A Deeper Side Of Meredith

     As a young girl singing into her hairbrush I wonder if Meredith Andrews had any idea of the capacity in which God was planning to use her in ministry years later.  Today she often speaks and ministers in song at conferences and has toured with many well known Christian artists through her career.

     As her parents desired to open their doors to foster other children she soon became the sister of three very thankful adopted brothers.  Following her parents heart to reach out, she started at Liberty University majoring in family and childhood development. A few years into her college journey she had an epiphany.

     While leading worship her Junior year, she looked out to a crowd full of hands raised and hearts open to the Father and it was in that moment her life changed forever. "This is the thing that makes me feel most alive.’ It is also the thing I feel like the Lord takes the most delight in, and I feel closest to Him when I’m doing it."

     Meredith released her first album Mesmerized in 2005 on Chrematizo Label.  A few years after that in 2008 big changes came for this exuberant young lady on a mission to share the never changing love of God.  She married her husband/producer Jacob Scooter and released her first album The Invitation on Word Records. 

     Two years later, As Long As It Takes was released and received two Dove Awards for Worship Album Of The Year and Worship Song Of The Year with How Great Is The Love. With a heart for worship and a love for the people of the Lord she and her husband both carried a message in their hearts to share with those who were willing to listen.  "No matter what we face in this fallen world, or how things might look around us, we have someone who will never leave us nor forsake us.  He is always constant." 

     Meredith has released three albums to date on Word Records. Worth It All was her latest in 2013 which has left fans highly anticipating her latest creation Deeper, releasing February 19, 2016.  For those who have been long time followers of Mrs. Andrews they are aware of her vulnerable approach to worship and the desire to reach the heart of Christ.  For many this is the very reason they have come to love her music ministry.

   While being a full time Mother, wife, singer & songwriter this amazing young woman continued to lead worship at Harvest Bible Chapel, before moving to Nashville.  She was also featured on the Live Worship Album released last year by their team, The Vertical Church Band.

     Deeper is certain to lighten your load and create a passionate desire to draw closer to the freedom only found in Christ.  Soar is the first single released off of the 14 track deluxe edition.  It is currently being played on many Christian outlets including Klove. Below you can view the acoustic version, which I actually enjoy more than the recorded, because it hones in more on her authentic vocal ability.
    

     While Meredith and her husband Jacob were expecting their third child, a difficult moving transition from Chicago to Nashville paved some bumpy roads. While facing marital road blocks and personal construction underway signs in their lives, the birthing of Deeper began to manifest in their spirits.  Setting out on this physical and spiritual journey together, in uncertain circumstances God began to unfold the mysteries in song.

      “I’m praying that God will use this album to bring freedom," she shares. "I envision people hearing these songs for the first time and being overwhelmed by the presence of God and by the healing and hope found there. I don’t want to worry about the numbers. I want to be focused on ‘Am I being faithful? Am I speaking truth and offering hope to people who are listening? I want to be a mouthpiece. I want God to use my story and use my songs to meet them in the hard place they’re at right now. God has told me ‘Take care of the depth and I’ll take care of the breadth.’ So that’s what I’m focused on.”

     From the beginning you hear the promise of tomorrow rising up in Sunrise.  "I've walked through the lowest valley's. I've stood before the lions.  You were with me in the trenches, you are greater than the giants."

Reminding us that joy comes in the morning, (Psalms 30:5) and He will bring us out of the midnight hour. 

     The title track, Deeper is a celebratory proclamation of 11 Corinthians 12:9 poetically transformed into an upbeat Psalm.  "For every battle that's sure to come, I will be brave. I've got my heart set on every word you say; and no matter what lies ahead, you will make a way."  

     He is made strong in our weakness and every valley and flame we have to walk through takes us into a new level of intimacy with Him. As you listen to the entirety of the album, you hear this same sentiment resounding.  

     I Look To The King, delivers a tenderhearted praise to the one who paves the path before us as we travel through each battle.  The strength we find as we look to the hills where our help comes from during treacherous times.  

     One of my personal favorites is Spirit Of The Living God. Though the version on the album is a bit different from the live recording (below) with Vertical Church Band, this is truly an intimate plea for God to speak and move in our lives. A desire for Him to be present in the atmosphere to change everything in our lives, sensitizing our spirit to Him and the power of His holiness.

