Love songs part 2

I randomly found this song and it is just amazing. They are praying Ephesians 5 and praying over their marriage in song! It doesn't get any better than that. 

Mark Schultz writes wonderful love songs that capture Christian love and marriage very well.

This song is a hearfelt prayer

My friend sang this song at her graduation and brought it back to my mind. It's a rather old song, but I remembered how much I like it. This is just a prayer to God and it speaks to me. Happy Listening!

All Because of Jesus ~ Fee

This is a fairly old worship song, but I hadn't heard it in a long time. Then it came on my Relient K station on iHeart Radio and I was so excited to hear it again! I knew I had to share this amazing worship song here for you to enjoy and be built up. Happy Listening!

God Has Come to Earth ~ Aaron Shust and Unto Us

Ready for some fun?

Songs that put a smile on my face are some of my favorites and that is exactly what Josh Wilson's new song does. I've been posting a lot of songs that deal with forgiveness, redemption, and new life in Christ and this song is a little bit of all of these. Crank up the volume and Happy Listening!

He Shall Reign Forever More ~ Christmas music from Chris Tomlin

I heard this song today on the radio and instantly it became my new binge song :) (I have a few Christmas binge songs, to be honest). Great music and very original lyrics from Chris Tomlin. I definitely will be buying this one and adding it to my Christmas playlist. Happy Listening!

Love Feels Like // DC Talk Together Again

How cool is it that DC Talk got back together on this song? I don't need to say any more. Happy Listening!

CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!!!!!

I established last year that I am not a normal person when it comes to Christmas music. I tend to like original songs and I am VERY picky about the versions of established music. Jeremy Camp does a great job - I think - on his version of "Joy To The World". One of my favorite things he did was how he sang the last "and heaven and nature sing" and had the "sing" go up instead of down. Hopefully you'll get what I mean when you hear it. Happy Listening!

Beyond Me ~ Tobymac

This might be the best song off Toby's new album, in my opinion. It talks about how Creation and our situations show us our desperate need for God, because it's all way beyond us as human beings. 

Happy Listening!

Glory To God Forever ~ Fee

There is a hymn in our church hymnal called "Take My Life And Let It Be". We sang it in church a few weeks ago, and it brought to my mind the song "Glory To God Forever" by Fee. It was driving me crazy in church, because all I could remember was, "take my life and let it be, all for you and for your glory," and nothing else, so I couldn't figure out the song! I finally figured it out when I got home :) Happy Listening!

Soldier On ~ Sidewalk Prophets

Great song off Sidewalk Prophets new album (the album featuring "Prodigal"!) called "Soldier On".  Especially as things in life and in the world get worse, we have to remember not to give up but to soldier on. Happy Listening!

Limitless ~ Colton Dixon

I can't stop listening to Colton Dixon's new song!!!!! It is so encouraging to me, the way it talks about how we can do anything with God's help. Doesn't matter what the world says we can or can't do, all that matters is our Limitless God. My favorite part is the bridge:

Doubt sees a mountain, no way around it

Faith sees a victory, no doubt about it

 Fear sees a ceiling, Hope sees a door

Love be the light inside of our hearts

Happy Listening!

 

F-777

When I was in New York this summer, one of my cousin's friends was telling me about this electronic musician called F-777. I wrote down the name to look up later. Well, it took me like four months to get around to looking it up, but when I did, OH MY GOODNESS! I was totally enthralled. I loved this sound. 

I've been listening mostly to his (it's a 21-year-old guy from Canada) Raptor MEGA-MIX album, and my favorite is the second song, "Remember Me".

Then I discovered his bandcamp account and was able to get a TON of free music. Seriously, he has a 30-track album for free! And if you like it, buy some of his other stuff. It is really good. If you like electronic music, you've got to check out F-777.

You Are God Alone ~ Phillips, Craig, & Dean

This song just popped into my head recently and I thought, "That would be a good one to post on my music blog." So here it is and I hope it is uplifting to you. Happy Listening!

Be With Us Now ~ Building 429

This song is a prayer to God to "be with us now". It is a cry out to God when you're going through something hard. A very comforting song. Happy Listening!

