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. 

Follow Them On Facebook

Experience Them Live



I Am Unashamed

Building 429 Will Not Back Down And Motivates Others To Stay The Course

 

        Building 429 stepped into the music scene back 1999 releasing several independent albums and touring relentlessly.  However, one thing you will learn about lead singer Jason Roy, is he firmly believes when God calls you to move no matter what others say or what things might look like obedience is better than sacrifice.  

     I have personally always been a fan of Building 429 from the day Glory Defined and I crossed paths in 2004. Obviously that song had the same affect on others considering it was their first nationally recognized radio single which rose quickly to number one on numerous charts. It was a powerful anthem that many would say was when God defined His glory in them as a band. 

     In 2005, after six years of endless touring and hard work dedicated to become all that God had called them to do. They received four Dove Award nominations and walked away with Gospel Music Association's  New Artist of The Year award.  

      In a year where we have seen Christian persecution abroad and in our streets their latest album Unashamed could not have been released at a more encouraging time.  Their first single Impossible (video below) released on April 29, 2015 echos lead singer Jason's testimony about running with the dream God placed in his heart.  With a catchy melody and encouraging lyric I'm sure many get their dance on to this one when no one is watching.  "Nothing is impossible, when we trust the God of miracles." 

     Through the years of travelling and growing, many bands spend days and weeks at a time away from those they love. It's a difficult journey that takes strong faith to separate yourselves that long from those you hold dear.  However when you have a calling to try to lead people to a closer relationship with God through music, it's a sacrifice they make.  Hold Them Close is a beautiful testimony how we miss sometimes the biggest blessings we have been given. "I feel the grace of God, when my wife is by my side, a treasure I could never earn no matter how hard I've tried.  I took a look at a path that brought us where we are.  All I see is your faithfulness that has carried us this far."

     Ocean Deep ultimately captures the love that God has for us and how far His mercies extend. Passionately performed, though it's not your typical slow worship presentation, I would recommend ALL worship teams add this to their list if they can pull it off.  Without a doubt one of my favorites. "Would you look at us, we say we know your love.  Still we think if we fail, somehow you won't be enough.  Your mercy is an ocean deep. Your grace is washing over me.  Your grace is a like a wildfire chasing after me."

"Hearing a song can conjure memories as fresh and real as though they happened yesterday. For this reason, music can be an integral part of our personal histories. As believers, it has the power to become part of our journey’s story."- Jason Roy

     Lyrically this album has taken me a bit by surprise if I'm honest, it's personally hit me pretty hard.  The band makes it clear that they write songs that they feel are relevant to things they have experienced and others can relate to.  Hats off to them on that note, at least for me.  

     Questioning things that are happening in the world and feeling like nothing we do seems to make a difference is one thing I struggle with.  Be With Us Now triggered a deep emotional response out of me. "Help us to be faithful while we're waiting, when time goes by and nothing seems to change.  Cause Lord we need your hope, we need your healing."

     Heart's Collide is definitely one that will have you humming the melody later before you even know the words. Calling the church to rise up and collide showing the world what we are made of.  "You and I are like fire in the sky, we gotta show'em what we're made of.  There's nothing we're afraid of. One for all, even up against the wall, we will answer the call."  Very relevant to the persecution many are being faced with in this day and hour.

     Following down the same message lane, Unashamed has brought many believers together to stand and be counted as one who will not be ashamed to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savoir.  "I can't help but speak of the things you've done.  So let my life proclaim, I am unashamed.  I won't hide your name.  So all the world will know, that you are all that I live for." 

      When believers were recently selected and murdered because of their Christian faith in Oregon, Building 429 rallied others to share their testimonies unashamed.  Not only by video but making notations on their hands to create conversation in public.  I have included three links below from people who share a few minutes of some very personal struggles that lead to wonderful testimonies of God's love and grace.   
Kassaundra Wysong's Testimony
Tiah Dean's Testimony
Ethan Harris's Testimony

 

     Stronger comes across as someone who is being bullied or abused singing to the person who is trying to hurt them. What we don't often understand is that those who hurt others are often seriously emotionally wounded and spiritually broken inside. This song is a representation of that and reiterates a personal testimony from lead singer Jason, who was assaulted by someone and instead of pressing charges, he sees the man sitting alone in the court and forgives him and tells him Jesus loves him.  "I'm looking at your hands and I see scars, looking at the remnants of your broken heart when you push me.  You got less than you deserved, so you need someone to hurt. I want you to know that I'm getting stronger with every punch you throw."

     Go is a testament of faith to be obedient to whatever God calls us do to.  Earth Shaker is basically about the call that all of us have on our lives if we have been redeemed through the blood of Christ.  "I want to be a skyscraper, reaching for you. I want to be the game changer that's living for you."  Both of these songs call us to get up and show the world what His love and His life was all about.  If people are going to receive this revelation it's going to be through the life we live and the way we represent Christ to them.  

     It's a tough pick for me what my favorite track is on Unashamed, but Eyes Up is one of those melodies that I can't ever stop singing since reviewing this collection of goodies. Not only are the lyrics encouraging, but the delivery of this song just makes you happy. "You and I will be alright, God is always on our side, on our side. Go on lift your eyes up." This is truly a joyful song that reminds us that no matter what all we have to do it look to hills where our help comes from.  

     Though Building 429 may have not been recognized for their gifts and talents completely until 2005.  One thing is for certain, this release through Provident Label Group  a decade after their breakout moment is all the more proof that they are being used by God to unashamedly proclaim the gospel through their musical gifts and lyrical artistry. 

