanted it to feel more like a prayer than a performance, because it IS a prayer if you look at the lyric."  Witness these words: "America, America, God shed His grace on thee/And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea."  A song of gratitude towards God, 'What am I Without You' closes the album: "You are the day that rules the night/You are the hope in me/All that I have descends from You/All I could ever be/What am I without You? (2X)" 
     GOD SHED HIS GRACE runs over an hour long.  Not only is it a superb collection of patriotic songs, it also serves as a great career retrospective of Twila's work!  I'm rating it 87% and recommending it to fans of her contemporaries, Sandi Patty and Scott Wesley Brown.  For more info visit http://www.twilaparis.com/ and http://www.christianclassicagency.com/.

HYMNS-THE OLD MADE NEW

     On his website Scott Wesley Brown writes: "Being a part of the early days of Contemporary Christian Music or 'Jesus Music' as we called it in the 70's was as exciting as blazing the new frontiers of the wild west!"  In 2005 Scott turned his attention the the hymns and released HYMNS-THE OLD MADE NEW produced by Billy Smiley of White Heart, Jeff Nelson, and himself.  It was released by Devotion Music.  The worship team vocals are performed by Michael Mellet, Tammy Jensen, Lisa Bevill, Drew Cline, and Billy Smiley.  The Scottsdale Bible Church Choir is also used.  A nice touch is the penny whistle played by Sam Levine.  Scott introduces the project with these words: "As I've travelled to over 50 countries worldwide, I've heard these great hymns sung in many cultures and in many tongues often to different melodies and indigenous rhythms.  Many of them were originally sung by missionaries who gave their lives to proclaim the very words of truth these hymns contain...I hope that these new renditions will carry them even farther, to new generations; to new places where the glory of our Lord Jesus will be proclaimed and countless more will worship Him!"
     'Praise to the Lord the Almighty (He is Worthy of Honor)' sounds majestic and extols the Lord:  "Praise to the Lord, oh let all that is in me adore Him/All that hath life and breath/Come now with praises before Him/Let the 'Amen' shout from His people again/Gladly forever adore Him (2X)."  'He Will Reign in all the Earth (Jesus shall Reign)' features great guitar work, will get your feet moving, and includes these bold lyrics: "Jesus shall reign wherever the sun/Does its' successive journeys run/His Kingdom stretched from shore to shore/Till moon shall wax and wane no more."  Scott provides some background for the song: "This great missionary hymn was sung in the South Sea Islands in 1862 by King George of England along with the chiefs of Tonga, Fiji and Samoa and some 5,000 natives as they dedicated their islands to Christ and denounced heathenism and cannabalism under a new Christian constitution."  'Come Christians Join to Sing' is jubilant and includes these instructive lyrics: "Come lift your hearts on high/Alleluia, Amen/Let praises fill the sky/Alleluia, Amen/He is our Guide and Friend/To us He will descend/His love shall never end/Alleluia, Amen (2X)/Amen to the Lord, Amen to His grace/Amen to the One who is worthy of praise."
     'For the Beauty of the Earth' showcases the soft vocal touches of fellow Devotion artist Kristina, and corrects those who worship Mother Earth: "Lord You are more beautiful than all that You have made/We marvel at creation/But You alone we praise."  'May Jesus Christ Be Praised (When Morning Gilds the Skies)' is a modern praise anthem with a great guitar solo by Brennan Smiley.  New words and music were written by Brown, Aaron Shust, and Billy Smiley.  These words remind us how powerful our praise is: "The night becomes as day when from the heart we say/May Jesus Christ be praised/The powers of darkness fear when this sweet chant they hear/May Jesus Christ be praised/Jesus You are holy/Jesus be praised."  Next up is a somewhat subdued version of 'Immortal Invisible (God only Wise).'  It is a song of reverence: "Great Father of glory, pure Father of light/Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight/All praise we would render/O help us to see/'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee."
     In introducting 'All Hail the Power', Scott writes: "Worship is the goal of missions!"  The song is upbeat and keeps the tune we're all familiar with, but adds some contemporary, modern flourishes.  It anticipates taking part in the coronation of Jesus in Heaven: "O that with yonder sacred throng/We at His feet may fall/We'll join the everlasting song/And crown Him Lord of all (2X)."  'He Hideth my Soul' is a ballad of testimony.  Original words are by Fanny Crosby.  New words and music are by Billy Smiley, Ryan Dubes and Brown.  The lyrics include the following: "A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord/He taketh my burden away/He holdeth me up and I shall not be moved/He giveth me strength as my day/He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock/That shadows a dry, thirsty land/He hideth my  life with the depths of His love/And covers me there with His hand (2X)."  'Love that will not let me Go' is tender and carried by acoustic guitar.  The original words are by George Matheson, a Scottish theologian and preacher, in 1882.  New words and music are by Brown, who introduces the song this way: "This hymn was the fruit of the severe anguish Matheson suffered as his fiancee deserted him when he learned he was going blind.  He stated that it was written ever so quickly as if someone were dictating it to him.  Witness these words: "Oh love that will not let me go/Like an anchor to my soul/Forever in Your sovereign hold/Love that will not let me go/Oh joy that seekest me through pain/I cannot close my heart to thee/I trace the rainbow through the rain/And feel the promise is not vain/That morn shall tearless be (2X)."
     'Thy God Reigneth' uses an angelic vocal chorus and engages in some encouraging self-talk: "Sinful soul thy debt is paid/Thy God reigneth/On the Lord thy sins were laid/Thy God reigneth/On the cross of Calvary Jesus shed His blood for thee/From all sin to set thee free/Thy God reigneth (2X)...Church of Christ awake, awake/Thy God reigneth/Forward then, fresh courage take/Thy God reigneth/Soon, descending from His throne/He shall claim thee for His own/Sin shall then be overthrown/Thy God reigneth! (2X)"  'Jesus I Come' is a ballad that builds.  Like 'Trading my Sorrows' it is about trading our poverty for God's riches: "Out of my bondage, sorrow and night/Jesus I come/Into Your freedom, gladness and light/Jesus I come/Out of my sickness, into Your health/Out of my want, into Your wealth/Out of my sin and into Yourself/Jesus I come/I come...Lord I am thirsty, Lord I am down on my knees/And through all of the valleys Your Word is spoken to me (2X)/You are my Shepherd/All that I want, all I need (2X)/So Jesus I come/Jesus I come/Jesus I come."  'The Church's One Foundation (Christ our Foundation)' is beautiful and finds Jeff Nelson on piano.  Original words are by Samuel Stone (1866) and original music is by 'Aurelia' Samuel Wesley (1864).  New words and music are by Brown and Billy Smiley.  Introducing this closing number, Scott writes: "Written in opposition to a theological position in Capetown, South Africa when a bishop of the church denied the doctrine of eternal punishment and the authorship of the Pentateuch and Book of Joshua."  The song uses ceremonial language to speak of the Christian faith: "Elect from every nation yet one o'er all the earth/Her charter of salvation-one Lord, one faith, one birth/One Holy Name she blesses/Partakes one holy food/And to One Hope she presses/With every grace endued/Christ our foundation, our joy of salvation/O how we praise Your Name (2X)."
     If you are tired of hearing the same old hymns done the same way, if you enjoy the hymns but wonder what they might have sounded like if written today, or if you are unfamiliar with the hymns, HYMNS-THE OLD MADE NEW is a good starting point.  The hymns are good at putting the focus on God and His attributes.  I only wish Scott had included a few more upbeat numbers; the project is a bit mellow.  I'm rating it 85%.  For more info visit http://www.scottwesleybrown.com/.

