Brand new Indie rock band, Fora, releases their debut EP, The Gathering. Hailing from Salinas, Calif., this three-piece band has a lot to offer. With a melodic rock sound and a heart for...
New five-piece pop/rock worship band, Cadence, releases their first EP, Awake, in hopes that listeners will be drawn into God's presence, and as a result, can't help but worship Him....
Alabama native Nick Gill is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter who recently signed with Rock Ridge Music. Releasing his fourth album (but his first with the label) Waves Are Only Water, Gill...
Convincing, Hopeful New Raps | Posted April-16-2012
Calling Indiana home, 737 (pronounced seven-three-seven--the artist formerly known as J-Mack) uses his platform as a songwriter/rapper to reach young people with the positive and hopeful message of Jesus Christ. Releasing his sophomore album, Convinced, 737 aims to speak truth through his lyrics in hopes that listeners will come to know God's love for them in a new and fresh way.
"Let's Go" kicks off the album with a reading of Romans 8:38-39, which is the theme of the record: "I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons... will be able to separate us from the love of God." Featuring strings and electronic beats, the opening track serves as an intro to the high-energy and hope 737 weaves throughout the record.
Featuring fellow rappers, J'Son and Dillon Chase, "King Of All Kings" talks about the day Jesus will return. The chorus goes: "He's the King of all Kings, let me tell ya what I mean, there ain't nobody like Him, and there'll never ever be, He died on the cross but He's still alive, and when He cracks the sky He's coming back for His bride."
"My Story" takes a personal look at 737 and what brought his life to where it is today. This song, like many others on the album, appeals to the younger generation and speaks to some of the struggles they face. Through his testimony and experiences, 737 uses his music to reach those who may otherwise be lost.
Title track "Convinced," talks about the truth of God's faithfulness. In the chorus, 737 sings, "If God is for me than who is against me, he'll never take me from the One Who made me, from His love, His arms of love, I'm so convinced." With piano, strings, and electronic beats, this track is a little more reflective than others, but still contains the high-energy found throughout the rest of the album.
"Eternal Life" featuring Level 316, asks the question, "What are you living for, what to you is number one?" Throughout the song, 737 raps about the decision he's made to follow Jesus and asks us to reflect on what it means to really live for Him.
Closing Thoughts:
Rap enthusiasts will definitely want to pick-up 737's latest album, Convinced. With a heart for youth and a mission for speaking truth into their lives, 737 accomplishes this with every beat and lyric. This up and coming artist has a bright future and I wouldn't be surprised to find him making a guest appearance on KJ-52's next album.
A Unified Worship Expression | Posted April-03-2012
The Life Church, located in Tennessee, prides itself on being multicultural with the goal of ministering to people from a variety of races, ages, and backgrounds. This diversity is evident in the style of worship woven throughout their newest release, We Will. Recorded live and containing a variety of musical and vocal styles, this album is a great example of how our differences as the Body of Christ can be one when unified in worship.
The Intro, leading into the first track "Take Hold," lets the listener know this is not your average worship album. With an electronic feel, a voice sings "We will rise…" and the crowd bursts into loud clapping and shouts of praise. Featuring electronic elements, keyboard, piano, guitars, and drums, each song is recorded live, so crowd participation adds to the energy already evident.
Songs like "Adore", "This Cause" and "Shelter" are much more reflective and slower-paced. The chorus of "Adore" sings, "You are the One, You are the One we adore…You are the greatest of all, full of wonder and awe, we adore," revealing pure admiration for what God has done.
"Fresh Start," though a slower song, remains upbeat with electronic elements and piano. Reminding us that we always have a new beginning in Jesus, the chorus sings, "You have set me free, I was blind but now I can see, take all of me, everything that I am I lay at Your feet."
Adding a whole new vibe, "Don't Give Up" adds trumpets and a gospel choir to the mix. The song is high energy and a celebration of the fact that God is always with us and will never fail us. This is probably one of my favorite tracks on the record.
Title track "We Will," pretty much sums up everything The Life Church is about. "We will open up our eyes, we will not ignore their cries, we will be the church and rise, we will search out the forsaken, we will not be found complacent, we will be the church and rise." As a truly unified body of believers, I have no doubt these lyrics represent the vision this church has for not only its local congregation, but for believers all over the world.
