Welcome to the Gospel fill up station! Focusing on Christian music CD Reviews, Concerts and Testimonials. I will also share articles to strengthen and challenge you to strive to become all that God has purposed for you! I hope you can find this to be a place of refueling your spirit and recharging your batteries!
Sometimes we take for granted the simple gifts that God bestows upon the individuals He uses to bless us in the music industry. One of the most genuine psalmists that I have heard use his talent not only in voice but on the keys of the piano is Mr. Gordon Mote.
A welcoming presence among many well known country artists winning him theAcademy of Country Music's top piano/keyboard player award twice over. Also a familiar face on the Gaither Homecoming Tour, Gordon carries a long list of albums and award nominations including winning the instrumentalist award in 2009 and 2011.
Gordon puts his own touch on the strings of your heart and soul and brings new life into some old and new favorites on his latest release Hymns And Songs of Inspiration. Gordon shared why he felt compelled to put his musical signature on these wonderful melodies.
“Growing up in our little town of Gadsden, AL, our whole family would listen as Harry Butler hosted ‘Songs of Inspiration’ every Sunday morning on WGAD Radio. Even though we were just kids, my brother and I couldn’t wait to hear the latest songs from new and familiar groups. Over the decades, ‘Songs of Inspiration’ has blessed—and still blesses--lots of folks. In some small way, I’m hoping to honor and extend that legacy with this new project.”
Amongst the traditional hymns you will find his own magical spin on some recent worship powerhouse favorites like Holy Spirit (Jesus Culture) and Because He Lives (Chris Tomlin & Matt Maher).
There is one original which is perfectly timed to what we see happening in the world today titled, Only Jesus Can Heal This Hurting World.
I found myself tearing up when I first heard this song because he seriously sings from his heart what many of us are feeling. "Weneed to admit we can't fix what's going wrong. But there's someone that can do what we've needed all along. Only Jesus can heal this hurting world. No One can love like He does, heart by heart and one by one." A few of the hymns that stayed pretty true to the original melodies were Precious Lord Take My Hand, Great Is Thy Faithfulness and O, The Blood. I have heard a lot of versions of Just A Closer Walk With Thee, but the jazzy feel Gordon sprinkled on this oldie but goodie made it appear new. Another favorite of mine was his slight rockabilly rendition of Power In The Blood.
You will also hear his interpretation of other familiar favorites in Tis So Sweet, When We All Get To Heaven, I Surrender All and Just As I Am.
Since the blood of Jesus is the reason we have freedom to sing, freedom to worship and the purpose behind the promotion of the Gospel I wanted to share the video below of Gordon sharing O' The Blood.
For those who are a fan of Gordon's music you don't want to miss out on this gem. I would also recommend this timeless treasure of classics and new favorites for anyone who enjoys inspirational worship melodies.
For six down to earth Oregon folk September 24, 2013 marks the start of a life changing adventure. Their self-titled Essential Records debut is also bound to change the lives of those who hear it as well.
The Neverclaim, was formed out of the Vineyard church worship movement through the penmanship of lead singer Jeremiah Carlson.
With a heart of worship this diverse team of people unified for the purpose to enable others to have a rich encounter with God. Their first EP was produced by the Vineyard Music label in 2010 titled “Quiet down”
Gaining a fan base before signing with Essential, this group recognizes they were not brought together by chance but have a higher calling on their lives spreading revival through music. Along their journey they won a talent contest held by the national radio network, Spirit FM. This brought about an opportunity to open for many bands on tour such as Kutless, Third Day and Shawn McDonald. Mac Powell introduced them toEssential and the rest is creation in motion.
There latest single, One Truth, One Life (official video below) which was released toward the end of July, 2013 has gotten rave reviews from listeners. This song is a feel good anthem around the truth and life that we find in Christ.
“His love lights the way, His truth will break down every lie, as His children proclaim His name.”
Revival, is a genuine heartfelt cry to stir the saints of God to rise and shout proclaiming the gospel of Christ. “We were made for such a time as this. When every knee will bow and tongue confess, Jesus Christ for who He really is.”A Hook laden melody and outstanding message that awakens the spirit of the believer, this song is certain to be on repeat in your heart and in your car.
