Christian Sonic » Acoustic

Selah – Hope of the Broken (2011)

Matthew — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:43:21 +0000

Artist: Selah
Album: Hope of the Broken
Release Date: August 23′rd, 2011
Style: Southern / Bluegrass / Acoustic / Pop
Label: Curb Records / Word
Location: Nashville, TN

About:

Five time Dove Award winning group Selah returns with their most spectacular release to date – Hope Of The Broken World. The new album features the group’s stirring first single and title track offering Selah’s harmonious signature sound. Stand out tracks include solo tracks from each member of the group, (Amy “I Look To You”, Todd “Moments” and Alan “Coat Of Many Colors”) drawn from each of their own personal life experiences. Hope Of The Broken World is in stores Tuesday, August 23rd.

Read Review + Listen below:

Review:

“For Selah music knows no bounds. This trio has a way of amalgamating traditional hymns, r & b soul numbers, inspirational ballads, rootsy Southern Gospel, and modern AC Christian making these paeans their own. And they have made a career out of this. Likewise for their eighth studio album “Hope of the Broken World” the strains of these various genres interwoven in these 12 cuts. Featuring a bilingual African-English take on the hymn “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” this Christian trio effortlessly shifts gear to some inspirational indulges with the Father-daughter ballad “Moments Like This” and then to a soaring version of Whitney Houston’s 2009 classic “I Look to You.” Yet, they have not left their Southern Gospel/country fans high and dry. Dolly Parton’s signature hit “Coat of Many Colors” get a ruminative read and they get all gritty with Buddy and Julie Miller’s rootsy “Shelter Me.” Not only do they blend together the various musical genres, they also harmonize with each other vocally seamlessly creating a beautiful vocal masterpiece.

Of the songs that really work include Amy Perry’s take of Whitney Houston’s 2009 comeback record “I Look to You.” Written by R. Kelly, this soaring ballad speaks of looking to God in life’s crashing moments. While Houston takes a more bombastic approach in her original rendition, Perry’s interpretation explores the song’s gentler nuances. Thus, both Houston and Perry give complementary glowing versions of this superior ballad. Perry again hits the home run with Christa Wells “On the Mountain.” With a Miranda Lambert-like vulnerability, Perry acknowledges with great earnestness our need for God and his grace to get us to heaven. More rootsy moments come with Allan Halt’s take of Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors.” An intricate narrative written by Parton about contentment despite her poverty as a child has so many echoes of the Joseph story in the Bible. Since Halt has a lower register than Parton, his read is imbued with a greater maturity and sensitivity. Buddy and Julie Miller’s “Shelter Me” is a folk Gospel piece inspired from the words from Psalm 91 has a gritty and stripped down bluesy feel that might not sit well if you are into Selah’s fuller sound.

Much better are the lush ballads and this includes “Moments Like This.” Written by Michael Bogg and Todd Smith, “Moments Like These” is a heart wrenching love ballad of a father cherishing each moment he spends with his 5 year-old daughter. The song trumps on its attention paid to the details of activities the dad enjoys with his child. “He’ll Hold You,” the sole entry composed single handed by Amy Perry, finds the trio turning their love to the heavenly Father on this heaven soaring worship anthem. With Todd Smith’s “Be Still,” the swaggering guitar riffs and the thunderous chorus, calls to mind Bryan Adams at his best on this sonic call to be quiet before God despite our fast paced life. Awash with African congas and even a verse in African, “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” isn’t precisely the average pedantic grandfather’s hymn. Rather, Selah has indeed transformed this chestnut into a beautiful worship piece with a global perspective in mind.

Not everything works, the title cut “Hope of the Broken World” is faulted on the use of clichés in spades: “You are the Day Spring/You are the Morning Star/…You are Salvation.” While Chris Eaton’s average sounding “I Turn to You” becomes redundant after Perry’s stellar rendition of “I Look to You.” Nevertheless, despite these quibbles, “Hope of the Broken World” resembles a beautiful tapestry weaving together threads of different influences. But more importantly, these songs weave for us a picture of what it means to relate to God and how we are to love others.” – Timothy

Track Listing:

1. On The Mountain
2. Hope Of The Broken World
3. Shelter Me
4. Coat Of Many Colors
5. He’ll Hold You
6. Be Still
7. Moments Like These
8. I Turn To You
9. ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus
10. Threshold Of Glory
11. I Look To You
12. When Love Was Slain

Listen:

[mp3player width=380 height=190 config=fmp_jw_widget_config.xml playlist=selah-playlist.xml]

Tanya Godsey – Telling Time (2011)

Matthew — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:26:36 +0000

Artist: Tanya Godsey
Album: Telling Time
Release Date: September 20′th, 2011
Style: Pop / Acoustic / Contemporary
Label: Independent / Media prov. Mixtus Media
Location: Ennis, Texas

About:

Tanya Godsey is a new artist brought to our attention, and i must admit i got pretty caught up with her song “White Page” and not only felt in love with the melody but the lyrics are also very powerful. The song talks fictive in it’s lyrics comparing people with white pages on which we write the things we do everyday, forgetting sometimes that we are Gods children and should be working more for our God then for the world “Do our lives leave much space for the the hand of a writing God, To create to sign His name on us when the work is done“, Also reminding us that our lives don’t belong to us anymore but to the one true God which we serve and to which we once turned our faces and gave our lives “Because the ink we hold is not our own”.

