{Review} Chris Tomlin's HOLY ROAR CD

I first heard Chris Tomlin sing live in 2005. He was the opening act for Steven Curtis Chapman and I was only vaguely familiar with his music at that time. I was most excited about seeing SCC and Casting Crowns (also the first time I heard Casting Crowns live as well). I still remember that concert. It was one of the first concerts I had ever been to period and it was well worth it. All three acts were stellar and I was now interested in hearing more from this new to me artist, Chris Tomlin.

Over the ensuing years, Chris Tomlin has only gained in popularity. Just last week he released his newest album, Holy Roar. I think most people probably sing a Chris Tomlin song in church at least once a month or more. He's been a very prolific (and excellent) singer/songwriter over the last 25 years. Wow...now I'm feeling a bit old. I didn't realize it had been that long!

In that time frame, Chris Tomlin has sold over 8 million records (crazy!) and has had sixteen number one hits. He's received many awards and continues to produce new music as well as tour. He is one of my favorite artists to see live and at last count I think I've seen him five times live. 

I've been playing his newest album in my truck over the last few days. Holy Roar has twelve tracks including the title song. One of the first tracks released to radio was Resurrection Power. 

You called me from the grave by name

You called me out of all my shame

I see the old has passed away

The new has come

Now I have resurrection power

Living on the inside

Jesus, You have given us freedom

No longer bound by sin and darkness

Living in the light of your goodness

You have given us freedom

Chris Tomlin has always been one of my favorite contemporary Christian singers and his new album does not disappoint. I have enjoyed listening to it as have my boys. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this CD for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

{Review} Whole Heart by Passion (CD)

Yes, Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, 

for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our hearts. 

~Isaiah 26:8

The newest album from the Passion movement - Whole Heart - is being released today.

What is the Passion movement? Passion started in 1995 and is based on the verse from Isaiah that I posted above. Their mission is to reach young people ages 18-25 and create a revival in that age group. Their stated goal on their website is to lead people towards "renewed intimacy with God."

Lead by Louie & Shelley Giglio, Passion holds conferences and has musicians such as Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman lead the worship. The music has moved beyond the conferences and into churches around the globe. 

Their newest album was recorded live at the latest Passion Conference and features artists such as Crowder and Kristian Stanfill. Some of the songs may be ones you've heard before like "God, You're So Good" or "Great are You Lord" or they may be brand new like "Ghost" which features Crowder or "All My Hope" which is another new one by Crowder. 

Your love it comes with no conditions

You give us Your whole heart

My hope is in the blood of Jesus

I know who I am because of who You are

I had the opportunity to get a sneak peak at the album. I've been listening to it now for the last couple of weeks and it's been fantastic. It's full of wonderful worship songs. And since it was recorded live some are longer than a typical song you might hear on the radio (four go over five minutes along). I can only imagine what it must have been to be there live during this recording. 

I love going to live worship concerts. I always feel like it's a small taste of heaven. 

{Review} Alpha / Omega by Kutless

I can remember listening to Kutless well over ten years ago which makes sense since they've been around since 2001. One of the first songs I remember hearing was called Strong Tower.

You are my strong tower

A shelter over me

Beautiful and mighty

Everlasting King

You are my strong tower

Fortress when I'm weak

Your name is true and holy

And your face is all I see

At the beginning of August for the last twenty plus years there has been a multi-day Christian musical festival in a neighboring state. The last year it was four days was in 2012 and that was the year I was able to see Kutless live. Their show did not disappoint although I remember the sound was off for those of us in the press pit watching.

 

Lead Sing Jon Micah Sumrall

Their newest album Alpha / Omega just released last Friday. It contains ten songs, some brand new, some covers, and they have even included a remix of Strong Tower. As always they stay true to their roots of a little bit of rock and a whole lot of Jesus. 

I truly appreciate what Jon Micah had to say about what keeps them motivated to continue making music. 

"We really believe that music can make a difference in people's lives," 

shares Jon Micah Sumrall. "Music is an incredibly powerful tool that can

break down walls and allows us to communicate a message of hope to people 

who may not listen otherwise. We are still recording and performing

because we really do believe it makes a difference. We hear stories all the time

from people who share with us how a concert or a song has radically impacted

their life, and it's these types of testimonies that keep us going year after year."

I love music and I believe fully in what Jon Micah says about its ability to impact lives around us. It truly is a gift from God. 