Closing Thoughts:
It's been said that Sundays are the most segregated hour in Christian America – not so at The Life Church (TN). We Will, is proof that when a church is determined to let God's love be the common denominator between its people, this can lead to great worship. Recorded live with a Hillsong vibe, the passionate vocals and musical diversity are evidence of a unique, yet unified call to come together as one. As the title track says, "Nothing can stop Your church when we are one, unified we will show the world Your love." We are better when we're together.
No Fear Here | Posted March-27-2012 As worship pastor at Saddleback Church, Travis Ryan knows what elements create a great worship song and what resonates with believers. Beyond the members of Saddleback, Ryan desires the church as a whole to experience what God has for them.
Throughout his debut album, Fearless, Ryan challenges the Body of Christ to be bold and courageous. “The title track, and the whole album, is really a prayer that the church would be 1 John 4:18 – ‘There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear,’” he says. “This is a prayer for me and truth that the church must come alive to.”
“Battle Song” is an anthem, calling the church to be united in Christ. The chorus sings, “The sound of joy is our cry, we shout this anthem to lift You high, the mighty Lord is alive and strong, we join our voices and sing our battle song.” As believers, we should be unafraid to go into battle for God and what He stands for.
The first radio single off the album, “Jesus, Precious Jesus” is a pure worship song. The first line sings, “This is what hope feels like, breathing in brand new life, the breath of Your lungs, bringing us back to love.” Co-written with David Leonard and Leslie Jordan (All Sons & Daughters), this song is praise in its purest form.
Co-written with Matt Redman, “Awaken Us” asks God to bring the church back to life and revive a new fire in us. The chorus sings, “This is our desire, come like a fire, awaken us, awaken us… You brought us to our knees, burn through our apathy, we need You, how we need You.”
Title track, “Fearless” sums up the entire album. Ryan sings, “Fearless, make us fearless, give us courage, for You are with us…come unlock us with your boldness and make us fearless.” This could be a really powerful song when sung in unison with a group of fellow believers.
Closing Thoughts:
If you’re a worship leader looking for some new songs that will light a fire in the hearts of your people, Travis Ryan’s “Fearless” is a great start. Each song is full of truth and praise to a God who loves and expects His children to live out what they believe, which in essence is true worship.
KJ's Still Dangerous | Posted March-19-2012 Eleven years is a long time to be in the music industry, especially for a Christian rapper. But KJ-52 isn’t your average artist and his seventh studio album, Dangerous, is evidence of this.
“The theme that runs throughout the record is God is calling us to live dangerously for Him,” says KJ-52. “We have to be careful that we don’t give into the world, which is like drinking poison out of a gold cup. But as Christians, we can’t go along with the status quo or play it safe. There’s no room for laziness or complacency.”
Featuring a variety of other artists, a diverseness of sound and lyrics that run the gamut from serious to downright hilarious, this album is far from boring.
The first track “It’s Goin’ Down,” get’s ya movin’ right off the bat with its catchy lyrics and hip-hop beats. You can’t help but bob your head and it doesn’t stop until the end of the last track.
“They Like Me” is just one of several songs containing deep, meaningful lyrics that touch on sensitive topics most Christian artists avoid. Featuring fellow rapper Lecrae, the track talks about racism and how as Christians this shouldn’t be an issue. As Lecrae sings, “We don’t just relate, we are related through the Lamb,” KJ-52 agrees as the chorus repeats, “They like me, they say we shouldn’t get along ‘cuz of our different skin tones, but I promise you they’re all so wrong.”
Title track “Dangerous,” is another thought-provoking song, reflecting the seriousness of holding onto our past. KJ-52 warns, “Can’t forgive or forget, we hold on and it’s dangerous… living like we do is so dangerous.” Freedom only comes when we look forward instead of back.
Other tracks like “Do The Bill Cosby,” are nothing but fun, featuring a humorous description of how to dance like Bill Cosby. This will be a great song to experience live, as I can only imagine what this dance actually looks like.