     Extravagant, paints the unrelenting gracious love that God poured out on the cross that He continues to cover us in. "Your mercy, deeper than the seas. Your grace God, washes over me.  Your faithfulness like the rising sun, oh the wonder of your love, so extravagant." Her hope is for those who may have had a misconstrued portrait of who God is because of a harmful parental relationship or childhood would be able to truly see Him. That they would understand His love for them as the wonderful Father He is and truly see how extravagant it is.  

      Often times in suffering we find our strength in the anticipation that comes in His magnificent Glory. This song encourages those who may be facing uncertain roads ahead. Those who may be weighed down with heavy burdens that seem to be praying unanswered prayers while battling within themselves."The light and dark are wrestling in my heart. A war for my affections. A hundred voices ringing in my head. A war for my attention, but I believe You will overcome all the fear and the fight in me, and my suffering cannot compare to the weight of Your Glory."

     Trusted brings the revelation of the unfailing promises that God presents to us when we place our life in His hands. Followed by Impossible, which reminisces throughout the miracles that Christ performed for the saints. It's a reminder to oneself that it's impossible for Him to fail.  That no matter how things presently appear, His love is full of mercy and He goes before us to prepare a way.

     When fears seem to come against us and the enemy tries to whisper in our ear, it's imperative that we seek the one we know holds our future in His hands.  Hands That Are Holding Me takes us on an unwavering walk through the restorative garden of truth. "In the sorrow.  In the struggle. When my heart is torn and troubled, I will cling to what I know is true."

     The beauty of the humility of Christ was displayed providing the pathway of our salvation through His sacrifice. By doing so, He allowed us new life which is exemplified in The Lamb Of God. Available on the deluxe edition only, it's a beautiful tapestry of His unfathomable love for us.

     One thing we know for certain is that Jesus sees us in our shame, our fear, our doubts and our unbelief. He knows us better than we know ourselves and when we feel lost and alone without a single escape from grief and heartache, Jesus Sees. This song, also only on the deluxe edition awakens your spirit that He is near to the brokenhearted. So many people of faith hide thinking others won't understand what they may be facing, but this reminds us He is faithful in every season and we are never too far for Him to reach.  

     The third bonus track on the deluxe edition is a Hillsong cover titled Christ Is Enough, which has been a vast corporate worship addition to set lists. She explains her reason behind adding this selection.

     "It's one of my favorites. Do I really believe that if everything else is stripped away I could sing this song with joy in my heart that Christ is enough? I don't know if I could. I want to be able to. I believe the more we sing these declarations over our lives, the more God changes our hearts to align with the truths He wants for us."

     Take Me Back is truly a redemptive story that is written and performed so passionately that it causes me to tear up every time I listen to it. It's a personal side that Meredith shares through different walks of her life. She reflectively sings of the time she held her first son and how she couldn't believe how much she loved that little person without even trying. She felt God whisper while writing this song, "That is how I love you. I don't love you because of what you do. I love you because you are mine. No matter what you do, I still love you." 

     The last verse in the unfolding of this story is the Eternal ending we all long for in our hearts. "Take me home to, a place I'll know soon. Where sin and sorrow cannot go. And all your family forever standing in the Glory of the God who takes us back. I'll sing of the grace that's still amazing. I'll dance like a child before the King. And I'll shout like I heard it for the first time. You have come to save the lost and last, and you're the God who always takes me back."

     In my opinion I saved the best to mention last on this review. Maybe it's because it encompasses a journey we can all relate to and glean from.  The hope that awaits those who have accepted His invitation through His sacrifice is one we often long for. Not because life is hard, but because one day we will finally be in His presence forever more.  

     As Meredith poured her heart into the lyrics and creation of this album, it's clear to see that she persevered through the hope that is only found in a Deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior. Christ Is Enough and the Spirit Of The Living God is full of Glory.  The Hands That Are Holding Me can be Trusted and when I Look To The King I can see the Sunrise through The Lamb Of God.  Jesus Sees all and can do the Impossible.  He will always Take Me Back and by and through his Extravagant love we can Soar on wings like eagles. 

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Sing-A-Long With Tim

    
     Straight out of Orange County, Tim Timmons and his wife of 18 years, Hilary are currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee with their 4 children Malia, Noah, and twins Aaron and Anna.

     When Tim was living in Orange County he was a worship leader for almost two decades which is easily recognizable on his most recent album release through Provident Label Group/ Reunion Records. 

