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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Welcome The New Christian Music Storm Trooper!

  It Appears The Force Is Behind Beloved

          On October 2, 2015 Centricity Music introduced the debut release from Jordan Feliz, Beloved. I have to wonder if they knew what the future had in store for this Christian soul/pop artist who has definitely awakened the ears of listeners. 

     Jordan's earned the Storm Trooper nickname from me because The River has taken the Christian music charts by storm. Currently he is dominating the airwaves with this soulfully addicting masterpiece. I believe this will be one of many for this rising talented writer and performer who shares why his debut number one hit is his happy place. 

     “I’m a big melody guy, and musically The River is my own personal happy place. It’s a great driving groove that just feels good to sing. The song itself is an invitation to anyone who hears it whether they’re stuck in pride and legalism or wallowing down in the mess they’ve made of their lives. It’s an invitation to take whatever we have and to run to Jesus. It’s an invitation to go down in amazing grace and to rise up being made new."

      In 2014, Jordan walked away from a worship leader position in California along with his beautiful wife Jamie to start a new chapter of their lives in Nashville Tennessee. After struggling for several months to find work they found out they were expecting a beautiful baby girl. Shortly after receiving that news God began to open up doors and blessings upon their obedience.

      Jordan had always had a love for music which created the eight year friendship between he and his current manager Adam Taylor, who he had met in California while both playing a gig. They pulled together in Nashville and signed a deal with Centricity Music in February of 2015. Shortly after that we begin to see how all of this talent began to unfold to the general public that God had been preparing all along.

     For such a time as this, I am sure is a scripture that truly absorbs into the hearts and spirits of this beautiful family who now have so many reasons to be thankful.  One of the greatest blessings they have is their five month old baby girl who inspired the message behind one of my favorite songs and title track Beloved.  Jordan wrote this song thinking about his daughter before she was born.  It's a sincerely heartfelt ballad encouraging others to realize what their worth is to God and those that love them. "You are essential, not accidental And you should realize You are beloved I wanted you to know You are beloved Let it soak into your soul."

     Dancing Through The Fire, definitely has a resemblance to the secular sounds of Maroon5. It really is just plain and simple great musicianship with vocals and a message that are welcomingly original in this genre.  I believe there are a few artists and bands that are beginning to come out with this funky feel good vibe, while still staying true to their spirit and message they want to share of the gospel and their relationship with Christ.  

     One of the best lyrical messages on the album that has an extremely catchy chorus is Simple.  I believe a big reason why it's so difficult to share the Gospel with others in our society today is because as Christians we have complicated His message. This song draws us back to the Cross, "So I open up my mouth and show your kids what you're about and keep it simple.  Don't want to mix up your words with mine, I want to live to reflect your light.  Give me you, give me truth and the rest will fall in line.  Don't want my pride to get in the way of the love that you give away. Give me you, give me truth that the cross can save us all, it's really that simple."

     Rejoice is perfectly named as a celebration in the life that we receive through the grace and love of Christ.  It falls in line with the rest of the album having a melody that is very persuasive to make your head begin to nod uncontrollably. 

     My personal favorite song on the album, which was extremely difficult to narrow down is Satisfied.  Jordan has incredible vocals so it was nice to here a more stripped down worship melody emoted perfectly with a softer tone. You can also feel he is truly passionate about what he is singing. "I have stumbled through the darkest of the valleys. I have climbed upon the highest of hills. All my traveling has brought me to your fountain, and all I want is to come and drink my fill. My heart. Your throne. This life belongs to you and you alone. Let there be, no divide in only you may my soul be satisfied."

     There are four song sessions included on the album. One of which you can see below (Beloved) and his other number one song taking the waves by storm, The River.  On my favorite songs list by NeedToBreathe, Brother happens to be one of the covers that he includes along with Photograph by Ed Sheeran.    

    
     Produced by Joshua Silverberg and Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan has ignited a fan base and created a promising future for his self following his dreams supported by his lovely wife.  The only question I would venture to ask is, "How in the world is he going to top his debut?"  I'm certain his name will be floating around the Dove Awards as well as the Klove Fan Awards next year, of that there is no doubt in my mind.  

     Jordan states below his reason for creating this album that has volumes of talent and heart felt throughout every single track. I would say five out of five stars in my book, and that is one I rarely distribute.  I personally cannot wait to hear what the future holds for this young artist, and I hope to catch him on tour. 

     “I really just wanted this to be a project that people would smile when they listened to it.