I believe as the band continues to go out on tour, fans will truly enjoy hearing certain songs live. Burn ranks up there in my books as being one of those corporately anointed worship songs that is just going to illuminate the presence of God in people’s lives across the Nations. I could listen to this song over and over and never get tired of it because it’s a longing for God to burn inside your heart and it stirs that fire inside your soul.
I have had a difficult time selecting a favorite song on this album simply because they are all fantastic. However, the first one that brought tears to my eyes, Steal Their Hearts has got to be up there somewhere.
“I’ll try to lead them by your truth. I’ll tell them life is found in you. But even that won’t be enough, because only you can reveal your love.”
I am certain if you have loved ones who you know could be healed of their brokenness only if they would surrender this song will have the same effect on you.
One of the reasons why we desire loved ones and friends to know theLord is because we long to share Eternity with them. My Soul Longs, is a celebration of that desire that we know one day we will see come to pass.
“He’s coming back for His Bride, Hallelujah!”
I can see this being incorporated into many worship services and guaranteed to be a live favorite by the band on tour. God’s children love to celebrate truth and this is a corporate anointed party in the spirit.
Sweet Sweet Mercies is another song that could be easily incorporated into a worship service, it is tender enough to melt your heart, but is powerful enough to have a Jesus and I jam session in your car not caring who is watching you. Not like I did that personally or anything just saying; Ok, yeah maybe I did. Jeremiah (lead singer), who has struggled in the past with issues of anxiety, penned this phenomenal tune with those memories in mind. “I’m letting go of what I can’t control. I’m giving up this desperate life, Lord I’m letting go. Down on my knees; so I can see that you are here, and now I know. Your sweet, sweet mercies come and overflow.”
The mercy of Christ comes with an intense price that was paid by His sacrifice. Pearl of Great Price, will immerse you in the depths of the sovereignty that we are covered by. I cannot listen to this song without crying. My heart is awakened to the untouchable love that He displayed that day for you and I and how nothing compares to the treasure of His life.
Sometimes people are unable to see the gift of life in Christ because they won’t open the door to Him, instead they try to stand on their own. Mighty Jesus, is a poetic transformation of a heart that no longer depends on anything but Christ. “Upon this solid rock I will stand. On you and you alone I will stand. When everything around falls apart, I will stand.”This anthem for Christ is passionate and impeccable.
Be Lifted Higher, is probably the song I enjoy listening to the most on the album. Though it has been extremely difficult to narrow it down to a favorite, this song just fills my spirit to the brim overflowing with adoration of the King of Kings. This CD should have a warning label on the side of it that reads, “Be careful while operating a vehicle under the influence of The Neverclaim.”
The last song to mention is Enthroned on High. Worshiping the Lord, God above all with everything that is within’ is what this song encompasses. “I’m going to bring all that I am to the one who makes me whole. There you are enthroned on high, here I am lay myself down low. I give these hands, stretched out to the sky. I will bring praise to the Lord God above all.” The blessed trinity of God valiant, humble, omnipotent and merciful, our friend and our Master none can compare.
Produced by Paul Moak and Jason Ingram, who combined have some of the greatest Christian artists to date on their lists of gifts to the body. The Neverclaim, have no problem carrying their God given mantle, and plan to never claim the glory of that; hence their chosen name. However, it is relevant to say if you like Matt Kearney, Third Day, Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North and Building 429 I’m pretty certain The Neverclaim CD should be on the top of your to do list come September 24, 2013.
As an avid music reviewer I always enter into an impartial relationship with each album. Since I was unfamiliar with The Neverclaim, I had no expectations either. I can tell you openly now this CD has not come out of my car for two weeks. The last time that happened was when I reviewed Sidewalk Prophets last album. Mind you, they are one of my favorite bands, The Neverclaim, are also now on that list.
This album touched my heart so much I felt led to create a video that includes three of my favorites songs off the album. I decided to include it in this review so that you can enjoy more of their music!
It’s hard to find music that combines talented artistry,along with spirit stirring lyrics and sounds produced through the spirit of the deliverer that come together like a tapestry of magnificence. I am sure you can ascertain by now that I am totally biased toward this group because they have my unfailing respect and have touched my heart in a way few groups can or ever will. The Neverclaim, have forever claimed me as true believer and supporter of their music ministry.
