Category: Christian Music

Colton Dixon – Identity (Deluxe Edition – 2017) – Album Review

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Colton Dixon is one of the rising stars in the Christian genre.  As everyone always has to mention, he is a former American Idol contestant who finished in 7th place on Season 11. Now on his third album, the maturity and vocal talent are hitting their peak. Colton has been growing with each release and ‘Identity’ shows definitely shows that growth.

‘Identity’ is a very ambitious album for this young singer.  The Deluxe Edition is a startling 17 tracks and is a loosely based concept album.  I say loosely as the album doesn’t tell a story from beginning to end, but appears to be broken into three parts with the songs representing that theme.  The three themes are “The Mind”, “The Body” and “The Spirit”.

“The Mind”

The first part of the album is “The Mind”.  The album starts off with the Interlude called “The Mind” which is an instrumental piece with angel like voiceovers by a female and male voiceover giving you the theme of the section.  It is actually quite great.  The song transitions seamlessly into the title track “Identity”.  The four songs in this section are all pop songs that in one shape or another are representative of the mind.

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My Sunday Song – “Even If” by MercyMe

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For My Sunday Song #38, I chose “Even If” by MercyMe. I know I just did a MercyMe but that post was written before I discovered this song.  The song is off their new album, “Lifer” and is the first single from that release (Click on “Lifer” to read the review). It is currently #1 on iTunes in the Christian genre.

What I get from the song is that no matter how dark things may get, no matter how bad your situation may be, no matter if you feel if God is not their to help…He is there for you!  There is someone I know that is probably going through the most difficult time of their life and I hope they dig deep and reach out to God for forgiveness and for help.

God is a comfort for me.  I might not “walk the walk” or “talk the talk” as a Christian person should, but I know He is there when I need Him…which is a lot.

From FreeCCM.com, I found an article by FreeCCMAbby that discusses the meaning behind the song.  There is a video you can watch that will discuss the song.  I am borrowing the following quote from the site

“Even If” is a reminder to people in difficult situations that don’t seem to go away. God is worthy long before any of those circumstances even showed up. This song is a declaration to God that even if He went silent and never said another word, He’s still worthy to be praised and that He’s our greatest hope in the midst of the trial.” – Bart Millard (MercyMe)

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MercyMe – Lifer (2017) – Album Review

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For those that don’t know, MercyMe is a Christian rock/pop band out of Texas who have been tearing up the Christian charts since 2001.  You might know them and not know it. Back in 2001, they had a crossover hit to mainstream radio with the song “I Can Only Imagine”.  This was the song that introduced me to the band and has made me a fan ever since.

Back on March 31, 2017, MercyMe has brought us their 8th studio album (this does not include the 6 independent releases they had before signing with a major label).  Their new album ‘Lifer’ has another batch of catchy songs that celebrate Christ, and life in general, but in a way that does not feel preachy.  It actually feels fun and not slammed down your throat. ‘Lifer’ is really a party album that will make you dance, celebrate and might actually make you feel good.

With the way modern radio is, we probably won’t see another Christian crossover song and that is a crying shame.  I preach about this on every Christian album I review.  The mainstream media won’t play Christian music because it is taboo for some reason.  They feel Christian music should be relegated to the Christian only radio stations.  My problem with that is people are missing good music…sorry…GREAT MUSIC!!!  Who cares if the topic is God or Jesus or anything Christian.  The message is way better than the crap that is being played right now.  The world could use a little positivity right about now.  It is always doom and gloom.  Sorry…Got off topic there for a second.  Please forgive me.

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My Sunday Song – “The Other Side” by Colton Dixon

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For My Sunday Song # 37, I chose “The Other Side” by Colton Dixon.  The song is off his new album “Identity” and if you haven’t heard it, be prepared to be impacted.  Colton is a former American Idol contestant who has found his calling in Christian Music.  This is his third album and it is an ambitious album to say the least.  I believe he has delivered a stellar collection of songs (See review HERE).

The song, “The Other Side”, has impacted me greatly.  The song is about not fearing death and how beautiful the other side is after death.  Here is Colton and his wife discussing the meaning behind the song.

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My Sunday Song – “Get Up Get Out” by Rhett Walker Band

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My Sunday Song #36 is “Get Up Get Out” by the Rhett Walker Band.  The song is off their 2012 album ‘Come to the River’.  Rhett Walker is a Christian Rock & Southern Rock band out of Nashville, Tennessee.  I discovered them by listening to Needtobreathe and this was listed as “Similar Bands”, so I checked them  out and I am glad I did.

This song is about not being silent.  It is about taking action and not being afraid to be different than everyone else.  Whether it is speaking out in support of an issue or speaking out in favor of your faith, the song is an anthem to take action…positive action of course.

I am very guilty of not speaking up and giving my opinion.  I see what goes on with social media and how everyone gets attacked for speaking out against any little thing or for posting a picture that is completely harmless, but social media tears the person apart.

However, i just sit back and don’t speak out against any of that…why?  Well, mostly I don’t want to get attacked or I don’t want to say something that will be misconstrued and I end of getting fired at work for some strange reason.  Now, don’t get me wrong, if there is something terrible going wrong with something I see in public or happening to my kids, I will speak out.  I am talking about social media.  I purposely don’t comment on a lot of the controversial posts for this reason.

