Jay's Musik Blog

An Important Announcement...

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 23:51:00 +0000

Today marks three years since I started Jay's Musik Blog. Ever since July of 2009, I've enjoyed writing reviews and articles, conducting interviews, holding giveaways, and getting to know my readers.

I could never have imagined how far this would come. What started as a hobby on an ugly template ended up in an official domain, and I had the honor of being quoted in media press releases, conducting interviews, meeting artists, along with other amazing honors.

However, as it was three years ago today since I began my site, I also believe that it marks a new chapter in my life. As hard as it is to say, the time has come for me to move on from Jay's Musik Blog.

Many of you have told me that Jay's Musik Blog is your favorite Christian music site online, and I am honored by the support I've received from my readers, particularly over the last year and a half. God did some amazing things, and I watched my site blow up into a reputable site. It is sad to say goodbye to this, but I am very excited to see what God is going to do in this new chapter of my life which He has already written out.

So what does this mean? It does mean that this is the end for Jay's Musik Blog, but it does not mean that you will not see me online anymore. For one, you can still find occasional reviews that I will write on my NewReleaseTuesday.com page, which you can find here. You can friend me there, on Facebook, or even follow me on Twitter (I follow back) -- I would love to connect with you and continue our friendship.

So before I say goodbye, I want to say thank you to everyone who helped support Jay's Musik Blog in any way. Whether it be through a blog follow, uplifting comment, an email, or a like on my site's Facebook page, I appreciate you all! Thank you for making three years so memorable for me. I hope to continue connecting with you through the means above.

Thank you again! Many blessings to you all.
-- Jay Wright

Britt Nicole's Magnificent Summer Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 21:50:00 +0000

Britt Nicole has a cool giveaway going on for her girl-fanbase! One winner will receive the entire Britt Nicole collection, along with a gold sequined bag, one collection of luxe bath and beauty products, one set of five summer Essie nail polish colors, one gold embroidered clutch, one large cosmetic case, one small cosmetic case, one summer beach towel, one pair of designer sandals (color and style will vary according to shoe size of the winner) and one fashion pendant. Wow! That's a $250 value.

To enter, you simply have to like Britt Nicole's Facebook page, and head here to enter your information. The giveaway only runs through Friday, the 20th, so hurry and get your entry in! Also, by entering you are signing up for EMI Music and Britt Nicole's email updates, but you can opt out at any time. Have fun entering!

Unspoken: "Who You Are" Acoustic Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 14:48:00 +0000

Check out Unspoken's brand new video, where they play their single "Who You Are" in acoustic style! You can also read my review of the band's debut EP Get to Me, here. Enjoy the video!

Details on TobyMac's "Eye On It" Album

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Check it out! TobyMac released the cover and back arts of his new album Eye On It, out on August 28th! It looks like it's going to be an awesome album, too, as it features Blanca from Group1Crew, Lecrae, and Jamie Grace! Pretty awesome:

Click to enlarge!

Group1Crew Announces New Album, Fearless

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Group 1 Crew announced on their Facebook page yesterday, that their new album is going to be titled Fearless, and will be releasing on September 10th! The cover art and track listing can be found below. Also, the music video for "He Said," featuring Chris August, will be premiered on Air1.com starting next week, the 16th! You can find a sneak peak of the new video below as well.

Click to enlarge!

Fearless track listing:

1. His Kind of Love
2. The Difference
3. He Said (feat. Chris August)
4. Dangerous
5. Goin Down
6. Fearless
7. Night of My Life
8. Mr. & Mrs. (I Do This For You)
9. Darkest Valley (feat. Flame & Thomas Ware)
10. Not The End of Me
11. Freq Dat
12. Stepping Out

13. Forsaken

Rhett Walker Band: Come to the River Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:38:00 +0000

The number of Southern Christian rock bands is few and far between. You have NEEDTOBREATHE, Decemberadio, Third Day, and at times MercyMe, but the Rhett Walker Band arrives on the scene with their debut Come to the River that meets that unpopular genre of music.

Besides being a ten-track album of great Southern rock tunes, Come to the River also tells of Rhett Walker’s testimony. Like many today, Rhett grew up in the church. As a preacher’s son, he knew God and even played in the church worship band, but he left the church for his own desires when he was 16. By 17, he had been expelled from school and he and his girlfriend already had a child. These unexpected results of his bad decisions left Rhett looking back to Jesus for grace and forgiveness. That is the story of the Come to the River album, fronted by the album’s single “When Mercy Found Me.”

Rhett Walker has a great country voice as well. It’s most evident through the opening track, “Gonna Be Alright,” in which he and his band remind the listener that, while the circumstances may be certain, God’s faithfulness is even more certain: “This I know, that this world is leaving me dry/ and I know, this I know, that with You it’s gonna be alright.” The title track follows with rapid acoustic guitar strumming, though it is not really an upbeat track in and of itself. The track borrows lyrics from the end of the book of Revelation, reminding the listener that we can “drink from the cup I [Jesus] pour and thirst no more.” It’s a great reminder of where our rest comes from.

“Make Me New,” more strong, is a prayer for God to clean us up. I loved how Rhett’s vocals were appropriately very strong and sure in this tune. The single “When Mercy Found Me,” a powerful retelling of Rhett’s testimony, follows very nicely. Not only is it the most radio-friendly track off the album, it’s also a generic song that any Christian can sing in honor of the freedom with which Christ has set us all free. In addition, the lead guitar and stunning lyrics of the chorus are very powerful: “And in one moment everything changed/ who I was got washed away when mercy found me/ My Savior’s arms were open wide and I felt love for the very first time/ when mercy found me…”

More upbeat, the excellent “Get Up, Get Out” speaks of jumping out of the status quo, while the simple “All I Need” is nicely piano-based and slows back down to the worshipful side, as with the single. But it is definitely not mundane, as it states: “The rain keeps falling down as the waters flood this town/ on my knees I’ll be found/ All I need, all I need is You.”

