Tag: Music Review

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MUSIC REVIEW :: PEACE by Bethel Music

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS WE REVIEW INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.
† THE MUSIC REVIEW BELOW WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MAY 29, 2020. I’M REPUBLISHING THIS POST IN HONOR OF BENI JOHNSON FROM BETHEL CHURCH IN REDDING, CA. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. TO THE JOHNSON FAMILY AND BETHEL CHURCH MEMBERS YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. 

Albums | Bethel Music

PEACE by Bethel Music

Release Date: April 10, 2020
Album length: 12 tracks: 1 hour 9 minutes

There some artists or producers that you can count on to be consistent in their products. For me, I know if a project comes from Bethel Music it will be a quality production, with music and lyrics anointed by God. If you’re unfamiliar with Bethel Music here is a brief description from their website.

“Bethel Music is a community of worshipers pursuing the presence of God. We exist to gather, inspire, and encourage the global church toward deeper intimacy with the Father. Together, we express who God is and who we are in Him, capturing fresh expressions of worship in every season.”

Released during the COVID-19 world crisis pandemic, this album couldn’t have come at a better time. There are millions of people around the world hurting, lonely and desperate for music that will lift their spirits, inspire their souls, and heal their hearts and minds. This album is specifically created for that.

“Peace. We started this project almost a year and a half ago, not knowing the right time to release it. Over the past few weeks as we’ve watched everything unfold, we knew the time was now. We believe God will use this album to calm your mind, heart and soul during a time of uncertainty — He will silence any fear or anxiety. Peace is a person, and He is near.” ~ Bethel Music 04/10/2020

The orchestration of the music is exquisite. With the tranquil sounds of ocean waves and winds in the background, the soothing pace of the music allows you to drink the songs deeply into your heart and soul.

The artist chosen for each song selection is perfect. The restraint of the vocals simplified down to whisper singing makes PEACE truly a breath of fresh air to worship music today!

The visuals on the lyric videos themselves are incredibly peaceful with the wind blowing gently against the backdrop of a clear blue sky.

PEACE by Bethel Music ministers healing to a disquieted world. In this simple amazing project God brings supernatural healing through the science and technology of music to those seeking relief from anxiety and depression.

“The songs on this album merge worship and cutting edge techniques scientifically proven to help heal the parts of the brain damaged by emotional trauma by engaging both sides of the brain through the gentle panning of peaceful soundscapes known as bilateral music. As you listen, breathe slow and deep, invite the presence of God into your life and watch how He prophecies the truth over you and gives you His perspective.”  ~ Bethel Music Heart of the Album Video Description

As a contemplative person I’m drawn to the quiet music that PEACE presents. It’s simple, life-filled, uplifting, inspirational, relaxing, encouraging, healing and above all peaceful. Most of the songs are familiar worship songs that have been reworked with a softer sound. There are also a few new songs that you will want to hear again and again.

A new favorite for me. I highly recommend PEACE by Bethel Music!

Step out of the busy-ness of your day and breathe in the peace of God’s Presence available to you in this beautiful album by Bethel Music. Here is the full PEACE album YouTube playlist. Be blessed!

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MOVIE REVIEW :: THE JESUS MUSIC

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR. EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I REVIEW TOUCHING, INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC, film and media.
In every month with five Fridays in 2021 I’ve been reviewing Christian music that has inspired and touched me. This third post in the Review Series is going to look at music from a little different angle. Instead of reviewing an album, I’m reviewing the recently released music documentary film: The Jesus Music.

 

 

The Jesus Music

PG-13 | 2021 | 109 Minutes

This first-of-its-kind documentary by brothers Andrew and Jon Erwin, the filmmakers behind I Can Only Imagine, Woodlawn and I Still Believe, chronicles how young hippie singers from the 1960’s and 1970’s had life-changing encounters with Jesus and became the foundation for what is known today as Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).

With the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic having locked down all the Christian artists at the same time, the Erwins had the perfect opportunity to have extended interviews with not only the industry’s top artists and bands, but the producers, managers and publishers of Christian magazines.