“Speed That Light” pretty much summarizes the mission of KJ-52’s ministry as an artist. “I’m gonna speed that light, I’m gonna let Him shine, I’m gonna be that light til’ they all know Christ, til’ they all know life,” he proclaims.
Closing Thoughts:
Kj-52 is a pro at blending humor, hope, and depth into every album, while still keeping the energy of hip-hop alive and movin’. Sometimes this style of music has the tendency for every song to sound the same--not so with this record. Each track is different, with its own message and individual sound. Just like the artist who created it, Dangerous is diverse and unlike any other in its genre. It’s clear that even after eleven years of creating music, KJ-52 hasn’t lost a beat.
Refreshing Hope and Encouragement | Posted January-29-2012
Rachel Chan “Go”
3 Stars
Rachel Chan may be new to the music industry, but she’s no stranger to ministry. As the oldest child of world-renowned author and speaker Francis Chan, this 15 year old knows what it means to live for the Lord, and her music is evidence of this.
Co-writing every song on her debut album, Go, Chan admits, “I learned in a tangible way that relying on the Lord for my lyrics was the only way to create something productive.” As a result, every song is filled with truth and aims to encourage believers, young and old alike.
First track, “As Close” talks about how as believers, God has freed us to have a relationship with Him, but it’s up to us to determine how deep it goes. The chorus says: “We’re as close as we want to be to resting in a perfect peace, we’re as close as we want to be to God.” Though it has a catchy, pop sound, the lyrics make you stop, think, and reflect on your own walk with God.
“Prove It” is a humorous look at dating relationships and how a father’s love for his daughter can have a positive effect. Rachel sings, “I won’t believe it’s love until you prove it to my dad… he’s always loved me for better and for worse, he makes it easy to identify a jerk.” The song even features Francis Chan trying his hand at rap. It’s really a great way to look at how young girls especially, can determine whether someone is worthy of their heart.
Sung from the perspective of God, “Even Here” is a hopeful reminder that no matter what we face in life, God will never leave our side. “Don’t fear anything ‘cuz I’m here and I can bring you joy, even here I’ll bring you joy.”
Most songs on the album are upbeat and have a more energetic feel to them. However, “Show Me More” and “You Must Love Me” exhibit a more worshipful and reflective side of Chan, making the album more diverse.
“Ready and Waiting” touches on the hard decisions we sometimes have to make when our friends aren’t living the way they should. Chan sings, “I’ll be ready and waiting, here for you as soon as you find nothing satisfies your thirsty eyes, then you’ll see soon.” This is one of the more personal songs on the album, revealing Chan’s maturity and strength to never stray from her beliefs even if it means making hard choices.
Final track “Resting In You” speaks to those times in life when all we can do is wait for God to reveal the next step He has for us to take. The chorus goes, “I’m waiting here til you show me what I should do, Jesus, I’m resting in You.” Sometimes just knowing He will give us rest, is all the peace we need.
Closing Thoughts:
With all the negative music pervading the airwaves these days, Rachel Chan is a much needed breath of fresh air. With spiritually mature lyrics wrapped in a young and energetic sound, Go touches on real topics that young people face on a regular basis. Providing a message of hope and encouragement, this album paves the way for a generation wanting to stay the course God set out for them.
Soundtrack for you quiet time | Posted January-29-2012
Known for creating passionate and genuine worship, Bethel Music takes the creation process a step further with their latest release, The Loft Sessions. Recorded live in a refurbished loft, the Bethel Music team (Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Riddle, and newcomers Steffany Frizzell, Hunter Thompson, and Matt Stinton) gathered together with friends and family for several nights of heartfelt worship. The result is a live CD/DVD that engages and leads the listener into the reality of God’s presence.
Opening track, “One Thing Remains,” takes a step away from the normal congregational sound of past worship albums and establishes a more intimate feel, which is woven throughout the project. The lyrics are full of truth and comfort: “Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.”
“My Dear” is upbeat and has more of a pop sound than your average worship song. The vocals are even reminiscent of Owl City. An honest love song to God, the vocalist sings, “I need to say what my soul is singing, I need to say what my heart is screaming…that I love you my dear.”