 

Follow Building 429 On Facebook

 

 Find Them On Tour Near You    

 

Follow Glorified Pitstop On Facebook

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

 

Follow Tim on Facebook

Check For Tour Dates Near You!

Follow Glorified Pitstop On Facebook

I Am They Album Review

Self Titled Debut Album Wins Them a Dove Award Nomination For New Artist of The Year

          I Am They have entered the Christian music realm with hearts wide open and a pathway that shines bright upon them from above. Their first single From The Day, off their Self-Titled Debut Album has been streaming quite frequently on Christian radio. 
 
     I was first introduced to this band at the 2015 K-Love Fan Awards. 

On the Red Carpet at the K-love Fan Awards

 They were performing in the fan zone and I was instantly intrigued. The chemistry they shared with one another reminded me a lot of Sidewalk Prophets (who I love).  The difference is that I Am They have two very talented and beautiful women on their team and carry a hint of folk sound similar to Rend Collective.

     Released on January 27, 2015 I Am They through Provident Label Group has received mixed reviews throughout a broad spectrum of music websites.   I am inclined to say that though they are all based on a specific writers taste, obviously fans who have given them five stars and gotten them nominated for a Dove award outweigh anything less than commendable.

     I've never been much of a fan of folk music, at least not that I was aware of. However, the infusion of folk along with pop/rock and acoustic sound with fantastic lyrics and vocals places I Am They at the top of my list of favorite albums to listen to lately.  I would not generalize this as a worship album but as far as contemporary Christian music is concerned they have created a winner.  


     We Are Yours starts off this ten track musical celebration by getting your toes tapping along with beautiful harmonies. Demonstrating the most important thing we have to remember, is that no matter what happens in the world we must stay focused on one thing.  "You can't take away what the world didn't give, we were made for more.  At the end of the day this will remain, forever we are yours.  Forever we are yours."

     As we go through our daily walk sometimes we hit difficult strides.  Calling upon the one who restores our strength, You Awake My Love carries an addictive melody that you will become hooked on.  It's actually one of my personal favorites on the album.  It's fun and leaves you feeling refreshed knowing that He renews our strength."Every burden lifted- every sorrow you washed away.  You're turning ashes to glory and fill my heart with singing."

     Catchy melodies and intertwined wonderful harmonies are what I Am They specialize in. Your Love Is Mine is another example of this as they share in the celebration of being pulled from the miry clay.  The joy that we feel as salvation pours out upon on us when He finds us lost.  "I once was lost and burdened in my shame, but You took the cross and suffered in my place.  You rescued me, I belong to You."

     I have mentioned before that when I first listen to a CD I have a tendency to grasp onto the lyrics and style of one certain song that I often select as my favorite. Over and Over Again is a fitting name, because that's how I listen to it. I am a big fan of Sidewalk Prophets and if someone told me this was them singing I would believe them. I love powerful ballads that build to explosive vocal lyrics toward the end of the song and that is exactly how this unfolds. "In my suffering and in my weakness and When from you I ran; You find me. In the dark of sin, when I'm there again; You find me over and over again."

     King of Love is another example of why this is a great road trip album. "In death's dark veil I will fear no ill.  With thee, dear Lord beside me. Thy rod and staff my comfort still.  Thy cross before to guide me." The harmonies are spot on and the message speaks of the great love that our shepherd carries for us.  

     I don't pick up a lot of folk sound on this album but Even Me definitely sounds more contemporary than most tracks. I would not be surprised if this is the next radio release.  It's very easy to relate to.  All who have been forgiven through the blood of Christ understand how special God considers each one of us. 

     If you have not heard their current radio hit, you can watch the video for From The Day below.  I enjoy every song on the album, but strangely enough I would not have picked this as the first release, personally I would rate this number six in my order of favorites.  Honestly, all the songs are great so that's not a bad thing. 

      One of my favorite songs recently to sing a long to, which I find I have stuck in my head quite often is Make A Way. There is something about knowing and trusting in the promises of God that comforts us no matter what we might be facing.  This is such a pleasant reminder that He will make a way whether we are on the mountain or in the valley.  This song will encourage you and comfort you lifting your spirits as you confess your victories in song. 

     Here's My Heart is melodically and lyrically outstanding. This song is pretty close to beating out Over and Over Again for me.  This is the one song on the album that I would categorize as pure worship.  It's a surrender of our hearts over to the Father for His purpose and plan for our lives.  I cannot express how beautiful this song is you will just have to hear it for yourself.  My opinion to the person who handles releases, get this one on the radio next!!!  The body of Christ hungers for songs like this.  

     All ten tracks on this album are fantastic and any review that states anything shy of that needs to get a tune up done on their ears.  Anyone who loves messages of strength and hope along with catchy melodies and brilliantly orchestrated choruses needs to have this album, yesterday.  

     Closing out the list is the heartfelt adoration in an offering over the messages birthed from tracks one through nine.  Amen portrays the prayers that they sing about through the whole album.  Learning to trust God whatever comes our way.  "You have taught me to say Amen, let Your kingdom come.  Amen, let Your will be done, and through the rise and fall, You're God above it all, Amen we're singing Amen."

     I Am They have a long future ahead in the land of Christian music.  Though that field is getting larger and larger, praise be to our Father in Heaven for giving us a taste of the array of worship that we will be surrounded with and by forever and ever. I would highly recommend you check out this talented group of individuals and if you get a chance you can catch them on tour this year with other amazing artists like Matt Maher, Casting Crowns and many more!

See Full Tour Schedule Here!

Purchase I Am They