"If there is a miracle in your plan, it's that we know we are in your hands,

even when we don't understand..."

Unashamed ~ Building 429

I really like the single off this album "Ocean Deep" (which I blogged about in recently), but I got on Youtube to listen to the whole album and discovered some more great songs. Here is "Unashamed". Happy Listening!

WINTER JAM 2016

Last night was the launch party for Winter Jam 2016. This is the third year now that I've watched the reveal via Stagehop and I am very thankful WJ does the live stream so that I can watch. 

First off, I'm not sure any tour will ever beat last year's tour. It was incredible.  But this year Matthew West is back and so is for King & Country!!!!!!!!! I saw them for the first time EVER last year and really enjoyed their live show. Sidewalk Prophets are always great and I am excited to hear some more from Stars Go Dim (hear their song "You Are Loved" here  ). 

If you want info, get the Winter Jam app (it's FREE). They will be posting the lineup, dates, cities, and there is even a radio stream of this year's and previous years' artists. It's a really great app. 

Want to hear something else cool? There is a WINTER JAM MOVIE COMING OUT!!!!!!!!!!! How cool is that?!?!?! I guess it is coming out next spring and I am looking forward to it.

Who's ready for another Winter Jam?

Guilty ~ Newsboys

The Newsboys have a new single called "Guilty" that is connected to "God's NOT Dead 2" (yes, I know, super exciting!). Unfortunately, this song is becoming a reality faster than we probably can guess, and I can only pray that I can stand firm even when Christianity is banned. I hope this song encourages you. Happy Listening!

Brand New Capital Kings Album ~ II

Capital Kings' new album 'll' is as good, if not better, than their debut album. When I first heard the album, I got a huge grin on my face and wanted to start dancing around my room. The electronic beat is infectious and there are guest appearances by KB and Chris Tomlin. If you like electronic music, you will want to hear this album. 

This link will take you to a page with a playlist, so you can hear all the songs in sequence. Happy Listening!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu4PR7QEMvqcTtMHQQdhyFtDewV6qFT93

Ocean Deep ~ Building 429

My family and I were driving to church and a new song came on the radio. I like to play this game of "let's try and figure out who is singing", so I write down a portion of the chorus and my guess of the artist and look it up when I get home. This is one of those songs I played my game on. (I'm not sure why I shared all that, but there you go).

Building 429's new song is refreshing. That is the best way I can describe it. You might understand better what I mean when you hear it, so I'll let you get to that. Happy Listening!

Name ~ Nichole Nordeman

Nichole Nordeman has a new album out, and I just heard this song called "Name" off of it. First, I have to say that a large part of what endears me to Nichole is her beautiful voice. Oh my goodness, I just adore her voice. This song perfectly captures the "mountains and valleys" of the Christian walk. Some days you are experiencing that "mountain top feeling" and others you feel like you are all alone in a dark valley. But in all of it, God knows your name. A beautiful new song from Nichole and I hope it blesses you like it does me. 

Happy Listening!

Greater Is He Living In Me Than He Who Is In The World

This song is such a great reminder of the power we possess and the reason we need not fear. Thank you Blanca for this wonderful song.

Happy Listening!

Love Songs Can Be Helpful

Love songs are very popular, but unfortunately, they can be very damaging to our ideas about love. Now, I'm not saying don't ever listen to a pop love song again, just be careful and don't listen to them exclusively. I've actually gotten some good ideas about love from love songs - Christian love songs. Here are a few and I'm sure I will remember more in the coming weeks. These songs present a more realistic picture of love and marriage than you get from the pop songs. 

Happy Listening!

• The Way You Smile by Newsong ft. Francesca Battistelli
• Mr. & Mrs. (I Do This For You) by Group 1 Crew
• Dancing In The Minefields by Andrew Peterson

Warrior ~ Steven Curtis Chapman

Oh, I am so thrilled that Steven Curtis Chapman has a new song out!!!!!!!!! He wrote it for the new Kendrick Brothers movie called "War Room" and it is a very encouraging song about the power of prayer. Happy Listening!

Really creative covers of "Fight Song"

I know this song isn't Christian, but there is nothing wrong with the lyrics and so I feel comfortable posting it. Happy Listening!

