Gordon Mote Applies His Own Touch of Genius

 Hymns and Songs of Inspiration

     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 the Academy 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. 

    
     His previous album All Things New, released in 2013 through New Haven Records won him a Dove Award Nomination and the excitement of having artists he's played for join him in the creation process. A few of the artists you will hear featured are Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Sheryl Crow, Trace Adkins, Matthew West and The Gaither Vocal Band.

     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. "We need 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. 

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K-love Fan Awards 2014

Welcome to the K-love Fan Awards Weekend Celebration!

     On Friday May 30, 2014 I embarked upon a three day weekend in Nashville, Tennessee at the ultimate KLove Fan Experience located at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Once you get past the glory and splendor of this beautifully decorated resort and retrieve your guest passes for the extravaganza you make your way to the Ultimate Fan Zone entrance. 

     Upon entering the zone we were greeted by some very friendly volunteers from Trevecca University. Not only did they offer guests tasty popcorn samples but throughout the entire weekend, smiling students made the lives of the K-Love event planners simpler by offering their services in every area of business. I must at this point give a huge shout out to the University for providing such friendly people to man the stations so often over seen in these types of events.

           I was able to speak with Lindsey Bell, one of the many volunteers with a burden for youth.

She gave her life to Christ when she was fifteen years old and is now studying education. She plans to marry her fiancé, who is a youth Pastor on October 11, 2014. I asked her, "What is one thing you feel Trevecca has taught you?” She smiled and said, “The importance of realizing that we are all Christians despite our denomination, you know to love each other and to love Christ. That is what it’s all about.” I say Amen to that and wish this lovely young lady a bright future with her soon to be husband.

     There are numerous activities for family members of all ages throughout the weekend. It’s almost like you are in overdrive because you can’t really decide what you want to do or what you want to take part in. The best thing about the design of the zone is that you don’t really have to choose. The way it is set up you can wait in line to get autographs signed and meet your favorite artists, while watching several other singers play basketball against each other.

 



     Another perk to the zone is while partaking in all the events, there are live concerts by some of your favorite artists taking place like Sidewalk Prophets, Josh Wilson and Rhett Walker.

      It’s coordinated so that you don’t have to miss out on anything. I really enjoyed seeing all the people who took part in this event sitting around introducing themselves to new friends and sharing testimonies and experiences with each other. It becomes a moment in time when you can just enjoy the goodness of the Lord in an environment with like-minded individuals. Jamie Grace was a special treat for me always shining with her quirky personality and sense of humor. 

 

     When K-Love first decided to put this event together for the first time two years ago I wonder if they had any idea how much of a success it would truly become. As the second year of the event began to bloom into the weekend I began to wonder as a member of media what was the most important aspect of this event and how could God use me to glorify Him through writing about it?

     I looked around quietly and thought; “Yes everyone is excited to be here. Yes we are all going to hear music performed by all these gifted musicians and played by these talented disc jockeys that bless our lives on a daily basis and encourage us as we go through life. Yes we might get the opportunity to introduce ourselves to a few of them throughout the weekend, but what is the most relevant factor of this experience?” It did not take long for God to whisper to me; “The person standing next to you, the person in front of you and the person behind you all have a story to tell.” 

     I have had many opportunities to interview talented artists in different settings and get to know them on a personal level. However, this event is planned for the fans. In other words, for the Body of Christ that might not be known by a song they sing or by the name of their band. They might not work for a Christian radio station or be a recognizable face that passes by. However, they could be your neighbor or the person who took care of you in the hospital when you were sick. They might be the teacher who taught your child how to read, or the person that drives your son or daughter to school every day. She could be the barista that fixes your coffee for you on or he might just be the young man who took your order last night at dinner.

     The K-Love Ultimate Fan Experience is about people. Those of us who support K-Love, and the artists who bring the love of God to radio and into our homes and our vehicles. If it wasn’t for God using all of us each with our talents and gifts K-love would not be able to operate in the fashion that it does, and this weekend is all about them paying it forward. It’s a recognition of thankfulness to all those who come together and partner with them and support these musicians by buying their albums and going to concerts. So since we were in the fan zone, I took it upon myself to recognize some of these amazing individuals who were happy to take the time and speak with us and share some of their personal testimonies.

     Flying in from Roseburg Oregon, Heather Faught was enjoying her first experience at the Klove Fan Awards. She shared with us that her favorite band was Casting Crowns, who happened to win a special award that weekend.  She was thankful to be a part of such an amazing experience.  Heather came through a very difficult illness with several specialists not offering her much hope.  One year prior to this event she gave her life to Christ and through the ministry of Klove strengthened her relationship with God and led her to a doctor that was able to help her.  Heather said, "Klove was a huge part of my healing process."