     One of the reasons I titled this review "Sing-A-Long With Tim", is because the musicianship on Awake Our Souls produces melodies that you can easily begin to catch onto and by the second chorus you are already joining right in with him the first time you hear each song.  That is a trademark quality of someone who has been a worship leader.  It's all about inviting everyone else into the moment with you blessing the Lord and encouraging one another. 

     Tim's last album Cast My Cares received a large amount of radio play and his goal with that album was to make believers of Jesus actually become followers of Jesus.  Not to just go through the set motions of how we are supposed to act, but to engage the world drawing them to Christ.  On Awake Our Souls Tim shares what his ultimate goal was behind the process and selection of songs he passionately captured.

     The opening title track Awake Our Souls is a high-spirited celebration asking God to open our eyes to the fact that the Kingdom of God resides inside of us.  We are carriers of the freedom that is given to the saints who have entered into a relationship with Christ.  In my opinion this song ends way too soon.  I could have used another verse in there somewhere.  It's one of those songs that takes you to a happy place. 

     Another toe tapper is Everywhere I Go, the message in this song is not to be afraid as long as we are walking with Christ. Knowing He is with us in every step we take, which brings comfort in all circumstances.  I couldn't help at one point mixing in the old country hit "Cotton Eyed Joe", and you will never be able to listen to it again without doing that either (If you know the song I am talking about).  This is definitely one you get stuck in your head quite a bit.  With great lyrics and a melody that won't quit this is sure to be a favorite among his fans.

     Tim continues the engaging melody pattern in, Like I've Been Changed.  "When I seek you first who knows what you will bring. Oh Jesus turn me upside down, shape my world till yours is found. Let my life show that I believe."  This song struck a chord with me bringing to remembrance a recent album review I did from Dan Bremnas.  Not that they sound like each other, but both of these guys are very good at creating earworms. 
     
     With all of the album reviews I have done I have come to the conclusion that if you make it through the third song on an album and you are impressed that's a good indication how things are going to progress.  Tim did not change my mind on this philosophy as he delivers throughout the entire album.    

     One video I must share happens to be one of my favorite songs right now.  Sometimes life can be overwhelming and we don't always understand situations and circumstance that we are currently facing. However, we find our way to the center of His grace and mercy placing our soul in His care.  He knows our struggles better than we do and this song although I had already grown to love it, really hit me right in my spirit the other day and has now been deemed my favorite on the album. Without further ado the video below for Rest My Soul.
    

    

     I feel Tim is easily able to express the lyrical components of this album because he is a living over-comer.  Being diagnosed with incurable cancer and fighting this battle for the last fourteen years of his life (told he would only live five by doctors) he doesn't stop that from letting him live freely as a wonderful Father, Husband and demonstrator of the gospel.  Not only does he share his tremendous faith through music, but also through an extended ministry he calls "Motel Church", which you can read about on his Website. 
 

     The Lord instructs us not to weary in well doing.  In The Outcome Tim demonstrates the importance of letting God lead our steps.  "To live the life you've put inside, till your work is done, I surrender the outcome. "  Trusting God with what He knows lies ahead has never been an easy task, but we learn that releasing the reigns to Him gives us joy unspeakable and full of Glory.  

     Right Beside Me, confirms the trust we find in Christ even when we can't see the outcome, we can look back and see that He has never left us.  "I'm here in the cold, in the dark, oh I'm overwhelmed but I'm not alone.  As I fix my eyes on you, I put my hope in you.  I can brave the storm, I can walk the sea.  I can step out on the waves cause your with me."

     Tim has a desire for the living water inside each believer to pour out to others who need to experience the hope we have in Christ.  Spring Up confronts this, questioning if we believe are we truly living it out? "Spring up a well in my soul and let the flood go.  Open the gates every heart and let the river flow.  Till we can see till we believe that you are everything.  All that we need."  

     Though most of the album is filled with higher tempo melodies there are a few beautiful worship songs that are just as challenging to all of us who truly want to become all that God calls us to be. All I Really Want is a beautiful invitation from someone asking God to take complete control of their lives.  "You are welcome to come have your way.  You are welcome to move in this place. Take over my heart, take over my soul, take over my life spirit of God."

     One of my favorite songs, Finally Breathing emotes so much freedom in what one comes to grasp as they embrace surrender.  I truly feel the passion that was lightly wrapped around this lyric and the presentation poured out of his heart. "If all I do is just survive, I'll waste this one and only life.  Your love moves me to my feet, it's like I'm finally breathing."  This is a truly beautiful work of art.  