“This Is What You Do” is another upbeat track and even though it doesn’t feature many instruments other than guitar and hand clapping, an uplifting and hopeful energy is contained in the vocals as they sing, “This is what you do, You make me come alive!”
This project contains a variety of musical styles including, pop, folk/bluegrass, contemporary worship, and acoustic, as well as a plethora of instruments. “You Have Won Me” is an example of this eclectic styling where at one point just voices, hand clapping and the pluck of a banjo is all that can be heard. On the other hand, “Walk In The Promise” has an almost haunting and Middle Eastern quality about it, containing electronic tones and strings.
Some songs are sung from God instead of to God like in “Come To Me.” The lyrics remind us of who God is and His promises to us: “Come to Me, I’m all you need. Come to Me, I’m your everything.”
“You Know Me” is our song back to God, featuring just piano and vocals. These lyrics are pure and true: “You know when I rise and when I fall, when I come or go, You see it all, You hung the stars, You move the sea, and still You know me.”
“Draw Near” is a pure song of worship, asking God to “draw near to me for I have drawn near to You…pull on the strings of my heart for I long to respond to You.” After knowing Who God is and that He knows us, all we want to do is be close to Him.
“Angels” and “Fall Afresh” have original and acoustic versions featured on the project. Both are great, but the acoustic sounds lends to a more worshipful atmosphere, in my opinion, because of the purity and simplicity in the sound. Sometimes too many instruments and vocals distract from what’s being sung and when removed, it’s easier to focus on the message within the lyrics.
Closing Thoughts:
The soundtrack to your quiet time has arrived! Refreshing and intimate, The Loft Sessions is ideal for getting back in touch with who God is and who you are to Him. With an eclectic sound and a variety of musical styles, no song is the same, keeping the listener focused on the message within. It calms the spirit and reawakens the soul to what God has done, is doing, and will do in us.
Test Patterns (You'll Be Glad You Did) | Posted November-14-2011
Run Kid Run may still be considered a young band by most standards, seeing as how they’ve only been around for a little over 5 years. However, after relentless touring and the release of their third album, Patterns, it’s easy to see these guys have a clear vision of where they’re going.
According to frontman David Josiah Curtis, this latest album has a specific message that not only speaks to fans, but to the band as well: “We can all get stuck in the same routines and patterns, and if we’re not careful, we can find ourselves living in the same spot for quite a long time. This record is about choosing to get out of those patterns and renewing your mind, but it’s also about not conforming to the patterns of the world.”
First track “Farewell Old Self” serves as an intro to what the entire album is about. With the pluck of a low reverberating bass, Curtis sings: “Let’s start this over, Let’s start this over…” and as the line continues to echo in the background, Curtis exclaims, “I’m getting out for a bigger love in motion, I’m getting out for a bigger loving heart.” Slowly, quiet strings and vocal harmonies are added, but the message is clear as Curtis sings “...so farewell to my old self, I can hear the beating of the truth... I’m starting over.” There’s power in this short, 87-second song, and if it doesn’t make you want to hear what’s coming next, nothing will.
Jumping right into the next track, “Last Hurrah” kicks things into high gear. With electric guitars, drums, and Curtis’ familiar piercing vocals, lyrics paint the picture of a party where everyone is “dancing like there’s no tomorrow.” If the sound of this song and several others on the record remind you of Relient K at times, that’s probably because Matt Thiessen (Relient K frontman) co-produced the project.
In my opinion, this was a great step in amping up the already upbeat, melodic Run Kid Run sound. The middle of the song breaks down with just bass and a slower tempo as Curtis repeats “living like it’s gonna be our last hurrah,” reminding us all that we never know when our last day will come, so we should make the most of the time we have.
“Back To The Basics” is the band’s first single and it’s no wonder why. With a catchy melody and truth laden lyrics, the song challenges listeners to never allow busy lives to interfere with what’s most important. Curtis sings “I’ve gotta get back to the basics now, I’m running circles, there’s only one way out,” realizing the only way to break the cycle we find ourselves in is to “get back to the basics.” And as the bridge says: “It’s now or never, no more wasting time,” the best time to do that is now.
