On Christian music

Just finished listening to an interesting podcast, focusing on the question of the 'best year' for Christian music. The answer offered by the podcast is 1998 (for a list of reasons see here).

Personally, I find it hard to disagree. At the time I was working out the sort of music I wanted to listen to and 1998 offered such a broad range of artists across different styles of music especially Christian music,

Many of the artists I listened to then I'm still listening to now. Artists like The Normals (and their lead singer Andrew Osenga), Jars of Clay, Nichole Nordeman, Sarah Masen and Jennifer Knapp.

That said, I'm a huge fan of the independent Christian music scene now. There are so many great independent Christian artists.

I love how with platforms like Kickstarter and Pledgemusic you can support them, with platforms like facebook and twitter you can interact and communicate with them.

Review: Live - All Sons & Daughters

All Sons & Daughters are now one of my favourite bands. I guess what the bring to their music is the impression that they are making music with their souls, and I think that's something which is hard to find. The album is well put together, beginning with the plea for our brokenness to be made beautiful, and ending with lines from 'Nothing but the blood of Jesus'.  

The album includes songs from their three EPs, and a few new ones. The i-tunes version comes with a number of videos and also some of the chord charts, which definitely adds value.

In sum, its an album which will make your soul sing, beautifully expressing the wonder of the Gospel.

Amid the Flood - The Outliers

I have always been a fan of hymns. I remember when growing up loving to sing 'To God Be the Glory' and 'How Great Thou Art'.  If you wanted to clear expression of our faith, the hymns are a great place to start. I recall a tweet highlighting the fact we will remember more of what we sing at church  than what we hear from the pulpit. The best way to bring a heresy into the church would be to put it to a catchy tune and sing every it week.

One band that I have been listening to a bit of lately is 'The Outliers', made up of brother and sister - Luke and Myla Smith.  Amid the flood contains a number of hymns which powerfully testify that God has rescued us. It is quite a great collection containing the recent favourite 'Come Thou Font', 'My Hope is Built' and some, sadly, that I was not so familiar with like Martin Luther's 'A Mighty Fortress' and 'I am Thine O Lord'.

It is well worth a listen, such a refreshing reminder of God's grace to us.

Review: Desire Like Dynamite - Sandra McCracken

I first encountered Sandra McCracken through the music of Caedmon's Call. Their album 'Back Home' contains some songs which McCracken wrote.  So, when I saw that one of her albums Gypsy Flat Road I did not hesitate, I downloaded it and loved it. I have been looking forward to this album.

McCracken has a unique gift to write songs that continue to impact you as you listen. During my first listen, the images and words of 'Go', 'Hourglass', 'Forgiveness' and 'Fall on Me' really hit home.

Hourglass speaks of the time when 'Every good thing will be restored / and the sea will be no more'.

Forgivenes, has some beautiful images, the 'half life of coffee wearing thin', and grace which is measured by more than need, a grace to be something other than what we are, love given free without strings, a love which we cannnot resist.  The song continues to strike me which each listen.

Fall on Me - is another song written with Matthew Perryman Jones and also highlights our relationships - You can't fight a war when you already own the soldier - Everyone needs a place to land - fall on me'

The beauty of her album and song writing is the highlight the experience of the lives we have with each other, and with our God. The album one that I've liked more which each listen,.

She Must and Shall Go Free - Derek Webb

The more I listen to the music of Derek Webb, the more I think  of him as a prophet for our generation. His songs speak God's truths and apply them to our lives, both individual and corporate.  While I first discovered Derek Webb through Caedman's Call a while ago, I was reacquainted with his music when his album She Must and Shall Go Free was available on Noisetrade (the website he founded). Once I had downloaded that album, I bought his album The House Show (which contains some of the same songs, and a few covers).