FREE SONG DOWNLOAD!

Continue Reading + Free Song Download inside:

The album was produced by Scott Dente (of Out of the Grey fame) and Ken Lewis of Global Genius Productions and features 10 songs written or co-written by Tanya. Overall, the album talks to the mind & soul, to the weak and weary. It brings a new sound to the Christian music scene and could easily be a nominee for “New Artist of the Year” dove award this year.

Tanya is the brilliantly pure & powerful voice, her songs inspire confidence in our belief.

- Review by Matthew

Track Listing:

1. White Page
2. It Doesn’t Feel Like Home
3. The Only Love
4. Daylight
5. Telling Time
6. How To Be Thankful
7. All For The Healing
8. You Make Everything Beautiful
9. Abraham’s Sky
10. 7Made For The Journey

Free Song Download “White Page”:

Download This Song For Free! (Click Here)

Album presentation:

Mat Kearney – Young Love (2011)

Matthew — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:58:41 +0000

Artist: Mat Kearney
Album: Young Love
Release Date: August 2nd, 2011
Style: Acoustic Rock / Pop
Label: Aware / Universal Republic / InPop
Location: Nashville, TN

About:

Dove Award Winner, Mat Kearney, returns with his fourth studio album Young Love; (releasing 8/2/2011 on Inpop Records) revisiting the heavy grooves, spoken word, and singable choruses fans came to love from sophomore-release, Nothing Left To Lose. After becoming a licensed cab driver in hometown, Nashville, Tennessee, Kearney found lyrical inspiration for Young Love through the conversations he had with passengers. Young Love was recorded in Nashville with Kearney’s long time producers Robert Marvin, and Jason Lehning. “Down” will be the first single released to Christian CHR/AC radio, while “Hey Mama” can currently be heard on AAA Radio.

Continue Reading + Watch “Hey Mama” single music video:

Kearney has sold over 600,000 units since his 2004 debut, Bullet, and has had music appear in a myriad of film and television shows. Songs from Bullet and Nothing Left To Lose, can be heard on shows including: Friday Night Lights, Bones, 30 Rock, Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, and featured in films like Soul Surfer, and Ramona & Beezus. Over the years Kearney has shared the stage with John Mayer, The Fray, Jason Mraz, Train, Keane, Ingrid Michaelson, and most recently, Owl City.

Track Listing:

1. Hey Mama
2. Ships In The Night
3. Count On Me
4. Sooner or Later
5. Chasing The Light
6. Learning To Love Again
7. Down
8. She Got The Honey
9. Young Dumb And in Love
10. Rochester

Mat Kearney “Hey Mama” single Music Video:

My Epic – Broken Voice (2011)

Matthew — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:20:12 +0000

Artist: My Epic
Album: Broken Voice
Release Date: July 5th, 2011
Style: Indie / Acoustic / Rock
Label: Facedown Records / Dreamt Records
Location: Charlotte, NC

About:

My Epic are back with Broken Voice , an acoustic-based EP filled with beautiful misfit songs written during the creation of 2010′s Yet that didn’t quite fit with the sound of that album. Now the band has made a home for those songs, simply written then fleshed out in the studio, on Broken Voice .

Continue Reading + Listen to Full Album below:

According to vocalist and guitarist Aaron Stone, More than anything else Broken Voice is about joy. The last year of my life has been about finally learning that I don t have to fight G-d to get what I need. I don t have to prove myself to Him either. Jesus came precisely because none of my own methods would ever work. I had been striving so hard for perfection when all I ever had to do was surrender to it. I never knew where I was headed until G-d broke my will and gave me His. I never sung a song worth hearing until He broke my voice and made it His.

Broken Voice was recorded in March and April in Winston Salem, NC with Sid Mennon at Sleepwalker Studios. Sid and My Epic go back a long way, all the way to the days of recording demos, and the band wanted to pair up with him again for this EP so they could feel free to experiment with the sound. Most of Broken Voice was written at Machina House, a Christian mission house founded by the band in a poor neighborhood on Charlotte’s north side four years ago. “The seeds of these songs, musically and lyrically were planted firmly in the soil of our home community,” says Aaron. The band did spend a week in seclusion, locked away in a barn, “trying to make sense of all the parts, but overall it was a very smooth process. The songs had already taken their basic form in the living room and around the burn barrel at Machina House.”

