From some of the feedback I have gotten to yesterday’s post, I suspect that I may have given the impression that I am utterly cynical about contemporary Christian music (CCM). Nothing could be further from the truth. While CCM has its fair share of musical pablum to offer, so does secular music. And while there is some brilliant secular music, so there is also in CCM. If I tried to list every CCM artist or song that I have enjoyed over the years, the list would be too long. But there have been some that have had some staying power for me personally—meaning, there was something about the music or the message that still has the power to move me over the long years.

The following list is by no means exhaustive. In fact, don’t be surprised if I come back later and add to it. These are just some of my highlights from the last 25 years or so, though I am excluding albums and artists from the “worship” category. That will have to be a separate post. Continue Reading →

I know there are bound to be some Mat Kearney fans who read this blog. For those who are, you’ll be glad to know that his new album “Young Love” drops today. The first single “Hey Mama” was released last month, and it’s outstanding. You can watch the video for the single below or download it here.

For what it’s worth: Music downloads cost less at Amazon.com than at iTunes. Kearney’s first single from this album is $.99 at Amazon.com, but it is $1.29 at iTunes. Likewise, the whole album is $5.99 at Amazon.com, but it is $7.99 at iTunes. Amazon.com downloads also have the added bonus of being MP3′s. If you’re like me, you prefer the versatility of an MP3 over iTune’s proprietary M4A format. Continue Reading →

I’ve been in Louisiana this weekend and have had the chance to reconnect with many old friends. While I was there, I got to see one of my favorite bands, “The Critics.” They are working on a new album that will be released one song at a time beginning next week.

I found out on Sunday, however, that they released a single not long ago titled “Lullaby.” The lead singer wrote the song as a lullaby for his baby niece, and it’s just a simple word about the hope of the new heavens and the new earth. I love the song and thought it worth sharing with you.

The only embeddable clip I could find is the one from Amazon.com posted above, but there’s a longer clip at iTunes that I recommend you listen to if you have time (listen here).

I’ll post another notice when the new album comes out. I have already heard the first track, and it is outstanding.

The new album from Sojourn Music has just released today. You can download the music now and/or buy the vinyl next month. See the trailer above for a sample of the music. It sounds like this will be another great album from Sojourn.

Sovereign Grace Music has just released a new worship album titled “Risen.” Here’s what C. J. Mahaney says about the project:

“In time for our upcoming celebration of Easter, the newest Sovereign Grace Music album was released yesterday: Risen.

“What I love about this album—what I love about all the albums produced by Sovereign Grace Music—is the gospel-centered sound doctrine that informs the lyrics. Here in these 13 songs our hearts and affections are focused on the resurrection of our Savior, where God the Father publicly demonstrated his satisfaction with the Son’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins and where our hope of future resurrection finds its guarantee.”

“Risen” is already at #31 on Amazon.com’s “Bestsellers in MP3 Albums.” You should definitely check this one out.

I love this song, and I love this video. It’s a riff on Matthew 16:26, “For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” This text is often mistaken as a verse for greedy rich people. This is a distortion.

This text is for everyone. It is for every person who tends to fixate on his idols in place of Christ. It is for all of us—rich or poor, young or old, everyone. We all have hearts that are prone to wander, and this text calls us back to recognize what is truly the pearl of great price, the treasure hidden in a field, our King Jesus.

So yeah, I like this video. Perhaps you will too.