The album was a reflection of where he was on his spiritual journey, and apparently he has a sequel in the works, so I will be intrigued to see what has changed, and what remained the same. As you listen to Derek Webb, I can't help but draw comparisons with Keith Greem and Rich Mullins who wrote numerous songs, encouraging and rebuking the church. In his songs Derek Webb often challenges us to think how our faith intersects with the world.

On She Must and Shall Go Free, the songs which hit me the hardest were Lover  and Wedding Dress, both of which centre around the theme of God's love for his people, akin to that of a jealous husband for his bride (who is playing the harlot), bringing to my mind Ezekiel 16 and the book of Hosea.

Another song was I Repent in which he talks about the power and freedom we can find in corporate confession. The song is a confession of his sins, and I am certainly guilty of some of these sins too.

During the album - The House Show, Webb covers one of my favourite songs by Bob Dylan Every Grain of Sand, which highlights the care God has for all of his creation.

The concluding song of on The House Show (and also on She Must and Shall Go Free where Dan Haseltine - Jars of Clay joins Webb) is Take To the World , an almost perfect concluding song, telling those who hear to take and share what they have heard of God's 'relentless grace' to those who are 'hungry'. Such a powerful image.

I'm looking forward to hearing more from Derek Webb. I think Noisetrade are offering samplers from all of his CDs - so if you haven't heard him, now is certainly a good time.

This Pilgrim Way - A Horse & His Boy

I had been looking forward to this album since I heard the EP Trilogy. A Horse & His Boy sprang from the mind of Seth Harper (with some help from a few scrappy Narnians).

The album is conceived as "an adventure story in miniature" reflecting on the journey we take as Christ's followers. Here's a few reflections on some of the songs.

And the world was an ocean: Our life is described as akin to that of a man adrift on the ocean, waiting to be 'rescued or die'. Its such an evocative image. Highlighting that we 'are lost without you'

When I run: The song mind the story of Eric Liddell - I think - who said that when he ran he felt God's presence and pleasure. A reminder for the listener that all of their gifts and talents are His, and we are happiest when we are them for God's glory.

Glory, Hallelujah: My favourite song on the album. I just love the metaphor the song uses, their faith describe as a song. The song takes you through the journey of the people of God, from slavery and deliverance from Egypt, to God's present leaving the temple, the birth of Jesus, and the eventual triumph where the whole earth and every stone will sing the song of the creator.

{untitled} : It's easy to relate to the plea of this song, a plea for God to come, bring an end to injustice, and judge the wicked, but with that a plea He would show mercy and save many.

The Everlasting Arms: The concluding song, is an old hymn written by Anthony Showalter & Elisha Hoffman, (published 1887), and it reminders the listener where we end our journey, in the safe and secure arms of God.

In summary, the albums richness is in its lyrics which highlight the journey we all take as followers of Christ. I recently discovered you can buy the demos which are versions of each track with Seth's voice and an acoustic guitar, which just highlights the power of the words. I definitely recommend the album. 

Hear the Sound - All Sons & Daughters

Quite like this new song - and am looking forward to the new EP due out later this year.

Faint Not - Jenny & Tyler (Review)

If you've been reading my tweets, you'll know that one of the artists on heavy rotation at the moment is Jenny & Tyler. Jenny & Tyler are a classic duo (husband & wife) and have been compared to She & Him, The Civil Wars, and The Swell Season. To me these all hold true.  Faint Not is their fourth album. and is currently available via i-tunes or Noisetrade. In summary, the real attractiveness is the sincere, honest, and challenging lyrics.

The highlight of the record for me is Carry Me (which features Third Day singer Mac Powell). Mac Powell in this song, acts as the voice of God:

"when I first met you I drew you in close to me , your weaknesses covered with strength and security, I've never left you, nor will I ever leave, child believe, child believe",

As Jenny sings of her need for God to carry her. The song's structure heighten its impact.

I also really like the honesty of these lines, the first in Faint Not,  a song speaking of the poverty some experience in our world - "we quit because it's not an easy fix and then forget that they are even there // we forget to care".

and, Through your Eyes, where she sings of her longing to herself  through your (God's) eyes, which I find very easy to relate to.