     You Are God (That I May), is the only song I have not talked about yet.  First I must say this is a great radio song.  I can see a lot of people being truly blessed by this.  However, this song though simple in lyric, has a profound deep statement that causes me to cry every time I listen to it.  If we as people could grasp a hold of what Tim shares in this song 
no matter what they face they would realize they still win. Though we can be broken down and hurting, struggling and not understand why, God is still good.  

 

"I'll praise you, not that I have to, not that I ought to, but that I may." 

    
     What a privilege we have to worship our God in spirit and in truth.  No matter what our current circumstances may look like, one thing we can always count on is that He already knows the outcome and just trust Him.  All I can say is allow Tim's new album to Awake Your Soul, and try to catch him on tour with Mercy Me through November 14th.

 “We talk about all these things I’ve known about my whole life — like freedom in Jesus and overwhelming joy — but I’ve never known it until now and it’s just this awakening in my soul. The goal of this record is to invite people into a new reality of the Kingdom of God that is around us all the time.” -Tim Timmons

 

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The Best Of Sanctus Real

        In a town called Toledo, Ohio back in 1996 two sophomore boys named Matt Hammitt and Chris Rohman joined together to lead worship at their high school and church.  It wasn't long before they started creating their own music and adding Mark Graalman and Matt Kollar creating the original line up of the band we all still know twenty years later as Sanctus Real. 

     Message For The Masses was there first full length album released on June 18, 1999.  Shortly following the release of this recording, Steve Goodrum replaced Matt Kollar and the band released Nothing To Lose on a independent label. 

     After several record label offers in 2001 they decided to sign with  Sparrow Records in 2002 blasting their way into the mainstream CCM industry with Say It Loud. To date they have nine album releases including their Anthology under their Sparrow belt. They have also been nominated for several Grammy and Dove awards taking home Modern Rock Album Of The Year in 2005 for Fight The Tide. 

A Snapshot From The Farewell Tour

     October 9, 2015  The Best Of Sanctus Real was released as the last full length album created by the band before saying good-bye to lead singer Matt Hammitt.  Their farewell tour will wrap up soon, and they will begin travelling separate paths after twenty years of ministry together.

     Over the years Sanctus Real has gained and lost both in their personal lives and members who they had created wonderful music with. Dan Gartley and Pete Prevost decided it was time for them to part ways with the band in 2013 after their sixth release Run on the Sparrow label. Jake Rye and Seth Huff stepped in shortly after to help create their last original album The Dream  in 2014. 

     On The Best of Sanctus Real, you will hear fifteen original tracks.  Birthed through the victories and trials of life they experienced together, all while fighting a lot of their own personal spiritual battles and sorting out their priorities in life. They never failed to express beautifully in their lyrics the spirit behind their ambition and desire to share the life changing power of the Gospel. 

     Say It Loud, which was the title track off their first Sparrow release in 2002 reflects the rockier side of the entrance they made into the industry.  This song prompts me to recall the popular secular punk rock era of the likes of Green Day and Offspring.

     Fight The Tide (2004) also makes a singular contribution with Everything About You.  This appears to be the trending popular sound of that time as well.  I would be curious to learn how early fans of the band grew with them as their sound began to change through the years. Lyrically you can also see the band maturing with each album.

      They chose to include three hits off their 2006 release The Face Of Love  including the popular title track.  In my personal opinion this is when the group began to tap into a different musical character incorporating a more radio friendly sound, while keeping their early fans happy with I'm Not Alright and Don't Give Up.

     In 2008, they released We Need Each Other , which birthed one of my favorite songs Whatever You're Doing (Something Heavenly), which made it into the selections along with the title track. 

     One of their most popular songs that really hit home for listeners is the powerful prayer of a humble man asking God to help him be the spiritual leader of his family. Matt's wife had come to him out of love expressing her desire for him to be the rock for the family and the strength for them to stand on.  The spiritual depth of that conversation led to him penning a partial song.  The group had not planned to add Lead Me on their 2010 album Pieces Of A Real Heart, however the president of the record label came across the unfinished version and expressed how highly he thought of it, which became in my opinion one of most emotionally raw songs they created together.

     Also making the cut onto the list off Pieces Of A Real Heart were Forgiven and The Redeemer. Both passionately express questions and confidence of walking in the redemption of Christ and trusting His purpose He has created for our lives.