In 2012 Kutless formed EOTA Ministries (End Of The Age) in order to expand the ability to bring Christ to those around the globe. EOTA is a non-profit organization that helps Kutless hold large, free outreach events and concerts. They have been able to do to in places like the Ukraine and Belarus where thousands have turned their life to Christ as a result. 

Kutless is more than just a band singing music to honor the Lord. They are walking the walk through EOTA Ministries. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} Jeremy Camp - The Answer

I have a been a fan of Jeremy Camp's now for some time. His music is fantastic and he is wonderful in concert as well. I appreciate his heart when he is at a live show as you can see his love for Christ simply shining through.

His newest album is called The Answer. And honestly, he has it so right with those two words. The answer is always, always "Jesus." He is the one who will fix it every time - without fail. While we may not like the answer He gives, it's always the right one. And the chorus to the title song goes like this:

I know the answer

to every question

The one solution

to every fear

I know my help

and where it comes from

Jesus, He is the answer.

The first track on the album "Word of Life" has been out on the radio for awhile now. It's a great "sing along" with another set of fantastic and truthful lyrics.

Word of life

Speak to my weary heart

Strengthen my broken parts

Lead me to your open arms

Work of truth

Illuminate all these lies

The enemy speaks inside

In freedom I will rise

Cause you called me out from the grave

So I can live like I've been changed

There is a new song in my soul

And it begins

When I breathe in

Your Word of Life

I love hearing from artists about what inspire their songs. Jeremy co-wrote all but the last track on this album. Having seen him in concert, he's one of the few artists that actually brings a Bible on stage with him and shares directly from scripture. Like I said earlier, you can see he has a heart for God. 

This is one album that my boys and I have been listening to over and over again since we received the CD in the mail for this review. It hasn't gotten old yet! We love it all. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} Matthew West "All In" Album

I first heard Matthew West sing years ago when he was just starting out as a singer/songwriter. He made quite the impression on me - in a good way! I don't even remember who the headliner was that night, but I still remember Matthew (see, we're even on a first name basis!). He was engaging and personable which is hard to do in front of an audience of hundreds. And he was also very talented. I've enjoyed listening to him over the years as he has continued to hone his skill.

His seventh album All In was just released on the September 22, 2017. Track two "Broken Things" has been playing on the radio for a bit now and it's my favorite of his newest ones. The words drive home the fact that we are all broken, sinners. And only God can take and make good come from that type of mess.

Chorus:

Now I'm just a beggar in the presence of a king

I wish I could bring so much more

But if it's true you use broken things

There here I am Lord, I'm all yours

Such simple truth in that chorus. And the rest of the lyrics are just as hard hitting. We serve an awesome God who can turn even the worse sinner into someone who can bring glory to His kingdom. I'm glad I serve a God like that!

Another fave moment for me on this album was his daughter Lulu singing on track 13 "Becoming Me." She has an amazing voice! And the album ends with a fun cameos by both his daughters doing an unusual take on "All In." 

I'm definitely enjoying listening to this entire album while I'm out and about during the day. 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

{Review + Giveaway} Out of the Dark by Mandisa

I was recently given the opportunity to review Mandisa's newest album, Out of the Dark. Many may remember her previous hits such as "Overcomer" and "Stronger." She wrote the song "Overcomer" for her friend Lakisha who was in the midst of battling breast cancer. Sadly, Kisha lost her battle. This event sent Mandisa into a tailspin that sent her into a deep depression that lasted for close to three years. 

She shut out her friends and family. Her friends never gave up on her even when she ignored phone calls and visits. 

In "Out of the Dark," Mandisa shares her story of when she was in her depression as well as how she eventually came out of it with help from her friends, but more importantly, God. 

I have the "deluxe edition" album which has a whopping 18 tracks on it. There are a few, however, that aren't actually songs. In fact, track one shares some of the voice mails that Mandisa's friends left for her during her time of depression. 

There are a lot of featured artists on this album as well including TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, Britt Nicole, and Jeremy Camp. 

One of the things I have always loved about Mandisa is her transparency. She shares her heart in this album and it's amazing to see. She holds nothing back about where she was (in a pit of deep despair that almost took her life) and where she is now (a daughter of the one true King). 

One of my favorite songs is track 2, "I'm Still Here." And for anyone who has heard the song "Dear John" should really enjoy track 9 on the new album. 