Song for you, seems to be a love song from God to us:

"I have done for you everything my love, hear My song for you, I will not hold my tongue, open your heart, open your heart, for I have loved you, open your heart, open your heart, for I have loved you from the start.

Holding on to hope, is about the hope we hold onto as we walk through the storms of life. In Dreaming of Peace, she sings of her reflections as she drives past a protest.

It is fitting the albums ends reminding that we are anchored in the love of God. He will sustain and protect us. no matter what storms life throws at us. Such a beautiful promise.

Jenny & Tyler's new album Open Your Doors will be released this coming week. You can have a listen to a preview here. If you are looking for an album with a great sound, refreshingly honest and challenging lyrics, then both these albums are totally for you.

As an aside, Jenny & Tyler have also recorded a beautiful version of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sound Of Silence", and it seems this money from the sale of this song is going to the work of one global organisation seeking to secure rescue for victims of slavery & other violent forms of oppression. That's a double win there.

February music

Thought I'd take some time, to write about a few CD's  I have been listening to during 2012. All of these are available via i-tunes. Alternatively you can download a sample from Noisetrade, for a tip, like or tweet.

The City I Long For - The City I Long For

A wonderful, but short (five songs), EP. Features great versions of two of my favourite hymns; Come Thou Font' and It is Well with My Soul. It is characterised by the harmonies of the singers.  Wouldn't mind trying to sing these hymns, with the new arrangements.

Of the other songs We Will Rise is a beautiful song reminding us that, we will rise with Christ. Now's Not the Time brought to mind how this world is harassed and helpless like sheep without the Shepherd.


Overall a beautiful collection of songs both in terms of the music and words.

Stop the Noise - Carisa Turner 

The lyrics are what I'm drawn too when I listen to new music, and what strikes me from her EP is how she writes about her experiences of life, and how easily I could relate to these.

Pocket of the World reminds me of our thoughts on the weekend mornings.  I love the encouraging declarations in We Declare. Her personal declaration in My King, and honesty in asking What Would I do in response to Jesus' call to 'come and follow'. Lost at Sea capturing the all too familiar feeling of  when the wider world, and our personal worlds seem out of control.


Perhaps fittingly, the EP ends by her telling of her longing (and one we can all relate to), for stillness to hear the voice of the Lord. .

Hello Stranger - Nick Flora


While listening to this, on the bus, I felt like I was listening to Nick tell me his story, with the stranger in the title being the listener. The highlight of the album, was how the album unpacked through a few songs the nature of relationship. The song which best showed this was Tired of Me (w/ Stacy Lantz) . Which is written like a couple having a discussion about their relationship, I've built these walls to protect my fragile heart, moving to how 'love without risks holds no reward, and ending with how they: See the world through each others eyes'.



Flora also often uses a "tongue-in-cheek" perspective one example being Presence of Greatness. The album was produced by Andrew Osenga. As an aside, Andrew Osenga's music is definitely worth checking out.

Beloved, Look Up - Lara Landon

Lara has a new album due out in May
and The River will be on that album.

When I listened to her album for this first time her voice stuck with me. The album is a collection of worship songs, and the tone of the lyrics as like an older sister sharing her experiences and journeys with you. The title track 'Beloved', take the listener to Romans 8 (how nothing can seperate us from the love of God) and perhaps also Ezkl 16 (which paints a vivid picture of God's love toward a faithless bride).

While writing about Lara Landon, it's hard not to mention Look up. The song Look Up is available as a single track (w/ proceeds going to an appeal for Haiti), very moving song, about the strength shown through trials and an encouragement to persevere.

The full lyrics of the song are:

"You're amazing. With a year like yours, I'm not sure I'd be standing
My inspiration. Seen you face each blow with strength I can't imagine.
But it seems lately you're at the very end.
I search for words to help you keep on going...

Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up.