SONGS FROM THE VALLEY

     Remarkably this year marks 38 years since the release of Scott Wesley Brown's self-titled debut album.  Over the years he has become one of Contemporary Christian Music's most beloved male vocalists.  His latest album is SONGS FROM THE VALLEY (2010) produced by Billy Smiley of Whiteheart, and himself.  In the liner notes Scott writes: "Special thanks to the Pastors, staff and congregation of 'Valley' Presbyterian Church, Paradise Valley, AZ.  Many of these songs were written and premiered by our awesome worship team from our contemporary service where it is always a joy to see our people worship together."  Guitarists on the album include George Cocchini, Brennan and Billy Smiley, and Scott Dente of Out of the Grey.  Other instruments used to good effect include the Irish whistle and cello.  What results is a strong album!
     'O Worship the King' is a joyful, almost Christmas sounding song.  The words to it in a way lay out the purpose of the album: "O worship the King, All glorious above/And gratefully sing God's power and God's Love;/Our Shield and Defender, and girded with praise/O tell of God's might, O Sing of His grace/Whose robe is the Light, Whose canopy space/Whose chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form/And dark is His path on the wings of the storm."  Scott wrote 'I Believe in God' as a declaration of faith in response to atheist Richard Dawkins.  The song is a contemporary rocker: "When I look upon the wonders of creation/And such intricate design in all there is/I know my faith is not a mere delusion/And I rejoice to know the Lord of All exists!/And I believe in God/I believe in God/I believe in God my Maker."  'Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing' is given a fairly traditional treatment and features a nice female harmony vocal.  The song gives a chief reason why Scott feels the need to praise and worship God: "Jesus sought me when a stranger/Wandering from the fold of God/He to rescue me from danger/Interposed His precious blood/How His kindness yet pursues me/Mortal tongue can never tell/Clothed in flesh till death shall loose me/I cannot proclaim it well."  Of 'You are the Center (Rev 4)' Scott writes: "This song is in no way endorsing pantheism or panetheism in stating that God fills all there is with all He is.  Rather God is omnipresent and immense."  Here are some of the lyrics: "You are the center, You are the keeper/Sustaining all things by Your Word/You are the power, You are the glory/All that there is encircles You O Lord/And who could ever comprehend/Before there was, You've always been/Filling all there is with all You are/Immortal and Invisible/So incomprehensible/And yet You choose to dwell within my heart."
     'Saint Patrick's Prayer (May Everything be Christ)' is adapted from the breastplate of Saint Patrick, 5th century Ireland.  It relates a desire to be completely taken over by and lost in Christ: "Christ before me, Christ behind me/May everything be Christ/Christ beside me, Christ within me/May everything be Christ/Christ above me, Christ beneath me/May everything be Christ/Christ around me, Christ surround me/May everything be Christ."  It is a beautiful ballad.  'All that is Within Me'  has an upbeat, modern sound and testifies to the Lord's greatness: "Who have I in Heaven?/But You alone oh Lord/There is nothing here on earth I desire more/My heart and flesh may fail/But Lord You are my strength/You are my portion forever."  'Lord Most High (Day is Dying in the West)' was written with and features Centricity Music sensation Aaron Shust.  It is a great song of praise that further proves Scott is not stuck in the 1970's or 1980's!  The song includes these lyrics: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts (2X)/Heaven and earth rejoice/All creation lift your voice/Heaven and earth rejoice/O Lord most high, Lord most high!"  'Jude's Benediction (Jude 24-5)' is melodic and ascribes worth to God: "To the only God our Savior/Through Jesus Christ our Lord (2X)/Be glory and majesty/Dominion and authority/Before all time and now and forever/All time and now and forever (2X)/Amen."
     'Just as I Am (Yet Never the Same)' is credited to Scott and Charlotte Elliot.  It relates what only Christ can do for the sinner: "Just as I am and waiting not/To rid my soul of one dark blot/To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot/O Lamb of God, I come, I come/And I come to the cross/Where I know I am safe/Secure in the arms of Your mercy and grace/And I come to You Jesus/And call on Your Name/Just as I am, yet never the same/O Lamb of God I come."  'You are the Rock' has a powerfully delivered chorus: "You are the Rock/That never crumbles/Your Word will never change/A mighty tower/Lord when I stumble/You are the God who saves."  It also includes this statement of faith: "I trust in You/Even when my prayers seem unanswered/I am not moved/For I hope in the plans You have made/I shall not fear/For You walk in the valley beside me/You draw me near/And I am healed by the touch of Your grace."  'I Can't Get Enough' has a choral vocal and would not have been out of place on an older Randy Rothwell or Bob Fitts album.  The words sung are of one totally taken with the Lord: "I can't get enough of loving You/I wanna love You Jesus/I can't get enough of praising You/I wanna praise You Jesus/I can't get enough of serving You/I wanna serve You Jesus/I can't get enough of knowing You/I wanna know You Jesus."  'Gloria Patri' is a doxology partly written by Bob Kilpatrick.  I can picture the words of it being sung in Heaven: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son/And to the Holy Ghost/As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be/World without end, Amen, Amen (2X)/Glory be to the Father, Glory be to the Son/Glory be to the Spirit, Three in One/Amen (6X)."
     Two live tracks close out the album.  A live version of 'Lord Most High' has lots of energy and an enthusiastic crowd.  'Not I, But Christ' is quiet and reverent.  It is about losing oneself in Christ: "Not I, but Christ/Be honored, loved, exalted/Not I, but Christ/Be seen, be known, be heard/In every look, in every word/Not I, but Christ (2X)."
     SONGS FROM THE VALLEY finds Scott and his team of worshippers in fine form.  The songs on this project are right on par with those of contemporary worship artists such as Chris Tomlin and Lincoln Brewster.  It is a shame that many Christian radio stations do not give much airplay to the more veteran and independent artists, opting instead for what is popular or trendy at the time.  I'm rating SONGS FROM THE VALLEY 88% and recommending it to those seeking a fresh, vibrant worship experience of Almighty God.  For more info visit http://www.scottwesleybrown.com/ and http://www.myvalleychurch.org/.