The thing that hooked me to this song is the music and the beat. I seriously cannot get it out of my head. If you have never heard the original....

Then I found a YouTube video that was 5 covers of Fight Song (yes, one after another and yes, I really did listen to that song 5 times in a row. It's not the first song I've done that to). 
Here are my two favorites from the 5.

Violin music is so beautiful and this guy is absolutely amazing. I really like how he gets so into the music. 

          Jeremy Green

My favorite thing about this cover is the different things they used for instruments. I can't believe they did it in one take! Seriously?! It looks super hard to get the timing for all those things right. They must have practiced a bunch before filming.


          KHS & Benjamin Kheng

The drums in this song are awesome. This guy is obviously very musically gifted. I mean, he plays piano, guitar, drums, sings harmony and melody. WOW! 

          Alex Goot ft. James Marshall

This Is Not a Test

Tobymac teamed up with Capital Kings on his title track for his newest album. It is great electronic sound and great vocals. Happy Listening!

Jesus IS ~ The Neverclaim

I've got this song running through my head. It's not one of those songs that I heard it and instantly loved it and had to share it on this blog. No, it's more like it crept up on me. But it wants recognition for its really wonderful lyrics and catchy, stick-in -your-head tune. Happy Listening!

Back Home ~ Owl City

YES!!!! I cannot get enough of this new song by Owl City. He does electric country so well. I like the message and the music and everything. I like his new album (not sure if I have heard all the songs yet), but this is my current binge song that is off his new album :)

More Anthem Lights :)

I discovered two more great songs I had never heard by Anthem Lights.  "The Unknown" really speaks to me because I can fear change and new things and this song will bring me great comfort when I get worried. Happy Listening!

You Are Loved ~ Stars Go Dim

I discovered this song on my iPod radio (you know, the radio in the music app?) on the Christian station and I really liked the lyrics:

We hide pain in the weirdest places

Broken souls with smiling faces

Fighting for surrender

For now and the after

Just look around and you see that people 

Are scared to say how they really feel

 We all need a little honesty

You are loved

If your heart's in a thousand pieces

If you're lost and you're far from reason

Just look up know you are loved

Just look up know

You are loved

When it feels like something's missing

If it hurts but you can't find healing

Just look up know you are loved

Just look up know

You are loved

That's just the first verse and chorus. Can you see why I like it so much?

Happy Listening!

He Knows What He's Doing

I don't know about you, but I have found myself with tears streaming down my face asking God "Why?" Why the pain, the sickness, the heartache, the hate, etc. I have found it hard to believe that good can come from the bad. This song by Jason Crabb is a cry like that, but it also declares the truth that God does know what he's doing. We have to trust Him. 

Happy Listening!

He Knows ~ Dan Bremnes

This song is like others I've posted, but I really like songs that remind me that God does know exactly what is going on in my life. For me, sometimes it can seem like I'm all alone in this and He seems far away, so I latch on to songs that remind me I'm not alone; God knows everything. 

Happy Listening!

33Miles ~ One Life To Love

In this song, YOLO has a good meaning :) This song puts the emphasis on others, not yourself. I hope it makes you think about how you live your life. Happy Listening!

Fight Forever ~ Anthem Lights

I keep wishing Anthem Lights would make more Christian songs and I've discovered a new one! For me, it is a great reminder that we are in a spiritual battle all the time. Sometimes I forget and I think we all forget, so we need reminders like this song. Happy Listening!

He Made You To Glow In The Dark

I believe it is no coincidence when a song comes out. Christians are dealing with some heavy things right now in our culture; struggling with convictions and values. But when it comes down to it, the bottom line is showing Jesus to the world. Being a light in the darkness of our world. This is what Jason Gray is communicating. No matter what is going on in the world, our response must be filled with the light of God. Happy Listening!

Air I Breath ~ Mat Kearney

This song is FINALLY on YouTube and I can share it with you! Mat Kearney has a really distinctive voice that I really like. I think it fits with his style of music. You will probably get this song stuck in your head, so I hope you like it :) Happy Listening!

