Cristabelle Braden is an award-winning singer/songwriter, speaker, writer, podcast host, and advocate for brain injury. She has overcome multiple traumatic brain injuries and shares a message of resilience, hope, and healing through her music. Her songs blend storytelling and worship, reflecting her faith and inspiring listeners.
What It Sounds Like
On her album Restoration, Cristabelle enriches our souls with her beautiful vocals as she offers some fantastic synth-pop and slow, inspiring piano mixes in the background of her music. Every song on the album offers something unique for the listener, as her song "Count It All Joy" is a pop track similar to pop singer Hollyn. At the same time, "With You" is a slow-moving worship song like a contemporary artist Lydia Laird track. The collection of ten songs offers something different in every way, making the album stand out from others. If you are searching for different music genres, it will instantly catch your eye.
Spiritual Highlights
This album has numerous spiritual highlights, but "Watching Over Us (Psalm 121)" is the most significant. The track says that the Lord will watch over us and reach out to help us. You can hear Christabelle's incredible range and emotion in this track. She offers a fantastic church worship choir sound, similar to Elevation Worship and Hillsong Worship. This track features support from Christa Deánā and BJ Shores, and they blend the song well.
Best Song
It's tough to name one song from this album; each track offers something unique. The standout track on the album is "Count It All Joy," a pop-synth ballad where Cristabelle expresses her emotions.
"If life doesn't happen in the way I think it should/If it's still hard tomorrow, I believe that you're still good/I might never get why You're allowing all this pain/but I know You love me, and I know You never change."
This track shows God is good and never changes, even in the most challenging times, and we should be living joyfully in his kingdom.
Cristabelle's latest album is a fresh listen in a crowded genre; what makes it stand out is Cristabelle's vocals and lyrics. Her story and testimony are a vital part of her music, which makes the listening experience even better. I enjoyed this album and can't wait to hear more music from her. The sky is the limit for this newly talented artist.
Aryn Michelle is a faith-based songwriter, recording artist, and mother of four from Dallas, TX. Aryn’s emotive, alternative pop musical style is “unlike anyone you’ve ever heard in Christian music.” Instead, she strives to engage the mind and the heart so that the truth of scripture freshly resonates with the listener.
What it Sounds Like
Alternative pop is just one of the many genres you can throw this EP into. It's also worshipful and inspirational, all full of emotive lyrics and sounds that are rarely heard in Christian music. Aryn's vocals are soft and relatable, blending well with the multiple styles found within these six tracks. Her lyrics will grab your attention and from beginning to end while offering something musically unique.
Spiritual Highlights
These six songs are full of inspirational lyrics. “Secondhand Love” gives us a powerful bridge stating, “And Heaven will remember me ’cause God don’t make mistakes. I may be lonely and unseen, but I am not forsaken,” which shares the beautiful power of our Creator and the truth that we are called to live in. We are not defined by our shortcomings, but by a God who loves His Creation and calls us into community with him so that we remain seen and understood. We are all created in God’s image, and he loves all of us even when we are alone.
Best Song
The track that stands above the rest is “Furnace of Affliction.” You'll love its catchy beat and powerful lyrics.
Aryn Michelle has found a great new groove with this EP. Her expressive lyrics and unique vocals will help her stand out in a crowded pop scene. I look forward to hearing new music from Aryn soon.
As their Facebook profile states, Journey Worship Co. is a team of worship leaders, musicians, and songwriters who serve at the Journey Church in Lebanon, Tennessee. With biblical integrity and steadfast creativity, the worship band writes, produces, and leads truthful and straightforward songs.
What It Sounds Like
Journey Worship's song, "Precious Jesus" offers such a beautiful worship vibe: from the strumming of the acoustic guitars to the banging of the drums in the background. The arrangement blends together nicely, giving us a new worship offering in a crowded scene.
Spiritual Highlights
For a worship song, there aren't many lyrics, but a spiritual highlight is shown. The bridge goes, "Every eye will see/the glory of our king." The message conveys that every eye will turn to focus on God's Kingdom. This music makes me reflect some important truths: life's busy and moves fast, so take time and turn your eyes to God. Spend time reflecting with Him and appreciating His glory.
Final Word
Overall, Journey Worship's hit is powerful. I can't wait to hear more music from them, especially when it's hard to find a new worship band to enjoy. This is a solid beginning for an upcoming worship band, and the sky is the limit for them on their musical journey.
A sudden flicker of light. A bright beam cutting through years of darkness. A veil is torn. The blind can see. For Kira Fontana, creating music has always been spiritual. After studying music composition on the East Coast, Kira moved to Los Angeles to further her music career. She ended up one of the top vocal coaches in the city.
Kira Fontana is a top Hollywood celebrity vocal coach to major labels and shows such as Glee and The Voice as well as a singer-songwriter, producer, and the founder of Kingdom Sound. The album is a set of spiritual warfare songs, with melodies that came from her dreams, filled with words of God's triumph over her battles.