Co-written by The Almost’s Aaron Gillespie, “Someway Somehow” has a different sound with more rock and less pop. The guitars are grittier and the tempo fluctuates, giving a darker vibe than most other songs on the album. Curtis desperately sings, “I need you now, and I know somehow, gonna find you out, I’ll follow you all over,” determined to find God even in the dark, cold places. Gillespie even provides some guest vocals on a few lines, adding some color to the vocal arrangement.
“Promise” is one of those songs that comes from the heart and speaks to the heart. Curtis has an honest conversation with God asking, “Why do I do what I hate?... pushing away is easier than change, but you promise to wait.” All of us can relate to those times when we struggle with doing what we know God is asking of us. Lovingly, God answers, “You’ve always been the man I gave to this world,” reminding us and Curtis that everything we’re supposed to be is already inside us – we just need to allow God to use it.
Also co-written by Aaron Gillespie, “Rely On Her” adds another dose of rock to the normal pop sound of Run Kid Run. The song speaks of allowing the world to dictate what we value and getting lost in what’s truly significant in this life. Realizing he’s allowed the world to infiltrate, Curtis exclaims, “If this is me then I’m backing out, if this is all then I’m getting out!” Instead of spending time chasing after what God wants, Curtis admits, “I took the time to rely on a world that doesn’t satisfy.” This is a temptation we all have to continually fight against.
“War Is Over” is a song of hope, knowing that while there are battles we are called to fight every day, the war itself is over. We are no longer prisoners and we can be free in what God has done: “Victory is ours, He’s got the battle scars.” Though the entire song is upbeat and full of energy, the last lines are sung to the tune of a carousel, “Carry on, carry on, on to the grave, strength to engage the battle that rages on,” reminding us that though the war is won, the battles still remain.
Closing Thoughts:
For anyone who’s tired of the routine their life has become and is genuinely ready for change, this record is for you. Each song breathes new life into what we’ve allowed to become stagnant and serves as an anthem for all wanting to rekindle the fire which once burned so bright. Above all, Run Kid Run is a band who practices what they preach and strives to make music that glorifies God while speaking truth to their fans.
“While we always like it when a record gets good reviews, it’s wonderful to know that a simple three chord song had an effect on someone’s life, either faith-wise or just to help them get through the day,” Curtis says. Here’s to hoping Run Kid Run never breaks the pattern of making great music.
Gateway Church, located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, was founded 10 years ago with 200 people and now ministers to thousands of members every week. It’s no wonder they have an amazing worship team that is eager to share their songs and ministry with churches across the globe. Comprised of 7 members and more than 40 contributors, the worship team of Gateway Church (Gateway Worship) releases their third CD, Great Great God, in an effort to lead the body of Christ closer to the heart of God.
Opening with energy-filled “Every Day I Live,” worship pastor Thomas Miller sings, “Every moment for your glory, every breath, I give you praise,” proclaiming that every moment of our lives should be for God, not just the weekly times spent in the church building. Reminding us that “every heartbeat wants to know You, now I live to make You known,” Miller challenges us to be a living witness for God and His love for the world. The entire CD was recorded live during services, so the emotion and passion genuinely felt by both the worship team and crowd is infectious, especially in this song.
“Holy Holy Holy” is probably one of my favorite hymns and Gateway Worship does it justice. The song opens with just piano and voices singing “Holy Holy Holy, Lord God Almighty, early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.” As the song progresses, more instruments are introduced and the worship energy slowly builds. The song ends with just the voices of the crowd worshipping in unison. It’s a beautiful hymn and an equally beautiful exhibit of worship for our Holy Creator.
Featuring Dove Award-winning artist and Gateway worship leader Kari Jobe, “My Everything” is a song that quiets the heart and gently forces the audience to just listen and reflect. With only piano and violin, Jobe’s beautiful voice instantly grabs your attention with a purity and passion like no other. Singing “You’re my every day, You’re my every way, You’re my everything,” Jobe speaks to the heart of God and His children.
“Victorious” is a little more upbeat and anthemic as it reminds the church that no matter what we go through, “Jesus conquered the grave and now He’s alive inside of us.” This is a song of victory and unity, about knowing we can stand in trials because in Jesus we are victorious!