Featuring David Leonard from All Sons and Daughters, “Brother” has a NEEDTOBREATHE sentiment to it, speaking to someone who tries to hold everything together: “Brother, don’t you know no one’s too high to fall/ no one’s strong enough to make their own way…” Though it’s on the slower side of things, the nice duet and acoustic guitar backing makes it one of my personal favorites off the Come to the River album.

“Can’t Break Me” is an adrenaline-packed dare for Satan to attack us and see what we are made of, while “Vessel” has a little bit of a pop feel to it and is God speaking over His children, reminding us that we belong to Him no matter what storms life throws our way. This particular track has excellent lead guitar work, so this pair of tracks has an older Third Day sentiment. The Come to the River album closes with “Singing Stone,” a peaceful duet with Leslie Jordan from All Sons and Daughters. The breath-taking lyrics remind the listener that, even though we may be a thousand miles from the throne of God, He still “gives life and breath to a singing stone.” It is a very soothing and beautiful closing.

There are several things I love about Rhett Walker Band. For one, they arrive at the Christian music scene delivering a fresh type of rock, namely Southern rock; but secondly, they have combined that Southern rock with a powerful message of the free gift of God’s grace that meets us when we’re broken. Come to the River is a really refreshing album! Even if you’re not huge on Southern rock, I suggest you check it out if you’re looking for something different; and I definitely recommend this album to fans of Decemberadio, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Third Day, especially!

Rating: 4/5
Release date: July 10, 2012

Track listing:
1. Gonna Be Alright
2. Come to the River
3. Make Me New
4. When Mercy Found Me
5. Get Up Get Out
6. All I Need
7. Brother
8. Can’t Break Me
9. Vessel
10. Singing Stone

Music Video: Jamie Grace -- "Come to Me"

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 22:30:00 +0000

Here is a brand new music video from Jamie Grace! It's for her song "Come to Me," from her album One Song at A Time, and since the song is based on a conversation between Johnny and Joanne Cash, the video features Joanne at the beginning. Hope you enjoy it!

House of Heroes: Cold Hard Want Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Just about two years ago, Gotee Record’s polished rock band, House of Heroes, released their third album, Suburba, with the label. Featuring the singles “Elevator” and “Constant,” this Dove-nominated album drew me into the hard rock this band had to offer. Other songs, including “God Save the Foolish Kings” and “Independence Day for A Petty Thief” were inviting with their haunting, somewhat futuristic effects.

Now, two years later, House of Heroes is back with their fourth Gotee Records’ project, Cold Hard Want. Though the band admits the project is more simple than previous efforts musically and more definitive lyrically, Cold Hard Want simply is, in all ways, a step up from their previous album. The album title reflects going through the fire and coming out gold. Through the tough times economically, the band decided who they were and what their goal was with their music, and they are clearly unafraid to show it through this album.

The album-opener “A Man Who’s Not Afraid” is rather surprising. An acepella track only about a minute long, the harmonies are breathtaking, but surprising for a rock band like House of Heroes. The outcome, however, is absolutely fantastic.

The rock n’ roll kicks off with “Out My Way,” beginning the roll of tracks that speak of going out to battle and being determined: “If you’ve got shots you wanna take, better hope it buries me, hey hey hey/ if I go out then so it be/ you know I’m going out my way.” Tim Skipper’s vocals, and the choirs for the fill-in parts, sound better than ever, especially when Tim’s vocals reflect urgency. “Dance (Blow it All Away)” has a sentiment similar to “God Save the Foolish Kings” from their previous album, and the predominant lead guitar is superb. And never underestimate House of Heroes, because as this song says, “Dance, we can dance, we can rage or blow it all away! We war, we are a catastrophe!” “Remember the Empire” follows on this same note of battle anthems, only this comes a little more upbeat with more fill-ins. Surely this song will be a favorite to hear the band play live!

“We Were Giants” begins with a synthetic drumbeat and is composed mostly of light acoustic guitar, for the first of slower tracks off the Cold Hard Want album. This track is very solid, and definitely one of my personal favorites off the album, as it contemplates what we used to be and a desire to get back to that place. “The Cop” surprisingly is even slower, with only relaxed acoustic guitar that makes walkups and helps sing a depressing love-song of sorts. Although I did find this track a bit hard to follow, it does have some Biblical elements to it, especially the line: “The rain falls on the blessed ones and the damned.”

“Comfort Trap” begins the road back up to the rock anthems we love from House of Heroes. Personally, I found the vocals to be a bit irritating in this track, as they were muffled as if the singer were putting his mouth right up to the microphone and not speaking clearly. It does get better when he begins screaming the lyrics of the trappings of the American dream, or of wanting to stay within your comfort zone, even if it means better things can be had by stepping outside of it.

The single that House of Heroes already released a music video for, “Touch This Light” follows next, and is still my personal favorite off Cold Hard Want, speaking of wanting to reach out and touch the light of God’s love: “I can see You there in a rain of fire, reaching out for me/ I can touch it/ I can hear Your voice calling out my name/ I wanna touch this light.”