What it Sounds Like
Each song is unique, which helps Kira stand out. She offers an uplifting worship album with a variety of songs showcasing great piano playing and vocals. Kira's voice is much needed in our busy, chaotic world and helps us guide our attention to God and His beauty. The instrumentals demand attention and they are beautiful. Kira's debut project is a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience a new worship album.
Spiritual Highlights
Refuge is a huge spiritual highlight from start to finish. "Kingdom Come" is a standout and the song offers some uplifting lyrics in one of its verses: "We know what we're putting our hope in / We know that the battle's won / We're claiming victory, We lift our hands, Hallelujah." With those lyrics, Kira shows us that we have won the battle in God's kingdom and where we will be lifting our hands and rejoicing our victory, praising God. "Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all." (1 Chronicles 29:11)
The best song on the album is "Hearts On Fire." The song is filled with beautifully written praise and worship lyrics, and many truths. The track helps us live for God and worship Him. The song will light your soul on fire and will inspire you to make a difference in our world.
Final Word
Kira has released a great new album in a crowded worship scene. From the first track to the last one, Kira pulls us in with her beautiful vocals and instrumentals. The next time I sit quietly in prayer, I will be playing this album and reflecting on God's wonder.
Alive | Posted March-03-2021 What You Need to Know
Currently based in the greater Nashville area, Sarah Beth has refined her effortlessly pure vocal tones through a lifetime of leading worship in church, participating in choir and worship while attending Liberty University, a stint touring with the Continental Singers, and time on the road with Primary Focus and Living Proof traveling ministries.
What It Sounds Like
Sarah Beth offers a fresh take on the worship scene. Sarah’s vocals kept me in a worshipful tone and made me want to continue to feel God’s presence long after listening to the 10 tracks. She offers a modern pop vibe in many of her songs, helped by producers Jonathan Goodwin and Jody McBrayer, who was part of the vocal CCM group, Avalon. Her voice is gentle and inviting and it will instantly connect to her listeners.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
While each song offers its very own spiritual highlight, the song “Love Is Stronger” gives the biggest highlight of them all. With an opening verse of, “Your love is deeper/ Your love is stronger/ Your love is deeper/ Your love is stronger/ Nothing can compare to your love”, this track shows that God’s love is deeper and stronger than anyone's love, and He will always be right there with us.
With a Bible verse as the one following, you'll have time to reflect in prayer while listening to this ballad: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. –1 John 4:7-8
The best track on Sarah Beth’s debut album is “Love Don’t Die.” The unique track reminded me of Adele and made me want to get up and dance. Sarah's voice scratches and powers through an impressive chorus and bridge that is unmatched on the album. It really showcases the artist's versatility and ability to tackle multiple genres.
Final Word
Sarah Beth is a new and upcoming artist that will only continue to impress her listeners. She offers us a fresh album to enjoy. This is just the beginning of many things for Sarah Beth, and I look forward to hearing new music from her soon.
I Believe | Posted January-07-2021 What You Need To Know
Asarela D'Arpino is a worship leader and contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter from Limburg, Belgium. From an early age, she loved singing, and music has always played a major role in her life.
What It Sounds Like
Asarela offers us some new music to add to our 2021 playlists. Throughout the album, she gives us some fresh vocals in a crowded worship scene. Her voice is gentle and inviting and it will instantly connect to her listeners. Instrumentally, the album is rich with pianos and guitars that flow well together to help capture Asarela's vocal gift.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
While each song offers its very own spiritual highlight, the one that stands out is the title track, "I Believe." The track is a song born out of a heart of worship. Asarela showcases her vocal talent by pulling you into the chorus that states, "Cause I believe You never change/I believe You are always good/Even if I cannot understand Your ways/I believe that You are, who You say You are/I believe You're always good."
With a Bible verse as the one following, you'll have time to reflect in prayer while listening to this ballad: "I believe that no matter how far we've run away, we are always only one step away from running back into the arms of the Father. He never gives up on us." (Luke 15, NIV)
The best track on Asarela's debut album is "Make All Things New." The track is an easy listening track that you'll want to add to your devotional music playlist.
Final Word
Asarela is a new upcoming artist that will only continue to impress her listeners. She offers us a fresh album in a crowded worship scene. This is just the beginning of many things for Asarela, and I look forward to hearing new music from her soon.
Christmas Memories | Posted December-03-2020 What You Need To Know
Natasha Owens is a Dallas, Texas-based recording artist, worship leader, and host of the Valiant Event, a national Christian women's conference. Her albums include Warrior, We Will Rise ("Inspirational Album of the Year," 2018 We Love Christian Music Awards), No One But You, and the new holiday release, Christmas Memories.
What It Sounds Like
Natasha showcases her incredible talent once again from start to finish on Christmas Memories. The title track will enrich your soul with a joyful spirit that will keep you warm during the holidays. Natasha offers us many powerful vocal performances wrapped around beautiful instrumental backgrounds and you'll even recognize a few Christmas classics that will give you that sentimental feeling we all look for around this time of year.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
"Christmas Memories" is an original song packed with Biblical and relational truth. The chorus states, "It's another year filled with joy and cheer here/With friends and family we keep making these Christmas memories" The simple but pure chorus shows us what Christmas is for, and how this is such a special time with others in community. Jesus does not want us to live life alone and we have to keep fighting for community with others, even in these challenging times. The bridge says, "Let's remember the best gift is/The Savior who was born" and highlights the true meaning of Christmas.