Title track, “Great Great God,” is all about praising the only One who deserves it. As the chorus repeats “great, great, there is no one like our God,” you can just feel the energy and fervor of the church as it worships our great God. Ending with power and thankfulness, the crowd celebrates with claps and shouts to the only One worthy of our praise.
Closing Thoughts:
Though the lyrics and music are nothing unique to the worship scene, I’m always thankful when a church that has the giftedness and capabilities to write and record their own music, uses their efforts to bless the body of Christ as a whole. Churches that are able, should share what they can with those that are not. Kudos to Gateway Worship for using what they’ve been blessed with, to bless others.
A Powerful Musical Experience | Posted October-17-2011
First bursting onto the scene in 2010 with their radio hit “Manifesto,” The City Harmonic has quickly become a well-known new face in Christian music. This Canadian foursome is “bent on living today for the world to come” and their first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home), is perfect evidence of this.
The opening track “Yours” begins with a lone electric guitar, as drums and piano enter. It has an ethereal sound that draws you in and as singer/songwriter, Elias Dummer adds his voice to the mix, it’s obvious this isn’t your run of the mill worship album. As the song progresses, the music swells and voices are added, creating a depth of sound and emotion. Dummer repeats “You can have it all, it’s Yours, all of it Yours.” These are simple lyrics, but the sound these musicians have created reveals the heart behind them.
“Spark” could be considered a new take on the childhood favorite “This Little Light Of Mine.” Dummer sings in Chris Martin style, “This little light’s gonna shine, with just a spark, light a fire,” impressing upon listeners that in the right hands, the simplest of deeds can make a big difference. “Just a spark can change a heart,” he sings.
With an album entitled I Have A Dream, the words of Martin Luther King Jr. were bound to make an appearance. “Mountaintop” opens with a recording of King proclaiming, “I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.” Using this reference as a symbol of God’s people one day seeing their Maker face to face, this song also reveals that the Kingdom of God is here and now. The chorus reiterates, “we’ve been to the mountaintop, we’ve seen the glory of our God…He is here in the valley low, He’s here I feel it in my bones, our God here and now, we are the body of our God.” There is hope that one day all will be made right, but as the body of Christ, we can make a difference in the world right now.
“Fell Apart” and “Wake Me Up” have poignant lyrics that come from a personal place of brokenness and repentance. In “Fell Apart” Dummer sings, “You’re something real in the world of fake,” praising God for Who He is… more than words on a page. In “Wake Me Up” Dummer admits, “I was so busy living, I forgot to be alive… In the darkest of nights, you wake me up to shine.” Sometimes it takes the struggles and hardest times in our lives to wake us up to what God truly has for us.
Title track “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” talks about the day Jesus will return to take us home. Dummer admits “there’s no place like home,” and as we journey through this world of heartbreak and disappointment, we have hope because this is not our home.
The final track on the album, “Benediction” leaves the listener with these parting words. “Live like you mean it, sing like you’re livin’ for God.” It’s pretty obvious The City Harmonic expects those who listen to their music to join them in acting on what they hear.
Closing Thoughts:
If Coldplay were a worship band, this is what they’d sound like. The City Harmonic has a sound unlike any other in Christian music today. So much so, I hesitate to even call them a band, but rather musicians because the quality of the music is so powerful. At times the music speaks louder than the lyrics themselves because it comes from the heart. Every song on this album has an extremely anthemic and full sound that continuously builds until coming to an abrupt end with the last note hanging in the balance. This leaves the song feeling unfinished, but perhaps that’s the point. We’re not home yet and until we are, we will never feel complete. The City Harmonic is a welcome addition to the variety of Christian music already out there and I look forward to seeing where this journey takes them.
Self-defined “musical missionary” Matt Maher believes in using his gifts as a musician and singer/songwriter to encourage the Church, while reaching those still outside of it. This is a tough assignment, but Maher’s attempts seem to be working. His latest album, The Love In Between, continues this desire to see the Church be more intentional in worship, while relating to those still searching for God. Making this combination work in one album is a hard thing to do, but Maher pulls it off beautifully.