“Angels of Night” appropriately has a country feel to it, with it’s descriptive lyrics of driving through a country village. Mixed in with Tim’s higher vocals in this song, we hear of the hardships of choosing to love again after feeling the rejection of a broken relationship. The track builds as it goes, but escalading guitars help the listener to imagine the things being described, which is beautiful! Very melodic and half-upbeat, “Stay With Me” keeps the relationship aspect going on: “Stay, stay, stay/ or don’t come back if you walk away/ I can’t go on like it’s all the same/ so stay…” I really enjoy the inviting sing-along feel that many of House of Heroes’ songs have, such as this one.

Rather hard to describe for its many awesome elements, “Suspect” is accurately titled, a detective track of sorts (”It’s suspect/ the truth hides in the lies/ I expect it all to be denied/ I’m left to sirens singing ooooh”). It has electronic effects when it’s not rocking the lead guitar or Tim’s flexible vocals throughout.

House of Heroes again experiments with the acapella tracks as they did with the opening track. “Curtains” is the second to last track on the album, again only a minute long as it simply states “Shine it on, shine it on/ we can still get home/ everybody pull the curtains to the window of your soul.” The album pulls itself to a close through “I Am A Symbol,” an, at-first, mellow track, but one that explodes into strong guitars as it goes along. It speaks of choosing to raise your voice and not be silent. At one point, it mentions: “One voice in the crowd is small, but if he speaks the truth, then he speaks for all…” and then later, “I will sing for truth/ I will sing for light/ when I’m gone the flame keeps burning…”

Cold Hard Want is, no doubt, a step up from House of Heroes’ Suburba album. Though there are a few tracks that are hard to follow or a few elements that are hard to appreciate, the band presents a strong message of fighting with all your might for what you believe in and refusing to give up, even if that means death. With several extreme rock tracks, a few mellow and downbeat tracks, and two Queen-like acapella tracks, Cold Hard Want is a solid album, and is definitely House of Heroes’ best project to date!

Rating: 4/5
Release date: July 10, 2012

Track listing:
1. A Man Who’s Not Afraid
2. Out My Way
3. Dance (Blow It All Away)
4. Remember the Empire
5. We Were Giants
6. The Cop
7. Comfort Trap
8. Touch This Light
9. Angels of Night
10. Stay
11. Suspect
12. Curtains
13. I Am A Symbol

Introducing Katie Gustafson Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 23:24:00 +0000

Katie Gustafson is a Nashville-based therapist. It wasn’t until her high school years and her family’s move to Nashville that Katie began writing her own songs; and it was a few more years later, after her graduation from college with a counseling/ psychology degree that she began recording her songs. Introducing Katie Gustafson is her debut EP with Kingsway Records.

If several of the songs off this Introducing… EP sound familiar, it’s probably because “Isaiah 55” and “Be Still My Soul” both appeared on Leigh Nash’s Hymns and Sacred Songs album last November. These songs are Katie’s, and hearing them sung by the original writer is definitely a treat!

“Isaiah 55” kicks off the album, practically this passage of Scripture put directly to Scripture. With nice harmonies and Katie’s beautiful vocals, the highlight is definitely the chorus, which is easy to get lost in: “We will bless the Lord and we will be led forth/ there’s nothing You can’t do/ there’s nothing You can’t do, Oh Lord!” This opening track is a perfect way to be introduced to Katie’s music!

“Amazing God” has a country feel to it, which is rather cool. The lyrics, themselves, are simple, as Katie contemplates the faithfulness and awesomeness of our God, but the fun tempo gives it a feel of one of the classic worship songs that Integrity music released decades ago. Following, “Beautiful Jesus (Love Over Me)” is more acoustic, but is a love song to Jesus for the love that He has shown to us. It borrows its bridge from Romans 8, reminding the listener powerfully that nothing can separate us from that love of God.

“Wonderful to Me” and “Hallelujah to the Lamb” are both deep songs of worship for all of God’s love, kindness, and mercy toward His children. Particularly, in “Hallelujah to the Lamb,” Katie’s vocals are higher than they are in the rest of the EP, vibrating and sounding very angelic! I expect this is the type of music we will hear in heaven for all eternity.

“Be Still My Soul,” sounding very hymn-like, follows excellently. It does sound very much like Leigh Nash’s cover (no surprise), and leads in to the closing track “Back to You,” speaking that “the hardest part is being far from You,” and speaks of returning to Him for quietness and rest. The background vocals make this closing track very heavenly.

Introducing Katie Gustafson is full of seven intimate love songs to the Savior. Though personal to Katie’s heart, they are songs that will have the listener singing along after just one listen, crying out to the King of kings with these songs. I truly believe that Katie Gustafson’s music is something special, and you should join me in looking forward to a full-length project from her sometime soon!

Rating: 4/5
Release date: July 10, 2012

Track listing:
1. Isaiah 55
2. Amazing God
3. Beautiful Jesus (Love Over Me)
4. Wonderful to Me
5. Hallelujah to the Lamb
6. Be Still My Soul
7. Back To You

Unspoken: Get To Me EP Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 23:20:00 +0000

Unspoken is Centricity Music's newest signing. Like many artists we've been hearing about lately, Unspoken has been an independent band for a few years, bringing fan favorites to the table with their signing to a national record label. Get To Me is the band's debut EP, and it reflects on the contemporary rock band's lead singer Chad Mattson's powerful testimony. Not only did God deliver him from an alcohol addiction, He also revealed His plan to Chad on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where he met Unspoken's guitarist Mike Gomez. Because of that, Get To Me contemplates the intense love of God toward us in a very fun way.

