My Sunday Song – “Afterlife” by Switchfoot

For My Sunday Song #469, we are talking “Afterlife” by the band Switchfoot. The song is off their 8th studio album ‘Vice Verses’ which came out on September 27, 2011. The song was the third single off the album and came out on February 28, 2012 and though it didn’t chart, it was such a powerful song and set the tone as it kicked off the album. It was written by brothers and band members, Tim and Jon Foreman. The song helped propel the album to #8 on the Billboard 200 album chart, #3 on the Rock & Alternative Charts and #1 on the Christian Charts!!

The song sends a powerful message. It reminds us that we are not here for very long, but if we want to feel like we are living forever, we must live our life to the fullest. How we do that is surrender to Jesus and live a life that serves him and others. Don’t be so focused on the future and what happens after we die. Believing in Christ will get allow you to live forever in the afterlife, but start living that way now to make it feel like you are already really living. We are all broken, so surrender now and experience the Joy and embrace the journey of faith.

The music is as powerful as the lyrics. The song is an anthem that starts off with an extended guitar note, then a distorted guitar riff with Jon Foreman singing that first verse like he is calling us to action. The full band comes in and the song goes to another level with an electrifying intensity. The chorus is bombastic and one big hook. Short and sweet. The guitar riff throughout is intense and the little riffs and notes tossed in throughout give the song a punch. The solo is not as in your face and more fit to the song. I like how near the end, there is a moment where the music softens and Jon belts out another verse before the band comes back in and they carry us home.

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My Sunday Song – “God Can You Hear Me” by Tait

For My Sunday Song #426, we are going to talk about a song that is very appropriate for a Sunday. The song is called “God Can You Hear Me” by the band Tait. Tait is fronted by former DC Talk member, Michael Tait on vocals along with drummer, Chad Chapin; guitarists Justin York; and bass player, Lonnie Chapin. The song is off their second and final album, ‘Lose This Life’ which was released on November 4, 2003. The song, itself, was not a single, but it was one of my favorite songs on the album.’

Written by Chad Chapin, Mark Heimermann, Ashley Clark and Michael Tait, the song is a very raw plea to God for comfort during a very difficult time. There is a vulnerability to it, a desperation in the lyrics and vocals as the person is seeking guidance and asking for God’s presence in their life. I think we have all been that desperate at one time or another and that comfort means more than you realize. We have desired that connection with God or with any one that you believe can help.

Musically, the song is full of soulful piano notes, a driving bass line, simple, yet effective drum fills and great guitar work. It all has a somber feel, a desperate tone and so much heart and soul. Michael Tait’s vocals are nothing short of sensational. He has so much depth and emotion in those vocals. He is a modern day Nat King Cole with his sound and I can’t think of a higher compliment than that one. A softer, ballad that makes you feel everything the person is going through in the song and your empathy floods over you as you’ve been there before yourself.

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