    

LET IT RIDE

     Don Francisco has been writing and performing quality Christian songs such as 'Jehoshaphat' and 'Steeple Song' for decades.  Don's latest effort LET IT RIDE (2009, Crack O' Noon Music) continues his tradition of quality songs.
     The title track is the lead off track and features Mike Banta on organ.  It is a Gaither type sing-a-long song about laying down our burdens: "Let it ride on the promise/Of the One Who's always true/Let it ride on believin' that/He's going to see you through/Let it ride on the shoulders/Of the man Who died for you/Just roll it all on Him and then let it ride."  'The Desires of Your Heart' has an innocent feel to it, like early era Love Song.  Don calls it a song about good news.  Some of the lyrics are: "It's a narrow road, my friend/It's the way to trade your old heart in for one that never dies/Where fadin' hopes can live again and dreams can fin'lly fly/Delight yourself in the Lord/And He will give you the desires of your heart (2X)/The heart you'll get from Jesus is spotless and brand new/With the good stuff that was buried by the old one shinin' through/Forgotten seeds'll flourish where those livin' waters flow/In the gentle hands of Jesus all your life will start to grow."  Of 'The Goal is the Journey', Don writes: "The presence of Jesus is your final and unchangeable destination.  You can enjoy the trip when there's no doubt of that."  The lyrics elaborate on Don's thoughts: "Because of My vindication/You'll forget all the shame/And when I turn round your fortunes/You'll worship My Name/Stay away from the highway/From the crowds on the road/From the engines of labor/From the strain of the load/Turn aside to the footpath/To the way of the wise/Where the goal is the journey/Peace is the prize/The goal is the journey/Peace is the prize."
     'Freeze-Dried Life' includes bluesy guitar licks and minces no words when it comes to the dangers of religion: "The blind keep leadin' the blind/The sheep keep stumblin', fallin' down behind/Chewin' the crud that they're all bein' fed/Starin' at the backsides of each other's heads/Like a cheatin' lover who's deceived you and lied/Then calls you names 'cause you ain't satisfied/Well, if you stay and deny what you know to be true/Man, you deserve whatever happens to you."  "My Heart's Pastureland' includes touches of harmonica.  It was written for Don's cowboy friend who had just turned 60, and contains these down to earth lyrics: "In these hard rocky mountains I'll make my last stand/Somewhere in the sunset southwest of Cheyenne/The air in the Rockies right after the rain/Gives peace to my soul and erases my pain/The herd out before me and the reins in my hand/I'm in my blood's country and my heart's pastureland."  'Nehemiah's Song' is one of Don's epic biblical story songs and runs almost seven minutes long.  It is an absolutely wonderful song, featuring Mike Banta on electric guitar, that tells the Old Testament story of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall after the Israelites had been in exile: "Now the wall we built was massive, seventeen feet wide and strong/Forty feet from top to bottom, and well over two miles long/Because the pow'r of God was magnifyin' everything we'd do-/The days from start to finish, they were only fifty-two/Then the priests and all the singers and musicians from their towns/They all came up to Jerusalem to make a loud and joyful sound/And two great choirs went marchin' four abreast upon that wall/Singin' songs of joy to the Lord of Hosts, givin' glory for it all."
     Don wrote: 'The Letter He Wrote' about a letter he once received from a minister: "The letter he wrote me was seething with hatred and rage/It's a wonder the handwriting didn't set fire to the page/Threatening slander, then ending by calling me names/If the devil himself sent that letter, it'd have been much the same/But I'm sorry to say that a minister put down those words/Reacting to hearing the Gospel that he'd never heard."  Don concludes: "All I can do is commit him to God and to prayer/That one day he'll find his way out to the light and the air."  'It Will Be Worth It' is about "being fed up with religious hypocrisy and its salesmen."  Don comes out swinging: "Don't try to get in my pockets/Or tell me how much I owe/Don't wanna hear that I'm guilty-I already know/I won't answer your survey/I sure won't give you my phone/I can't take more religion, I'd just as soon be alone/I swear that I've heard every con game that's come down the line/I've been fooled by a few, but I learned how to read all the signs."  'Without a Key' is a plea from Christ to the unsaved person: "Just let the One Who loves you in/I call your name to come and see/I'm still outside, without a key/Holding all you long to be/Until you open up to Me."
     'The Thinner the Veil' is a ballad which features 16 year old Sarah Holbrook on fiddle.  Don says she wouldn't take pay for her work.  The song includes these encouraging words: "For the temple that one day will crumble/It carries a fire that won't fail/And the flame I set burning forever/Shines brighter the thinner the veil/Because you have known Me and loved Me/I'll honor you all of your days/The angels are charged with your guarding/To keep you in all of your ways."  'While You Sleep' is a ballad that ends the album on the same theme it opened with-laying down one's burdens: "Cares and worries, joys and plans-/Time to leave them in His hands/Trust in Him upon your bed/On His promise rest your head/In His peace lie down and sleep/Through the night His watch He'll keep."
     LET IT RIDE is the definition of a masterful album.  It is quite thoughtful.  Fans of Will McFarlane, folk music, and old country, should give this album a listen.  I'm rating it 89%.  The harmony and background vocals by Don and his wife Wendy are well done.  For more info visit http://www.donfrancisco.com/ and http://www.rockymountainministries.org/.  I look forward to Don's next project!