     I have to stop for a moment here and focus on one of the most emotional moments for me personally. I want to encourage anyone out there reading this right now to never stop chasing your dreams. If God has put a vision inside of you or a dream inside of you fan that flame. Chase it with all that He has put inside of you and believe in yourself that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

     I have had a desire for many years to work in Christian Radio. The fact that I was able to meet JD Chandler from K-Love and watch how all the DJ’s interacted with listeners and people in general just ignited that for me even more.

 

     It’s not about what they do as much as it was about God showing me to continue to follow that path. It was a personal moment for me with God; though JD Chandler was physically in this picture with me; if you look at the smile on my face, God was in my heart saying “You can do this. Keep that vision alive.”

 

     My husband and I were strolling along the resort pathway enjoying the water and speaking lightly with other guests that were there. I was enjoying trying to figure out who some of the band members were that I seen other people stopping to take photos with.

 

     I suppose as someone in media you would assume that I would recognize everyone, but unfortunately I relate musically more so than by physical appearance. I bumped into Lila Tuck and made this confession only to have her bust out laughing at me and say “Girl you know I work for K-Love and I am the same way.” It’s nice to know that you are not alone in the world and someone could understand my dilemma. Not to mention Lila was so much fun to get to talk to, even if it was for only a few minutes a day. K-Love is blessed to have this fire cracker on their staff.

 

     There are so many talented Christian bands out there and so much great music in this industry it is extremely difficult to know what everyone looks like. However, there are several that have ministered to me for quite some time that I have seen in concert or met on occasions enough to recognize immediately.

     David Frey lead singer from Sidewalk Prophets happens to fit into that category. We bumped into him on our stroll and he was nice enough to introduce us to their new guitar player Daniel Macal and pause for a moment to allow my husband to take a photo of us together.

     While walking back to the fan zone I seen a couple holding hands walking towards us and decided to stop and chat with them about their experience. We introduced ourselves and I asked them if this was their first time attending the K-Love Fan Awards weekend and they looked at each other and just kind of chuckled. Lo and behold out of all the people we could have interviewed, God led us to Michelle and Dale Harrison.

      Michelle told us that during the week that K-Love was taking pledges from their listener supporters she received a phone call. They had donated to the station and had been chosen as the winner for the weekend trip not even knowing they had a chance to win anything. They said God has been good to them in their marriage and through the counseling conferences that are held at their home church in Lafayette, Indiana. The weekend was really like a wedding Anniversary gift since they celebrated on the 27th of May. It was a blessing to meet this couple and we pray and wish for them many more years of happiness!

     With so much stuff going on in the world today and so many negative things to influence young children and teenagers, K-Love and Christian music is a huge benefit for parents. Many of the artists that are rising up in this industry are teenagers and young adults themselves so they can easily relate lyrically to the things others in the same generation are facing. Last July Rita and Richard York made it a point to book this as their family vacation.  As parents of teenagers R.J (14) whose favorite band is Capitol Kings and fifteen year old Kim who loves Switchfoot, they came in from Tucson, Arizona to share this time growing closer together.

     With a message of hope and encouragement and showing them they don’t have to go with the flow, but to be unique and to be steadfast in faith shows strength and character. One family we met during the weekend knows exactly how important it is incorporate that into the lives of their children.  This family was really a treasure to meet. We hope to see their smiling faces again next year, Lord willing.

     After we met some amazing fans we decided to make our way back to the fan zone. Upon entry everyone has the opportunity to have their photo taken with a K-Love Award on a red carpet. How could we possibly pass that by without striking a pose? We then ventured over to the memorabilia section where they were sporting the K-Love   Nascar driven by Michael McDowell.

     In this section you can see several points of history marked by different Christian artists who have opened up so many doors for the Glory of God to be exalted in the music industry and around the world through song.

     One of the coolest things in this section to me was the Newsboys rising and spinning drum set. I remember the first time I seen them in concert during Spirit Song Festival at Kings Island Amusement Park and I was just mesmerized by it. I have no idea how Duncan Phillips does not get extremely ill on that thing but I definitely would not challenge him to a scrambler duel. For avid fans of musical instruments and sports memorabilia there was also a silent auction in the fan zone.