Broken Voice will be released July 5th, and although it is an altogether different sound for My Epic, Aaron notes “This record is not a permanent departure from where we have been headed in the past but simply another focused aspect of what the Lord has placed within us.Normally it would not be possible for us to put out two records one year apart but since these songs were so different it allowed us to keep creating in a vein that hadn t recently been depleted.”

Reviews & Opinions:

“Only found out about these guys two years ago but ive been a huge fan ever since. every song is full of passion and executed perfectly from my point of view. not just the same sound as everything seems to be these days but something truly unique and enjoyable enough to throw on repeat all day. stayed up til midnight just so i could buy this and after listening im glad i did” – Ryan Anderson

“My Epic is such a small band; it pains me to think of how often the general public is filled with garbage when here sits a band blooming with creativity and shining with an uplifting message. Though this album takes a softer approach than their previous efforts, it shows that My Epic still has much room to grow and improve as a band, especially in the midst of losing two members and gain two new ones. The softer approach also allows for their lyrical content to blossom. My Epic has been and always will be a strong Christian band, and this I appreciate just as much as their creativity.” – Cameron Gainey

Track Listing:

1. Centuries

2. Beloved

3. Alone

4. Deathbed

5. Lazarus

6. Garden

7. Childbodybride

8. Doxology (Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow)

Peer Saer – Sneeuwlandschap (2011)

Matthew — Tue, 31 May 2011 08:33:20 +0000

Artist: Peer Saer
Album: Sneeuwlandschap
Release Date: March 19th, 2011
Style: Improvisation / Outsider / Acoustic
Label: Unsigned
Location: Harderwijk, The Netherlands

About:

Peer Saer plays independant instrumental work – mostly acoustic guitar – with a major role for improvisation. This album contains 6 tracks of almost 30 minutes of desolate finger-picking in free form: wordless tales about anonymous pilgrims and musical prayers in the 21st century in praise of God and with love for life.

Listen below:

Self tuition and contacts with many musicians led him across the paths of varied styles to a distinct West-European sound pallet. Most of his music over the years has not been conserved and is gone with the wind of time.

Album comment: I listened to your music: beautiful! Haven’t been to Lake Wolderwijd, but while listening to your tracks I mentally saw reclaimed lands of the sea early in the morning. Rest alternated with tension through experiencing these reclaimed lands and here and there unexpectedly something that makes headway, something scaring up, and then rest again.

Track Listing:

1. Sneeuwlandschap I
2. Sneeuwlandschap II
3. Sneeuwlandschap III
4. Sneeuwlandschap IV
5. Sneeuwlandschap V
6. Sneeuwlandschap VI

Listen to some work by Peer Saer:

Website | ReverbNation | MySpace | indieOneStop | Purchase

Jeremy Horn – Sound of the Broken (2011)

Matthew — Wed, 04 May 2011 00:58:22 +0000

Artist: Jeremy Horn
Album: Sound of the Broken
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Style: Praise & Worship / Acoustic
Label: Ardent / INO Records
Location: Memphis, TN

About:

Jeremy Horn is grounded in years of service as a worship pastor at one of the most racially diverse churches in Memphis, Tennessee. That diversity brings with it countless stories of brokenness and redemption. Sharing in those experiences help lay the groundwork for his newest album, Sound Of The Broken. With an engaging blend of up-tempo, energetic pop and intimate worshipful moments, Jeremy never fails to be authentic in sharing the message of hope in the midst of broken people.

Continue Reading + Listen to some of the songs below:

Track Listing:
1. Sons & Daughters
2. Now Is The Time
3. Only God Who Saves
4. Emptied
5. Surrender
6. Father Of Lights
7. Faithful
8. Breathe On Us
9. Sound Of The Broken
10. Embrace The Cross
11. Where You Are
12. The Mirror

The Greentrees – Let Me Remember (2011)

Matthew — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:51:17 +0000

Artist: The Greentrees
Album: Let Me Remember
Release Date: May 3rd, 2011
Style: Indie / Acoustic / Folk
Label: Mountain in the Wind Music / Tate Music Group
Location: Treasure Coast, FL

About:

The greentrees sound is open, warm and inviting. Organic/Acoustic at it’s base, but filled with energy and movement. Core members, and brothers, WT (Todd) Anderson and Gavin (GJ) Anderson are a dynamic duo when it comes to generating an exceptional caliber of musical creativity, energy and harmony. All packed with a lyrical content that delivers a powerful and inspiring message.