       It's no surprise that during this season Matt and his family also found out about their son Bowen (meaning small victorious one), would be born with a serious rare congenital defect (HLHS ). As they faced this trial, he poured out his heart in a Solo Album which a portion of sales goes into a non profit organization that helps other families facing similar difficulties.

     In 2013, the band released Run, which as I mentioned earlier was the last album they created with Dan and Pete.  It's strange when a band has been around for such a long time it's like you can hear their spiritual maturity as it grows through the years. Pray and Promises, both of which became popular radio hits were plucked off this gem to be added to list of the best.

     Closing out the few choice selections that were added to The Best Of Sanctus Real were On Fire and Lay It Down.  Both of these were peeled off their 2014 release, The Dream. These two songs are truly remarkable on their own, still maintaining their signature sound and carrying true emotion behind lyrics that challenge your walk with Christ.

     I was able to catch them live a few times over the past two decades and had the opportunity to have a phone interview with Chris back in 2012 while they were on the Winter Jam Tour.  Their music has been a blessing to me personally for so many years and I know it has reached numerous others as well.  I am looking forward to see the next journey for the band unfold as well as seeing where God moves Matt and his family in ministry. 

     The one brand new title on The Best Of Sanctus Real encapsulates the journey they took and expresses beautifully the end of something God created to bless so many people who have been touched by their gifts and talents along the way.  Longer Than A Lifetime is a song many of us can relate to in our own lives as well and I have included the video for you below. 

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Sidewalk Prophets Delivers Something Different

     On August 28th, 2015 Sidewalk Prophets released Something Different through Word Label Group . For those who have been following these young men since they hit the waves in 2009 with their first album, These Simple Truths you will not be disappointed with the new addition. With this being their fourth album, including Merry Christmas To You (great stocking gift by the way), fans patiently waited for the album reveal.

Big Dan Taking Care Of Business in Hillsboro, Ohio

     By "new addition" I am also referring to "Big Dan" or so seems to be this young man's nickname given by the "band elders". I have to give a quick shout out to Daniel Macal, he had some big shoes to fill and this young man has went above and beyond. 

     He fits in perfectly with the rest of these talented guys and let me just say, since I have seen him live in action he can definitely carry his own weight!  Rock on Big Dan! 

     The first hit off the new album Prodigal, delivers an incredible testimony of the redemptive power we find in Christ in a celebratory melody.  No matter what we've done, or where we have been He's standing there with arms open wide to welcome us back into His loving arms. Registering in the top five of Christian music charts since it's release is no surprise!  

Official Prodigal Video

     One of the most creative songs for me personally is If You Only Knew.  It's written as a contemporary conversation ballad between a simple person as you or I with their Heavenly Father responding to some heartfelt questions and desires. It made me get choked up the first time I heard it, which seems to be a skill these guys have with lyrics. 

 "All you need's a little faith. What about what I deserve? Well that's the beauty of my grace. What about my debt. I've already paid the cost. What about my sin? You see I nailed to the cross. You were never meant to handle all this on your own Just give me everything you have inside And let it go."

Dave Has Such a Powerful Gift in His Voice

     The title track, Something Different actually surprised me. I thought to myself, "Wow they are rocking it out a bit here." The exceptional thing about this album is that they have maintained the powerful testimony of faith in lyrics and still provide something different (pun intended) in every song.  

     After jamming out to a message about how people are supposed to see something different in us, they come at you with power ballad Everything In Awe. I cannot begin to count how many times I have skipped to this song repeatedly. It has nothing to do with the fact that it's one of my favorite songs. Well, OK you got me it probably is for that very reason, but who can deny the majesty of our Almighty Father? Not to mention the fact that Dave kills the passionate power vocals at the end that they build up to.  

     To Live As Christ conveys a sentiment of great faith especially in the times we live in today. We are all called for such a time as this to pick up our cross and lead people to Christ. "For me to live is Christ to die is gain.  My great desire is to be with you, but this is the place you chose for me, this is the place you chose for me. To lift my cross and give everything.  This is the time you gave to me."

     One of the most important aspects of the body of Christ is that we become united together for purposes far greater than we can comprehend.  Sisters and Brothers shares this emotion with cheerful enthusiasm. 

     Ain't Nobody (Till You're Loved) is a jubilant tune that reminds Dave of his time living in Hawaii.  I must say I am a bit jealous he used to live there. My husband and I visited awhile back and my husband didn't want to come back home, so this is his favorite song on the album.  Mainly because Dave wore a leis around his neck when we seen them perform it at Rock The Smokies . 