~Giveaway Information~

Please comment on one thing you like to do to relax. Leave your comment either here on The Berry Patch blog or as a Facebook comment where you see this review. One random winner will be chosen on May 31, 2017. 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

{Review} Laura Story: Open Hands CD

I was given the wonderful opportunity to listen and review Laura Story's newest album, Open Hands. This is her fourth regular album to be released along with a Christmas album that she put out in 2015.

If anyone has every heard the story behind Laura's song, "Blessings," you know that she has suffered hardships in her life. This shows in her music. "Blessings" came from her husband, Martin's, bout with a brain tumor.

Laura is a gifted musician and singer/songwriter. Not only has she written many of her own songs, but she has also written for other artists including Chris Tomlin ("Indescribable").

There are 10 tracks on this CD including the title song. I've had this playing in my vehicle now for at least the last week. I'm absolutely loving all of the songs. In fact, I tried to turn it off and just play the radio as I figured my boys were getting tired of it after a few days. They turned it back on. It's that good.

The first three tracks are my ultimate favorites, but really, that's like decided if I like chocolate chip ice-cream or cherry vanilla ice-cream better. It's all good.

The very first time I listened to the CD was while I was on my way to church. I didn't even know the lyrics enough to sign along. And yet, they still hit me hard. I was crying and worshiping on the way there and eager to get back to listening again. I now wake up with the songs playing in my head each morning.

The title track - "Open Hands" - paints a wonderful picture of letting go of all the things we hold on to so tightly and allowing God to take it all.

Laura shares the inspiration for the song in the video you can find HERE.

My other favorites off the album are "Death Was Arrested" and "You Came Running."

It was interesting the other day as we were driving. My 15 year-old son mentioned that he has two favorites as well. His are track 5 and 10, "For the Love of My King" and "Extraordinary." He has good taste.

If you enjoy great worship music that has lyrics that will speak to your soul as you listen to them over and over, then you'll want to pick up a copy of this CD. You can purchase it HERE (iTunes) or HERE (Amazon) or other retail outlets.


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

{Review} The Afters: Live on Forever

The Afters have just released their fifth album with the Fair Trade label entitled Live on Forever. I've enjoyed songs from The Afters before so I was eager to check out their newest offering. I was not disappointed. The title track has already been released to radio so I'm pretty familiar with it.

However, the song that caught my attention while listening to the album was one called Battles (track two). After checking out the "behind the music" video on YouTube, I enjoyed it even more. I've made it easy for you to both see that video plus the lyric video. Just look below.

Official Lyric Video

 

The "Heart of the Song" Video  

Josh Havens, guitarist and lead vocalist for the Afters had this to say about "Battles:" 

"It was the last song we wrote and the fastest we wrote.

We don't typically write songs fast; we'll change

lyrics and melodies and craft our songs carefully. 

But 'Battles' poured out, the music and lyrics,

in one day. It's about standing up against fear and

knowing God is always with us. 

It's one of the takeaways we hope people get:

'Don't give up to fear.'"

That was one reason I really liked that song. The driving beats helped as well. Overall, this was a fantastic album and one I'll enjoy listening to again and again. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} Phil Wickham Children of God CD

Phil Wickham has recently released a new album called Children of God. I was given the chance to listen to it and share it with all of you.

I've enjoyed Phil's music now for awhile (which is why we are on a first name basis). I've even been blessed to see him in concert a time or two. He always delivers heartfelt lyrics and authentic performances.

Children of God has 12 tracks on it and I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite. The one most may be familiar with - if you listen to Christian radio - is "Your Love Awakens Me." This is the first single released off the new album.

Just check out these lyrics for the first verse and chorus for "Your Love Awakens Me" - 

 There were walls between us 

And by the cross you came 

And broke them down 

You broke them down 

And there were chains around us 

And by Your grace we are 

No longer bound 

No longer bound 

You called me out of the grave 

You called me into the light 

You called my name and then my heart came alive 

Your love is greater 

Your love is stronger 

Your love awakens 

Awakens 

Awakens me 

Your love is greater 

Your love is stronger 

Your love awakens 

Awakens 

Awakens me 

I suppose though, if I were pressed to pick my favorite it would be the first track, "Doxology//Amen." It takes me back to my childhood. I grew up in a church where we sang the Doxology at the end of every single service. 