The best song on the record by far is "Dancing Santa Claus" which is an upbeat tempo song. It'll make you feel like you're at a retro dance party.
Final Word
With Christmas quickly approaching, Natasha Owens offers us a beautiful and fun Christmas album to listen to on a cold winter night. Natasha offers a well-rounded selection of classic songs and originals and Christmas Memories is an album that I'll keep playing for many holiday seasons to come.
Zachary Taylor Ochsner is from the small town of Bluffton, Indiana, but that doesn't mean God can't use him. He believes God has big plans for him and his music, as Jeremiah 29:11 says. Zachary is willing to say things in his music that people might not like at first but will be able to understand if they are listening with open hearts and open ears.
What It Sounds Like
There's a little something for every fan of Christian music on this release. “Open Up” channels a Tauren Wells vibe that’ll make you want to keep listening to Zachary’s vocals. “The God Who Makes a Way” is a powerful piano ballad that would be great on your easy listening playlist. It’s a song that’ll help you reflect on God’s beauty and create a peaceful atmosphere around you. The other tracks on this EP will also pull you in with fantastic hooks. Zachary knows how to create a listening experience that will stick with you after listening to the collection of five songs.
Spiritual Highlight
Every song is full of spiritual highlights. “Expectations” shares that Zachary knows Jesus has great plans for him and his music, which defines his high expectations in life. We all have high expectations in our own lives, and we just have to trust in God’s plan to lead us.
“Two-Faced” is my personal favorite due to its catchy lyrics and great sound.
Final Word
Zachary’s latest EP is a great listen from start to finish. He will capture your attention with his passionate vocals. This is just the beginning of many great things for the upcoming, independent singer. Zachary has a bright future, and I look forward to hearing more music from him soon.
I'll Wait For You, My Love | Posted May-28-2020 What You Need To Know:
Greg LaFollette is an artist and spiritual director in Nashville, TN. He has been involved in more than one hundred records in his career; working with Andrew Peterson, Audrey Assad, Sara Groves, Leslie Jordan of All Sons and Daughters, Robbie Seay Band, and many others. LaFollette has been featured in multiple prominent podcasts and published in CCM Magazine, The Rabbit Room, Relevant Magazine, and The Gospel Coalition. His previous records have garnered much attention and have been supported by church partnerships across the US. LaFollette has had multiple placements in international advertising campaigns and has contributed many songs to others' records.
What It Sounds Like:
Greg gives us a relaxing album packed with emotion. From beautiful background vocals to a number of instrumentals, this album will help you rest and worship God. The song “Never Alone” is a piano ballad that will quiet your spirit instantly.
Best Song on the Record:
While it’s hard to choose just one song on the record, “I’ll Wait For You, My Love" is a favorite. This song offers amazing vocals with inspirational lyrics. "These songs give words and movement to my prayers," explains Greg. "They offer inspiration, challenge, and consolation; and I want to share those gifts with you.” “I’ll Wait For You, My Love” shows his mission has been accomplished.
Spiritual Highlights:
There are spiritual highlights throughout. “Even Still” is a song that tells us God will heal us and He is always with us. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal is a line that instantly grabbed my attention. It reminds me that no matter how much pain or sadness I am dealing with, God will help and heal me of all my pain.
Heaven Come Closer | Posted May-01-2020 What You Need to Know:
Corey Voss is a Tennessee-based worship leader and songwriter who serves as the Worship and Creative Arts Pastor for Gateway Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee. His songs include "Praise The King," "Psalm 92 (O Most High)," "Nothing But The Blood," and the Selah-recorded single "I Got Saved." Corey has also written and recorded music with Michael Farren, Lauren Daigle, Jared Anderson, and Dustin Smith. His latest project is Songs of Heaven & Earth: Volume 1.
What It Sounds Like:
Corey’s latest album will draw you into a state of praise and worship. In our chaotic world, Corey's new project gives you something uplifting and positive to rest upon. You might even find yourself singing to some of his songs. “Dancing on the Grave” has some singalong qualities to it.
Spiritual Highlight:
Each track offers a spiritual highlight. “Miracle in Motion” has a great spiritual message: "This is a miracle in motion/It’s a sign of your affection/It’s your will that this should happen/So let it be, let it be/This is a moment in your presence/When the earth becomes like heaven/It’s Your will that this should happen/So let it be, let it be." This song shows us that God is always making a miracle around us--even in chaotic times. Earth will become like heaven and all will be peaceful. And, we can rejoice and be glad in his kingdom and on earth.
Best Song On Album:
“God of Salvation (I Still Believe)” is the best song on the album: "I still believe you're the God of salvation/I still believe that anything can happen/I still believe you'll do all that you've promised." These three truths stand out the most.
Corey Voss has brought us an incredible album from start to finish. In a chaotic world, he offers a fresh worship album to listen to. I can’t wait to listen to future Corey Voss albums. The sky is the limit for this new artist.