 

      Proceeds went toward the support of the outreach in the middle of Detroit, Michigan called K-love Hope Center.  Not only did the K-Love Fan Awards bless those who were able to attend, but through all the voting that went into choosing the winners in each category and K-Love partnering with World Hope Ministries, four families were provided homes. Praise God for that! They also had a 5K Celebrity Run For Love to benefit the children of Haiti.

     Sunday morning the tide shifts and the focus of the celebration moves toward a wonderful worship service led by none other than Michael W Smith. After worship you have the option to enjoy more concerts and autograph signing at the convention center or relax and get ready for the main event at the Grand Ole Opry.

     For those staying at the resort there is a shuttle that transports you to the event so there is no need for you to drive. It was very hot out that evening and people were dressed to impress. Not only were the fans sporting some fancy attire, but media as well as artists were looking quite snazzy and everyone was hot and trying to maintain their appeal. I spoke to a few fans that were really excited and trying to catch a glimpse of some familiar faces walking along the red carpet. I told them I was going to get a few of them all dressed up and excited about the evening out enjoying the day with friends.

 

     As the red carpet began to fill up with familiar faces, artists like Colton Dixon were making some fans extremely happy. The thing I noticed about this whole weekend coming full circle is not only do the fans love these artists, but these artists love their fans and each other.

 

     The smiles that were generated from each of these Christian artists, no matter what realm they work in whether it be in film or the music industry carried the expression of humble gratitude and joy of living in the gift they were given by their creator.

      Each category of nominee’s carried some tough competition. However, these artists love each other like brothers and sisters and don’t view it as a competition but more so as someone they love being recognized for the gifts they share with the world sharing the Gospel. I was able to stand in the hallway with all these super talented individuals as they visited each other and greeted one another as if they were at a family reunion.

      I wanted to go to each of them and say “Hey, I just want you to know how much this song blessed me, or how what you said at that concert that night really touched my heart”. Instead I realized in that moment they were all getting exactly what they needed. These artists that we look up to so much do not see themselves as stars. They see themselves as one of us, as the body of Christ they are using the gifts and talents that God has given them to minister to others. 

 

     All of these creative vessels of sports, music, movie production and media coming together in one place for one purpose and in one accord is priceless. In that moment they were nourishing each other and reconnecting with people they genuinely care a great deal about.

      One of the highlights of the weekend for me was seeing how happy they were to see each other.

I did however snag a shot with David White and his beautiful wife Andrea. This was the first year that media was approved for the weekend events and backstage coverage at the awards show.


      The ceremony kicked off with Matthew West and Candace Cameron Bure entertainingly hosting. K-Love staff had a very nice area set up for media behind the scenes with food and a big screen with audio to view the unfolding events. Every few minutes or so a different group or artist would grace the media cave (as referred to by Toby Mac) and the microphone would be opened up and audio from the live show silenced for a few select questions from the media outlets.

 

 

 

     Since each category can only have one winner, let’s start by giving a shout out to Mandisa

who took home Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year with Overcomer.

Pepsi is a big sponsor for the Fan Awards weekend and they offer an exciting award for the artist who is chosen to be plastered on a seven-up can. The little comical musician Jamie Grace won the chance to quench the thirst of her fans and she is adorable.

     Hillsong was chosen for Worship Song of the Year with Oceans which happens to be one of my personal favorites. Artists of the Year,which was one of the toughest categories got nabbed by Casting Crowns.
 

     The Book that fans voted had the Most Impact was by Max Lucado titled, You'll Get Through This. Thomas Davis took home the Sports Impact win. Best Live Show was stolen by the one who asks God to steal it from him, how ironic. Much deserved applause out to Mr. Toby Mac.

     Group Duo of the Year got carried away by The Newsboys.  Chris Tomlin, who happens to be one of my personal lyrical heroes took home Male Artist of the Year.  God's Not Dead received the Film/ Television Impact award. Big shout out to the actors and filmmakers in this category and the much deserved winners.

 

     This event not only celebrates the fans, but it also recognizes the amazing gifts and talents lived out by these incredible artists who first and foremost are celebrating what God has done in all of us. He gives His children the abilities we carry inside to bless the body, which in turn reciprocates recognition and honor all for the Glory of His Kingdom. God bless each and every person who took part in, attended and made this event all that it was and the doors that each of these individuals open up for Christ to do a work in others through what they share with the world. How can you not see the joy of the Lord in these faces?