Acoustic and electric guitars combine nicely in the EP's opening track, "Run to You." There is a slight Spanish feel to the background, reminding me of Salvador's older works and, in parts, Jimmy Needham's funky hits. Chad's vocals are superb, as well, especially the fast-paced lyrics he sings in the chorus: "There's nothing left to do but run to You/ and if I fall on my face, I fall on Your grace/ I've got no excuse, I run to You." Another highlight of the track is the comfortable bridge: "I can never let You down/ 'cause I've never held You up/ You take me by the shoulders and You hold me up."

With nice pianos and a soft contemporary sound, "Just to Get to Me" is a tempo-bridge between "Run to You" and the single "Who You Are." With nice background vocals, it speaks of how God goes way out His way sometimes to get our attention and change us: "Sometimes You shatter dreams/ You tear down walls/ You wake me up when I'm half asleep/ just to get to me..." A little slower comes Unspoken's first radio single "Who You Are" backed by gently stroked piano keys. It encourages the listener to choose Jesus, walk through the door of freedom and "change who you are." I especially enjoyed the powerful lyrics of the chorus: "You can never fall too hard, so fast, so far that you can't get back/ when you're lost, where you are is never too late, so bad, so much that you can't change who you are/ you can change who you are." This track is a powerhouse!

"You've Got Love For Me" is a very fun track, my personal favorite off the Get to Me EP. The Salvador and Jimmy Needham comparison definitely stands in this track, it's funky message speaking of God's never-ending love for us. I also loved Chad's higher and emphatic vocals in the bridge, borrowed directly from the Psalms: "How precious are Your thoughts/ so precious are Your thoughts of me/ how precious every one of Your thoughts." You can really tell that Unspoken has fun playing music through this track!

Last, but certainly not least, is "Lost," a track that accentuates Chad's soft vocals that, here, sound like Bart Millard from MercyMe's. It also boasts on behalf of Unspoken's resonating lyrics, not only sharing more of Chad's testimony of deliverance, but also speaking right to the lost listener's heart that when we can't find our way back home, God's love has already found us. It is a fantastic ending to the Get to Me EP.

I love Unspoken's sound! Get to Me is a fantastic introduction to this promising group. With two extremely upbeat and fun tracks and three moving ballads, Unspoken has done more with their debut EP than most bands could do in a couple of albums. I will definitely be following this new Centricity group and I hope to them garner some more chart-topping radio singles, awards, and acclaim!

Rating: 4/5
Release date: June 12, 2012

Unspoken band. Click to enlarge!

Track listing:
1. Run to You
2. Just to Get to Me
3. Who You Are
4. You've Got Love For Me
5. Lost

Bellarive: The Heartbeat Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 23:08:00 +0000

Bellarive (meaning "Beautiful River") has been an independent band for a few years now, but now they have released their debut project with Sparrow Records. The new album The Heartbeat features several of the songs off their independent release The Being Human Project...Start Listening, as it talks about knowing God and wanting heaven to come down on earth.

Immediately, with the album-opener "Heartbeat," the vocals sound comparable to Adam Young's (AKA Owl City). The band speaks of wanting to bask in the presence of God ("I just want to stay here"), and also speaks of "bearing the mark of our Creator." This opening track is very powerful with nice choirs and their acoustic, organic worship, making Bellarive comparable to David Crowder* Band, Rend Collective, or Benjamin Dunn.

"Love Has Found Us" follows, celebrating the love of God that alone can satisfy our heart: "It's so beautiful how only You can satisfy this heart for You will always be the life I need." The track builds very nicely after the chorus, stating elsewhere: "Breathe in deep this love" -- a wonderful message!

"Hope is Calling" is the first of several songs that speaks of how grace is the rhythm that makes our heart beat, followed nicely by the single "Taste of Eternity." It has a nice acoustic feel to it and is therefore very relaxing, as it speaks of how we have a taste of eternity when believers sing together in unity! I agree whole-heartedly with this track's lyrics.

Nice harmonies provide a perfect backing for "Measures of Rest," were we learn that true rest comes from the arms of Christ. I enjoyed how the track comes from the opposite point of view, however, stating "My heart needs to settle down," speaking of the times of stress and anxiety where it is hard to find Jesus' peace that is always waiting for us. An instrumental, simply titled "Sing" concludes "part one" of this album, having a futuristic feel, complete with guitars and glockenspiels.

Part two of Bellarive's debut begins with "The Father's Heart," and "Here We Are," which both speak about finding God's heartbeat and beating along with it. The first is very upbeat with pounding drums, while the latter has a nice piano background and an enjoyable irregular drumbeat.

"Tendons" was honestly my very least favorite track on the whole album. It is repetitious and slow, and then features sermon-like talking for the second half of the track. It seemed to rudely interrupt the prayer for God to open our eyes and let us see. This track lost my interest, and I wasn't sure if I was going to appreciate the rest of the album because of it. Thankfully, the last three tracks on the album were good songs.

A gentle prayer that God would shine His light on us, "Shine On" is definitely better than the preceding track, stating: "I've been beaten and bruised/ I've forgotten love/ but Your sunrise glory remains/ we will arise." Really nice harmonies accentuate this section of the song, very glorious (as the song states.)

"I Know You" has beautiful piano, and the album closes with "Stories," an eight-minute track. Speaking of the stories we read of Christ in the Bible and wanting a piece of heaven on earth, the track has a clever line: "Could heaven come down to make room for the least of these?" Some listeners may be annoyed with the duration of the track, but it isn't repetitious and does have many interesting elements that kept my attention throughout the whole thing.

I have to admit, I wasn't very thrilled with Bellarive's The Heartbeat the first listen through. I had read many rave reviews myself and looked forward to something better than what I heard. The second time through, I found many enjoyable elements, particularly the album's predominant message of calling heaven down to earth, living in God's presence at every minute of every day, as well knowing Him so well that we hear His heartbeat and beat along with it. The Heartbeat may not be my favorite release of the year, but it's a great album to add to your collection if you're a fan of the organic worship projects we've been hearing lately from Benjamin Dunn, DCB, Rend Collective Experiment, and the likes.