The filmmakers are careful to not put any one artist or group on a pedestal as some music documentaries are prone to do. Rather, they took a well-balanced look at painful issues in CCM industry.  The mainstream Christian church in the 1970’s wasn’t so quick to embrace this new type of music. Ministers were harsh critics of the new music thought to be from the devil.

Without stepping on toes, the movie gently addresses how past racial bias in America and in the church still continues even in the CCM industry today. The documentary film also carefully discusses the controversial issues the artists have dealt with being in the media and limelight: infidelity, divorce, pornography and substance abuse… among others. Revealing that just because they are Christians artists doesn’t prevent them from struggling with the same demons the world does. As Bill Gaither beautifully stated:

“These are human beings who have been gifted in a special kind of way, yet they’re trying to work through these earthly bodies, and sometimes they make mistakes.”

Over the last 50+ years CCM, has grown into a multimillion-dollar industry and has changed the landscape and culture of Christian music forever. The market segments of music that have spawned from this movement is nothing short of amazing. Not only the diversity of music genres within CCM: rock, rap, metal, gospel, blue grass, pop, and worship just to name a few.  There’s the incredible explosion of recording, radio, video, concerts, merchandise, and now film!

The Jesus Music is a wonderful anthology that documents the beautiful story of Christian music that has influenced the better part of my life. While the primary audience is people who are familiar with Christian music The Jesus Music is a great introduction to Contemporary Christian Music to a completely new audience.

I really enjoyed seeing the old video footage from bands I hadn’t heard of before. The interviews were touching and the music and concert clips were well chosen. The Jesus Music is definitely worth going to the theater for and I highly recommend checking it out when it releases to streaming formats.

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MUSIC REVIEW :: MILK & HONEY by Crowder

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
In every month with five Fridays I’m reviewing Christian music that has really inspired and touched me. Today’s post is the third Music Review for 2021.

Milk & Honey: 12 songs…Running time less that 45 minutes.

If you haven’t heard this album yet… friend, you need to buckle up for a Holy Ghost gospel ride of your life!

Texas-based singer/songwriter known for his wide-ranging fusion of hip-hop, rock, pop, folk, electronic, bluegrass, and gospel, David Crowder comes across very unassuming. Unless you’ve heard his music before, you may be taken by surprise with his country boy look.

Milk & Honey is humble, down to earth, old-time soul music with Biblically sound lyrics telling the sweet, simple healing story of God’s love for us.

An incredibly diverse album; Milk & Honey is edgy yet intimate…. beautiful worship songs with full choirs backing up, country gospel mixed with some R & B, hillbilly rock and a touch of heavy metal thrown in. I fully expect to be singing several of Crowder’s songs in a worship service for years to come!

Incredibly diverse and edgy… yet intimate and personal.

As I was preparing to write this review I realized I could take the titles of some of my favorite songs on Milk & Honey and put them together and basically tell the Gospel  story of Jesus Christ….

Good God Almighty… He Is... Higher Power... In The House…

Sweet Jesus…  Better Than Sunshine

Glory Glory...  God Really Loves Us…

 

Enjoy this video of Crowder sharing the story behind the Milk & Honey album. Be blessed and get this album!

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MUSIC REVIEW :: The Darker the Night/The Brighter the Morning by Cody Carnes

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
In every month with five Fridays I’m reviewing Christian music that has inspired and touched me. Today’s post is the second Music Review for 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Darker The Night / The Brighter The Morning by Cody Carnes

This album is very important to me! God used it to bring me through an extremely challenging season of my life. Instead of reviewing the entire album as a whole, I’m going to review each song of the album individually and share my favorite lyrics from that song. I have each music video with its review. At the end of the post is the complete YouTube album playlist. I encourage you to take the time to not only listen to each song, but to then set aside time to listen to the entire album in one sitting. I promise, you won’t be sorry!

1. RESURRECTION BLOOD

Powerful testimony song! Reminiscent of the old-time gospel spirituals.

“All my chains went falling when He saved my soul / All my fears went running from the Holy Ghost / Hallelujah all my sins are white as snow /  Now my freedom’s anchored in that crimson flow.”