 

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Kari Jobe Majestic Review

     Texas has got a runaway train that just keeps picking up speed. Thirty-two year old Kari Jobe, hit the microphone running when she was a mere three year old babe. The sensitivity and passion that she collectively pours into the spirit of worship is evidence that she has trained herself to be keen to the move of God. With the popularity of this level of worship on the rise, I believe it is another confirmation that the body of Christ is maturing and they are desperate for that intimate proclamation.


     I remember a couple years back while attending the Winter Jam Tour most of the bands were all about getting people “amped up in the presence”. Not that this is a bad thing and not that I didn’t enjoy all of them but when it was Kari’s turn to enter the stage, she acted like no one was in that arena but her and God. She went center stage and got on her knees and began to worship like she was in her prayer closet all by herself. She does not know this, but that was the day I seen her in a different light.

     There are many people out there that have beautiful voices who can sing beautiful songs with beautiful lyrics, but not everyone can change the atmosphere when they begin to open their mouth. Some people are just anointed and appointed for that purpose and Kari happens to be one of those rare breeds. Her latest album Majestic, which is due out March 25, 2014 was recorded live in Dallas, Texas at the Majestic Theatre. For those of you who may have missed the level of intimacy on Where I Find You which was more radio friendly, earning Kari her first Grammy Nomination, you will be thankful to know that she is back with spiritual gun’s blazing on Majestic.


     Hands to the Heavens, starts off this intimate setting by opening the atmosphere with praise and worship as a congregation awaiting the presence of God to awaken the hearts of those with Hands raised to the King. "Come like a rushing wind, come light the fire again. Come like a burning flame. Have your way. With our hands to the Heavens: alive in your presence, Oh God.” You will easily be touched and motivated and singing along the first time you listen to this song, which is an intentional aspect of the album. It is created for people to use these songs as a part of corporate worship.



     Bringing an extremely catchy melody, Breathe on Us, I have found continues to grow to the top of my favorites each time I listen to Majestic. It carries a combination of praise and worship that culminates to a moment of expectancy for those waiting for a habitation to take place. Not to mention the ever so effectively addictive guitar riffs thrown in during the closing of the chorus.

     Only Your Love, encompasses the relationship we have in Christ and all that we find in His love for us, if we intimately love Him, no matter what we face or trials that come from any direction can separate us from His love. “Your love is overwhelming. brought me to life again, your love it will last forever, in you there will be no end.”

     Sometimes we can become tired in well doing, thinking that God doesn’t see or hear our prayers. Often times we think that because He doesn’t say yes to all of our requests that He isn’t listening. Keeper of My Heart, strengthens your faith with an understanding that He is the Maker of the Heavens and your heart is in His Hands. His plans for you may not be understood with the carnal eye, but we have to trust him. “My strength, you’re never ending love. I know you have overcome. I’ll sing when all is said and done. My hope my only hope. Jesus you are the keeper of my heart.”

     Continuing the trend of placing your life in the hands of the Father and trusting Him with all that is within you, Always Enough is an anthem that surrenders control. God begins to truly bless the lives of those who realize that in Him no matter how little it might seem to others, it is always enough for the one who is filled with His love. “If I have you, I have everything. But without you I have nothing".



     The first single off the album, Forever is the love story unfolding of the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus and how He is alive forever. A beautifully orchestrated and vocally majestic (pun intended) delivery of the very reason we have been granted the gift of Eternal life. “His perfect love could not be overcome. Now death where is your sting? Our resurrected King, has rendered you defeated. Forever He is glorified.”

     This song is very emotional for those who connect with the lyric and anointing that falls during the live recording. I can only imagine what it was like to actually be there during that moment.

     Trying to wrap up into one word that describes Christ is a task not many can accomplish. Majestic, is a good start and this title track glorifies Him in descriptive detail as the wonderful merciful Savior that He is. The Lord of all the earth becomes our friend and walks into the temple of praise and changes every aspect of our lives. As we worship Him in adoration in spirit and truth. “When You Walk in the Room”, appears to be a transfer from Majestic as the presence of God begins to fill the place.

     The Bible tells In I Peter Chapter 4:12-14

 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, in asmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 

     I Am Not Alone confirms that resting place in the Father in whatever storms life may bring. “In the midst of deep sorrow, I see your light is breaking through. The dark of night will not overtake me I am pressing into you.” One of the simplest songs on the album produces one of the most powerful messages needed by almost all Christians at some point in their lives.

     Cody Carnes from the Gateway Worship team joins Kari in Holy Spirit to lead the worship experience inviting the presence of the Spirit of God to dwell amongst them and fill the atmosphere, flooding their hearts to overflow. “Your glory God is what our hearts long for. To be overcome by your presence Lord. Let us become more aware of your presence. Let us experience the glory of your goodness.”