      Sometimes we all face difficult situations and circumstances. However, with God His word says anything is possible. Impossible encourages those who may be struggling with staying hopeful or doubting His sufficiency. "Some would say it's foolish, stepping on the waves. Some would say it's over when you're buried in the grave. We're calling all the dreamers, with passion in their eyes. Calling all believers out into the light. Even when it's hopeless, out of our control just let go, watch our God do The impossible, the impossible. Everything is possible."

     I'd Rather Have You and Closer (featuring Tamela Mann) are certain to be favorites from those who purchase the album. These two songs really brought some new soulful sound that I really enjoyed myself. Lyrically they both emphasize how important it is to focus on growing closer to God regardless of what other people chase, we have to seek Him first and we will be blessed.  Don't miss these gems they are remarkable and Tamela and Dave bring down the house...or the car wherever you may be listening to Closer at.

     There are several messages on Something Different that can minister to people on so many different levels.  Go For It encourages you to step out in faith and lay everything you have out there for God to use.  Keeping your eye on the prize and holding steadfast in your faith.  

     Solider On is zealous battle cry to push on through trials and tribulations no matter what may come our way.  Rising in the name of the Lord, refusing to wave a flag of surrender.  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  We got to soldier on, we will soar on wings like eagles."

     The most poetic deeply searching number on this album is definitely won by Homeless Heart.  Anyone who can look back on their life and reflect these emotions expressed through every lyric in this song will be moved by this message.  I can see many people who have possibly lost their way with God connecting so deeply with this song that it reconnects them to Him knowing they are not the only one who has been where they are now.  For this cause I am going to post the lyric video below.  

Ben jamming in Hillsboro, Ohio

     It's very difficult for me to pinpoint what my absolute favorite song is off this album simply because there are so many different styles and messages.  
     The only way I can decide is by returning to the night a few months back when I seen them live in Hillsboro, Ohio and they performed Come To The Table. My heart is grieved for those who don't know our Lord and Savior. I could not help but weep when in that public festival they blasted these vocals. I thought of the all-inclusive invitation that Christ offers and my heart spilled out in tears. I began to think of everyone walking around and standing there unaware of how much God has already given to them if they would just open their hearts and receive Him and come to the table.  Hands down most powerful song on this album and probably one of the best songs they have ever created. 

"To the thief and to the doubter. To the hero and the coward. To the prisoner and the soldier. To the young and to the older. All who hunger, all who thirst. All the last and all the first. All the poppers and the princess. All who fail you've been forgiven. All who dream and all who suffer. All who loved and lost another. All the chained and all the free. All who follow, all who lead. Anyone who's been let down. All the lost you have been found. All who have been labeled right or wrong. To everyone who hears this song, Ooh Come to the table. Come join the sinners you have been redeemed. Take your place beside the Savior. Sit down and be set free"

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                                         DAN                       BEN                              DAVE                       JUSTIN                           CAL

     I remember hearing Ben say at a concert recently that this is the type of album he's been hoping they would make for a really long time. Considering they have a blast on stage when they are performing is a good sign that he is completely satisfied with what they have created!  For those who have yet to buy the album if you can't tell by now I highly recommend it and make sure to Catch Them Live Near You!

     If you have a testimony about how Sidewalk Prophets has ministered to you please message me on our Glorified Pitstop Facebook Page. I would love to share it with others who read this.

Jason Crabb Takes You Down a DIfferent Road



     Singer, Songwriter, Actor and Author, Jason Crabb is not one that generally needs to be introduced to anyone.  Not only does he have a street named after him in his hometown of Beaver Dam, Kentucky but he's been linked to over 21 Dove Awards including the amazing Crabb Family recordings.   


     Most people regardless of musical preference have either been a fan or have at least heard of Jason and seen his families presence for almost two decades through the Christian music industry. 


     Stepping out into his first solo recording in 2009, he earned his first Grammy award. This year, he took a leap of faith into a new sound production through Reunion Records, released on September 18, 2015.  Though it is his fifth solo project it is his first with Reunion bringing with him the same passion and spirit behind the performances we've all come to know and love. 

     I remember over a decade ago I happened to be a choir member at Pastor Todd Hoskins Church.  