Between two mountains and it seems each day they keep on getting bigger
we pray together but I don't know what to do to make it better, no.
Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up.

This life is worth the fight I know you'll win.
Jesus sees us and He knows how hard you're trying.
He knows you're trying..

Look Up. Never turn back.
The last step that takes all your strength may be your new beginning.
There's no shame in being afraid.
Just keep the faith, keep believing.
Look up."

Chasing Summer - Chasing Summer

Chasing Summer best fit in the same niche as The Civil Wars & The Swell Season. The band Chasing Summer is Tammy Rochelle and Joseph Bamber. One of the highlights for me is the medley of Amazing Grace' & 'Swing low Sweet Chariot'.

Really enjoy both The Darkest Night & There for Me. These songs feature Joseph singing. In The Darkest Night he sings over the top of a single acoustic guitar. Both these songs highlight how God will never let us go, holding us by His love.

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All things considered, these five albums are all worth checking out. I'm looking forward to the new album by  Andrew Osenga and All Sons and Daughters, both of which should be out in the first half of 2012.  I'm also going to write about another duo which I'm listening to quite a bit Jenny & Tyler.

The River

I was listening to some of my older CD's recently, and I was struck by the song - The River by Michael Sweet (formerly the lead singer of Stryper).  It's one of my all-time favourite Christian songs.

If you're hurting, I'll take your pain

If your life is dry and weary, I'll bring the rain

If you're searching, then search no more

If you're drifting on an ocean, I'll be the shore

I see the scars that you hide

I've kept the tears that you've cried, they were not in vain

And every prayer that you've prayed

I have treasured and saved, my love will never change

If you're looking for the river

That runs with healing water

Bring yourself to me

And I will wash you in an endless peace

I'm your Saviour,And I'll save you Tonight

If you're blinded by The darkness, I'll be the light

If you're hopeless, I'll be your faith

If you're lost, I'll Lead the way

from Real, 1998.

Fresh new music

As I've mentioned, this year I have really got a lot of new music from Noisetrade. A couple of the great discoveries have been All Sons and Daughters, Dan & Lauren Smith and Derek Ellis.  All Sons and Daughters have a beautiful version of the hymn "Come Thou Font".

The Revive Project is a beaut collection of songs, and in Dan's words

"Lauren and I were made to love people and love music. So when we found ourselves in the midst of a dark and broken city – this was all we had to offer in desperate measure – our voice and our song. The Revive Project is a non-profit album project to benefit the poor and needy in the city of Reading, Pa and raise awareness of her struggles and plight."

Their website has a video of the song Awake.

The EP "The Reconstruction" by Derek Ellis is a moving collection of three songs, my favourite of which is 'Nail Scarred Hands".

So, go on, check them out.

Christmas Music

So, now that it is December, its truly time to bring out the Christmas music. Here's a few of my favourite Christmas Albums:

Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs.
One of the few albums which has "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" on it. Along with some lesser known Christmas carols, and songs penned by the band.

Third Day - Christmas -
Mac Powell sings a great version of O Holy Night.

Sarah McLachlan - Wintersong
 I really love Sarah McLachlan singing River, and In the Bleak Midwinter.

More on music

In writing the last post, I've realised that I didn't post a top 10 albums from 2010.  So, in a quick reflection, going from the most frequently played album, by a long way, it is Brooke Fraser's 'Flags'. I totally love the album, and Brooke continues to develop and impress with each album. Here's one of my favourite songs from this album - "Who Are We Fooling" 

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Jars of Clay

I recently found that Dan Hasltine, the lead singer of the Christian band, Jars of Clay has been writing a blog, and the last few posts have been on the story behind some of the songs he has written, including Light Gives Heat and Oh My God, both from what I think is my favourite one of their albums, Good Monsters.

And a post about the meaning of songs in general

In Brief ...

on the soccer .. so the socceroos went down 4-0 this morning. Sure its a touch dissappointing, yet the Aussies are exactly where we expected them to be. The Germans are not one of the best in the world for no reason, and there performance this morning was awesome. Will be interesting to see how the Kiwi's go.