Rating: 3.5/5
Release date: June 19, 2012

Track listing:
1. Heartbreak
2. Love Has Found Us
3. Hope is Calling
4. Taste of Eternity
5. Measures of Rest
6. Sing
7. The Father's Heart
8. Here We Are
9. Tendons (The Release)
10. Shine On
11. I Know You
12. Stories

Music Video: Trip Lee -- "Fallin"

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 16:18:00 +0000

Check out this new music video for Trip Lee's "Fallin"! It was actually released back in mid-May, but I love the concept of the video, and the song is exceptional. You can find this song on his fourth album, The Good Life.

Check out: Kima Charysse

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:47:00 +0000

Back on June 26th, Kima Charysse released her new single, "Possible," which is a follow-up to her debut single "Jesus Will." The new single has an amazing beat and Scriptural lyrics that immediately remind me of Beckah Shae or Mary Mary -- even, perhaps, a combination of both!

"I want people to know that they don't have to turn to secular music to hear tight beats. I want them to know that Jesus is not only cool, but He also loves them and wants to help them through their sturggles in life," says Kima Charysse on her new music.

Kima's new single is ridiculously catchy and very inspirational. Check out the lyric video below, and make sure to connect with her on Facebook and Twitter for more information on her music and ministry.

Music Video: Json -- "Brand New"

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Check out Json's new music video for his song, "Brand New"!

Song explanation: Brand New is a hype song about what it means for the believer to be made new in the image of Christ. The song features Lamp Mode newcomer God's Servant, as well as Steve T. on the hook. "Brand New is one of those songs that just makes you wanna move. The video simply adds to that feeling. If you've been made Brand New, then this should be your anthem" says Json.

Hillsong's "Cornerstone" Out Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:14:00 +0000

Hillsong's twenty-first album Cornerstone, releases today! Be sure to go pick up the album on iTunes, Amazon, or at your local Christian book store.

Here are two videos from the new album. The first is for the title track, and the second is for their current radio single "Hope of the World." Enjoy!

Favorite Music Video of June 2012?

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:25:00 +0000

... and the winner of your favorite music video for May 2012 is? Dakota Green, with a video for his cover of Gavin DeGraw's "Soldier"! That is off his new album Who I'm Becoming, out August 7th. You are NOT going to want to miss this album -- it's amazing!

Here's another poll for you! We are halfway through 2012, so it's up to you to vote for your favorite music video of June 2012, to be in the running for your favorite music video of the year! There are only four this month, so it should be easier for you to pick!

Hillsong: Cornerstone Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 22:25:00 +0000

You’ve almost definitely heard some of Hillsong’s powerful worship anthems over the past two decades. “Mighty to Save,” “Forever Reign,” “Shout to the Lord,” “Hosanna,” “Lead Me to the Cross,” and plenty more of their songs have made it to churches all over the world’s worship song lists. And that is what Hillsong’s music exists for – to provide resources for the church to worship the Lord.

But with Cornerstone, Hillsong’s twenty-first album, it was a tragedy in Norway that inspired the album. Reuben Morgan shared that this tragedy, in which seventy innocent people (mostly children) were murdered, caused him to pick up his guitar in worship. As the body of Christ, when one member suffers, we all suffer with it. We also have a firm foundation we can stand on in time of tragedy – our cornerstone is Jesus Christ. That is the inspiration for Cornerstone, another powerful worship project from Hillsong.

Cornerstone kicks off with “Endless Light,” a somewhat upbeat track that simply celebrates the unending and powerful love of God. It is great to hear Jad Gillies leading this opening track, which is fun sounding and full of freedom. Written by Brooke Fraser Ligertwood and her husband Scott, “Beneath The Waters (I will Rise) follows as a very melodic track. Annie Garratt leads this celebratory track very well, as the worship track powerfully contemplates what happens at baptism – we are raised from the water a new creation. I really enjoyed that Hillsong would right a song like this, especially since I haven’t heard others like it.

The title track, led by Dave Ware, follows on a mellower note; nevertheless, it is certainly not a lesser track. Borrowing lyrics from “The Solid Rock” hymn, “Cornerstone” causes the listener to remember that when all else fails, we can stand on Jesus and on His Word. The track, which builds at certain parts and weakens at other moments, leads into the slower “I Surrender,” written and led by Matt Crocker. Lyrically, the track is simple – reckless abandon to our Creator Who gave up everything for us – but melodically, it is complex with accentuated drums.

“Hope of the World,” the first radio single off Cornerstone follows nicely. In this track we hear both Reuben and Annie, but it is cool to hear the congregation take over – almost even louder than the worship leaders themselves! Because it is a radio single, the studio version also follows at the end of the standard edition of this album, as a bonus track, only that version is led by Ben Fielding instead. Also noteworthy about this single is the absolutely beautiful and powerful bridge, stating: “All we need is You,” which leads back in to the bridge excellently. I am sure we will see this song readily accepted by churches in America just as much as the rest of Hillsong’s worship anthems have been.

“All My Hope” and “Grace Abounds” both continue the slower, worshipful side of things. “All My Hope” is led again by Annie and has a slower African feel to it and a simple message of giving God every ounce of trust and energy we have, while “Grace Abounds” is lead by Dean Ussher (with supportive backing vocals from Darlene Zschech) and celebrates the free gift of grace that was given to us at the cross (“Your grace abounds to me/ Jesus, in You I find all that I need”). The pure simplicity yet heart-gripping lyrics that Hillsong has to offer is amazing.