2. WHAT FREEDOM FEELS LIKE

Fresh lyrics expressive of new found life in Christ. It’s tough to choose only a few lyrics from this song. They are all beautiful.

“I was lost and Your love came to find me. I was blind til You showed me my victory. I was bound and You set me free. Now I’m alive!”

3. ‘TIL THE END OF TIME

Featuring Kari Jobe (Cody’s wife) this song could easily be a crossover couple love song, except at the end where they speak directly about God. Reminiscent of Song of Solomon in the Old Testament. Soul-stirring music and poignant lyrics that combines original poetry and Scripture. These two beautiful people love each other and their God and it shows in this exquisite video! They’re not only singing to each other but to God about their love for eternity. Amazing song. One of my favorites for sure.

“Your waves and Your breakers / Wash over me / Deep calls to deep / In the mystery”

4. THE CROSS HAS THE FINAL WORD

The world we live in is dark and evil may appear to be prevailing. Praise God! This song reminds us that the Cross of Christ has the final word.

“Sorrow may come in the darkest night…Evil may put up its strongest fight… The Savior has come with the morning light  / The cross has the final word”

5. FULL OF FAITH

An awesome confession song to overcome any struggle in your life!

“Your word is a sword from my mouth  /  I’m telling fear it has to go / Your promise is my solid ground / I’m standing strong on anchored hope / This mountain that is rising up in front of me / Will fall into the sea / The God who conquered death for all eternity / Is now my victory”

6. HOLD IT ALL

While not the actual album title song, the title is taken from lyrics in this song. Powerful battle march song! Love the piano.

“You hold it all / The darker the night, the brighter the morning / You’re in control / The graver the fight, the greater Your glory / What can stand against our God / From beginning to the end, / You won’t be shaken Jesus, / You’re my strength and song / My life is in Your hands, You won’t be shaken”

7. ROOMS

Another favorite featuring Kari Jobe… sweet yet mystical love song. My only complaint: I’d like to see them perform this on a video.

“I want to go where I’ve never been / I want to see Your mysteries before my eyes / I want to know the secrets that You know / I want to hear the melodies of Heaven / I’m after the rooms of Your heart / I’m after the rooms of Your heart / I’m after the rooms of Your heart / That are waiting to be found You’re waiting to be found”

8. THROUGH AND THROUGH

Stunning palpable lyrics expressing the presence of God.

“I hear the Heavens here in Your presence / Spirit move through & through / All of the walls down, freedom is here now / Spirit move through & through / Just a moment here in Your love / I wouldn’t trade it for the world / Wouldn’t trade it for the world”

9. WAIT HERE

The perfect song for times of battle fatigue.

“Faithful / Always Faithful / I will look for victory in nothing else but You / I will find my hope and strength in nothing else but You / I will look for victory in nothing else but You / I will put expectancy in nothing else but You”

10. BANNER

A fresh rendition of Psalm 23. The bridge portion! Perfectly Powerful! Another favorite! Can’t get this one loud enough.

“Where You lead me / I will follow I don’t have to be afraid / For You are with me clothed in victory / Bringing honor to Your name / If I’m found in darkest valleys / You’ll be there to set a feast  /At a table filled with laughter / Toasting to Your victory”

11. BREAD AND WINE

I can see using this lovely song at a communion during a Resurrection Sunrise Celebration!

“You’re the bread & wine / The single source of life / Only You satisfy / My everything / The well that won’t run dry / The ever-rising tide / One drop and I’m revived / My everything / All I need, all I need / All I need is You”

12. NOTHING MORE TO SAY

A touching personal song sharing the power of Jesus name to change a life.

“Strength for all the weak / Love for all the least / Hope that’s never failing / Grace for everyone / There’s power in the blood / Freedom for the captives /  Jesus, Jesus / There’s nothing more to say / Jesus, Jesus / I’ll never be the same / Jesus, Jesus”

The Darker the Night/The Brighter the Morning by Cody Carnes is a fresh sound with beautifully expressive and poetic lyrics reminiscent of the book of Psalms or Song of Solomon. It also has great soul-filled gospel that rocks the beats and bass sounds. Powerful testimony songs and sweet worship songs which are true love songs to God like none other. All the music videos are original and very creative to go along with this amazingly fresh creative sound! Thanks Cody Carnes!