I wanted to write songs that would make people feel loved. I want them to feel good. Whatever the complications of life that we might be going through at any given moment, our relationships with Jesus don’t have to be difficult. We have a tendency to make it so much harder on ourselves than it really is. We think God can’t love us because we’re struggling with something or we messed up somewhere. But it’s not that complicated. God loves us. Our ransom has been paid. The emotional baggage we carry around doesn’t change the truth. We belong to God and He loves us. It really is that simple. We just have to be constantly reminded of that. The work has already been done on the cross. We just have to remind ourselves and each other to believe it.”

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Casting Crowns Delivers First Live Worship Album

     On November 13, 2015 Billboards top selling act in Christian music since 2007 provides another ministry tool to the body of Christ in their first live worship album.

     Casting Crowns has been a staple in the Christian music industry since 1999. Releasing their first independent album in 2001 which received vast local recognition. However in 2003 they received world wide recognition with their Self-Titled first label release through Beach Street Records.

     It didn't take long for them to become one of the best known and loved Christians groups to grace the waves of the industry. Casting Crowns are no strangers to RIAA award recognitions either with a vast list of gold, platinum and double platinum achievements. In January of this year they were given the much deserved platinum certification for their album Until The Whole World Hears. 

      Throughout the years of their music ministry each member remains faithful servants within their local church as well. Lead singer, Mark Hall has been a full time youth Pastor for 20 years at Eagles Landing First Baptist Church. It's no surprise that they would choose this location to record their latest album, A Live Worship Experience. Consisting of five worship songs shared in churches all around the world and six original fan favorites affirming tugging at your spiritual heartstrings. 

     If you have been involved in church or you are familiar with Christian music you will definitely recognize several of the worship songs they incorporate into the Live Worship Experience. One of my favorite they recreated live is Here's My Heart, Lord.  (Video Below) Written by the amazing Chris Tomlin and shortly after conquered by David Crowder, this has always been a favorite of mine. I have no doubt both of them appreciated the passion the Crowns infused into it. 

    

     Great Are You Lord is an original from All Sons And Daughters as well as Called Me Higher. For me personally the versions on this album were the first I had heard either one. Regardless of the number of remakes, both are beautiful messages. 

Great Are you Lord,  is one of my favorites delivering a simple yet profound message with authentic conviction. " You give life, you are love. You bring light to the darkness. You give hope, you restore every heart that is broken, Great are You, Lord. It's Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise. We pour out our praise. It's Your breath in our lungs. So we pour out our praise to you only."

     If you don't recognize all of the songs you will quickly come to enjoy them with their signature sound and spirit intertwined into the messages.  Other covers include Good Good Father which was introduced by Housefires and skyrocketed into the top ten by Chris Tomlin.


     Megan Garrett delivers an amazing vocal of No Not One, originally written and performed by Christy Nockels.  Some may not agree with me but I actually enjoyed this version more than any other I have heard.   It may simply be because I have always loved Megan's passion that she conveys through her delivery in the message. Either way it's a great rendition of a beautifully written song.

     For the huge fan base Casting Crowns already has supporting them on their amazing journey of ministry, you will be encouraged to know the six original tracks included live come with an added bonus of ministry from Mark.  If you have ever been able to attend a live concert you know these guys share the love of Christ in messages both in word and song to bless and strengthen the body of Christ.

     Just Be Held was a song that Mark had no idea would minister to him in his own life when he came against a personal fight with cancer. At Calvary was first included on their album Glorious Day; Hymns of Faith . Other favorites you will blessed by include Thrive, You Are The Only One and The Well. 

     The last song I want to mention is one of the most powerful messages in my opinion that has ever been birthed out of a Christian band.  Jesus, Friend Of Sinners displays the love that should pour out from us to those who have yet to come to know Christ.  It's so important that we understand we were not sent to judge the world we were placed here to compel them to come to Christ.  The live version of this song seems to carry such a greater quality to me than the studio version and it may be simply because it's the heart and prayer of the true body of Christ desiring a movement of repentance in the world.  

      When that is shared in a setting where everyone is in one mind and one accord there is a precious moment that occurs that cannot be explained in words, only felt in the spirit of the believer. This album is a testament of the victorious messages they share through the faith and love that they embody as musicians. Not only for God but for others striving to grow closer to the Lord and reach others who do not know Him. 

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Need You Now Review

 

    

     When I was first introduced to the group Plumb, I had no idea who they were, how long they had been around or where they came from. To my knowledge they were a new Christian band that reminded me of Benjamin Gate and had a new song that really touched my heart. The song that I am referencing is How Many Times, which is being steadily played on all Christian radio stations.

     What I was shocked to find out was that Plumb has a vast history in the music industry and has been featured on several television shows as well as movies. This list includes Bruce Almighty, Vampire Diaries and One Tree Hill to name a few. With three number one Billboard dance singles she has also worked with some major names in the dance music industry.

