2023 has already proven to be a year of unexpected change for me. I went into the year knowing that God had plans for me, but I didn't expect the sudden shift in my life's direction. Maybe you can relate. Whatever the pace He moves in your life, one truth remains: God will never change.
In this article, I will discuss some upcoming worship projects that I am excited about. While they may be new, they are rooted in the unchanging nature of God. I understand that it can be difficult to adjust to new things, especially in terms of music. However, I want to encourage everyone reading this to remember that God does not change.
I pray that these albums will speak to you in whatever season 2023 is bringing for you. Each of these artists has a heart for the unchanging God, and I hope that through this music, you will strengthen your relationship with Him this year.
UPPERROOM - Moments: The Vow (Live)
This album was the best New Year's gift I've ever received (I know New Year's gifts aren't a thing but bear with me). When it dropped on January 1st, it brought with it fresh melodies and also some favorites from past albums. I've had it on repeat these past two weeks and I have a feeling it is going to be the epitome of 2023 for me.
There is so much life, and so much joy within the lyrics, and the sounds of the worship leaders have come to mean freedom to me. I admire how each musician is willing to lay their dignity and pride at the foot of the cross. That sacrifice before the cross has been inspirational. From dancing to "Worthy of A Song" to crying over "The Father's Song," I have found so much depth in this album. The best justice I could ever give to UPPERROOM is simply directing you to listen to it as soon as possible.
Housefires - How To Start A Housefire
The worship band Housefires has a special place in my heart as a result of their beautiful melody, "Lovesick" so when I discovered this announcement, I was beyond excited. Plus with a title like How To Start A Housefire, how could this not go down as one of the best worship albums of the year? Its tracklist promises to feature musicians like Ryan Ellis, Davy Flowers, and Nate Moore. Not only am I expectant of an incredible project, but I'm also convinced the release date of January 27 can't come soon enough. Until then, I'll be content with listening to "Lovesick" on repeat.
Vive Worship - Genesis
VIVE Worship is the worship team for VIVE Church in San Francisco, California. Their mission is to write and record songs that are full of faith and bold in their declaration of Jesus. The group is made of many unique musicians, all sharing a passion for the Lord. About a year and a half ago, I got to take a look at their albumYes and Amen on another Worship Reflective and I have admired their various projects between then and now. A new full-length album, Genesis, will be dropping on February 17 of this year and I am ecstatic at that opportunity to partake in their worship again.
Gateway Worship - Completely Abandoned
Gateway Worship represents Gateway Church, one of North America's largest churches. I have loved watching this expansion over the past few years and especially adored their recent collaboration with Leeland on the single, "Abba." The song will be featured on this new album and I am sure all of its accompanying melodies will carry just as much meaning. God has been speaking the words, "Let it go" to me since the clock struck midnight on the new year. That being said, I was of course drawn to the album's title: Completely Abandoned. As I mentioned earlier, laying it all at the foot of the cross is the most rewarding thing I've ever chosen to do. It's an action I was born to do. God wants my heart so I will set down everything else in favor of His presence; I can't wait to see where the Gateway team takes this incredible message.
The Church Will Sing - Volume 2
The Church Will Sing provides a unique perspective on worship music. Created by Word Worship Music, this project allows congregations from around the world to submit vocals and be featured on collaborative volumes. The songs are penned by successful writers who have written some of the Christian music industry's most beloved worship favorites. The collective has been releasing singles leading up to this second volume since 2020, my personal favorite being "Make Room" featuring Elyssa Smith and Community Music. I have no doubt the rest of the album will be just as powerful and I'll be anxiously awaiting its release on March 31 with "Make Room" on repeat until then.
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
NEW!BEHIND THE SONG
#1236 - Brandon Heath
Transforming wounds into stories of redemption in this powerful song
ADVERTISEMENT
NEW!NRT EDITORIAL
Skillet
We explores some of the band's best songs outside their hits
NEW!NRT LISTS
Jordan Merritt
A real conversation around the artist's new track, "Human"
NEW!HEARTSPEAK
Jordan Feliz
The artist's must-listen-to songs about faith, family, and redemption
NEW!AN NRT EXCLUSIVE
Rock Meets Worship
Seven gritty cover songs of popular worship music and hymns