“Running” and “Children of the Light” are both led by Jonathan Douglass and Joel Houston, so therefore they take on a definitive Hillsong United upbeat feel. “Running” will have the listener singing along in no time as it speaks of running and chasing after all of God, while “Children of the Light” has pounding drums and speaks of our role in the kingdom of God as His children.

The album’s last three songs are all significantly less upbeat, but do not refrain from offering powerful messages. “Stand In Awe” confesses that God is better than anything this world has to offer, while “Love Knows No End” has a slight Latino beat to it and contemplates God’s indescribable love for His children. The slowest of them all, “Greater Than All” has a beautiful melody, remembering the wonderful things that the Lord has done for His children. These tracks which close the Cornerstone standard edition are lead by Ben, Dave, and Jad, respectively.

The deluxe edition of Cornerstone features more must-have worship anthems, including “Love So High,” sounding much like a hymn, the piano-based “I Desire Jesus,” (the only track off this album that is led by Darlene Zschech) and the Hillsong United sound-alike “Praise Jesus,” which, besides having the audience screaming out “Whoa!” has a slight disco rhythm to it. The deluxe edition also includes a few other studio editions of the songs that were already presented in live fashion.

In summary, Cornerstone is another heart-felt and powerful worship album! Though I wouldn’t say that this is Hillsong’s best worship album to date (I still think For All You’ve Done and A Beautiful Exchange are) it is impossible to deny that Hillsong offers the best worship songs around. They are easy to sing-along to, minister healing in times of brokenness, and offer soundtracks to the times of life when we just can’t help but shout praises to our King of Kings! If you are a long-time fan of Hillsong, you won’t be disappointed by this project.

Rating: 4/5
Release date: July 3, 2012

Track listing:
1. Endless Light
2. Beneath The Waters (I Will Rise)
3. Cornerstone
4. I Surrender
5. Hope of the World
6. All My Hope
7. Grace Abounds
8. Running
9. Children of the Light
10. Stand In Awe
11. Love Knows No End
12. Greater Than All
13. Hope of the World (Studio Edition

Bonus Deluxe Edition Tracks:
13. Love So High
14. I Desire Jesus
15. Praise Him

New Music From Remedy Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 22:37:00 +0000

Remedy Drive's new album Resuscitate is out September 18th, but here are some new songs and info on the new album to hold you over until then!

First, here is the band's new single titled "Better Than Life," along with the song story below it:

And here is another one of the songs that has already been leaked, titled "Make It Bright":

There is a great preorder sale for the new album going on in Remedy Drive's merch store. You can preorder the new album Resuscitate now and get it on September 18th along with a signed poster! Isn't that awesome? Just go here, and it is the first item in their store.

Citizens: Already/Not Yet Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:50:00 +0000

Seattle, Washington’s new record label Mars Hill Worship recently released the debut EP from Citizens, titled Already/Not Yet. For their debut project, Citizens has done what they are known for – delivering hymns in an upbeat, indie rock way.

The EP opens up with “Amazing Grace,” done the Chris Tomlin way with the “My Chains Are Gone” chorus. Immediately, I was reminded of Andy Cherry through the lead singer’s laid-back vocals, or maybe even a more worshipful Switchfoot twist in parts. This version of “Amazing Grace” has a country twist to it, which makes it very fun and enjoyable, and the listener won’t be able to help but tap their foot or clap their hands along with this Southern-sounding hymn.

Just when you think it can’t get any more fun sounding, “In Tenderness” does just that! The pop aspect with jolly electric guitars is very fun and freeing. And everybody knows “Nothing But the Blood”! Citizen’s remake is rapid and flows right through all the verses in just over three minutes, besides the guitar spurts in between the verses. Halfway through the track, choirs are incorporated, which I was happy to hear.

The Already/Not Yet EP closes with “Oh God,” which is surprisingly a slow, acoustic-guitar track. Nevertheless, it is amazing, especially considering the fantastic and soulful vocals, and it gives the listeners a taste of the slower side of Citizens that may be more prominent on a full-length October release from this band.

With three extremely upbeat, fun and one touching worship track, Citizens is well on their way to success. They are definitely a band to watch, and I recommend their sound to fans of The City Harmonic, Andy Cherry, and Benjamin Dunn.

Rating: 4/5
Release date: May 8, 2012

Track listing:
1. Amazing Grace
2. In Tenderness
3. Nothing But the Blood
4. Oh God

King's Kaleidoscope: Asaph's Arrows Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:49:00 +0000

I really like finding a totally out of the ordinary Christian band. Allow me to introduce you to King’s Kaleidoscope and their debut Asaph’s Arrows. Now though King’s Kaleidoscope isn’t a new band (they’ve been leading worship at their church for several years), this is their debut with Mars Hill Records, so they have selected four far-reaching tracks to present on this album. The eclectic band has about a dozen musicians involved, meaning that the instruments you will hear on this album range from strings to horns to various kinds of drums and cymbals and more. It’s impossible to pick out just one great element to each song!

The first thing I noticed about King’s Kaleidoscope was the lead singer’s vocals, which somewhat resemble those of Mac Powell from Third Day. They warm up the album in “All Creatures,” which features horns, strong drums that chance rhythms occasionally, and more. Even though I am not totally used to this type of music, I really enjoyed the high level of creativity that went into this track, as well as the emphatic bridge of “Hallelujah” to our God!

