Jonathan Cain, longtime keyboardist and rhythm guitarist in Journey, co-writer of the No. 1 digital catalog song in history, "Don't Stop Believin'," as well as writer of "Faithfully" and co-writer of "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms" and many more international hit songs, will release his solo album, What God Wants to Hear, Oct. 21 on Identity Records with The Fuel Music distribution.
Cain, who continues to tour the world with Journey, one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, crafted his new solo album from his personal faith-journey that started in Chicago when, at a young age, he wanted to be a priest. His faith was challenged after he survived a horrific fire in third grade at his school, Our Lady of the Angels School, where 92 of his fellow students along with three nuns died that day. Cain found healing and redemption in music, and his long 'journey' eventually led him back to the seminal faith of his youth.
Weathering professional and personal storms, Cain declares, "Only God can take a mess and turn it into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, a victim into victory."
The first single from his new album available for download with preorder at iTunes beginning Sept. 23, "Deeper than Deep," like the rest of What God Wants to Hear, was recorded at Addiction Sound, Cain's state-of-the-art studio in Nashville. The video for the song, which will be released soon, features photographs Cain has taken throughout the years.
Cain is also exclusively offering, for a limited time, a free song download of the bonus track, "Remove Every Veil," along with an introduction to the song from Pastor Paula White, to anyone who signs up for the free gift at http://jonathancainmusic.com/.
Cain's return to his faith coincided with discovering love and healing through White, senior Pastor of New Destiny Christian Center in Orlando, who he married in April, 2015. Leading worship at his wife's annual women's conference, Cain found a new joy in his music. "I never heard him sing like this," White says. "Something had shifted in him.
After encouragement to record music reflecting this newfound joy, Cain asked, "What does God want to hear from me?" Soon afterwards, the songs began to pour out. "I've always been seeking out songs since I was young," he shares. "I never had any idea how rich the Bible was with imagery. I got lost in it."
Reminiscent of when he almost gave up on his musical dreams and his father uttered the now famous line "Don't stop believing," Cain now feels he's just starting to believe again.
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Welcoming a Spiritual Journey| Posted October 25, 2016
I grew up listening to the legendary band Journey. The epic riffs from Neal Schon's guitar, the arena-like, one-of-a-kind vocals from Steve Perry and the pure sounds of Jonathan Cain's piano solos creates a musical masterpiece that is recognizable to anyone. Cain, whose accolades include writing credits on classic hits "When You Love a Woman," "Don't Stop Believin'" and my personal favorite "Open Arms," has recently released What God Wants to Hear, his new Christian contemporary album.
Before listening to the album, I was expecting to hear Journey's classic sound intermingled with worship. Did Cain deliver on these expectations? Impressively, the lyrics in every song on What God Wants to Hear praises the Lord. Cain has interwoven scripture throughout almost every track.
For those looking for that Journey sound, the song "Fall into You" is as close as it gets. There are moments where you can pick up Cain's vintage piano solos; however, the singer has taken the opportunity to establish his own sound apart from Journey. The singer opted for musical style closer to '80s and '90s classic Christian music, which will please Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman fans.
Cain uses his piano-playing talents to kick off What God Wants to Hear on the lively "Deeper than Deep," the album's first single. "Bold in Prayer" leaves less of an impression, however, Cain rebounds with the piano-driven "Rush into Me." "Have Your Way with Us" shows promise, and "In Your Waters" truly makes waves. "Sanctify" is the album standout: "Declare that I am righteous with justification / Redeemer, purify my soul within / sanctify / sanctification."
The similarity that each song shares in sound and lyrics makes the album lack some needed variety. While many songs show promise, few have repeatability. However, overall What God Wants to Hear is a strong effort.
The Bottom Line: Cain's new album works as a stand-alone, but also births my desire for a new Journey album--with faith-based lyrics. Maybe Cain can satisfy Christian fans with a follow-up effort that incorporates more of the Journey sound. I embrace this possibility with open arms.
Song to Download Now:
"Sanctify" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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