Jason Crabb, Pastor Hoskins and Aaron Crabb

Pastor Hoskins and the Crabb Family  have always been good friends and they came to perform one weekend and invited the choir to sing the well known anthem Through The Fire  along with them.  During that time of my life I was in the fire and that moment is one that I will always remember and be thankful to be a part of.

     I had the opportunity to meet Jason and his family that weekend and talked to him for awhile and though he probably wouldn't remember me, he was one of the nicest people I had ever met.  Him and his family are about as friendly and down to earth as they come.  They always stay humble and thankful for all that God has done for them both in their lives and in their ministries.  I'm sure Jason does not fall short in his gratitude for the opportunity he was given to bless his listeners with this new sound he has created.

     "Whatever The Road" God has planned for Jason ahead one thing is for sure, this album prepares a platform that opens many new avenues for his music to be heard.  With a more contemporary sound throughout, while not completely losing his country gospel roots he integrates a little old with a little new creating a special unique delivery that no one else is currently providing in the industry. 

     He Knows What He's Doing (video below), is a heartfelt profession of trusting God in the unknown and the heartache. This song demonstrates his natural ability to share a relevant message passionately. "His ways are higher than our own whatever the road."

     The melody on Never Gonna Let Me Go is one that definitely gets you nodding your head.  Often times before we know Christ we walk through troubled times alone and in darkness without hope.  This song expresses the joy found in a worshiper who knows He always has His arms around us no matter what.  "I can't hold back, I can't contain it.  For all He's done, Jesus my Savior"

     As I listen to the album I hear different songs that seem like they should already be on the radio.  Chance For A Miracle in my opinion will be one of the favorites off the album by many people.  Great vocals by Jason and the message is for just about anyone who hears it.  "And then I'm heart heavy, halfway through the midnight hour.  Waiting for the sun to rise.  Still hoping; still praying; There's an answer waiting on the other side.  It might look to difficult, it might look impossible.  But Oh God let it be a chance for a miracle."

     If I Shout will take many of Jason's long time listeners right to a place they want to be.  A perfect combination of gospel/contemporary and vocals that won't stop this truly is a great story of why we can't help but to celebrate what we have found in Christ."For anyone who knows they've got a future and home beyond the grave. Every life's a different story, how He led us out of darkness into light.  There's no way to keep us silent, every breaths another chance to testify."

     

      One of the things Jason has always been is a family man.  It's A Good Life is a representation of staying true to living life to the fullest no matter how busy or hectic things seem to get. Jason and his wife Shellye are a testimony of a union held together tight through the love of Christ.  I think they have found the fountain of youth as well because it seems they don't age a bit! "But it's a good life, it's a real good life and these are the days that we will want back.  It's a good life, it's a real good life.  So hold on tight girl, it's moving fast." 

     Home will be a favorite for those who long to enter into our next destination. "How beautiful Heaven must be, sweet home of the happy and free. Absent from the body with Jesus at last.  Destination Heaven, cares all past." This Life For You testifies the desire to want to please the Lord in all that we do.  "When all is said and all is done.  My time on Earth is through, may all my days say one thing, I lived this life for you."

     We have all experienced things that cannot be explained away by chance.  The intervention that comes by the mighty hand of God don't make sense in the natural state. Mysterious Ways tells a story of a young man and his friend who walk away from an accident without a scratch and end up giving his life to the Lord.  

     One of my personal favorites off the album, You Are Good expresses the gratitude toward our Heavenly Father of the sacrifices He gave to set us free.  "For my life, you felt the pain of every step. My crown of thorns upon your head I won't forget.  You've opened up my eyes to see, you are good."

     For those who have always loved hearing Jason throw his heart out in a vocally passionate encouraging masterpiece, He Won't Leave You There will be your song of the year. Brilliantly written and award worthy,  I almost thought I heard an emotional moment in the recording, where Jason got choked up. Written to touch the heart of someone going through a difficult season in life, he wraps himself in the unfolding of this vocally rich expression of hope.  I would love to be present to see him perform this one live. 
     
     Whatever The Road, will delightfully surprise long time fans and without a doubt gain Jason a new listening audience. He has crossed the lines creating a new sound that is genuine and authentic. There is something special that awaits anyone who decides to see where this road leads.

“I’ve never wanted to be pigeon-holed. I just wanted to make music. I finally found that if you're part of the creative process of the song, then it becomes you. With this record, I feel like it's a little more of who I am than what I’ve been. It’s where I want to be and it's wonderful.”

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