The opening track, “Rise Up,” introduces the new sound of Maher’s music with a Southern guitar feel, drums, and edgy, soulful vocals. He sings, “When you see the road ahead that you’ve been down before, when you’re halfway to nowhere and you can’t pay the toll … you’ve got to rise up, rise up.” Maher reminds us that God is always the answer. He shouldn’t be the last thing we go to after nothing else has worked, as is often the case. Lyrics such as, “when you don’t know how to surrender cuz your whole life’s been a fight,” speak to so many people and their situations. This kind of simple, impactful songwriting is what gives Maher the ability to reach a variety of listeners with one song.
“Turn Around” is the first single off this album to hit radio and it’s clear why. With a folk-Americana sound that differs from Maher’s past radio singles, “Turn Around” offers listeners encouragement and at the same time, a subtle rebuke to “turn around,” if heading in the wrong direction. Maher sings, “If you’re scared that you don’t matter, if you’re lost and need to be found, if you’re looking for a savior, all you gotta do is turn around.” By reminding us that no matter how far gone we may think we are, “you don’t need to move, love has come to you.” Maher makes Jesus’ love a reality for the broken.
The song has a slight Southern/country-inspired sound, except at the bridge, where orchestral strings add a totally different ingredient to the mix. Maher sings out, “you don’t have to take the broken road, you can turn around and come back home,” challenging us to not let pride get in the way of allowing God’s mercy and grace to redeem us and bring us to repentance. That is the only way we can truly “turn around,” and have the life God wants for us.
Maher’s heart for God and His will shines through in “Heaven Help Me.” Lyrics like, “I don’t wanna sing your praises just to hear them on the radio,” and “I lift You up and I lay me down,” come from a heart committed to serving God and His people, unselfishly. Like “Heaven Help Me”, “Every Little Prison (Deliver Me),” has a similar message. Maher asks God to deliver him from himself – his worries, his fears, his selfishness, asking God to “show me what it looks like scribbled on the pages of human life.” These personal requests and admittances to humanity are what make Maher’s songs genuine and relatable. We all struggle to truly live our lives for God and not ourselves.
"Woke Up in America" is a grateful patriotic song that, while acknowledging our country's scars and flaws, expresses thankfulness for a country that allowed Maher to find faith in Jesus. Maher does a truly poetic job describing the United States' many features, and summates his observations by calling his nation "so beautiful."
Title track of the album, “Heaven and Earth,” is introduced by what sounds like a beating heart. As the music slowly comes in, Maher sings, “close my eyes, let the static go away,” creating an attitude of peaceful reflection. As the song continues on, the music does build, but the focus remains the same. The chorus repeats, “between heaven and earth, You’re all I need, between heaven and earth, You’re the love in between,” continuing to draw our attention and focus back to God and what He’s done for us. At the bridge, Maher reminds us, “there’s only one way between heaven and earth.”
“On My Way” brings back the bluesy, soulful sound Maher calls “blue collar gospel.” With harmonica, guitars, keys, and various elements of percussion, it sounds like Maher and his bandmates are just jammin’ together on a front porch somewhere. Maher sings, “I’m on my way, I can’t get there on my own, at heaven’s gate, no one’s getting through alone.” This song definitely has some soul and is probably one of my favorites on the album.
Both “New State Of Mind” and “My Only Love” are obviously written to Maher’s new wife and portray a more personal side that he hasn’t revealed in past albums. Singing, “she’s a lot like grace, I can’t live without her and when I’m with her, the world, it looks like a better place,” Maher reveals how both the spiritual and emotional collide when God provides a small glimpse of His love for us in someone else. “I’m walking around in a new state of mind,” sings Maher and it’s obvious his new life as a husband and father have made an incredible impact on him and greatly influenced his songwriting.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Matt Maher has a way of taking some of the most challenging topics in Christianity and simplifying them into personal, yet lyrically poignant songs. At the same time, he can reach a congregation and someone with no religious affiliation with the same song and still be equally impactful. The Love In Between is unique in its folk-Americana sound and in its ability to reach anyone with ears to listen. This album was designed to “take church from within the four walls to the handshake between two people,” and I believe it does just that.
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