IF IT LEADS ME BACK

     You can really learn a lot about what an artist values by reading their 'Thank You's'.  In the liner notes for her new album IF IT LEADS ME BACK (2011, Reunion Records) Lindsay McCaul writes: "To my Pastor James MacDonald, thank you for boldly proclaiming the Word of God without apology and showing me what it looks like to be faithful servant.  To my entire Harvest family: I so treasure being a part of 'us.'  Your passion for Jesus is exemplary and inspiring...let's keep lifting up the Name above all names!"  She writes to her audience: "I pray that with every listen these songs lead you closer to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith."
     The album begins with the upbeat 'Say My Name' about how God helps us move forward in our lives: "I cradle the pain, regret that remains/I play it over and over differently/But it's over 'cause You said I am free/You say my name/And tell me I can walk away/From all my fears and yesterday."  'Ready' is one of three songs solely written by Lindsay.  It talks of how we try to earn favour with God: "You never asked me for perfection/And I'd never make it if I tried/But I kept searching for the chance to clear my name/For my foolish pride, with You waiting all the while."  'Come Rest' deals with the futility of our human efforts at pleasing God: "Seeking value in Your sight, but I was wrong/For all the labor I have done/Is but a candle to the sun/I can see that it would never measure up.../So I come to the water's edge/I rest in Your promises/That all You ever wanted was me here."
     'Take My Hand' is a ballad about when God allows us to go through trials: "Couldn't You see I was unprepared?/I'm not asking for reasons You hold or the safety of land/I just need You to take my hand."  'Face to Face' is a pleasant pop song that anticipates meeting the Lord: "Every morning sky brings a rising sun/And my anxious heart knows with every one/This could be the day You have promised me/Take me in Your arms for all eternity.../Every day in history soon will be rolled up like a scroll/In Your presence finally/I will stand before You healed and whole."  'You Never Change' written with Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp, has a cheery sound to it and tells of the steadfast nature of God: "Sun and the rain, joy and the pain/Autumn, winter, spring and summer/In the heat of the day or the cool of the night/You're still the same/You're holding my hand wherever I am/You keep me here in wide-eyed wonder/And through it all, You will remain/You never change."  'Speak' is a soaring song that finds Lindsay crying out to the Lord for His presence and Word: "I waited at twilight for signs of relief/From an ache that arrested the day/But now sunset is gone and I'm still here alone/Yet in fierce desperation I'll stay/So visit me here in the shadows/Restore my sight/I'll linger as long as it takes/I will wait with all of my might/I'm crying out/Speak to me." 
     'Hold On To Me' is a quiet song that announces that it is in God Lindsay finds her security: "So sound the alarm of mercies untold/Wrap me in Your arms and never let me go.../You're the ground that doesn't shake/You're the branch that doesn't break/You're the light that never fades/And You're holding on/There's never been a time/You've ever left my side/Your love never dies/And You're holding on."  'Where Do You Go' written with Jason Ingram, and Marty Sampson of Hillsong fame, is a great song that uses a vocal echo.  The lyrics describe a spiritual experience we can all relate to: "So where do you go/When there's no voice from Heaven?/Where do you go/When all you have are questions?/Maybe the silence is His mercy/And there's beauty in His mystery/You should know you're not alone/Wherever you go."  Lindsay wrote 'Let Go' about struggling with an eating disorder herself and seeing a friend in college struggling with one as well.  It seeks the Lord for direction: "Cradle my hands, my knuckles so white/Open them up and say it's alright/Show me a plan, call it Your own/Make it a journey leading me home."  'If It Leads Me Back' closes the album and is written with one of her heroes, Cindy Morgan.  It is a lovely song that has Lindsay humbly singing: "I will face the storm/And surrender all I have/If that's what I have to do/If it leads me back to You/I would walk a thousand miles/And crawl if I have to/If that's what I have to do/If it leads me back to You." 
     IF IT LEADS ME BACK TO YOU chronicles one lady's faith walk with very meaningful lyrics.  Lindsay is a great, wholesome role model for young ladies!  Her voice has a husky, raspy quality to it.  Fans of Bethany Dillon, Colbie Caillat, and Mark Schultz are likely to enjoy this record which I'm rating 84.5%.  For more info visit: www.lindsaymccaul.com and www.providentpress.com.