He Is With Us

When this song came out, it spoke to me. I knew it would become one of my "foundation" songs. One of the songs I turn to in difficulty; when I can't see or feel Him, this song would remind me He is with me. On a night I got some of the worst news of my life, I came home and listened to this song, and cried. I did that for a while. Still, almost two years later, hearing this song almost makes me cry. It is so simple but so powerful and means so much to me. If you are dealing with something overwhelming or devastating, I pray this song brings you the comfort it brought/brings me. Happy Listening!

What Life Would Be Like If We Let Jesus Live Through You And Me

This is a pretty old song, but it is very powerful and people need to hear it, so I am sharing it here with you. It makes you think. 

Happy Listening!

Beautiful ~ Bethany Dillon

My mind amazes me sometimes. I danced to this song years and years ago and haven't really remembered it. Then, something jogs my memory and I say, "Hey, that was a really good song!", and then usually listen to it way too much for awhile and then forget about it again. Well, I remembered it recently, so I thought I would share this song with you. It's all about finding your worth in God and who He made you to be, not what the world says or sees. Happy Listening!

We Are Leo

As far as I know, We Are Leo only has one album out so far, but I just heard a single from them that was really good (and sounded like Hawk Nelson - what's up with that?). Happy Listening!



Diamonds In The Dark

We will not be overtaken, we will not be overcome

These are my favorite lyrics from the song "Same Power" off Jeremy Camp's latest album. I listened to the album when it came out, but had forgotten all about this song until it started getting radio play. It is really encouraging to me and I hope to you as well. Happy Listening!

Brand New Day ~ Boiling Point

I know absolutely nothing about this band and I only know one other song by them (Happy Day), but I like the sound. Rock, but not too hard. See what you think. Happy Listening!

Echo ~ Blanca

This is my other favorite song besides "Who I Am" on Blanca's new album is "Echo". Happy Listening!

A Song of Adoration

This song by Rush of Fools just popped in my head recently. Totally random, I just started humming and so I looked it up. "When Our Hearts Sing" is a song of adoration to God. It is us admitting our unworthiness to be known and heard by God. 

Happy Listening!

Introducing Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is composed of two girls - best friends - Cammie and Natalie (read more here). They remind me of 1GirlNation in both vocals and style. 
And does anyone else think that "Move" sounds a little bit like "Party in the USA"? Anyway, Happy Listening!!

First ~ Lauren Daigle

I'm still trying to decide how much I like Lauren's voice, but in the meantime, her song "First" is pretty good. I like the theme and the music for sure. What do you think of this new artist? Happy Listening!

Prodigal ~ Sidwalk Prophets

New from Sidewalk Prophets is a song about coming home to God from wherever you have been in your life; just like the Prodigal Son in the Bible parable. Happy Listening!

It's been a long time since you felt peace
In the valley you made where you're not meant to be
Where the shame throws shadows on you
But don't you forget

That you're headed to more
But you've settled for less
Don't buy the lie “it's as good as it gets”
The same feet that left you lost and alone
Are the very same feet that can bring you back home

Wherever you are, whatever you did
It's a page in your book, but it isn't the end
Your Father will meet you with arms open wide
This is where your heart belongs
Come running like a prodigal

There will be nights, when you hear whispers
Of the life you once knew, don't let it linger
Cause there's a grace that falls upon you
Don't you forget
In the places you're weak
He is very strong
Don't ever believe “you don't deserve love”
The same God that protects you when you're lost and alone
Is the very same God that is calling you home

Wherever you are, whatever you did
It's a page in your book, but it isn't the end
Your Father will meet you with arms open wide
This is where your heart belongs
Come running like a prodigal

Oh…
Let your life be made new
Oh…
As you come into view
Your Father's not waiting, no he's running too
He's running straight to you

Wherever you are, whatever you did
It's a page in your book, but it isn't the end

Your Father will meet you with arms open wide
This is where your heart belongs
Come running like a prodigal

You are FLAWLESS in God's eyes through Jesus

No matter what you've done in your life, Jesus can make you clean. You are never too far gone for Him to fix. That is what this new song by MercyMe is all about. Happy Listening!