Via NPR, I've been listening to a few performances from Bonnaroo. So far I've heard Tori Amos and Mumford and Sons, which have both been great. Look forward to seeing what else is there.

Also am interested in reading the new book by Daniel Jonah Goldhagen - Worse than War (on Genocide). (Here's more about the book).

To finish, here's an article on Facebook and its impact on young people.

Christian music on the radio

Was intrigued by the fact that: "forty-eight of the top 50 Christian songs in the last decade were by males, a figure primarily determined by women who listen to Christian radio. Why don't they want to hear their female peers on the air?".

The Long Fall..

I think I first heard Jars of Clay on Wide World of Sports (I think it was Liquid) while channel surfing and have loved them since then. Their last two albums Good Monsters and their most recent release The Long Fall Back to Earth have shown them to continually grow as song-writers and explore new sounds. I had been eagerly anticipating this album since I bought their EP Closer last year. Closer featured new versions of Flood, and Love Song For a Saviour along with new songs Safe to Land, Closer and Prisoner of Hope (I do find it a shame that it didn't make the album).

The Long Fall Back to Earth broadly speaking deals with human relationships. The themes are dealt with in beautiful metaphors (the image of landing attached to reconcilation, Safe to Land), the desire to remain disconnected with others (in Headphones - featuring Katie Herzig). The strength of the album is how it touches on the everyday. Another song which reasonated was Boys (Lesson One), which seems like a letter from a father to his son.

I can't recommend this album highly enough, it is a grower, and in time may be Jars of Clay's best album. At the very least I'll be judging albums from 2009 against The Long Fall Back to Earth.

Blog-roll update

It has been a while since I’ve updated the daily reads section. I have been enjoying reading the below two blogs for a while.

:: To Live is Christ
I met George at the Staff and Post-Grads bible study group, and more recently at Word by Word.

:: Something this foggy day
I think I meet Alison in 2006 at Word by Word.

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I am now quite intrigued by Sarah Groves new CD, and the quote reminded me of the song Faith Enough, by Jars of Clay (from Who We Are Instead). I found this article quite fascinating (thanks Alison).

Contemporary Christian Music

I don't need to say that I am quite a fan of Andrew Osenga, (he was the lead singer of The Normals; now he has joined Caedmon’s Call, and he has recorded a number of solo CDs). On his site, at the beginning of the year, were two quite fascinating posts about 'Christian musicians', 'musicians who are Christians' and more broadly 'Christian Music'. I was intrigued because here was a Christian (musician), talking about the tension and relationship between the two.

The links the two posts are below, and I've elaborated on these a little below.
:: No Man’s Land :: No Man’s land II ::

[Bonus, Here's Harper's review The Morning. And while I hear Christian themes resonate through it, they are not overpowering, and its a treasure to listen to.]

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I found the posts (and comments) interesting, and I identified with a lot of the sentiments; because we often hear comments like “insert latest band name here” are a Christian band, or “x” have 'sold out' because they are trying to break into the secular market; or why does band "z" focus on playing for Christians; 'they're only preaching to the choir, don’t they remember we are called to be salt and light to the world'.

I wonder precisely what we expect 'Christian-musicians' to do with their gift – do we expect each song to be an 'sermon' or an exegesis of a passages; is there really a danger in singing parables - will people miss the point? (Is this the point of art - to communicate with those who hear?)

Personally I quite like the songs (stories) which are open to interpretation, and it’s the lyrics rather than the music which reach me. But that’s not to say I don’t like lyrics which are taken directly from the bible (eg. Third Day's Your Love oh Lord, taken from Ps. 36, I think).

Though, I am intrigued by the number of Christians who think so-called ‘Christian Music’ is, for want of a better word, daggy. Can someone quantify what makes it 'daggy'?

... now that I have seen; I am responsible ....