HE'S ALIVE: COLLECTION VOL. 1

     In the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music (2002) Mark Allan Powell writes the following regarding Don Francisco's conversion: "His life was turned around in 1974 when he says he heard the audible voice of God speak to him while he was meditating: 'Don, this is Jesus.  I love you.  Why do you keep running from me?'  Fifteen years later he would still relate the significance of this miraculous occurence: 'It was a voice as clear as if someone had been in the room with me.  In that instant, he showed me what He's really like and shattered all my religious preconceptions.  I'd found everything I'd been searching for."  In 1997 Francisco released HE'S ALIVE: COLLECTION VOL. 1.  It is re-recordings of some of his signature songs over the years.  It generously clocks in at just under an hour.  On it, Don is responsible for guitars, vocals, and midi programming, while Wendy nicely handles background vocals, cover photos and design.  Wendy is Don's wife and some will remember her from the 1980's duo Wendy and Mary.
     The CD begins with 'As It Was So It Shall Be.'  It is over seven minutes long and speaks of the glorious origins of the human race: "Then in glory unimaginable the Lord Himself is here/He kneels, and there beneath His hands, a man from dust appears/He lifts him gently in His arms, breaths into his soul/And raises Him to stand upright/Complete and free and whole."  'Adam, Where are You?' is compelling.  It tells of the tragic fall of the human race: "But the master of deception now begins with his dissection of the Word/And with all his craft and subtlety the serpent twists the simple truth they've heard/While hanging in the balance is a world that has been placed at their command/And all their unborn children die as both of them bow down to Satan's hand."  'Come and Follow' is based on the miracle of the catch of fish found in Luke 5:1-11: "Now James and John, they're both my witnesses/To the truth in what I've told you/And how our nets were filled to bursting/More than both our boats could ever hold/And I fell down there before Him/Crying 'Leave me, Lord-I'm full of sin!'/He said 'Simon, don't be frightened/Follow Me, you will learn to fish for men.'"
     'Gotta tell Somebody' is the rousing title track off of Don's 1979 album.  It recounts the miracle of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:22-43) and the resulting reaction one would have at such an event: "Then He called His three disciples that were with Him on the way/He led them and my wife and me to where our daughter lay/He took her by the hand; He told her 'Child, arise'/And the words were barely spoken when she opened up her eyes...'I got to tell somebody (4X)/I got to tell somebody, got to tell somebody, what Jesus did for me' (4X)."  'I Don't Care Where You've Been Sleepin'' has a country feel to it.  It's a call to the prodigal to come back home: "I don't care where you've been sleeping, I don't care who's made your bed/I've already gave my life to set you free/There's no sin you could imagine that is stronger than My love/And it's all yours if you'll come home again to Me."  'Willing to Heal' recounts Jesus' healing of a leper (Matthew 8:1-4): "I said 'Lord, if You're willing, I know that You can/Make me as clean as a natural man/I know You can do it, deep down in my soul/Oh Lord, if You're willing, Lord, please make me whole'/With a voice of compassion, He told me to stand/'I'm willing' He said and He reached out His hand/'Be cleansed' were the words that He spoke with a smile/And in an instant my skin was like that of a child."
     'I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand' is a soothing sounding testament to God's faithfulness: "The life that I have given you/No one can take away/'Cause I've sealed it with My Spirit, Blood, and Word/The everlasting Father/Has made His covenant with you/And He's stronger than the world you've seen and heard/So don't you fear to show them all the love I have for you/I'll be with you everywhere in everything I do/And even when you do it wrong/And miss the joy I've planned/I'll never, never let go of your hand/I'll never let go of your hand."  'He's Alive' is a pounding song from Don's second album 'Forgiven'.  It chronicles the events and untold joy of resurrection morning.  It won the 1980 Dove Award for Song of the Year, and even Dolly Parton has covered it!  It is presented from Peter's perspective: "We both ran toward the garden/Then John ran on ahead/We found the stone and empty tomb/Just the way that Mary said/But the winding sheet they wrapped Him in/Was just an empty shell/And how or where they'd taken Him/Was more than I could tell...He's alive, He's alive!/He's alive and I'm forgiven!/Heaven's gates are open wide!"  'Jesus is Lord of the Way I Feel' is relatively short.  It is a song of victory with a Carman-like calypso feel to it: "Praise the Lord! Hallelu! I don't care what the devil's gonna do!/The Word in faith is my sword and shield/And Jesus is Lord of the way I feel." 
     'I Have Chosen You' reminds us that the Lord is our help and our hope: "I have chosen you/And I will not turn you down/I have chosen you/You were born to wear a crown/I'll give you what you need to carry on/Till all that stands opposed to you is gone/I have chosen you/There's no need to run away/I have chosen you/Why do you doubt the words I say?/Through it all I've been right by your side/Ask me and you will not be denied."  'Too Small a Price' is a lengthy, but quite well done song, clocking in at eleven minutes!  It looks at the crucifixion from the perspective of one of the thieves crucified along with Jesus: "Then with all my courage, in a voice not quite my own/I asked Him, 'Lord, remember me when You come into Your throne'/He answered me and even then His love was undisguised/He said 'Before the sun has set today, you'll be with Me in Paradise'/The shouts and curses did not stop even when the sunlight ceased/But somehow in the midst of it my soul had been released/And though the agony continued, it was still too small a price/To be allowed to hear those words, and to die beside the Christ."  The end of the song features a choir God miraculously provided Don (read the CD insert) singing: "Jesus is the Lord of all/We have been redeemed/Joy! (4X)"  'Brother of the Son' is the title track of Don's debut 1976 album.  It has Don sharing his heart's desire with the Lord: "Father let Your Spirit flow inside me/Till all that will not praise You is undone/Help me keep my feet upon the highway/Grow to be a brother of the Son."
     I recommend HE'S ALIVE: COLLECTION VOL. 1 to fans of folk and adult contemporary pop music.  Those who enjoy story songs will value this album.  Fans of Michael Card and John Michael Talbot should enjoy it.  Those who appreciate biblical lyrics will approve.  I'm rating it 87%.  For more info visit http://www.donfrancisco.com/ and http://www.rockymountainministries.org/.