Where The Light Is ~ Dan Bremnes

I think I'm just going to let this song speak for itself. Here are the lyrics. Happy Listening!


 

This is me Grew up in church 

Raised on the gospel trained in the word 

Had a faith so fearless thought it was all I needed 

But life hit me hard 

More than I planned 

It knocked me down 

Like an avalanche 

On the edge of hopeless I called you from the darkness 

God, come quickly 

Only You can save me 

Will You lead me where the light is 

God be with me 

Don’t know where I’m going 

Will You lead me where the light is 

I’ve been living in the dark 

I’ve been looking for daylight, You’re my daylight 

So God, come quickly 

Only You can save me 

And lead me where the light is 

There’s no hurt 

No scar or bruise 

There’s not a wound 

Too deep for You 

‘Cause You’re everything You say you are 

You’re bigger than a broken heart 

So hear me now, hear me now, I’m calling 

God, come quickly 

Only You can save me 

Will You lead me where the light is

God be with me 

Don’t know where I’m going 

Will You lead me where the light is 

I’ve been living in the dark

I’ve been looking for daylight, You’re my daylight 

So God, come quickly 

Only You can save me 

And lead me where the light is 

When I’m lost in the night 

When I’m losing the fight 

Lead me where the light is 

When the tears fill my eyes 

When the hope’s hard to find 

Lead me where the light is 

God, come quickly 

Only You can save me 

Will You lead me where the light is 

God be with me 

Don’t know where I’m going 

Will You lead me where the light is 

I’ve been living in the dark 

I’ve been looking for daylight, You’re my daylight 

So God, come quickly 

Only You can save me 

And lead me where the light is 

When I’m lost in the night 

When I’m losing the fight 

Lead me where the light is 

When the tears fill my eyes 

When the hope’s hard to find 

Lead me where the light is

Major excitment around here

I don't know if you've heard the news, but Owl City is coming out with a brand new album!!!!! It's called Mobile Orchestra and it has an amazing song called "My Everything". What's so cool is, in the past, his Christian songs on albums have been indirect. They are not explicitly Christian and you have to infer the meaning. "Galaxies" is the most direct and it never says the name of God or Jesus. 

He has some solo release songs that are Christian (In Christ Alone, You're Not Alone). I've been wishing he would come out with an EP of Christian songs, but I am so stoked that he has such an obviously Christian song on his new album.
Okay, enough fawning. Here it is; Happy Listening!!!

Awesome mash-ups // 2015 K-Love Fan Awards

For the K-Love Fan Awards the last year and this year, they have had the band Anthem Lights do a mash-up of the Song of the Year Nominees. These guys are super talented and they do great mash-ups. I hope they keep on doing it This year's in particular has some awesome songs in it. . Happy Listening!

P.S. Listen through the end, they have a really funny ending. I love these guys; they crack me up with their goofiness :) For your enjoyment, here is last year's mash-up.

All In My Head ~ Seven Places

This song has a great message about the relationship with Jesus. How we need a relationship not just knowledge. Happy Listening!

These Pages ~ Mainstay

In this song, the singer talks about how people get a warped view of God. They misinterpret His words. It's a big problem and can be very damaging to someone's faith. I really like this song for tackling this topic. Hope you enjoy it. Happy Listening!

About A Mile debut album

I posted before about a new band I discovered at this year's Winter Jam. About A Mile is a brand new band comprised of three brothers. I heard their music on the Winter Jam app and then bought the album at Winter Jam. I highly recommend the whole album. They have great lyrics and beats and are an exciting new band. Go check them and their music out on iTunes, YouTube, or their website http://www.aboutamile.com/. The website has music videos, acoustic versions, and stories behind their songs. Happy Listening!



                                                

Breath it in and Let It Out

I'm not a huge Switchfoot person, but their latest album Fading West has some pretty awesome songs on it. Probably my favorite is "Let It Out". Here it is for your enjoyment. Happy Listening!

#LITO // Love In The Open ~ Press Play

Love, love, love this dance beat from Press Play. Seriously, I listen to this song for the music and the beat. The lyrics are good, but for me, this one is all music. Happy Listening!

