3 Must-have New Releases

It's been a while since I've posted here, so I thought I'd finally get back to it... even if this is going to be a quick post (and not a full CD review)

Here is my quick list of 3 CDs I think you definitely need to invest in that have just released:

1. The Edge of the Earth - Switchfoot

Ok, so technically this is an EP... but it's also new Switchfoot music, which to me translates into: must have! It's just indie enough, with the powerful/thoughtful lyrics that you expect from Switchfoot, and (an added bonus) we get to hear Tim Foreman on lead vocals for the first time! 

My favorites: What it Costs and Liberty

2. Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. - For King & Country

If I'm being honest I haven't even made it through the whole album yet... whoops! But seriously, can you ever go wrong with For King & Country? I don't think so. 

It's pop without being obnoxious, it's full of phenomenal lyrics, it has a fantastic mixture of upbeat, positive songs and thought-provoking, heart-wrenching songs (check out "Without You" a duet between Luke and his wife). These guys are consistently fantastic, and this one definitely didn't disappoint.

My favorites: Without You and It's Not Over Yet

3. How Can It Be - Lauren Daigle

New-ish on the Christian music stage, Lauren has vocal talent that is up there with the greats. Sure, this one is also considered an EP but each track is fantastic music, harmony, melodic and everything-else wise. Let's get the word out there about this fantastic new artist!! I've talked about her Christmas stuff before, and this EP is right up there with those fantastic songs!

My favorite: Dry Bones and Light of the World

Top Christian Singles of Summer 2014

 "Fix My Eyes" - For King & Country

"I'd love like I'm not scared, give when it's not fair"

 Bold melodies that will be stuck in your head all day (trust me on this one). It's got a solid message, even if it is a little different than their usual!

"It's Not Over Yet" - For King & Country

"To everyone who's hit their limit - it's not over yet"

Wow! Two killer singles off one album... in one summer! Only FK&C could pull that off! Hot (as in today) off the presses, this has some beautiful melodies and awesome lyrics. It's sure to be blasted out some car windows this summer!

"Lay It Down" - Sanctus Real

"Those problems you're worried about can't keep you from living now"

This one just popped up on my FB newsfeed. I love the simple truths that this band is consistently able to transfer into beautiful song lyrics.

"More of You" - Colton Dixon

"I've made my castle tall; I built up every wall; this is my kingdom and it has to fall"

This guy is a gem, and this song comes out of a heart that is truly committed to Christ - something that is cool to see coming off the stage of American Idol. Awesome truths and some great music... what more could you ask for?

"Hold You Up" - Shane Harper

"But the angels, they brought you, and they're gonna hold you up."  

 The main character in the hit movie "God's Not Dead," not only does this guy have some acting chops, but he's got some sweet song writing brains and vocals as well! 

"The Broken Beautiful" - Ellie Holcomb

"Your love can take broken things and make them beautiful"

I of course had to make sure there was some female representation in this list, and I think Ellie's song is the perfect addition to a summer playlist. It's light, playful and has some beautiful truths in the lyrics! If you haven't heard of her, do yourself a favor and check out her songs! 

"Hope In Front of Me" - Danny Gokey
"Even after all I've seen there's hope in front of me"
Another solid Christian that I first spotted on American Idol! This is full of insane truths, and paired with Danny's unique voice, this (in my opinion) is an amazing song! It's been on over and over for me so far this summer!   

Conflict // Song of the Week

What is life without conflict?

I'm an avid reader and I've often wondered why a book always have to have that 'get your heart racing and your palms sweating a little for the main character moment' - whether it's a physical problem (like in those classic Nancy Drew's - chloroform always got the best of that gal) or a spiritual problem. But what would a book be without it? Would there really be a story worth reading? I'm not so sure.

Conflict occurs on this Earth because we're at a time where the 'now' and the 'Kingdom to come' overlap. It won't be resolved until Jesus comes back one day. But I think that God can still use it for His glory, no doubt about it. One of my favorite verses, Lamentations 3:31-33, says: "But though He causes grief, yet will He be moved to compassion according to the multitude of His loving-kindness and tender mercy^. For He does not willingly and from His heart afflict or grieve the children of men" (Amplified). 

In this life, there will be conflict. But what would life be without it? Like a book character without a purpose, without conflict we would never be pushed out of our comfort zone and never grow. God has a purpose for everything we go through and a climax that far surpasses anything we can imagine: Heaven.

To bring it all together, this song by one of my all-time favorite bands has been stuck in my head for the past two days. It's a call for all Christians to fix our eyes on the One True King; a reminder that He is above all. Plus, it's got a catchy beat!

Song: Fix My Eyes

Artist: For King & Country

Top 10 Albums

Here are my top 10 albums of all time - ones that have challenged me and, literally, rocked my world! In no particular order (although I'd probably put the one from Mainstay and For King and Country as tied for my ultimate top albums).

1. The Beautiful Letdown - Switchfoot
2. City Harbor - City Harbor
3. Crave - For King and Country
4. Live Like That - Sidewalk Prophets
5. Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
6. No Far Away - Chris August
7. Over And Underneath - Tenth Avenue North
8. Well Meaning Fiction - Mainstay
9. What I've Become - Ashes Remain
10. 3 & Union - 3 & Union

Best CDs of 2012

Here you go! My favorite 2012 Christian CD Releases!

1. Crave by For King and Country
2. Heart by Audrey Assad
3. Gold by Britt Nicole
4. The Struggle by Tenth Avenue North (review here)
5. Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets
6. Focus by Holly Starr (review here)
7. The Upside of Down by Chris August (review here)
8. Homemade Worship by Handmade People by Rend Collective Experiment (review here)
9. My Only Rescue by The Museum
10. Finding Our Way by Hyland
11. Love Is Making a Way by Sixteen Cities
12. The Midsummer Station by Owl City (review here)

Artists to look out for in 2013:
- City Harbor (awesome single called "Somebody Tell Them"!)
- Jenny Simmons (was the lead singer of Addison Road)
- Colton Dixon (3rd place in American Idol)

Albums to look forward to in 2013:
- Chris Tomlin // Burning Lights (Jan. 8th)
- Jeremy Camp // Reckless (Feb. 12th)
- Sanctus Real // Run (Feb. 5th)
- Hillsong United // Zion (Feb. 26th)

Proof of Your Love

I promise there will be Christmas music next week... or the week after... But for this week, one of my favorites!

Beautiful lyrics taken from 1 Corinthians 13. 

Awesome message.

Epic Video.

Powerful prayer.

Song: Proof of Your Love

Artist: For King and Country

Baby Boy - Song of the Week

Apparently this song is a Christmas song.

I personally think it's an every day sort of song.

Enjoy!

Song: Baby Boy

Artist: For King and Country