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My Sunday Song – “Gravity” by Shawn McDonald

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For My Sunday Song #35, I chose “Gravity” by Shawn McDonald.  The song is off his debut album, Simply Nothing, which came out back in 2004.  The song is about how we let our problems and the weight of the world pull us from our faith in God.

With all the craziness going on in the U.S. right now, I am sure we are all guilty of letting our faith slip.  I see it everyday on the internet and TV.  Since the Presidential election, people have turned on each other.  Dialogue doesn’t exist anymore.  Each side feels if you don’t believe what I believe you are a moron or a racist or that you hate women just because they did or didn’t vote for Trump.  It is getting ridiculous.  I hate going on Facebook for this very reason.  It is so sad.

The rudeness everyone is showing to each other is unreal.  My niece’s husband was in Home Depot the other day and a woman came up to him and said he was going to hell for his decisions to get Tattoos. He was there minding his own business and she just came up and voiced her unsolicited opinion.  I can’t believe the nerve of this woman.  It makes me angry (and you wouldn’t like me when I am angry).  BTW…his tattoos are awesome and he is a loving husband, father and a hard working man.  Nothing but respect for him.

The world seems to be letting the “Gravity” of life pull them away from their faith and from God.  I am sure that lady thought she was being a good Christian, but it was the most unchristian like behavior.

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My Sunday Song – “Dear Younger Me” by MercyMe

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My Sunday Song #34 is “Dear Younger Me” by the band MercyMe.  The song is the fourth single off their 2014 album ‘Welcome to the New’.  The story is an autobiographical song by Bart Millard that talks about what he would say to his younger self about what he could do to help him not feel the pain.  You can check out the story behind the song as told by Bart Millard of Mercyme on godtube.com.

It is a beautiful and actually thought provoking song.  If you think about it now, would you want to know what choices you could make differently as a younger child.  I am not sure I would want to do anything differently.  Are there things I regret, of course.  Are there things I wish I would have done differently, absolutely.  Do I wish I could go back and change them…NO!!!!

Why??  If I did, would I be where I am today?  Would I be married to my friend, my partner, my beautiful wife?  Would I have my two girls that are the best thing I have ever done in my life?  If there is a chance any of that would be different by going back and telling my younger self what to change, there is no way I would do it.  All of my life choices got me to where I am right here, right now.  And I am glad they did!!

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Friday New Releases – April 7th

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We are now into April and the releases are still coming fast and furious.  There is a little something for everyone today and I am sure you will find something you like.  We have pop, rock, metal, country, alternative, christian, classical, techno…basically the whole gamut of genres.  My interests are focused on the ones highlighted in Blue.

  • 170x170bb-3  Michelle Branch – Hopeless Romantic – (Verve Label Group):  Michelle Branch??  Am I reading that correctly?  It has been over 14 years since she has had a full length solo album.  She had an E.P. in 2010, but not since 2003 has she had a full length studio album.  This one definitely has me intrigued.  I can’t wait to hear what she has to offer.

  • 610grn7amsl-_ac_us160_  Deep Purple – InFinite – (Earmusic):  Deep Purple just keep on going after almost 50 years.  This is their twentieth studio release and quite possibly their last “Big” tour, whatever that means.  I think the band members currently (after many iterations) is Ian Paice, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan, Steve Morse and Don Alrey.  Looking forward to this release after hearing some great things about the album.

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My Sunday Song – “Priceless” by for King & Country

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My Sunday Song #33 is going to highlight the song “Priceless” by for King & Country.  The song is off their album ‘Run.Wild.Live.Free.’.  The song was also the title of a movie they did called “Priceless” which was about human trafficking.

I am going to still this from Wikipedia about the plot of the movie:

The story is inspired by true events. The main character, James Stevens, after losing his wife and daughter, is unable to hold a steady job and agrees to drive a box truck across the country with no questions asked, then discovers that he is actually “delivering” two girls as part of a human trafficking ring. Stevens then must decide what to do and how to fight to shut down a trafficking ring.

It is hard to believe that today we still have issues with human trafficking and thankfully for King & Country shine a light on the issue still plaguing us.  We are all priceless whether you are a girl, a boy, black, white, an immigrant or whatever your nationality, race or sexuality.  God knows you and through him you can help find the light to shine and show you the way.

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Friday New Releases – March 31st

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It is the last Friday of the month and even the last day of the month.  There are over 20 albums on the list today including from some old times like Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan up to newcomers like La’Porsha Renae and Jackie Evancho (ok, she isn’t that new, but she is young).  There are also quite a couple 90’s artists back such as Jamiroquai and Ice T’s Body Count.  Only a few I am really interested in hearing right away and they are highlighted in Blue.  I hope there is something on this list that will brighten your day.  Friday new releases are just a great way to end a busy week.

  • 51ahfe18l2l-_ac_us160_  Brother Firetribe – Sunbound – (Spinefarm):  Yes, I know this album came out last week, but I had excluded it from the list for some strange reason. I wanted to highlight the release so I added it to this week’s new releases…Brother Firetribe comes to us from the great country of Finland.  They are a hard rock and AOR band and is a 5 piece band.  ‘Sunbound’ is their fourth release and after three previously stellar releases, I am looking forward to more magic from this band.

  • 170x170bb-5  Mastodon – Emperor of Sand – (Reprise Records):  Mastodon is heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia where I lived for 45 years prior to moving to Charlotte.  These guys are heavy metal and deliver the heavy to the extremes. They are unlike most bands I listen to and it is nice to change it up a little.  I have followed their career for awhile and can’t wait to give a listen.

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