PLAIN AND SIMPLE

     The year was 1987 when Crystal Lewis released her debut album BEYOND THE CHARADE.  Since then she has blazed a noteworthy trail for Contemporary Christian female artists following in her footsteps.  Her latest album is 2011's PLAIN AND SIMPLE (Metro One) produced by her son, Solomon Ray.  Artwork and photography are capably handled by her daughter Izzi Ray, who also sings background vocals on the album with her mom.  In the CD insert Crystal Lewis quotes I Corinthians 2:1-2 from The Message: "...When I first came to you to let you in on God's master stroke, I didn't try to impress you with polished speeches and the latest philosophy.  I deliberately kept it plain and simple;first Jesus and who He is;then Jesus and what He did..."  She adds: "The truth of the matter is Jesus is it.  The reason.  The point.  The truth.  The answer.  The why.  I pray that these songs convey that.  The extravagant simplicity of the Gospel..."
     The title track 'Plain and Simple' leads off the album and is smooth sounding.  It elaborates on Lewis' thoughts from the liner notes: "The plain and simple truth of it is Jesus loves me/Don't make the truth more complicated than it needs to be/Bought by blood, saved by grace, that's reality/That's the truth, it's plain and simple, anyone could see."  'Give me Jesus' written by Adam Watts has a modern sound to it.  It offers a path to healing for the soul: "It's easy to blame, it's hard to let grace wash away/The memories, all the words, the anger that braces the pain/But how long can you stay with your heart in the fire/With the hurt locked away, where nobody wins?/Fight through the wall, beat down the castle door/Brace for the fall, you don't need this anymore/Give it to Jesus."  'Revelation' is one of five songs solely penned by Crystal.  It is fresh sounding, ascribes worth to Jesus, and is based on Revelation 5:12: "Worthy is the Lamb...the spotless Lamb that was slain/Worthy is the Lamb...to receive power and riches and strength/Worthy is the Lamb...to receive honor and glory and praise."
     'Even the Rocks Cry Out', written with her husband Brian Ray, has a funky groove to it and speaks of the legacy she wants to leave: "Today as I live, even tomorrow when I'm gone/Let it be said of me/I opened my mouth, I let praise pour out/I lifted my voice above the crowd/From forgiven lips came, songs of endless praise/Loud and clear they rang/Even the rocks cry out/I will not be silent, I just have to praise Him."  'Name' is a song of gratitude to the Lord: "I love Your Name Savior/Freedom from chains Savior/You forgave my sin, delivered my soul/I love Your Name."  'I Don't Wanna Fall' is an easy rock number that confirms that she desires to please the Lord: "I have made mistakes/Fallen along the way/Made choices that I regret/Done things I'd like to forget/But I stand here now/Forgiven and free somehow/By the grace of God I see/Where I went wrong, where I want to be/I don't wanna fall again (4X)."
     'Daughter' is on the slower side and has God wanting to comfort His troubled and hurting child: "I want to hold your face in My hands/Remind you that I, I AM that I AM/Let My love wash away, the stains of the day/Don't fret or fear, I'm here/Daughter, I'm aware of your pain/I'm aware of your guilt and your shame/Daughter, the reason I came/To rescue, redeem and to save."  'All Day Long' testifies to the benefits of trusting in the Lord: "Evening approaches and darkens my door/With a fear, I admit it, I've felt before/But this time instead of dread forcing me to the floor/I sleep knowing peace through and through/For all day long, my hope was in You."  'I AM' is a wonderful song.  It is a strong reminder that God is never far from us: "In the midst of hardship, in the midst of pain/Don't you know that all you have to do is call My Name?/It may not be easy, the way may not be clear/Know my arm is not too short, my ear is quick to hear/Messiah, Savior, Son of Man/Provider, Protector, Redeemer, I AM."
     'Center of Gravity' written with her son Solomon, is the most experimental track musically.  It supports the account of creation in Genesis: "You spoke, the world began/All appeared at Your command/Your breath set the stars in place/You filled up sea and space/All things are held together/Not by cord or tether/Not by blood or bone/But by Your power alone."  'I Know You are the One' written by Brian and Izzi Ray is a great duet between Izzi and Crystal!  It speaks of a relentless pursuit of God: "With every step I move towards You/Everyday You make me new/I see You more clearly/I'll never stop until I see/You in all Your majesty/And I see You more clearly."
     PLAIN AND SIMPLE is plain and simply one of Crystal Lewis' best albums ever and certainly one of the best albums of 2011!  Vocally, the girl can still bring it, and musically, it is masterful, thanks to the playing of Solomon Ray, Jyro Xhan, Marc Ford, and Matt, Nic, and Jules Rodriguez.  This album should be getting much more airplay on today's Christian radio.  The Gospel message comes through in love loud and clear!  I'm recommending this album to fans of Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, and Rachael Lampa.  I'm rating PLAIN AND SIMPLE 95%.  For more info visit http://www.crystallewis.com/.