Below is the full YouTube album playlist of The Darker the Night/The Brighter the Morning by Cody Carnes. I pray you will set aside some time and listen to the full album from start to finish. Allow this powerful music to touch your soul. Be blessed…

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MUSIC REVIEW :: RIVERS AND ROBOTS

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
In every month with five Fridays I’m reviewing Christian worship music that has really inspired and touched me. Today’s post is the first Music Review for 2021.

Today I’d like to introduce you to a group I just discovered a few days ago. I’m always excited to find new Christian artists. Especially groups that have such a fresh sound like Rivers and Robots!

Rivers & Robots: An indie worship band from Manchester, UK started as Jonathan Ogden’s solo project designed to create a new sounds for worship. Since 2012 Jonathan’s project has grown into a four piece band with the aim to make Jesus known through creative worship music. The band’s name comes from the acoustic and electronic sounds they use in their recordings.

A breath of fresh air in the Christian music world.

Band members: Jonathan Ogden (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard); Nathan Stirling (Bass, Vocals); Caleb Choo (Drums); and Philip Shibata (Guitar) have gone on mission trips and lead worship in festivals, clubs and churches around Europe and Asia. They also host monthly worship nights around Manchester. The band has formed an amazing non-profit organization, Set Sail, aiming to inspire, equip and encourage artists and creators.

Perfect contemplative soaking music for personal worship.

Music: Rivers and Robots music is produced primarily at home on the guitar, laptop and keyboard. Their fresh sound a nice change of pace from popular contemporary Christian worship of today. The indie music style has hints of chill wave and folk rock combined with ambient electronic sounds. The vocals are crisp and clean with incredible harmony. Most of their expressive lyrics are taken directly from Scripture. The moving content is faithful to God’s Word always sharing the good news of Jesus Christ’s gospel.

Relaxing yet powerful. It captivates my heart and soul.

Discovery: Rivers and Robots 6th album released September 2018. Intentionally designed from start to finish, this album is incredibly creative. Smooth, uplifting, inspiring, captivating, prayerful, stirring, aesthetic, laid back and anointed are just a few ways I would describe the stylish and gripping music of Discovery by Rivers and Robots. 

Uplifting worship music with beautifully touching lyrics.

Recap: Over the last few days I’ve watched many music videos from at least three of Rivers and Robots’ albums. Not to mention videos from their non-profit organization, Set Sail. Everything about their mission and music is stellar. The production quality and creativity from this young group is amazing. I highly encourage you to check them out and share with others. You will definitely be blessed!

Contemplate being with God forevermore as you soak in this beautifully created music video by Rivers and Robots.

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RHW 2021 PREVIEW

In 2021 Reaching Hurting Women continues our magazine format which offers four different themes for study and contemplation every month for the year. Each of the four power-packed themes will be a 12 month series assigned to a specific Friday of every month. In months with five Fridays we’ll be offering a special column reviewing touching inspirational music.

Happy New Year! I’m so excited to give you an overview of the upcoming weekly Reaching Hurting Women columns for 2021.  We’ll be continuing our magazine format which offers four powerful themes for study each Friday of the month. The schedule will be as follows:

1st Friday of Each Month: Psalm 91 

The first Friday of each month we will be studying Psalm 91. We’ll be breaking down this powerful psalm one phrase at a time and applying its phenomenal protection promises to our life today.

2nd Friday of Each Month: The Holy Spirit

On the second Friday of each month we’ll be going through an in-depth study of The Holy Spirit. We will be learning about who The Holy Spirit is, what are the gifts and fruits of the Spirit and how we can walk them out in our daily life.

3rd Friday of Each Month: Life Recovery Gifts

Continuing our ongoing recovery work, this year we’ll be studying the 12 Gifts of Life Recovery. We will learn about the hidden blessings that come as an added benefit with our journey into wholeness and health.