      A true corporate manifestation of His powerful peacefulness, that falls upon the breasts of His intimate worshippers.

      Spiritually there is always one song that I seem to connect with more emotionally on each album Lord Over All (live video below) has won that award on Majestic. This song brings tears to my eyes each time I listen to it. When we realize that no matter what, He will never fail, we begin to look at situations differently that may have been causing us to stress or doubt or question the direction they are going. “In the valley of the unknown I will lift my voice. In the shifting in the shadow, I know You are with me.”

 

     Look Upon the Lord is another beautifully vocalized anthem of the goodness of the Glory of Our Father. I cannot express in words the authenticity that Kari delivers in this surreal piece of music. This is truly one of the most heartfelt worship songs I have heard in a long time. The fact that this album was produced live brings that much more heart into this masterpiece.

Incorporating the praise of people that have for the first time heard these song brings a climatic consuming proclamation of God’s holiness in one heart and one accord. You know the commercial where the guy kisses his fingertips and says “That's a spicy meatball”? Spiritually I’m kissing my fingertips saying, “That was perfection”! By far one of the best songs Kari has ever recorded.

     Closing out Majestic, Kari shares Let the Heavens Open. For those of you who love the song Oceans by Hillsong, you will find a welcoming resemblance. Not vocally or melodically per se but spiritually. For me personally this is my favorite song on the album. It’s more so the heart behind the lyric that carries the instruments like a crashing wave into the deepest parts of your soul. It’s riveting and powerful and demonstrates that hunger for God to open the Heavens and pour His spirit out upon His people. “We stand in the glory of the King. Knowing that you’re here, you have set us free. You’re here let our worship be your throne. Amazed by who you are, your presence makes us whole.”

     For those familiar with the Jesus Culture, Bethel Church and Kim Walker-Smith, Majestic is produced under the same direction from Jeremy Edwardson. Distributed through Capitol Christian on the Sparrow Records Label , Kari Jobe delivers her best album to date. Collaborating with amazing worship leaders like Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Reuben Morgan from Hillsong and Paul Baloche.

     Creating an intimate atmosphere and producing a live album that transfers the anointing to the listener takes a collective team of people whose hearts are all in one accord.
      Kari sends a special thank you out to everyone involved on this project for helping to make a child hood dream come true.

      Kari has proven she has the tenacity to continue to bring worship to another level as she leads others into the presence of the Almighty. Sharing her faith and her heart and wearing her humbleness on her sleeve oblivious to whether or not others join her in the ultimate act of worship is a sign God will continue to use her in a mighty way.

     Not only does she create beautiful music but she partners with the A21 Campaign dedicated to putting a stop to human trafficking.

 

“I’ve become really invested in that ministry and strongly believe that we all have to play a role and do our part to fight against the modern form of slavery that affects 27 million people and growing. Whether I’m participating in an effort like this or leading worship, it’s all about making a difference. That’s the reason I’m doing what I’m doing at this specific moment—to see God’s name lifted high, to encourage the hurt and the broken and to remind everyone to draw close to Him because He really, truly does care about each and every one of His children.”

     I am certain Kari’s ministry has positively affected more people than she will ever know, until the day she kneels before the Majestic King and sees all the crowns at His feet adored from her service and sacrifice.

What Britt Nicole Delivers Is Golden

     Internationally known to top the charts in the UK and throughout the US, Britt Nicole is no stranger to the music industry. Her sophomore release, The Lost Get Found debuted at number one on the Christian Album Billboard Charts and produced three top ten singles.

    On March 26, 2012 she will be releasing her third album, Gold.  It is ironic to me that God’s perfect number is three and this album introduces itself as her best production to date.

     Britt was born in North Carolina on August 2, 1985. Three short years later she began to utilize her vocal gift from Godin her home church. She continued to blossom, singing on her local church television program and gracing the prestigious Carnegie Hall stage with her High School’s advanced choir. In 2011 she carried a nomination for “Female Vocalists of Year” through the Dove Award Association.

     With two chart-topping albums in her pocket Nicole has accumulated a large fan base. I have a feeling on March 26, that number is going to increase. The vocals on Gold could be compared to secular artists like Adele and Katy Perry. Lyrically speaking it’s more of a combination between Dara Maclean and Royal Tailor. With intricate beats that will get you on your feet and lyrically and vocally matured vibe this is definitely not a par for the course addition to her discography.

