REVIEW: The Exile by Crowder

In 2025, the months of January, May, August, and October have five Fridays. I use those Fridays to publish media reviews: books, music, movies, blogs, podcasts, etc. These will be primarily, but not limited to, Christian media sources. Today we are highlighting one of my all-time favorite Christian artists: David Crowder’s album, The Exile.

If you’re not familiar with David Crowder’s music, you’re in for a treat! I want to introduce you to one of the most creative, power packed Christian artists of today!

Crowder doesn’t fit in any traditional music category, especially for a Christian artist. His music is a unique blend of Christian worship with elements of folk, bluegrass, electronic and rock, sometimes considered hillbilly rock. The sound he creates is modern and fresh yet rooted in a southern gospel tradition. In The Exile you will hear themes that reflect Biblical narratives of exile and restoration, redemption and hope.

Crowder’s songs share vulnerable stories that seem to come directly from his own faith walk.  His lyrics have touching poetic imagery with familiar scriptures weaved in making his songs relatable and inspirational. They speak so clearly to our own heart pain, struggles and uncertainties.

Musically, this album, like all of Crowder’s music is exceptional. There is heartfelt, raw worship paired with energetic, dynamic and creative instrumentation that brings the listener a unique entertaining and inspiring experience.

Trying to choose my favorite Crowder song is difficult. But here is a list of my top 5 songs on The Exile album and a brief description.

    1. Lord of All: The heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody bring us this reverent worship ballad celebrating Christ’s supremacy of all creation. A powerful song perfect for corporate or personal worship.
    2. Unstoppable: A super high-energy anthem celebrating a theme of God’s unchanging power. I hear verses that resonate with Psalm 91 when I listen to it. We are inspired to trust in God’s strength through all circumstances.
    3. Dash: Creatively explores the brevity of life, and the importance of living each day with an eternal purpose. The “Dash” reminds us to focus on what really matters in the liminal space of time between birth and death.
    4. Grave Robber: A gritty instrumentation with bold lyrics, this triumphant salvation declaration captures the resurrection power of Jesus. His victory over sin and death, reminds us of the hope found in Christ’s empty tomb.
    5. Somebody Prayed: A deeply personal and reflective song, highlighting the power of intercessory prayer. With its heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring arrangement, it offers gratitude for the unseen prayers that have shaped our lives.

Few Christian artists today touch my soul the way all of Crowder’s music does and The Exile album is no different. This is reflected in his recently released 2024 Spotify numbers: 6.8 million Listeners; 103M Streams; 5.84 million Hours; with 183 Countries represented! Wow!

Crowder’s music is definitely a fav in our home! And not only the music, but he also has a way of producing such wonderful videos. Whether lighthearted or serious, Crowder’s music videos touch your heart and soul and always leave an impression.

All glory to the King / Always, eternally / God of everything / Lord of all

Your praise be deafening / A million centuries / God of everything

Lord of all! ~ The Exile

I hope you’ll take a few minutes and listen to this powerful worship anthem below and the other beautifully uplifting songs on The Exile album. It will stir your soul and inspire your spirit. Be blessed… Tamara

 

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!