New music from OBB ~ Bright Side

Two great new songs by the band OBB. I discovered them at Winter Jam a few years ago and got their debut album. Since then, they have come out with some pretty awesome singles (click here for their other single) and I think they have a new album??? Just wondering, does anyone else think that the lead singer sounds a little like Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North? Relax and enjoy some fantastic new sounds from OBB. Happy Listening!

Hello World ~ Chris Cobbins

To be honest, I don't really know the words to the verses of this song, but I love the beat and the chorus (sorry, I can't find lyrics anywhere to share them and that might be why I don't know them :). So I hope you enjoy the beat and if you find lyrics, please post them in the comments. Happy Listening!

Attaboy music

I actually got the chance to see this band in "concert" (they were the worship band at SpringHill a few years ago). They didn't sing any of their own music, but I liked their sound, and had hear one of their songs before, so I borrowed the CDs from my church and the library to check them out. I liked what I heard.If you go to their website here you can check out all their music. I recommend "Shout" and "Dangerous" from the album Shout, "Unshaken" and "Don't Wanna Miss You" from the album Motion Toward the Miles. Happy Listening!

We will sing, sing, sing

This song just popped in my head the other day and when I looked it up, I remembered how much I liked it. It is just a positive worship song by the amazing singer/songwriter Chris Tomlin. Hope you are really encouraged by this song. Happy Listening!

Stars In The Night ~ Tenth Avenue North

TAN has a new song out called "Stars In The Night" and it is really good. I like the perspective the song has and while it is a message that is a common one, I don't think you can hear it too many times. So Happy Listening!

Back To You ~ Mandisa

This song has been on the radio for a few months, but it is a really great song. I will botch any attempt at describing the message that is so wonderfully portrayed by Mandisa, so without further ado - Happy Listening!

Two versions of Rooftops

I like this song called Rooftops. The version I originally heard was by Jesus Culture, but I just discovered a cover by two boys that is just amazing. The singer cannot be over 12 and has an incredible voice and the guitarist has some serious talent. Prepared to be blown away by these two boys. Happy Listening!

Jesus Culture version

                                                                                                                 

  Aldrich & James version

                                         

Earthly possession and achievements don't mean a whole lot

I love Mark Schultz's music; he is fantastic. One of his newer songs is called "I Gave Up" and talks about how all our achievements and possessions are not that important eternally. This song has such an awesome beat and just makes me want to get up and dance. So please dance with me and Happy Listening!

Ready Or Not, Here I Come!

No, we're not playing hide and seek. These are the first lines of the chorus of an amazing Britt Nicole song! Yeah, and to make it even better, she features LECRAE in this song! How awesome is that? It's a song all about witnessing but you just want to dance like crazy at the same time. Happy Listening!

I Am Not The Same ~ Seventh Day Slumber

I really like this song by Seventh Day Slumber. I think I heard it on Air1  and loved it. It makes me think of 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come." Not sure if that is the inspiration for the song but it works :) Happy Listening!

New from Colton Dixon

Funny how I am not a huge Colton Dixon fan and yet I have several posts about his music (insert nonchalant shrug). He has a new song out you might have heard called "Through All Of It" and I really like the message. So give it a listen and comment with your thoughts. Happy Listening!

Where I Am Right Now ~ Jared Anderson

Do you ever wish that your situation was different? Okay, if you just said no, then you are lying to yourself. We all wish that sometimes. This song speaks to those times when your life is just rotten and you wish circumstances were different. Guess what? God is working in the worst storms. So Happy Listening! (And I am totally addicted to this song right now. It's like medicine - one listen a day :)

You Belong To Me ~ Grey Holiday

Do you see a pattern here? I seem to really love songs that are written as if God were the one singing. That might be because I wish God did actually, verbally speak to me, I don't know. Anyway, this song is in the movie Fireproof (great movie) and I could just listen to it over and over (especially the piano intro :). Happy Listening!

It's a Beautiful Day!

It's spring and many people think that this is when you get beautiful days, but, one of my favorite times to listen to this song is as a pick-me-up on the cloudy, grumpy, sad days. You will cheer up no matter how sad you are because Jamie Grace is just infectious. So jump up and dance because It's A Beautiful Day. Happy Listening!