   

Audio only

The tracks are:

1. Doxology//Amen
2. Better Than Life
3. Your Love Awakens Me
4. The Secret Place
5. Wide Awake
6. My All in All
7. Starmaker (Above the Earth)
8. Children of God
9. Stand In Awe
10. Body Mind & Soul
11. As It Is In Heaven
12. Spirit of God

The album can be purchased at iTunes or Amazon or listen on Spotify. I really enjoyed this newest offering from Phil Wickham. I received my CD just prior to a long solo road trip I took last month. I brought it along and listened to it throughout the drive. It was wonderful.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

{Review} Love All the Way by Brittany Hargest & giveaway

Brittany Hargest is a former member of the band Jump5. She has recently released her first solo album - Love All the Way. Many would think she is young - only 23 - but she obviously knows what she's doing. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her music. I couldn't stop moving - tapping my feet, bopping around in my chair, and my fingers are flying right now - to the beat I might add! Needless to say I think this is a super fun album. I dare you to listen to it and not dance. 

Don't let that fool you though. The first track on the album - Critical - speaks about the need for us to let our faith drive us to act. To not just watch what is happening around us, but to make a difference. 

Another favorite track of mine is number seven - He Can. It talks about how God will help you - when you think you can't go on, trust God and He can get you through.

I'm very interested in hearing more from Brittany as she continues her solo career. I know that this CD will be getting a lot of play time in my truck.

Would you like to connect with Brittany? Connect via her website, Facebook, or Twitter. You can purchase her album through iTunes.

***********************************

Would you like to win your own copy? Tell me what you're currently listening to or your current favorite musical artist. I'll pick a winner on Monday, November 14th.



(If you are reading this note on Facebook, please click on "view original post" right above where you would leave a comment. You need to leave a comment on my blog to qualify to win. Aside from all that - all the html coding works over on my blog! Thanks!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above from Propeller Marketing for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Park 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsement and Testimonials in Advertising."

{Review} "Get In, I'm Driving" by Ginny Owens (and giveaway)

I love music. I constantly have it playing when we're driving in the car and considering where we live, that's a lot of driving! Needless to say, whenever I get the chance to listen to some new music from great Christian artists, I jump at it.

I was recently given the opportunity to hear Ginny Owens new CD called "Get In, I'm Driving." I love that title. Ginny is a great singer/songwriter who has created some really wonderful music on this new CD. It has a bluesy-jazzy feel to it. I did find that I needed to be very alert while driving before I could listen to this though! I find it that relaxing!

My favorite song off the CD is the title cut, "Get In, I'm Driving." As Ginny says in the video below, life is about letting God drive. This song is a great reminder to allow that to happen each day.

Ginny's newest CD just went on sale this week. Would you like to win a copy for yourself? Simply leave me a comment and tell me one of your current favorite artists. I'll draw a winner on Saturday, September 24th.

I'll leave you with this video of Ginny singing a great song called "All I Want to Do."



You can connect with Ginny at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Rebecca St. James - New CD (and giveaway!)-closed

In her first CD release since 2005, Rebecca St. James has done a fantastic job. I've been listening online to this album (I'll share how in a moment) and it's made me dance in my chair more than once. In fact, just last night I played it while working on my computer. My hubby was at the table doing some work at home so I asked him what he thought. He agreed - it was awesome!

I love the title track - "I Will Praise You." It has a great beat and a better message. The remaining track titles are:

• You Never Let Go
• Shine Your Glory Down 
• You Still Amaze Me
• In a Moment
• The Kindness of our God
• When the Stars Burn Down (Blessing and Honor)
• Almighty God
• You Hold Me Now
• You Make Everything Beautiful (my 2nd favorite song on the album)

Way back when N9 was just a baby (he was about three months old), my hubby & I saw Rebecca in concert. I've enjoyed her music before than and certainly after. She is definitely one of my favorite Contemporary Christian artists.

Tomorrow - April 5th - is the release date of her new album - "I Will Praise You." However, you can get a sneak peak at her online listening party. 

You can also follow her Facebook page or her Twitter feed.

Giveaway Details:
Since there are a lot of opportunities out there right now to win a copy of this CD, I'm going to make it super easy to enter - promise.  Just leave a comment telling me you want to be entered. Done! I will draw the winner next Monday, April 11th.

The Winner has been chosen! Thanks to all who entered. Be sure to check out the winner post. I have listed a number of blogs who still have open giveaways!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.