Next comes “Come Thou Fount.” As my personal favorite hymn, I was very interested to hear how the band covered it, especially after the creative opening. For this track, the band uses finger-snapping-sounding drums and an irregular beat. They do keep the melody the same as well, so I think the band did a great job with this hymn, which is on the slower side of things. Strings and horns all join together in harmony, creating a symphony of peace.

Their version of “In Christ Alone” (the hymn) follows, sounding just a bit mundane at first, until it builds very nicely with King’s Kaleidoscope’s sound of horns and strings. Then, on a haunting and gloomy note, the album ends with a soft rendition of “Jesus Paid it All.”

If you’re looking for something new and different to worship to, King’s Kaleidoscope would be a good one for you to try! Their horns, strings, and drums combo is definitely something out of the ordinary; yet even then, it’s still worshipful!

Rating: 4/5
Release date: February 28, 2012

Track listing:
1. All Creatures
2. Come Thou Fount
3. In Christ Alone
4. Jesus Paid It All

Young Oceans Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:49:00 +0000

In 2009, New York City’s Trinity Grace Church released a live worship album titled Without End, followed by We Sing As One in 2011. After this, a group of musicians and parishioners from the church gathered in a SoHo apartment where they began, despite their differences, playing renditions of their church’s worship songs. Today, they are known as Young Oceans, and the band recently released their self-titled debut, an album full of reflections and modern-day hymns.

The album itself is mellow and serene, making for a perfect album to play in your quiet time with the Lord. Every song sounds like a hymn, and even the vocals sound a bit blurred, which may be disappointing for those who listen to it during non-devotional time, but will be perfect for worshiping the King of kings in your quiet time.

An invitation for the Lord to come and stir in our hearts, “Come Holy One” starts of the album with nice strings and a light drumbeat, followed by “We Sing as One.” At first, the track is mellower than the opening track, but I love how the strings built up after the bridge. The unity sensed in this song is also very inspiring.

I expected to hear Chris Tomlin’s classic song with “Great is Our God,” but I was surprised that it was an all-new song! Here, the vocals reminded me of Benjamin Dunn, and with nice plucking guitar the timeless praise and worship song was very heavenly. Speaking of not being afraid in the times of trouble, “I Will Be Still” is practically Psalm 46 put to Scripture in a little bit of a swing style.

“None But Thee,” a little more upbeat, and “You are Alive,” more melodic with beautiful harmonies, are both very contemplative of the goodness of God, while “Nothing Beside Jesus” is very Scriptural, a prayer that we would know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified, as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:2. This particular track is very emphatic, building as it goes along, even though it is mellow, and the simplicity and beauty of it is mind-blowing.

“Lord of All” follows on the same note, while “Hope of Glory” is almost nine minutes long. It’s a very deep prayer for more of God’s glory in our lives, as it combines many Scriptures together. It also is probably one of the most upbeat tracks on the album as far as strong guitars. Halfway through, it sounds as if it is going to end, but it instead gradually builds back into the song, which is pretty cool. Remembering that the darkest night can’t stop the glorious light of the Lord, “O Darkest Night” ends the album on a serene note, though the magnificent choirs and harmonies put a spectacular twist to this closing track.

Young Oceans’ debut is serene, peaceful, and simple, yet very worshipful. As I stated, this is fantastic album to add to your collection if you’re looking for worship music to play in your quiet times. There aren’t any extremely upbeat tracks here, so it may appear a bit repetitious to the listener; but the album definitely ushers in the presence of God and is very tranquil.

Rating: 3.5/5
Release date: April 3, 2012

Track listing:
1. Come Holy One
2. We Sing As One
3. Great is Our God
4. I Will Be Still
5. None But Thee
6. You Are Alive
7. Nothing But Jesus
8. Lord of All
9. Hope of Glory
10. O Darkest Night

Integrity Record's "25 Songs That Changed the Way We Worship" Out Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Today, Integrity Records is releasing 25 Songs That Changed the Way We Worship, an album that celebrates twenty-five years of music and ministry for Integrity Records!

That’s right – Integrity Records was incorporated in 1987, and since then, many of the songs they have published have become modern-day hymns. Besides the fact that these songs have touched many lives and changed the way we worship (as its title states), they are all chart-topping worship songs that have been covered by many artists over the years. In fact, Integrity’s songs are now translated and sung in over 164 countries!

This 2-CD collection of twenty-five songs features many recognizable songs, including Paul Baloche’s “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” Darlene Zschech’s “Shout to the Lord,” Kari Jobe’s “Healer,” John Mark McMillian’s “How He Loves,” and more. In addition, a DVD featured in the package includes live performances of ten of these songs, not to mention an interview segment where Integrity Records’ leaders and some of their artists share how these twenty-five songs have impacted them. Included in the mix of those interviewed is Leslie Jordan from All Sons and Daughters, Elias Dummer from The City Harmonic, Rita Springer, Glenn Packiam, Israel Houghton, and more! In addition, the album’s packaging (which makes for a great gift) features song stories, original artworks, lyrics, and all the original information on the songs off the album.

In addition, to celebrate twenty-five years of music and ministry, Integrity Records is re-releasing five of their classic albums with the original artwork. These albums are Don Moen’s Give Thanks, Ron Kenoly’s Lift Him Up, Hillsong’s Shout to the Lord, Robin Mark’s Revival in Belfast, and Israel and New Breed’s New Season. These albums are available as The Anniversary Bundle for $25 or for $7.99 each.

Happy 25th anniversary to Integrity Records, and here’s to many more years of "helping people worldwide experience the manifest presence of God"!

Release date: June 26, 2012

Enter to WIN a copy of this new collection, here! Giveaway ends July 2nd.