Continue reading + Listen to song previews:

Built on the solid foundation of Todd’s hooking lyrical content, simplistic acoustical guitar rhythms, smooth harmonica and a vocal style that captures the innocence of heart, and purity, that is the foundation of the group. GJ then drives it home with the drums, adding a level of energy and creativity that brings it all together. Creating just the right movements, and subtlety, that creates a hypnotic wall of sound.

Top it all off by adding some other excellent musicians, specifically,our fellow brother in arms, Paul Sanders, playing his trademark style of impeccably timed and tasteful backbeats, whether it be the percussion (stripped live @ starbucks) or the full kit ( “orange leaves” video for example.),or just hitting the studio to add layers and tracks, to take it to the next level.

No matter which way it goes, you are sure to get a great album and song everytime. A musical force that has been 20+ years in the making! And still growing!! Greentrees and high tides forever!

Track Listing:

1. Learn to Breathe
2. Write me a Letter
3. Love you So Deep
4. Rain on Montgomery Street
5. Rhythm of your Soul
6. Shining Star
7. Something More
8. In my Silence

Preview Songs:

David Swidrak – Daylight Is Here (2011)

Matthew — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:57:49 +0000

Artist: David Swidrak
Album: Daylight Is Here
Release Date: March 19th, 2011
Style: Acoustic / Pop / Rock
Label: Independent
Location: Ohio

Review:

David Swidrak is the new Christian artist that i have just discovered. He doesn’t bring something unique to the scene but talking about that, his new album comes with an interesting approach in melody & sounds to the Alternative / Rock genre. He recorded this album as an independent in a probably rented recording studio room. It’s not the perfect voice over but it’s clear & well engineered, which all together make this album sound pretty well. It sounds like most of the bands out there, but the uniqueness is exclusive to listener’s ear.

Continue Reading + Listen to previews below:

Own creativity and composition of the new tracks and his voice make the difference though, elements with which you can produce great sounds & beats. My suggestion is that you can give it a try if you’re in Rock Christian music. Rating: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Hearts Cry
2. Alive Again
3. I Belong to You
4. Righteous Road
5. Daylight Is Here
6. Draw Me Near
7. Hallelujah
8. Hold On Til’ Forever
9. Blessed Assurance
10. Alive Again (acoustic Remix)
11. I Belong to You (acoustic)

Preview Songs:

Purchase: Amazon Mp3s – Audio CD

Jonny Diaz – Jonny Diaz (2011)

Matthew — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:39:42 +0000

Artist: Jonny Diaz
Album: Jonny Diaz (Self Titled)
Release Date: April 12th, 2011
Style: Acoustic / Christian / Pop
Label: INO Records
Location: Lakeland, FL

Review:

Easily memorable lyrics, free expressed and a beautiful approach to the uplifting music from Jonny Diaz in his new self-titled album. This new album consists of 12 songs, all in the contemporary/pop style. I know that Johnny has been gifted when it comes to positive music. He has this singing charisma which progressively engages you in spirit, worship and reverence with the creator. In most of the songs, the content allows you to praise and give thanks.

Continue reading:

Besides “More Beautiful You” song through which the message blessed so many girls out there, one other particular song from his new album caught my attention . The song is titled “How Can It Be” and I strongly believe that this song will have a greater impact than his previous releases.

Track Listing:

1. Delights In You
2. Break My Heart
3. God Is Watching
4. Cross The Line
5. Beauty Of The Cross
6. Figured Out
7. Love I’m Living For
8. How Can It Be
9. Weeps For You
10. Here And Someday
11. What Water Can Do
12. The Chick-Fil-A Song (Bonus Track)

Mp3	Physical CD

Jars Of Clay – Live At Gray Matters, Vol. 4: One Mic EP (2011)

Matthew — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:17:50 +0000

Artist: Jars Of Clay
Album: Live At Gray Matters, Vol. 4: One Mic EP
Release Date: March 29th, 2011
Style: Indie / Acoustic / Pop
Label: Essential Records / Gray Matters
Location: Nashville, TN

About:

Jars Of Clay’s latest EP is available now: “Live At Gray Matters, Vol. 4: One Mic.” Check it out on iTunes. Also be sure to catch them out on the road with their friends Matt Maher, Derek Webb and Audrey Assad for The Shelter Tour. Visit their tour section for a complete list of dates for their shows.

Continue Reading

Track Listing:

1. Worlds Apart (Live)
2. Boys (Lesson One) (Live)
3. I Need Thee Every Hour (Live)
4. Headphones (Live)
5. Live At Gray Matters (Volume 4: One Mic) [video]

AVAILABLE NOW!