WIDE OPEN SPACES

     FFH is comprised of husband and wife duo Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler.  Their latest non-holiday release is 2009's WIDE OPEN SPACES (62 Records).  Production duties are handled by Jeromy and Mitch Dane.  In the liner notes the Deiblers write these revealing words: "The point to all this is that we've never needed people or seen people come through for us like we have in this season.  We've never seen the Lord like this either.  Like Isaiah, we have seen the Lord and as a result we have become Undone...Released from the old ways and led, like David, into a Wide Open Space."  In 2007 Jeromy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
     'Undone' is a pleasant adult pop song that Jeromy wrote with Mia Fieldes of Hillsong fame.  It speaks of the emotions and thoughts one battles when fighting a disease: "The cancer inside stealing my sleep/Night after night it keeps haunting me/The secrets I keep/Are tearing me up inside/I try to hide them and I wonder why/Why I'm still running when I know there's no escaping."  'Hold On to Me' is next.  It talks of one's faith journey as a positive experience: "I don't want to go back to the calm and shallow seas/I want to stay here and embrace the mystery/We've come so far now/We can't turn back now."  'Wide Open Spaces', the title track, was written by Jeromy and industry vet Chris Eaton, who wrote 'Breath of Heaven', the modern Christmas classic.  Oddly enough, musically it sounds like a song the Dixie Chicks could do.  Lyrically, it communicates a desire for spiritual growth: "I'm tired of the race, tired of pretending/Tired of the pressure to just stay ahead/Can't take the pace it just seems unending/If this is living I'd rather be dead/I need wide open spaces/I need rivers that flow/I need to find where my faith is/Give me the desert, I'll make it my home."
     'What it Feels like (To be led)' features Andy Hubbard on drums and is the song of one placing all of their faith in God: "So this is what it feels like to just walk away/From everything I thought kept me safe/To depend just on You for every meal/And find it's better this way/Oh, it's better this way/This may not be the road I would choose for me/But it still feels right somehow/And I have never felt You as close to me/As I do right now/Like I do right now."  'I Don't Care Anymore' is a fine adult contemporary song that has Jeromy singing in his falsetto.  The lyrics speak about setting priorities straight: "I don't care anymore-and/I'm not there anyway-so/Go on with your life and I'll go on with mine/We will all be fine/'Cause I don't care anymore/About my name in lights or getting what is mine/You can be the star tonight, oh that would be just fine with me/I don't care (2X), I don't care anymore/I'm not there, I'm long gone, so go on, go on/Go on with your life, don't worry about me/I've found what I need, she's been right here with me."  'What if your Best' was again written by Jeromy and Mia Fieldes.  It is a ballad about realizing that God is God and we are not.  Jennifer Deibler carries the vocal lead: "I'm trying hard to keep from giving You advice/It's like teaching Shakespeare how to write/Or Monet, the way to paint another scene/But there's just something in this amateur that thinks/That my opinion's what You need/On how to work in me/But I am only clay and clay probably shouldn't speak."
     'The Time of my Life' has Greg Hagan on electric guitar and is a playful sounding love song: "Hand in hand/Our feet in the long beach sand/That's the way we spend these days/Falling in love again/We've always been best friends/That's the way we spend these days...I had the time of my life with you/Under the summer moon/I was so consumed/I had the time of my life with you/Acting like a fool/But it was over too soon/Oh I had the time of my life."  'Stop the Bleeding' is about crying out in desperation to the Lord: "How much desert must I cross/'Til I come to the Jordan?/I am thirsty and I'm lost/My heart is weak and emptied out/So come and stop the bleeding/I think I finally understand/So come and stop the bleeding/I've tried to fix this but I can't/So come and stop the bleeding/I know You can."
     'Who I'm gonna Be' would fit nicely on mainstream country radio.  It features Tim Lauer on harmonica and is about reaching one's full potential: "And I wonder how it took me oh so long/Some kind of grace flipped a switch/And the lights are finally comin' on/So much time I've wasted/When will I stop chasin'/Gotta stop lookin' around/And be who I'm gonna be/So much I've not tasted/So many choices to start makin'/Gotta stop lookin' around/And be who I'm gonna be."  Jill Paquette co-writes the song.  'Jesus Give me Rest' would not be out of place on a Gaither video.  It is about the need we have to anchor ourselves in the Lord if we are to have true contentment: "I've been trying to hold/On to things that just slip through my hands/You'd think that by now I'd know/Better than to chase after shifting sands/So let Your peace come to me/Oh Jesus give me rest/Let Your peace come to me/Oh Jesus give me rest/Be still, be still/Be still and know."
     WIDE OPEN SPACES is music that is easy on the ears, much like previous FFH hits such as 'One of these Days' and 'Ready to Fly'.  This album will appeal to a wide variety of age groups.  It is both contemporary and traditional sounding at the same time.  I'm rating it 80%.  For more info visit http://www.ffh.net/ or http://www.62records.com/.