Track listing:
Disc One:
1. Open The Eyes Of My Heart - Paul Baloche
2. Give Thanks - Don Moen
3. Above All - Lenny LeBlanc
4. I Exalt Thee - Pete Sanchez, Jr.
5. Be Magnified - Randy Rothwell
6. Shout To The Lord - Darlene Zschech
7. God Will Make A Way - Don Moen
8. There Is None Like You - Lenny Le Blanc
9. I Worship You Almighty God - Leann Albrecht
10. Awesome In The Place - Kent Henry
11. Ancient Of Days - Ron Kenoly
12. Days Of Elijah - Robin Mark

Disc Two:
1. Hosanna - Paul Baloche
2. Friend Of God - Lakewood Church
3. Love The Lord - Lincoln Brewster
4. Your Name - Paul Baloche
5. Lord Have Mercy - Eoghan Heaslip
6. Healer - Kari Jobe
7. Today Is The Day - Lincoln Brewster
8. I Am Free - New Life Worship
9. Trading My Sorrows - Darrell Evans
10. You Are Good - Lakewood Church
11. Revelation Song - Gateway Worship
12. My Savior Lives - New Life Worship
13. How He Loves – John Mark McMillan

Bonus DVD:
1. Today Is The Day - Lincoln Brewster
2. Ancient Of Days - Ron Kenoly
3. Praise Adonai - Paul Wilbur
4. Jesus At The Center Of It All - Israel Houghton
5. My Savior Lives - New Life Worship
6. How He Loves - John Mark McMillan
7. There Is None Like You - Lenny LeBlanc
8. God Will Make A Way - Don Moen
9. Revelation Song - Gateway Worship with Kari Jobe
10. Today - Brian Doerksen
Latin Worship:
11. El Nos Ama - Christine D'Clario
12. Si Acaso se Me Olvida - Jacobo Ramos
13. Salmo 84 - Danilo Montero
Extra:
14. 25 Years Of Worship (Artist Interviews)

Bonus Songs:
15. The Same Love - Paul Baloche
16. O the Blood - Gateway Worship with Kari Jobe
17. Great I Am - New Life Worship with Jared Anderson

Anthem Lights Covers Demi Lovato

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:28:00 +0000

Anthem Lights just released a new cover today! It is a cover of Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart a Break," and features the band's newest member, Joey! Hope you enjoy:

New Releases From Thumper Punk Records

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 22:31:00 +0000

I would like to take a few minutes to introduce you the new releases from Thumper Punk Records!

True Liberty: Marked For Life
True Liberty recently released Marked For Life on Thumper Punk Records, and in my opinion they have a resemblance to Children 18:3. Strong guitars mix with the excellent lyrics, which are sometimes bold as is the case with "Take Up Your Cross." This hard-hitting track speaks from the perspective of Jesus offering eternal life to all those who come up after Him. The album closes with a serene acoustic track titled "Storm," which speaks of being anchored in Jesus Christ during the toughest times of life -- another superb message! The album has 17 punk/rock tracks, for over 35 minutes of fun.

True Liberty's new album is available on iTunes and Thumper Punk Records official store!

Jump Ship Quick: Where Thieves Cannot Tread
This new album from Jump Ship Quick released back on June 5th, 2012, and here's a cool fact -- Five Iron Frenzy's saxophonist actually produced the album! Where Thieves Cannot Tread is this band's debut, and is a solid one at that. Overall, the album has awesome lead guitars, guitar screams, and chanting lyrics, but, again, has wonderful lyrics. One of my favorites off this album is "He Must Increase," which, based on John 4 speaks of releasing your pride and letting God increase you decrease. Another notable track is "My One True Hope," a desperate plea asking God for the grace not to give in to temptation. Where Thieves Cannot Tread is over 43 minutes long with 16 tracks.

The Old-timers: Soli Deo Gloria
The Old-timers is a South African punk/rock band, and their Biblical foundation is obvious in each and every track of this record. "Family," for instance, is more a prayer of loud, shouting thanksgiving to the Lord for the blessings we have in our family then it is a track for listeners to sit back and listen to. This preaching-punk is further evident in the title track, where they chant Scripture verses. After the singer asks, "What is the meaning of life?" the background chanting lyrics answer "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever!" and later they chant that whatever you do, "do it all for the glory of God!" I normally wouldn't be the biggest fan of this type of punk, but the absolute Christ-centered aspect of this project is mind-blowing.

What's better yet about this album is that 100% of the proceeds go to support Siloam Christian Ministries, the missionary work of Dave, one of the members of The Old-timers! You can learn more about his ministry at the following link: www.siloam.org.uk/089.htm

In short, Maked For Life, Where Thieves Cannot Tread, and Soli Deo Gloria are three of three of Thumper Punk Records best albums to date! You can learn more about these albums and listen to previews of them at Thumper Punk Records' official website here, or browse their official store here!

Free Download: Timothy Brindle Hip-Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Jay Wright) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:09:00 +0000

Lamp Mode Records is excited to announce the release of Timothy Brindle's new album The Restoration on July 24th! The album actually has one of the longest subtitles ever recorded in the history of Christian music -- it's full title is: The Restoration: The All Sufficiency of Christ in the Gospel of Grace to Restore Sinners to Himself for Their Joy and His Glory. That album title will preach, don't you think?

Well, Lamp Mode Records is giving away one of the tracks off that new album for FREE! Titled, "The All Sufficiency of Christ," the single can be yours by using the download widget below. Enjoy, and share with your friends!

<p>&amp;lt;a href="http://lampmode.bandcamp.com/track/the-all-sufficiency-of-christ"&amp;gt;The All-Sufficiency of Christ by timothy brindle&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;</p>