Sep 10
Yesterday morning…before I even went to work…
I downloaded (for free…with the pre-order purchase of the album) the new Fee album “Hope Rising.”
Me likes…a lot.
Rarely do albums live up to the hype they create….but this one did. Doctrinely sound…musically tight…it’s good.
Here’s the best part. I’ve heard from both THIS GUY and THIS GUY that they’re better people than musicians (which says a lot!).
Get it.
Popularity: 68% [?]
It’s been awhile since I’ve done an album review. But I HAD TO review Matt Redman’s new album “We Shall Not Be Shaken” released today. I figured while I was at it I would also review Mat Kearney’s latest CD released in spring 2009.
Firstly let me just say…he’s done it again. Redman has taken Biblical Truths, Memorable Melodies and combined them into songs fit for congregational worship and personal devotion…all on one disk. That is not an easy thing to do. He has written songs that can be sung by 10 or 10,000 all lifting high the name of the 1 true God. This album not only draws me to the throne room, but reminds me of scriptures that have refined me, blessed me and defined me as the man that God has grown me to be. Matt Redman did it again.
Top 3 Songs:
1) The is How We Know
2) All That Really Matters
3) How Great is Your Faithfulness
This album will definitely be on repeat for awhile for me, and will be added to my top albums of 2009.
I have been listening to this album almost weekly since I bought it back in May 2009. Mat’s ability to be melodically inventive while incredibly simplistic is what define’s this album as a “goodie.” I specifically appreciate the contrast in moods offered between each song. It would be irresponsible of me while reviewing this album to not at least MENTION the fact that it is VERY Coldplay-ish. If you don’t like Coldplay…you probably won’t like this album. The two biggest differences between Mat Kearney and Chris Martin would be Jesus and the fact that Mat doesn’t name his kids after various fruits.
Top 3 Songs:
1) Fire & Rain
2) Runaway Car
3) City of Black & White
Popularity: 60% [?]
Jul 28
Back in Februray, I heard Fee’s “Glory to God Forever” for the first time. I IMMEDIATELY introduced it to Harvest Bible Chapel York Region.
1 Week ago, the single was released in the U.S
Today (because Canadian Itunes SUCKS) it was released in Canada.
My buddy Travis from iMinistries saw on Twitter that I was griping last week about not getting to download it, so being the RockStar that he is, he gifted me a copy of it from U.S Itunes.
Let me tell you…this song is UNBELIEVABLE. It points us to God…It gives us a glimpse of heavenly worship…but most importantly…it draws people to a place of self-less, Christ-focused WORSHIP!
If you haven’t already…buy it. Can’t wait for the full Album “Hope Rising” in the fall!
Popularity: 33% [?]
I have learned my lesson.
I have spoken too quickly before and had to retract my opinions.
Hillsong’s albums simply TAKE TIME TO LOVE.
So when Hillsong United came out with their latest album “Tear Down the Walls” I knew what to expect…
To date…after listening to each album after its release, I was left wanting more…always thinking that they could’ve done better.
SO. Rather than writing a post about their album 2 weeks ago when it came out that would’ve been summed up in the word “meh…” I waited.
As I write this post I’m sitting in my home office listening to “You Hold Me Now” (Track 9) and am FLOORED by not only the musicality of it (multiple layers of “out of the park” melodies) but more importantly the depth of the lyrics.
I am now into the digesting portion of listening (yes there is a graph I have developed for listening to HIllsong records).
I am really liking the title track “Tearing Down the Walls” as well.
The album itself is very reminiscent of early Hillsong while sticking with the ColdPlay-Rock they broke out in their last album.
All this to say. Hillsong United have done it again. They’ve written a bunch of songs for the church AND for my own personal worship time.
They are songs that reach deep into the hearts of worshipers and cling to both the truth that we WANT to sing and the spirit that HELPS us sing to the God we desire to PRAISE.
Hillsong United’s “Tear Down the Walls”
P.S. LOVED the re-take of “Your Name is High”
Popularity: 32% [?]
May 26
Really love this CD. Lady Antebellum does a great job at writing great songs both musically and lyrically. It’s about a year old now, but I’m still really digging it.
Harmonies are great, music is fresh and (unlike a lot of “typical country” music) all the songs are not about that same thing…
Buy it here if you feel the urge.
Popularity: 22% [?]
Feb 6
What are you listening to? My “regular listening” tracks change regularly…here’s what I have loaded into my most recent playlist…as you can see it’s somewhat diverse in artists. What’s on your playlist right now?
Popularity: 21% [?]
Jan 20
U2 new album No Line on the Horizon is set to release March 3, 2009. I’m excited to say the least!
Popularity: 19% [?]
Jan 18
So it’s been awhile since I reviewed some albums. I don’t view these entries as me necessarily saying “buy this cd you will love it” but more of “this is what I’ve been listening to and enjoy.” That being said, let’s begin.
1. Where the Light Is – John Mayer Live in L.A
I heard the cover of “Free Fall’n” while we were on the cruise and bought the whole album the day we got back. I LOVE John Mayer. In spite of him not exactly being ‘role model material,’ the guy can play the guitar like no other. This album has an acoustic feel and is very well mixed. This is the kind of CD that you can play as background music around the house or as your driving up to the lake. For sure would have been on my top CD’s if I had heard it before year end!
2. The Bright Sadness – Charlie Hall.jpg)
I haven’t listened to this one much (just two times through) but I’m loving it! Typical Charlie Hall (love him or hate him), the CD has some deep lyrics and great tunes
3. Limbs and Branches – Jon Foreman
I like Switchfoot. I love Jon Foreman. His voice, his lyrics…so genuine, so raw. This is my “you must buy this CD” moment (oops). “Your Love is Strong” is fantastic.
Popularity: 19% [?]
Nov 4
Come out today. I anticipate it being well…amazing. So just go ahead and buy it. No doubt will be on repeat for days in my house (hailey, I apologize in advance).
Popularity: 19% [?]
Oct 18
So I don’t understand fully what happened, but here’s what I do know. Brenton Brown’s newest album “Because of Your Love” was available for purchase on Itunes in June 2008. I bought it. It is amazing. Our church does several of the songs on the album regularly; Our God Saves, Adoration, Holy Holy God Almighty (now called just “Holy”), and Because of You Love. I absolutely love the CD, and listen to it regularly.
So now, if you try to buy the CD…you can’t. It’s not on Itunes, it’s not in stores…where did it go?
A friend of mine told me that the album wasn’t deemed ‘radio friendly’ and that Brenton was dropped from his label. If that is true, it is a truly sad day in the Christian Music Industry. I know things are tight, but seriously, not only is Brenton an AMAZING song writer and worship leader, but a great guy! I had the chance to meet him at the Next Level Worship Conference last year, and the guy is solid.
Anyway, if you can find the CD, grab it…it’s superb.
Popularity: 19% [?]