SOULBREATHER

     SOULBREATHER is comprised of Brynn Gersmehl (acoustic guitar, vocals) and her husband Mark Gersmehl (piano, keyboards, percussion and drum programming, vocals).  Their debut album is 2011's SEVEN POINT EIGHT.  Brynn wrote the following to me regarding the title: "In the Bible seven is the number for fullness, completeness.  Both Gersh and I were in Christian bands (Whiteheart and Rachel Rachel) in the 1980's and 1990's.  We are humbled and honored that the Lord chose to use us in that way, but that chapter of our lives is complete.  The number eight in the Bible symbolizes a new beginning, or a new order of things, a new creation, a new birth.  The artist that refuses to change does so at great peril."  Of their latest venture she writes: "We feel something stirring deep within us.  We believe it is The Soulbreather breathing new life and vision at the center of our being."  The following words from the liner notes of the project shed some more light: "What if you had a choice: a. trudging through the dust of day after day or b. living a life brimming with love, laughter, and meaning?  Actually you do have a choice.  And it all comes down to Who you know and what you believe...There is Someone we want you to meet.  His name is Soulbreather and He has big dreams for you."
     SEVEN POINT EIGHT begins with 'How Beautiful'.  It is gentle and has a calming effect.  The lyrics draw from Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful on the mountain/Are the feet that bring good news (2X)/How beautiful (2X)/Let the rocks and hills be echoing/With the chorus of our worshipping/As we shout our praise to You King of kings/Til the whole world knows what You have done/Til the whole world sees You Risen One/Til the whole world knows You."  'This Hope' finds them boasting in the goodness of the Lord: "I have a hope that makes me whole/It is the anchor of my soul/Jesus You reign in majesty/And yet You live inside of me/You'll never leave me/Or forsake me/And then one day/You will take me/To Your Kingdom/Where together/We'll all praise You/Lord forever."  'From All that Dwell Below' is a hymn that is quite pretty.  It dates back to the 1700's and was written by Isaac Watts and John Hatton.  It desires that God be exalted: "From all that dwell below the skies/Let the Creator's praise arise/Alleluia (2X)/Let the Redeemer's name be sung/Through every land by every tongue/Alleluia (5X)."
     'Manna' finds the Gersmehl's harmonizing and attests to God's faithfulness: "People I love/Moments of bliss/Even there I'm finding things I missed/When I was lost/You were still near/Even in my wilderness/You never loved me any less/Now I finally see that You were there/Everywhere I look I see/Your everlasting love for me/So much more than I could dream/It's like manna falling down on me."  'Great I Am' is a wonderful ballad that builds.  It runs almost six minutes and testifies that none can compare to the Lord: "Let the idols fall/Crumble into dust/Ev'ry knee will bow/And ev'ry tongue confess/Great I Am, You are holy/And I bow before Your throne/Great I Am, You are worthy/And I worship You alone/Great I Am (4X)."  Joe Mazza plays guitar on the track, while Ken Lewis is on drums.
     'Soulbreather' is hauntingly beautiful and features former Whiteheart member Anthony Sallee on bass.  The lyrics are about pursuing a deeper relationship with Father God: "I'm praying for the Soulbreather/To breath in me (breathe in me)/I'm praying for the Soulbreather to come/I'm longing for the Soulbreather/To breathe in me (breathe in me)/I'm longing for the Soulbreather to come/Come breathe in me (2X)/I long to be free/Come breathe in me/Come breathe."
     'How Deep and Wide' contemplates God's unfathomable love for us: "Far beyond my understanding/Far beyond my deepest longing/Far beyond what I could/Ever hope and dream/Now to You be all the power/Now to You be all the glory/Forever and forever I will sing/How deep and wide/Your love for me/How deep and wide/Your love/How long and high Your love for me/How long and high/Your love."  'Flow Down' is a soft pop number that confirms principles drawn from the biblical account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4: "I've been walking in a desert/Dry and weary to the bone/How I long to taste Your water/Purer than I've ever known (2X)/Flow down living water/Flow down blessed Savior/Flow down and I will never/Ever thirst again."  'By the Riverside' continues the theme of life giving spiritual water only available from God: "I kneel down by the riverside (3X)/To drink from the water that's deep and wide/I'm laying down everything inside (3X)/To drink from the water that's deep and wide."  'You Are' closes the album and has them declaring their life's mission: "You are the light of the world (3X)/And I will follow You/You are the light of the world (3X)/And I will follow You (2X)/Wherever You may lead/You're everything I need."
     Brynn also wrote this to me: "This record was conceived as a whole, a journey to the deeper intimate places of the soul.  It is our hope and prayer that people will listen to it on their morning walk in the woods, on a long drive, or swaddled in their favourite blanket drinking hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.  Wherever their quiet secret place is, we believe The Soulbreather will meet them there..."  SEVEN POINT EIGHT is atmospheric, ethereal, meditative, praise and worship.  It will cause you to slow down in this fast paced world and think about the One who made you.  Brynn's sweet vocals compliment Mark's husky, seasoned voice quite nicely.  I'm recommending this album produced by Gersh and Richie Biggs, to fans of the lighter fare of Geoff Moore and Leigh Nash, and to those who enjoy Gersh's 2002 solo effort AWAKENING.  I'm rating SEVEN POINT EIGHT 83%.  For more info and to purchase visit http://www.soulbreather.com/.