The Spark ~ Everyday Sunday

This is such a touching song sung as if God were talking to all the forgotten children of the world. And even cooler is that 100% of the proceeds of this song will be donated to One Child Matters, to help provide clean water, food and more to children in need all over the world. Look at all these precious, beautiful children and you just can't help but want to love them all. If you love this song, please go buy it and help these and so many more kids. Happy Listening!

We were made to THRIVE

We know we were made for so much more
Than ordinary lives
It's time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive

I love these lyrics from the chorus of Thrive by Casting Crowns. We are not here to go through the motions or just exist. We are made to thrive. Happy Listening!

 

I am in love with Hawk Nelson!!!!

Their newest album Diamonds is just fantastic. Here is the title track for your enrichment and encouragement. 

Diamonds are formed under intense stress and pressure and Hawk Nelson's latest album, Diamonds, explores how God uses our struggles to transform us. Lead singer Jon Steingard states, "Diamonds talks about how God can use pressure, struggle, trials, and stress in our life and make it into something stronger and more beautiful." Being diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer at 19, a parent losing a four-month old baby to SIDS, a teacher giving her life to protect her young students through a tornado, and countless people being executed by ISIS seems incredibly unfair. Satan works hard during these times to fee you lies and make you assume you have failed God in some manner. God uses these exact situations to strengthen people with more inner beauty.

~ Hear It First's Elise Cleary

Happy Listening!!!

God Is Still God And He Holds It Together

The title is part of the lyrics to this song "God Is Still God" by Heather Williams. I almost never think about this song, but whenever something rotten happens or I get bad news, or feel really sad, this song just comes back to me. People say if you memorize Scripture, God will bring it to you when you need it; well He brings songs to me too. I hope this song helps you if you are going through some tough times and if times are good then just listen to a beautiful song. Happy Listening!

All Eyes On You ~ OBB

I'm seeing a trend here in the new music coming out and the stuff I like - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Fix My Eyes, All Eyes On You. There is this theme of putting Jesus first and foremost before our eyes. I think the reason this is so prevalent is the degeneration of the human race. We have lost focus of the most important thing and look around at where it has gotten us. We need to turn and fix all our eyes on Him. Happy Listening!

Broken Beautiful ~ Chris Sligh

This song is in one of my favorite movies October Baby (if you've never seen it you need to!). It's very beautiful and I think of it in terms of relationships with others. We are broken but beautiful, all of us, and that fact is intertwined in our relationships. Happy Listening!

Music by Disciple

You may be surprised that I am posting a song by Disciple if you know me at all and know what the band sings. But, I do like some of their softer stuff, including "Trade A Moment". I also really like their new song "Unbroken".  So Happy Listening!

Take Me As I Am ~ FM Static

I had completely forgotten about this band until I heard this song today. Apparently, Trevor McNevan of TFK is in the band. So if you are a TFK fan, this may be something you'll like. Happy listening!

F

5 Ways Music Can Change Your Attitude ~ a Hear It First Article

I am in love with music and have songs for every mood I am in. Music definitely an attitude/mood changer for me. See if you agree with this article. 

http://www.hearitfirst.com/news/5-ways-music-can-change-your-attitude

You are loved by the King of Kings... live like it!!!!!

Hawk Nelson's new CD "Diamonds" is coming out any day now and I am so excited to hear the whole thing. Drops In The Ocean is one of my favorite songs right now and I just listened to another song off the album "Live Like You're Loved". It is a really great song with an awesome video to go with it :) Happy Listening!

 

God, You anchor me down

For Christians, God is our anchor. It is Him who keeps us grounded in our faith and in the storms, He anchors us to Him. This song is about God as our anchor. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy Listening!

On My Own ~ Ashes Remain

Here is another awesome Ashes Remain song. Hope you like it. Happy Listening!

Ever heard of Ryan Stevenson?

I first discovered Ryan on a sampler of up-and-coming Christian artists. Well, Ryan has since signed with Tobymac's record company Gotee Records and has some new music out. Here for your enjoyment is his latest single - Not Forgotten. Oh, and Toby is actually a guest artist on the song! Happy Listening!