4th Friday of Each Month: The Do It Afraid Book Study 

Our book study for 2021 is Do It Afraid: Embracing Courage in the Face of Fear by Joyce Meyer. We will learn how to understand fear, recognize how it works in our life, confront the fears that hold us back and achieve lasting freedom from those fears. Join me as we dig into Joyce’s awesome and timely released new book.

5th Friday Months: Music Reviews 

I’m really happy to be continuing the special column that I premiered in 2020. On the last Friday in each of the months that have five Fridays (January, April, July, October and December) I’ll be bringing you reviews of Christian music that has particularly touched my heart and spirit.

I’m so looking forward to a wonderful year of writing and study together in the Lord. I hope you’ll join me and bring along a friend when you can.

I pray God’s many Blessings upon you and your family for this coming year and always… Tamara

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MUSIC REVIEW :: STILL by MICHAEL W. SMITH

FOR MY 2020 REVIEWS I’M CHOOSING CHRISTIAN ALBUM PROJECTS THAT HAVE TOUCHED MY SPIRIT DEEPLY. THIS IS THE LAST REVIEW IN THE SERIES.

One of the most prolific, talented and award-winning artists of all time, singer and songwriter, Michael W. Smith truly needs no introduction. If you’ve been listening to Christian music over the last 40 years, there’s no doubt you’ve heard much of his incredible music. Along with a handful of other amazing artists, Michael W. Smith, helped pioneer what we know today as Contemporary Christian music.

STILL Vol. 1  by Michael W. Smith

Release Date: October 9, 2020

Album Length: 10 tracks: 55 minutes 

Since 1985 Michael W. Smith’s projects have spanned across the Christian music genre from pop to gospel, patriotic orchestral instrumental, live and studio worship albums. Then just when you think he can’t top those Michael releases what I consider one of his best works to date.

STILL is an exquisitely orchestrated, etherial expression of sight and sound. The touching improvisational music with random hints of familiar hymns is paired with the everlasting hope of God’s Word so beautifully read by Michael.

A healing balm for these troubled times in which we live.

For those of us who’ve been unable to be outdoors or travel these last few months, the magnificent visuals offered to us from STILL are life-giving. These breathtaking visuals have you soaring like an eagle high above lush forests, flowing rivers and blue ocean waves… rich farmlands and what looks like could be the smokey mountains in Michael’s own backyard of Tennessee.

A stunning synthesis of scripture and scenery that will soothe your soul.

The applications of this album are many. What a wonderful way to end your day. The perfect music to play in a child’s bedroom at night. Or just as background for your personal meditation time with God.

From the album cover…

“My prayer is that this work helps you find some moments of STILLNESS, whether in the meditations and scriptures that I read in the first five tracks or in the moments of prayer that you have over the last five.  May it wash over you!”

– Michael W. Smith 

I highly recommend this amazingly anointed album! I’ve had it on repeat for days while preparing this review. My heart is full and my spirit is inspired. STILL by Michael W. Smith is a must have for any Christian music collection.

Be still.

Be inspired.

Be blessed.

Below is the full album playlist from YouTube. I pray you will set aside time to soak in, watch or pray this incredibly anointed work of art by Michael W. Smith.

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MUSIC REVIEW :: WE THE KINGDOM

in the months with five Fridays I post a review. FOR MY 2020 REVIEWS I’M CHOOSING CHRISTIAN PROJECTS or artists THAT HAVE TOUCHED MY SPIRIT DEEPLY.

Today I want to introduce you to one of the freshest sounds to come from contemporary Christian music in a long time.

We The Kingdom is a multi-generational family band consisting of brothers Ed Cash and Scott Cash, Ed’s daughter Franni, his son Martin and dear friend Andrew Bergthold.

Birthed from four decades of shared difficulties and influences We The Kingdom’s music intertwines worship and gospel with a retro-fresh folk/country/rock reminiscent of 70’s greats: Doobie Brothers, Lynard Skynard, The Allman Brothers, Loggins & Messina, Creedance Clearwater Revival and many more.