     In 2000 they won Modern Rock Album of the Year at the Dove Awards with their 1999 release Candy Coated Waterdrops. Wow, where have I been? However, maybe you are like me and never really knew who Plumb was until the release of their sixth album Need You Now.

     When I received the album I wasn’t quite sure what to expect considering the history of the band and the genre in which they appear to be distinguished. I have read in previous interviews with lead singer, Tiffany that she doesn’t really understand why they are labeled as a “Christian” band. She feels more like they just create music that people can relate to and many of those people happen to be Christians.

     I personally would have to second that notion, in the fact that I would not classify their latest album as a contemporary Christian album either. I would however, place them in the same category as I would Creed or Skillet.  Many other bands get labeled the same way just because they have occasional moments in their lyrics that seem to produce a belief in a higher power. However, when someone thinks of contemporary Christian artist this album simply does not belong in that category. 

     That being said, I do believe young people,  especially teenage girls would really be able to relate to this album. Certain songs actually made me think of several young women that I know struggling through rebellious times. The song Cage definitely describes someone that wants to live on the wild side not being tied down to anything or anyone. “Don’t try to cage me Or save me I am a wild thing I am a creature And I need your Love for a wild thing I’ve got issues That’s for sure But its why you kinda like me I know it boy You can’t put me in a cage.”

     Musically the album continues to display the dance/energy sound mixed with a little new age pop rock. When I heard the song One Drop I instantly pictured puppy love teenagers acting goofy together. This is a really cutesy kind of song resonating positive young love. “Come with me now look and see how. There’s an ocean overflowing with our hope so let’s jump in and take a swim it’s you and me yeah forever.”

     At Arm’s Length, comes across as a song you would hear in a movie scene where a couple is seeing images of good times, while they are torn apart by the fear of being hurt. It scratches the surface of the scars left by past hurts and the inability to communicate in certain situations without it escalating to an argument. In the end, the passion draws them back together to reunite blindly believing they can heal each other.

      Chocolate and Ice Cream is a very cute pop song very fitting for an episode of Glee. I could see the main couple having a good day in their relationship and they stage this performance to start in an ice cream shop. Yeah I know you are trying to imagine it now, here let me help you with this line, “I love it when you say baby. Let’s go take a drive I’m chocolate and you are the ice cream I love old movies at night. You can’t sleep late or be lazy I like to put my feet on yours until I fall asleep.”

     There is one piece on this album that I only listened to one time, because it was so horrifically dark and depressing that I just could not bring myself to listen to it again. Anyone who has lost a child unless you have a sudden need to weep and wail into the wee hours of the morning should stay far away from I want you here. And that my friend is all I am going to say about that.

     One of the more catchy melodies on the album strikes a resemblance to a Natasha Bedingfield number. Say Your Name starts with a soft heart missing someone and builds to a passionate longing for that person to be there with you again. 

     I did have to chuckle a bit listening to Beautiful. Many of the lyrics I found relatable in my own marriage. However, the chorus seems to go in a different direction. “You're beautiful so beautiful oh and you hold me tight. You're beautiful so beautiful and I can't speak or I'll cry. Oh I don't deserve you cause I always hurt you then you say the perfect thing. You're beautiful so beautiful to me.” I enjoyed it all except for the chorus because it just didn’t seem to fit the energy that was being portrayed in the relationship.

     As far as being labeled contemporary Christian is there are four songs on the album that could rightfully qualify and possibly be heard on Christian radio besides How Many Times. One is Unlovable which touches on the subject of judgment and how non-believers searching for acceptance feel like outcasts in the presence of Christians.

     Invisible took me back to my younger years of adoration of Jeremy Camp's  wife Adrienne Liesching of Benjamin Gate. I love the melody of this song and the way Tiffany wraps her vocals around each lyric. Artistically to me this is my favorite song on the album, since no one in the Christian music industry really brings that vibe into the picture anymore for me it was nostalgic of a band I sorely miss.

     I don’t deserve you can be interpreted as a song to a lover, or as a song to Christ. I do believe this is partially intentional as to cross the fence onto both sides. Many songs on the album fit that description. That being said, I do believe this is one of the most passionately delivered songs on the album.

     The third song I could hear playing on K love would be Drifting. Partnering with Dan Haseltine from Jars of Clay, they give a heartfelt performance of someone reaching out to someone hurting and lost.

     I believe it has a lot to do with where you stand emotionally, spiritually and what level of maturity you have reached whether you will glean from this album or not. For those who are just beginning to have a relationship with Christ this should be one of the first albums you buy, simply because you will easily relate to the lyrics. The songs were crafted from original stories from real people. Stories that include hope, loss and restoration. I believe there are many avenues this album will do very well in and Tiffany has been gifted with an undeniable talent and a band that supports her abilities. I don’t believe Plumb will be falling off the charts anytime soon.

 

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