We Have A Purpose

Have you ever felt like your life had no purpose? Ashes Remain has a new song that addresses this feeling. We are here for a reason and God has a beautiful plan for our lives. I hope this song encourages you.
Happy Listening!

New music, new band

One of the Pre-Jam artists this year at Winter Jam is About A Mile. I have the Winter Jam app and have heard AAM's music. They are really talented and I cannot wait to see them in concert. Here is a sample of their stuff. If you like it, there is a playlist on YouTube with the rest of their songs. Happy Listening!

Good Fight ~ Unspoken

Unspoken has been kind of an "eehh" band for me since I heard of them, but I really like this new song they have out. It seems different from the other stuff I've heard them do, and I personally think they sound better doing this kind of music. Happy Listening!

Matthew West ~ Day One

Matthew West has come out with a new single. Honestly, as much as I love the song, the music video is half of why I love it. It is incredible and I can't even imagine how much work went into making it. Let me know what you think of it (the video and the song :). Happy Listening!

New music coming your way in 2015

I am so stoked about the music scene this year. New albums coming from Jeremy Camp, Hawk Nelson, and Blanca. They have some singles out right now and it sounds like their albums should rock. What do you think about the new music? Let me know. Happy Listening!

 It's great to have new sounds from Hawk Nelson. If their whole album sounds as good as this song, it's going to be a great album.

Blanca is formerly of Group 1 Crew and I am thrilled that she is back in Christian music! She really came back in a big way with her single "Who I Am" off the album of the same name. Her style is very similar to G1C so it will sound familiar and new at the same time.

No Turning Back ~ For King & Country

I have the whole "Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong." CD and I recommend listening to it, but here is one song off the album. It is talking about the change from condemned to saved and how we will never turn back to the life we had before Christ. Happy Listening!

More from Danny Gokey

Danny Gokey writes really powerful songs. I've already posted "Hope In Front Of Me" http://theartsound.blogspot.com/search/label/Danny%20Gokey and then I heard another song on the radio from him that I loved. So here are three songs from Danny Gokey. Happy Listening!

"More Than You Think I Am" is Danny Gokey's new single on Christian radio. It talks about God and who He is, but how He is more than we could ever dream. I love how it is written as though God is talking to us. 

You may have heard this song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean. Gokey changed some of the words in his, so it's not a direct cover. Both versions are amazing, but they address totally different topics. Listen and you will see what I mean.

This song is called "Love Will Take You Places". It is a nice song when you think of love just as the feeling or emotion or even as the action, but when love means God, the song becomes completely different. The Bible says God IS love, so "love will take you places" means "God will take you places".  I don't know if this is what Danny meant, but it is cool to think about. 

Waterfall ~ Chris Tomlin

Off his newest CD, Love Ran Red (what a great title), I present to you....... Waterfall by Chris Tomlin. Tomlin can write the most amazing worship songs and he does not disappoint with his new song.


Happy Listening!

Three by Colton Dixon

These are the only three songs that I've heard by Colton Dixon that I like :) But these are very well done, I think. Hope you enjoy!

Happy Listening! 

In And Out Of Time ~ the Phenomenon Remix

 

More Of You                                                                                                                                       

 
 This Is Who I Am

Made New ~ Lincoln Brewster

I haven't hear from Lincoln Brewster in a while, but he definitely came back with a great song. This song reminds me of the verse that talks about us being a new creation in Christ. Hope you like it too. 

Happy Listening!

Greater ~ Mercy Me

Greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world. 

These words are from 1 John 4:4. How comforting is that? God is bigger and greater than Satan. Obviously we know this, but occasionally we need a reminder and Mercy Me does a great job in their new song. Happy Listening!

He Knows ~ Jeremy Camp

Jeremy Camp writes incredible music. His whole album Reckless is just amazing. I strongly recommend listening to the whole thing, but here is a song from the album just recently released to radio. God knows EVERYTHING!!!! That is so mind blowing to me. Nothing that we do or that happens to us, escapes his notice. As a side note, listen to his CD "Reckless". Really good CD.

Happy Listening!

Oh, I found the story behind the song, so I added that too.