Having individually been behind the scenes on songs sung around the world, We The Kingdom band members came together to tell their own stories with lyrics that are vulnerable yet edgy. Their songs span the full spectrum of human emotions, embracing  brokenness, honesty, and the redemptive power of God’s love.

“The heart of We The Kingdom is to create music that candidly tells how God reached into the middle of our brokenness, and drew us into His story of redemption. Songs of testimony and worship have been a healing salve for us. We want to share our journey with others with the hope that God will use that as a catalyst for healing in others. Our heart’s desire is to see captives set free, relationships restored, and people brought to the Cross. We pray that God would sew the thread of His promises through the stories of each song we write, and weave together a tapestry that points straight to the great love of Jesus.” – We The Kingdom

WTK’s first EP Live at the Wheelhouse released in the fall of 2019. Their debut album: Holy Water is scheduled to release August 7, 2020.

Below are three of my favorite videos We The Kingdom has released: God So Loved, Child of Love and Holy Water. Each song /video stands on its own as a beautiful work of music and visual artistry with wonderful Christian messages.

I hope you will take time to soak in some truly great music that will tug at your heart strings while uplifting your spirit and soul. Enjoy!

I was introduced to We The Kingdom with this anointed church session video featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard.

We The Kingdom dropped this single July 2, 2020. Filmed like an old home movie road trip with a 70’s retro-rock soundtrack this music video is my personal favorite today.

Another fav of mine. With exquisite scenery and a lovely representation of different nationalities of people, this video shows that God truly loves the whole world!

Check out We The Kingdom YouTube channel here for all their amazing music. Blessings…  

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MUSIC REVIEW :: PEACE by BETHEL MUSIC

FOR MY 2020 REVIEWS I’M CHOOSING CHRISTIAN ALBUM PROJECTS THAT HAVE TOUCHED MY SPIRIT DEEPLY. THIS IS THE SECOND REVIEW IN THE SERIES. Check out my first Music review here.

 

PEACE by Bethel Music

Release Date: April 10, 2020
Album length: 12 tracks: 1 hour 9 minutes

There some artists or producers that you can count on to be consistent in their products. For me, I know if a project comes from Bethel Music it will be a quality production, with music and lyrics anointed by God. If you’re unfamiliar with Bethel Music here is a brief description from their website.

“Bethel Music is a community of worshipers pursuing the presence of God. We exist to gather, inspire, and encourage the global church toward deeper intimacy with the Father. Together, we express who God is and who we are in Him, capturing fresh expressions of worship in every season.”

Albums | Bethel Music

Released during the COVID-19 world crisis pandemic, this album couldn’t have come at a better time. There are millions of people around the world hurting, lonely and desperate for music that will lift their spirits, inspire their souls, and heal their hearts and minds. This album is specifically created for that.

“Peace. We started this project almost a year and a half ago, not knowing the right time to release it. Over the past few weeks as we’ve watched everything unfold, we knew the time was now. We believe God will use this album to calm your mind, heart and soul during a time of uncertainty — He will silence any fear or anxiety. Peace is a person, and He is near.” ~ Bethel Music 04/10/2020

The orchestration of the music is exquisite. With the tranquil sounds of ocean waves and winds in the background, the soothing pace of the music allows you to drink the songs deeply into your heart and soul.

The artist chosen for each song selection is perfect. The restraint of the vocals simplified down to whisper singing makes PEACE truly a breath of fresh air to worship music today!

The visuals on the lyric videos themselves are incredibly peaceful with the wind blowing gently against the backdrop of a clear blue sky.

PEACE by Bethel Music ministers healing to a disquieted world. In this simple amazing project God brings supernatural healing through the science and technology of music to those seeking relief from anxiety and depression.

“The songs on this album merge worship and cutting edge techniques scientifically proven to help heal the parts of the brain damaged by emotional trauma by engaging both sides of the brain through the gentle panning of peaceful soundscapes known as bilateral music. As you listen, breathe slow and deep, invite the presence of God into your life and watch how He prophecies the truth over you and gives you His perspective.”  ~ Bethel Music Heart of the Album Video Description

As a contemplative person I’m drawn to the quiet music that PEACE presents. It’s simple, life-filled, uplifting, inspirational, relaxing, encouraging, healing and above all peaceful. Most of the songs are familiar worship songs that have been reworked with a softer sound. There are also a few new songs that you will want to hear again and again.