     All This Time, which was the first release has been steadily remaining on the Billboard Charts. Any one who has truly been transformed by the love of God, could very well be wiping a tear away as this song reminds you how great He has truly been. Lyrically expressing, “I hear these people asking me, how do I know what I believe? Well, I am not the same me, and that’s all the proof I need. I felt love, I felt your grace, you stole my heart that day.” Sometimes we take for granted how far He has brought us from where we used to be and this song is a heartfelt reminder.

     If you are like me, you usually have one or two favorites off of each album you buy. However, on this album it’s extremely difficult to narrow that down. As I was in my car listening to the title track, Gold (video below) I did have a moment. I felt like teenager who should have been wearing a big pair of white shades like the Go-Go Girls used to wear, cruising around jamming out with the windows down. I wasn’t too concerned that I probably looked ridiculous to others, considering I am almost forty.

     The mere fact was that I was enjoying it immensely. There is a brief segment toward the end where it appears one of the Spice Girls took over her microphone. As she breaks out, “So don’t let anybody tell you that your not above, and don’t let anybody tell you that you’re not enough, yeah there are days that we are feeling like we’re messed up but the truth is that we’re all diamonds in the rough”. It’s easy to hear why she has gained a good-sized fan base in the UK area.

     Look Like Love is very lyrically powerful. Reminiscent of the popular release from Revive , titled blink. Britt shares the importance of taking time to share with others the love of Christ. Instead of a ballad as produced by Revive, she delivers a provoking feel good message to utilize your joy and happiness to lead others to the saving knowledge of the cross. The design of this type of song is to awaken you spiritually to be about your Father’s business. Doing the work of the ministry and at the same time drawing your attention to spending time with family and friends. These things are pertinent to us during this day and age.

     We all struggle and sometimes get discouraged, whether we have others supporting us or not. When the walls around us begin to crumble, we have to bury ourselves in faith. Who You Say You Are, is a fantastic composition and the message is encouraging to each and every single person who has trusted God to live for Him. "I’ll still be smiling when the sky is dark, cause I believe that you are who you say you are."

     Another addictive number Ready or Not has the same effect on me as Gold. It tends to be pushed up on volume control as I drive down the road with the breeze blowing through my hair. Vocally speaking I feel this song really puts Britt’s voice in a pocket where she truly sounds the most unique. I am uncertain who performs the rap section, but it slides right in there and just adds to the pure impeccable production of this piece.

     Breakthrough is a victory driven melody that expresses someone putting their foot down in personal areas of their life. A destiny waiting where one is meant to be free and they are tired of the devil trying to bring them down. “You can’t make me fear. I’ve cried too many tears. Yeah I’ve had enough now I am gonna call your bluff.” The song does engage you in an electronic mix appearing to be the transitional moment for the breakthrough.

     Stand is an encouraging tune about whatever one is facing, as long as we stand in faith knowing He is with us we will be fine. The Sun Is Rising, is one of the softer additions and really anchors on the essentiality of keeping your eyes on Christ.

    Another electronic vibe awaits you in Amazing Life. This song returns a few tracks later with a remix version that adds more spice to the already spiritual adrenaline driven track.

     Still That Girl and Seeing For The First Time are both beautiful additions to this album and a great way to draw it to a close. You will find great similarity to the passionate moments that Kari Jobe shares on her up-tempo ballads. I think these two songs will get the most airplay if they are released as singles. Seeing For The First Time, is undeniably one of the best songs vocally on the entire album. You can also feel her expression of heartfelt adoration come through and it's crisp and soft and simply spotless.

     There is a bonus track on the album titled Straight For Your Heart, which is a message from the throne of God to each and every one of us. “Your heart beats, but it is just keeping time. You’re living but you don’t feel alive. The world outside is turning, while yours is lying still, in a cycle spinning spiral holding you until. Right here, right now I am coming straight for your heart.”

     I am about two listens away to the bonus track achieving number one status in my book. That being said, the entire album is simply great. Immanently the best album created by the lovely young Britt who truly just wants to express her love for God to others in a fun moving way. If you know young people who like the sound of Kate Perry, Lily Allen, or Kate Nash and you would like to influence them with a message of hope and faith that they can relate to musically buy them this CD. I believe you could change their lives with that simple gesture. If you personally enjoy Group 1 Crew, Royal Tailor, Dara Maclean or Kari Jobe, or if you are a CCM fan at all, on the 26th do yourself a favor and invite her sounds of music into your heart.

     Bottom line, ready or not she is coming, she is golden and she is knocking it out of the box!

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