A new favorite for me. I highly recommend PEACE by Bethel Music!

Step out of the busy-ness of your day and breathe in the peace of God’s Presence available to you in this beautiful album by Bethel Music. Below is the full PEACE album YouTube playlist. Be blessed!

 

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MUSIC REVIEW :: JESUS IS BORN by SUNDAY SERVICE CHOIR

 

 

JESUS IS BORN

by the

SUNDAY SERVICE CHOIR

 

 

 

 

One of the best things to happen in 2019 was that Kanye West rededicated his life, and now all his music, to Jesus Christ. Early in January, he formed a choir/band called the Sunday Service Collective under the direction of the amazingly anointed Jason White. Which includes a group of extremely talented musicians and singers from all walks of life. I’m sure none of them expected the gig to last for more than a few weeks.

Now more than a year later they’ve been singing together every Sunday all across America in small churches and large alike. From exclusive indoor venues like The Forum in Los Angeles to outdoor venues in Salt Lake City, Jamaica, and Baton Rouge. In the fall between every Sunday service, Kanye and the Sunday Service Collective produced two Christian operas: Nebuchadnezzar and Mary. And if that wasn’t enough Kanye and his phenomenal group of artists released two truly remarkable albums: Jesus Is King and Jesus Is Born.

Jesus Is King, Kanye West’s ninth studio album and first gospel album release, not only debuted at number 1 on the charts, but every track landed on the Billboard Top 100 within days of release!

The  Sunday Service choir performed on the first song. Kanye and other featured artists rounded out the 11 track set. My personal favorites on this album are: God Is and Water. To some this album was a disappointment considering Kanye’s musical reputation and past successes. But for me, I think we should give him grace and room to grow in his new life and creative ventures as the avant-garde Christian artist/innovator/designer that he is.

Jesus Is Born Releases Christmas Day 2019!

As promised, by Kanye West, executive producer, the Sunday Service Choir debuted their first album Jesus Is Born on Christmas Day 2019. Exceptional in today’s music market, the album has 19 tracks with a playing time of almost 75 minutes. The album is a collection of some of the most powerful praise songs and life-changing worship music available today. It features beautifully performed traditional gospel and praise music, sprinkled with covers of a some secular songs reworked for Jesus, including some of Kanye’s previously released songs.

Jason White ministers to the choir, who minister to the listeners… drawing our hearts and souls into every song.

Jesus Is Born features Choir Director Jason White’s beautiful voice heard on almost every song as he directs the choir’s incredibly precise harmony, the powerful lead vocalists, the amazingly talented musicians playing a wide range or instruments: organ, piano, guitars, an assortment of percussion, horns, and more. This band and choir could hold their own with the finest R&B or jazz groups today!

A worship experience with inspirational versions of soulful bluesy songs.

Kanye and the Sunday Service Choir are single-handedly reviving traditional gospel choir music but with a new twist. They’re sharing the message of Jesus Christ in nontraditional ways with a fresh style. And most importantly they are reaching an enormous audience the church wouldn’t normally be able to reach.

The music is worshipful, sweet and tender, uplifting and energizing.

I’ve been listening to the Jesus Is Born album almost daily since its release on Christmas Day. I can’t get enough of it!  This is more than just a praise album. God’s Presence is palpable. The Holy Spirit anointing is powerful.

It’s tough to choose favorite songs on this album because there’s so much incredible music presented. My top 5 in album order are:

        1. Revelations 19:1
        2. Rain
        3. Follow Me-Faith
        4. That’s How The Good Lord Works
        5. Total Praise

Be blessed by the amazing music on Jesus Is Born with the link below. You won’t be able to sit still and silent while listening to it! Enjoy!

  YouTube Playlist Here:  Jesus Is Born Album • Sunday Service Choir                        

Listen to Spotify samples of  Jesus Is Born below: