Introducing Ayiesha Woods by Ayiesha Woods

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 "Fresh, eclectic sound from new Gotee artist."

Growing up in Bermuda, Ayiesha Woods never dreamed of being discovered by TobyMac. After hearing her song “Crazy” on the radio while he was vacationing in Jamaica, Toby quickly found her contact information and called her. 27 year old Ayiesha says, “I wasn’t home when he first called. I was in disbelief; I couldn’t believe it was him!” Although caught off guard by the prospect of working with Toby, she knew this was the exact direction God was calling her--to bring her own brand of diversity, quality and purpose into music.
This project has way more heft and depth than your average debut album. The cuts are anything but repetitive, and you can feel the unique urban sound in her music. From cut to cut Ayiesha transcends a broad spectrum of musical styles, making it tough to find a central theme, unless the theme is skillful versatility. For example, she reminds me a little of Nicole C. Mullen in “Crazy”, an upbeat Caribbean hip hop number. “I Don’t Mind”, which was written as an encouragement to her mom to let her know God cares for her, has an Aretha Franklin flavor to it. Beyonce might even come to mind in a few songs.
Ayiesha wrote “The Only One” for a wedding where she was the surprise guest. The bride loved her music, and her performance of this song was a gift from the groom. She was more than happy to be asked, and she can’t wait for the newlyweds to hear it on this album. Tobymac’s signature vocals back up “Big Enough”, a song that reminds us how great God is. But it’s Ayiesha’s first radio single “Happy” which is hitting the airwaves and taking off across the country. This song has a catchy pop/country sound, with a little of the vocal chops of Melissa Etheridge.
I can already see Ayiesha becoming a stand out name in Christian music. Listeners will not be disappointed with this album and will surely flock to buy her next. It’s a winning total package that I keep playing over and over again. Positive, top notch quality. Now get in the car, crank up the volume, and get ready to groove.

  

Go by Newsboys

  Reviewed by Tracy Darlington 

 

"Upbeat and uplifting."

 

 

I first saw the Newsboys at the Creation Music Festival in the early ‘90's when they still had their spinning drum machine. With two decades under their belt the Newsboys have had several of their albums reach the gold mark. It was after touring Europe, Morocco, and Tiberius, Israel recently that they were especially moved to record an album reflecting the Great Commission. Go is their first pop cd in four years, and Steve Taylor is back helping with the lyrics and style. Ted T. and Paul Colman (now the official guitar player for the band) had their hands in the song writing as well this time.

Some of the tracks on this album bring me back to their Take Me To Your Leader days, especially “Secret Kingdom” for its similar instrumentation to “Breakfast”. But fans of their previous worship albums will be pleased to hear “In Wonder” and “I Am Free,” which has a very U2esque sound to it. Frontman Peter Furler’s trademark vocals are showcased as usual. But the Newsboys have matured musically since their first release Read All About It in 1988. They now bring us enough variety to keep us going onto the next track. The guitars and the drums are tighter and more sophisticated, and there’s an occasional mellow keyboard, as in the classic “Let it Be” sound-alike “Let it All Come Out”.

“Wherever We Go” starts things off and makes a great concert opener, showcasing Steve Taylor’s quirky lyrical contributions: Wherever we go, the bees behave. In the treetops, squirrels smile and wave. It’s a curious thing. And it’s humbling. It’s also their first radio single. There’s a catchy rhythm and a dominant bass drum you can feel in your belly in “Your Love is Better Than Life.” But my favorite song on this album has to be the title track “Go”. It’s got an unforgettable great beat and positive words with an early Audio Adrenaline feel to it.

The cd finale “Gonna Be Alright” is unique to the rest of the album and is probably the most interesting, with lead vocals akin to Supertramp and muted female voices in the background. I’d love to have heard more cuts like this one.

The Newsboys have definitely scored another hit cd to add to your collection. Upbeat and uplifting, Go could even be their best to date.

 

Five Two Telvision by KJ-52

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington 

 

"KJ dishes out another vibe that’s sure to please fans young and old."

It’s been two years since we’ve heard anything from 34 year old Florida native KJ-52. Now he brings his latest offering Five-Two Television. “I wanted to create a record that is almost like a TV station,” he says. In typical KJ fashion, this project isn’t your normal length. With 24 tracks to its credit, we’re treated to a four-act, spoken-word biography starring the fictional character Chris Carlino. The segments represent who KJ might have been had it not been for Christ crashing into his life at age 15.

KJ channels Justin Timberlake on the stand-out track “Calling You”. This is a totally danceable tune with it’s dominating downbeat. “Fuego” has a hip-hop, salsa/Latino flavor and will help you brush up on your foreign language skills, as the lyrics are in Spanish. As with most of his albums, KJ isn’t afraid to share mic time with other musicians. J.R., Trevor McNevan (Thousand Foot Krutch), Rob Beckley (Pillar) and Group 1 Crew help this project to rival anything we’ve heard from Kanye West or Jay-Z lately.

Five-Two Television is rife with KJ’s trademark pop culture references about Facebook, Twitter, and even some texting lingo. But sadly no reference to Starbucks this time! With ten CDs under his belt (include remix albums), KJ dishes out another vibe that’s sure to please fans young and old. Don’t plan on sitting still through this one.

 

Wake Up by Paige Armstrong

  Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"This project has a clear positive lyrical thread throughout... a rousing wake up call from someone I can’t wait to hear more from in the future. "

“Everything turned upside down. It was a total shock.” Paige Armstrong remembers getting the diagnoses of bone cancer when she was ten. Now a cancer survivor, her debut CD Wake Up (co-produced by Chris Omartian) reminds us not to waste our lives and to make every day count for God’s glory. Armstrong has both an amazing story and a strong message of hope to tell. When I heard this 19 year old for the first time I wondered why we hadn’t heard about Paige sooner. Her voice has the timber of Hayley Williams (Paramore) with a little Lacey Mosley (Flyleaf) influence sprinkled in for good measure.

“The Story Song” is a rocking biographical track about how you can live your life to the fullest no matter what you are going through at the moment. If “munge” were a word you could use it to describe the metal-grunge vibe. Another stand-out is title track “Wake Up” co-written with Tiffany Lee (Plumb). This one has some definite Plumb characteristics to it, but Paige’s own personal flair blends with it smoothly. The guitars may come across as slightly heavy handed on some of the numbers, so those of you looking for a lighter, contemporary sound will have to look elsewhere. Wake Up is a rock album with a few heartfelt ballads, geared mostly to teenagers. This project has a clear positive lyrical thread throughout. Paige says it best - “This album is supposed to rev people; every song is bold, in your face, in a good way.” It's a rousing wake up call from someone I can’t wait to hear more from in the future. 

  

Tonight by Tobymac

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...sure to resonate with listeners from all walks of life, and it will take them to a new level with Toby's unique style of music."

Ever since Tobymac ventured out on his own solo career in 2001 he's made an effort to surround himself with talent. The result will take you on a journey full of energy and a positive message. Just last year alone Toby's CDs sold over two million. His latest release, Tonight, is sure to please both teens and the young at heart.

As always, Toby brings to the table a well rounded mix of musical style, never being afraid to share the mic with other groups/artists. For example, John Cooper of Skillet offers his vocal talent on the title track, "Tonight". His generosity is evident in the songs he does as duets, as they always seem to take on more of the other artist's flavor. “Tonight”, the song, is no exception, a heavily “Skilletized” track. The two have collaborated this spring of 2010 on the Awake Tonight Tour (Awake being Skillet's latest project) with House of Heroes as the opening the act. Relient K's Matthew Thiessen also contributes on the song “Wonderin'”.

Tobymac mixes his style with an 80's vibe in “Hey Devil”, giving it an almost Family Force Five feel. Son Truett has a habit of taking the mic on several CDs, and he's become a pretty good rapper. He's joined by three year old little brother Judah McKeehan on “LoudNClear”. The duo will make you smile. Already a hit on the radio, prayerful “City on Our Knees” is slightly reminiscent of the DC Talk sound. There's even reggae on the cut, “Break Open the Sky”, with guest vocalist Israel Houghton. Toby married into a Jamaican family fifteen years ago, and the music suits him well.

Although it's a nice variety of musical styles, the theme of Tonight seems to be the need all of us have to God, all the time. Toby says, “I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart. I fight really hard to remain unjaded--to keep believing that you can actually walk into a studio and write a song that breathes life. That's the hardest fight for a guy who's been doing this for awhile; it's easy to fall into the trap of just making it your job. But I still believe that songs matter.”

This is Toby's fourth studio album. Tonight is sure to resonate with listeners from all walks of life, and it will take them to a new level with Toby's unique style of music. I dare you to try and sit still when “Funky Jesus Music” plays.

 

Love by Inhabited

 Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

"Their songs are unapologetic and the lyrics unashamed, naturally reflecting the heart of the band who isn't afraid to share the gospel with their listeners."

 

At 2 am a wary police officer watches on the sidelines as Inhabited plays soulfully in the parking lot of Love’s Truck Stop. Seems like the perfect place to give an impromptu mini concert to promote their new album, Love. The group’s MySpace page is full of video clips like this, showcasing the band’s humor and sense of play. And it carries over into this latest project, like when Sarah croons, “They’re sleeping in a parking lot” on “One Show”, one of the lighter cuts on the band’s third album.

Brother Marcus and Sister Sara launched Inhabited with an independent project, Innerview, in 2003. They later signed with Fervent for Revolution, which gave us a more mature, polished sound, especially in the hit song "Rescue Me". The band is now signed with 7 Spin Music for this record, with a few cast changes. Maybe a little less polished, in this case it’s a good thing. With a 10 track roster featuring the ever popular song “Hush” and “We Will Live” is sure to fire up the audiences for Jesus. But Love brings us more serious songs too, like “A Song to the Fatherless”, written as an encouragement for people who don’t have a father in their lives. It’s a ballad reminding them that they have a Father in heaven who cares for them. The track really hits home in a powerful way for the majority of kids today who come from broken homes. I see this song hitting the top 40 on radio stations across the country, partly because of the great message. For those of you looking for an 80's feel, the track “I Want to Know” (Sara’s personal favorite) is right up your alley.

It seems God is inhabiting the praises of Inhabited. Sara’s voice is perfect for the rock vibe of the group. There’s a dominant electric guitar and bass line that gives them their trademark sound, a cross between Benjamin Gate and Fireflight with a bit more pop. These guys play their instruments well, blending together to form one unique consistent sound, without being dominated by the powerful drums.

Their songs are unapologetic and the lyrics unashamed, naturally reflecting the heart of the band who isn’t afraid to share the gospel with their listeners. Sara explains, “We live in a love sick society, where we continue to substitute ‘a bunch of junk’ for stuff that really matters, which always leaves us empty. It is our passion to love people, and meet them where they are, no matter who they are, just like Jesus did. And if we can do that, I believe we can change our world!” A lofty goal, but the way they’re going, Inhabited may be able to do just that. 

  

Go Remixed by Newsboys

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...brings a brand new flavor to Go."

 

 

Recording a remix album is sort of like a top chef customizing his signature dish of fettuccine al forno to please a vegan. It’s now a lovely blend of tofu and flax seeds with whole wheat pasta. But it’s still this chef’s fettuccine al forno. This is what the Newsboys have achieved in Go Remixed.

Five years after the groundbreaking success of Remixed in 2002, they’ve customized another great album, Go, to please a different audience, as well. Lead singer Peter Furler had this to say about why he loves making remix albums: “They’re like one of those TV makeover shows: You give the words and melody a new jacket and shoes, the rhythm a nip n’ tuck, and send it out on the dance floor.”

With fourteen albums under their belt, the Newsboys brings a brand new flavor to Go, their most recent project. They still give fans their unique pop/rock signature sound, only now with a dance/techno flavor. Being together for almost twenty years, the group shows it has definitely matured from its Boys will be Boyz days. The addition of Paul Colman to the band in January may be part of what makes both Go and Go Remixed so well seasoned.

Go Remixed brings to the table some well known producers such as Lee Bridges, who remixes seven of the eleven tracks on the album. Tedd T. (Tobymac, Rebecca St. James) puts his trademark electronic sound on the track I Am Free. Max Hsu of Superchic[k] takes on Your Love is Better Than Life. And the band’s very own Jeff Frankenstein remixes In Wonder. The album also features the bonus track City to City, not found on the original Go. The only song I found to be better in its original form is Something Beautiful. The remix lacked the fun, upbeat, aspect of the original.

It’s a whole new way of looking at one of their best albums yet. A must have for any Newsboys lover, and a great addition to anyone’s cd collection.

Don't Wait by Adie

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...has a simplicity that is refreshing, with enough variety within her folk/rock genre to keep you eager for the next track."
  

 

After The Benjamin Gate called it quits in 2003, South African native and lead singer Adrienne Camp opened a clothing store in Indiana and secretly dreamed of recording a cd on her own. Then out of the blue, husband and singer Jeremy Camp suggested, “Honey, I think it would really cool if you did a solo album.” Adie says, “I was thrilled, because I was thinking the same thing. It’s been scary stepping out on my own without the band guys. The Benjamin Gate was all about pushing boundaries, no holding back. This cd fits me so much better.”
Jeremy Camp’s fingerprints are all over this project, helping with backup vocals in “Broken” and co-writing many of the other songs with Adie. Although a lot more mellow than the albums she did with The Benjamin Gate, Adrienne’s strong rock vocals are still there. Her clear voice nails each note and is backed by a crisp, sometimes acoustic sound that’s rich with texture---a long journey from the aggressive rock sound of her former band.
You’d never guess this was Adie’s first solo cd either musically or lyrically, as each cut seems to flow easily to the next. My favorite has to be “When It’s Over”, a touching number about how much she longs to see Jesus one day. The piano opening gives way to an electric-guitar-backed-chorus with her own harmonies, reminding me a little bit of Joy Williams minus the pop element. “Your Way” deals with trusting God and going His way and not our own. It’s a simple blend of electric and acoustic guitar, well suited for the lower range of her voice. There’s a pure hymn-like tune, “What Have I Done”, where Adie’s voice becomes airy and angelic (Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven” comes to mind.) The final touch is her catchy, updated version of The Byrd’s “Turn, Turn, Turn”.
Don’t Wait has a simplicity that is refreshing, with enough variety within her folk/rock genre to keep you eager for the next track, although Benjamin Gate fans might be slightly disappointed with it’s lack of edginess. Several cuts are radio friendly, and I can already see them soaring to the top of the charts. Go Adie! I have a feeling you won’t have much time anymore for that boutique of yours.

 

The Grafting by John Schlitt

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington 

 

"

John Schlitt is no stranger to the Christian music scene. In fact, he could even be considered one of the founding fathers, having been recently inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame. Best known for his work as lead singer of Petra from 1986 until the band’s retirement in 2005, Schlitt has been hard at work as a solo artist, as well as making a worship album with fellow Petra member, Bob Hartman in 2007.

Even during his years with Petra John dabbled in making it on his own with solo albums “Shake” and “Unfit for Swine”. But The Grafting is Schlitt coming into his own - his own style and personality comes through loud and clear. It has the fresh influence of son in law, Dan Needham (who wrote most of the songs) and daughter Kari Needham’s BGVs. (Kari also did the artwork for the album.) Dan knows what he’s doing having written/produced for Amy Grant, Petra and Michael McDonald.

The Grafting could be considered a softer rock album than Schlitt’s first two solo endeavors, but his signature vocals still bring the rock feel home. Less than a handful of the cuts could really be called worship songs, like “Lord Have Mercy” and “Carry On”, which is a nice cut to end the project. But even the rockier numbers have an attitude of worship, like “Face of God” with the lyrics: “Do you hear what heaven hears? Do you know it in your heart? Do you share the pain and cry the tears, but don’t know where to start?”

The title cut takes you back to the Glen Campbell country days, smooth and easy -- a nice departure for Schlitt. He really puts his heart into this one, as he explains: “It’s a very personal song to me, because I have two grandsons that are adopted by my oldest child and her husband. And on a much greater scale - we are adopted children of God ONLY because He loved us so much that He grafted us into His family because of our faith in His Son, Jesus. In both scenarios my grandchildren and myself, and all believers, were made part of a family because of the actions of someone else - it was nothing we did to accomplish this.”

“Gravity” uses the most electricity, and John’s vocals are truly rocker quality. But it’s the closest you’ll get on this cd to rock and roll. Contrast that with “Your Eyes”, a piano driven ballad about how God will someday wipe every tear from our eyes, and you’ve got a melting pot of top quality, contemporary music. The Grafting reveals John Schlitt’s tender side, but John Schlitt the rock star can’t help but slip out from time to time.

The Grafting reveals John Schlitt's tender side, but John Schlitt the rock star can't help but slip out from time to time."

 

 

 

 

 

Acoustic by Britt Nicole

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"...will please Britt Nicole fans as well as earn some new ones for this devoted and talented young lady."

We were first introduced to North Carolina native Britt Nicole in 2007 when her “You” hit the airways with a vengeance as part of her debut CD Say It. Then in 2009 with The Lost Get Found CD she continued to make great music with a positive message for all ages, teens and beyond.

Her latest offering, Acoustic, is no exception. This six song CD features some lighter versions of her popular songs along with a new track, “Found By You”. Britt's unique pop flavor rivals Ke$ha, Katy Perry, and Krystal Meyers, and her blend of Christian/pop culture lyrics covers it all.

While Acoustic is true to its name, it manages to create a new flavor for Britt's sound. Light drums and piano blend with smooth guitar to accompany her breathy voice, a change from her pop dance music sound.

Her single “Walk on the Water”, which was played on a Biggest Loser episode, is one of the standout tracks on the album. Britt's mother had always wanted to start a home for troubled teen girls, and she struggled with how to begin. She wrote the song to encourage her mother to step out and do whatever God has called her to do. Since then her mom has done just that, and is now letting girls come and live in their home while they pursue their dreams.

Britt's positive upbeat message comes out loud and clear on “Set the World on Fire” as she prays “I wanna set the world on fire until it's burning bright for you. It's everything that I desire. Oh, can I be the one you use?”

 

Blue on Blue by Leigh Nash

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"With skill and grace Leigh has earned her stripes as a solo artist."
  

 

You’re probably wondering what happened to the former lead singer of Sixpence None the Richer. Leigh Nash, who’s been singing since she was twelve, formed the band with a fellow classmate while they were still in high school. She says, “It was such an emotional process for me when the band broke up. Motherhood came pretty fast after that, and I started writing a ton about my son. I just found that there was a much deeper well within me than there had been before.”
Leigh says, “My songs on Blue on Blue were not intentionally centered on any one concept, but I admit my newfound maternity was a source of inspiration.” Her music is less melancholy now that she’s on her own, and more piano driven (some of the intros remind me of George Winston) which goes well with Leigh’s airy voice. In fact, any other instrumentation is minimal.
With many years of performing under her belt, this doesn’t sound like her first solo album. Not with tracks like “Cloud Nine”, probably the most interesting piece, which best displays her vocal style (just picture yourself at a beach party for this number). “More of It” is the most reminiscent of her Sixpence roots, which her loyal listeners will love. She co-wrote the smooth “Between the Lines” and “Along the Wall” with Canadian producer, Pierre Marchand, Sarah McLachlan, and Rufus Wainwright last winter in Montreal (think Felicity tv show music). The final touch is a sweet lullaby “Just a Little” which Leigh wrote for her son, Henry. Blue on Blue is a bit more poppish than the albums she did with Sixpence, but this cd reveals Nash’s pretty voice better than Sixpence did. It may not dish out hits like “Kiss Me” and “There She Goes”, but treading new ground is never an easy feat. With skill and grace Leigh has earned her stripes as a solo artist. Blue on Blue is sure to win her many new fans.

 

Loved Edited by Rebecca St. James

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

"Perfect for youth groups, women’s Bible studies, or your own personal use."

She’s probably best known for her catchy music ministry which began in 1991 at the age of 13, when under the stage name “Rebecca Jean” she released an independent album titled Refresh My Heart in Australia. Soon after its release, her family moved to the United States where her father received a job offer, and the rest is history. Rebecca St. James is no stranger to the book world, either. She has authored numerous titles such as: Pure; She: Safe, Healthy, Empowered; She Teen; Wait For Me, among others.
Now, in her latest book Loved - Stories of Forgiveness she dons the editor's cap.You will find true stories of God’s amazing love and forgiveness for young women from all walks of life. Divided into six parts, each begins with a dramatized story from the Bible and continues with seven present day stories of women who have made mistakes but found God’s love in the end. These sections cover the issues: identity crisis, addictions, family problems, friends, man trouble, and faith crises.

The theme of the book comes from St. James’ song “You Are Loved” which Rebecca wrote for her friend, Daniel. The words to the track can be found on the frontmatter. With its 6 week devotional format, each vignette can be gone through quickly. Perfect for youth groups, women’s Bible studies, or your own personal use.

The stories are real eye-openers. As the young women find themselves in bad relationships, eating disorders, and lost in a sea of rejection they discover that God cares for them in the midst of their turmoil. Like sixteen year old Naomi, whose prescription drug abuse and early childhood memories of molestation drive her to rock bottom. But “instead of running away from the pain she has learned to run to God in her pain.” Not all the entries are as dark as Naomi’s, but they depict real life for women in today’s society without sugar coating.

Loved - Stories of Forgiveness does remind us how much God truly loves us. As Rebecca puts it, “Loved is about prodigals and for prodigals - which is all of us. God has His arms open wide, waiting for us, no matter what we have done. This is a message of hope that our generation needs to hear. No matter where you’ve been and what you’ve done. . . you are loved.”

The Ultimate Collection by Rebecca St. James

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington

 

"The Ultimate Collection is a top notch quality time capsule of the last fourteen years of St. James' ministry."

 

It was a hot summer night in July, 1995 at a small, local community park when I saw 17 year old Rebecca St. James in concert for the first time. Back then she was performing with accompaniment tracks. No entourage, no tour buses -- just RSJ, her father working the merch table, and her brother doing sound. Seeing her so passionate about the Lord at such a young age was inspiring. She sang “Here I Am” with abandon, and the small crowd of a few hundred lifted their hands in worship. Now with a Grammy, multiple Dove Awards, and a Gold album (Pray, 1997), Rebecca has come a long way. With a career spanning fourteen years so far, she now takes her pop/rock music on tour with a full band, background singers, family, and an elaborate light show worldwide, ministering to tens of thousands of people. But she hasn’t forgotten her roots. A few years ago she told me she still remembers being on that small stage back at the beginning of her career.

This double disk Ultimate Collection features 24 of Rebecca’s hits, from the early songs she sang so long ago like “Here I Am” and “Abba, Father” to her most recent cuts. The album opener “God Help Me” is a great track Rebecca often uses to open a concert, getting the crowd revved up and ready for her to emerge onstage. The cd set also showcases St. James’ classics like “God” and “Go And Sin No More”. It’s unfortunate the anthology lacks two of the key songs in Rebecca’s repertoire, “Side by Side” (I remember this being her second big radio hit) and “Me Without You” (a staple in her early concerts), but this is still a great collection.

In 2005 “America” was the theme song for the National Day of Prayer. Now it’s part of the Ultimate Collection. And they couldn’t forget to include the ubiquitous “Wait for Me”, possibly Rebecca’s most popular teen anthem. There are no new songs on here, but there are newer songs, like “Reborn” and “Blessed Be Your Name.” And although many Christian artists have performed “Breathe”, Rebecca’s rendition, included on this set, is probably my favorite version.

One of the bonus tracks will please Chronicles of Narnia fans. It’s the song she sang on the CD Music inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and it’s aptly called “Lion”.

The Ultimate Collection is a top notch quality time capsule of the last fourteen years of St. James’ ministry. It reveals Rebecca’s growth and evolution into a seasoned role model and music artist who is just as passionate about the Lord as she was when she started. 

 

The Christmas Collection by Amy Grant 

Reviewed by Tracy Darlington 

"Long time Grant fans as well as new ones won’t be disappointed with Grant’s latest offering. It’s the Amy we know and love."

 

It’s been three years since we’ve heard from Amy Grant (Rock of Ages... Hymns of Faith). And now that the temperature is dropping and the leaves are turning she’s set to release “The Christmas Collection”. But wait a minute - doesn’t Amy already have three Christmas albums under her belt? Well, yes. But there are four new recordings on this project, one of which features a special guest appearance from daughter Corrina (“I Need A Silent Night”). Amy says, “The highlight for me on this song was having her record the Luke account of The Christmas Story. I’m glad we have my daughter’s voice on this track.”

There’s a caffeinated version of “Jingle Bells” with some snazzy triplets thrown into the rhythm for flair. It and a few others almost have the feel of a score from a musical. Several pieces are backed by an orchestra, and Amy’s voice blends well with the instrumentation.

Another one of the new tracks is “Count Your Blessings”, a romantic jazz number. Grant sings this one almost as if it’s a lullaby. “Baby, It’s Christmas” was co-written with her husband, Vince Gill, something we haven’t seen a lot. You’ll be familiar with all the rest of the cuts, from her earlier holiday albums.

Grant isn’t reinventing the wheel here. The Christmas Collection features many of the traditional holiday favorites we’ve all grown to know and love over the years including “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”, “Silent Night”, and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”. And let’s not forget the perennial favorite “Breath of Heaven”.

It would have been nice to have included more new songs - either original pieces or new renditions of old ones. But the minute you load “The Christmas Collection” onto your iPod you’ll want to light up a fire and watch the snow fall outside, even if you live in Hawaii. And that’s what any Christmas album should do.

Amy will be hitching up her sleigh in early December, hitting 15 cities with husband Vince, who will also be featured. Long time Grant fans as well as new ones won’t be disappointed with Grant’s latest offering. It’s the Amy we know and love. So grab your jingle bells - you’re in for a great holiday treat.

 

MEREDITH ANDREWS:
One of the most exciting times in a young person's life is when they are dreaming big dreams and standing on the verge of their calling, but it can be an equally confusing and scary time as well. I remember going back and forth during my last couple years of high school and well into college, switching my major a few times and praying hard about where God was leading me. One thing is certain, God is in control. He can be trusted, and if He is sovereign enough to breathe life into our lungs and place us on this earth, you can believe He has a sovereign plan for each of us. Jeremiah 29:11-14 is a familiar passage, but I would encourage you to read it and apply the promises in these verses to your life. Seek the Lord with all your heart, ask Him to clearly show you what to do and where to go. Also, ask yourself these questions: What are my God-given gifts and desires? In other words, what am I good at? What do I love doing? All my life I have been passionate about leading worship through music and loving on underprivileged children. During my junior year of college I was wrestling with what the Lord was calling me to do when I graduated, but it was staring me right in the face the whole time. Pointing people to Jesus by singing and writing about His truth and love along with giving of my time and energy to help needy children were the things that made me feel most alive. These were the avenues that showed me God's heart the most and they are the things that are still burning in my heart today. Scripture must always be our barometer, and God will never tell us to do something that will contradict His Word. But He most likely won't tell you to go to medical school in a head of lettuce either. He has placed desires and abilities within you, and when you team these passions up with prayer and God's Word, you will know what the Lord has called you to do and will have the confidence to carry out this sovereign plan for His glory.

DUSTIN RUTH (Ruth):
 I think teen girls and teen guys can have their dreams fulfilled just the same. Being a teen and wondering what to do with your life is a hard thing to go through. Don't get me wrong, I think direction changes all through out your life, but people face this reality during their teen years for the first time. The best thing I can suggest that has worked for me is to try and remember to ask God for direction and seek His dreams for our lives. It says in the Bible to "seek God first always and he will give us the desires of our hearts." If He places a desire in your heart (because you're seeking Him first), I guarantee He'll make your dreams/desires come true. One thing I've found is that 9 times out of 10 they don't look the way we thought they would in the end, but they're more fulfilling. This is truly living.

JOHN COOPER (Skillet):
I guess it was a combination of things. One is that music is one of the only things I’ve ever been any good at (laughs). So that helped. The possibilities were not endless! Christian music affected me so much as a kid. I used to think if I ever played in a band it would be a Christian band. I never even considered not playing in a Christian band, actually. Then when I was in college I had a band and I thought, “Would I actually want to do this for a living instead of having some other kind of job?” It was always a really easy answer for me. Yes, I would rather do that. When I was about twenty was when I knew from the Lord, and my pastor really encouraged me in my music, is when I really felt like yep, this is what I’m gonna do. If in the end I’m wrong and God’s not calling me to this the very worst that happens is that I waste a couple years of time I could’ve been in school failing. (Laughs.) I feel certain this is the Lord, and my pastor prayed with me and also felt that it was from the Lord, and that helped.

 

Maybe you dream of being on a stage, lights flashing, with a crowd screaming back the words to a song you wrote. Or maybe you see yourself starting an orphanage in Africa. You might even be dreaming of earning an Olympic gold medal! You’ve prayed about it and asked Jesus to show you His will for your life, but you don’t know where to start. Here’s the lowdown on how God helped these top music artists fulfill their dreams, and how He’ll help you too!


AMY GRANT:
When I was in my teen years, my life was really affected by a band called Dogwood that played every Saturday night at a coffee house in Nashville. I don’t know that I ever woke up one day and said, “God I believe you’re leading me to do this.” I had a passion for music, and a passion about faith. I still do. I know some people had that big sort of epiphany moment, but I think for most of us there are the things in life that energize us, and they are connected to the gifts that God gives us. I tell my kids all the time, find something you’re passionate about because then you’ll want to get out of bed tomorrow and pursue that. The fact that it includes telling people about Jesus makes it especially rewarding. 

DAWN RICHARDSON (Fireflight):
It's so important to understand how much God loves you! The more you learn about who God is, through reading your bible, reading devotions and books by biblical teachers and writers, as well as growing in a real personal relationship with God through prayer (talking with God) and praise and worship, the more you will begin to see your life through God's loving eyes. Once you gain God's perspective on your life, the decisions that once seemed so confusing, and the fear of failure that so frequently haunts us, no longer seems so overwhelming. Then, we are free to walk by faith down the path God reveals to us.

VICKY BEECHING:
My advice would be to spend as much time as you can with God seeking Him and getting to know his word. That will prepare you for everything ahead. With your dreams, lay them at Gods feet and surrender totally. Then serve and love others as your main aim in life, and never use people. Make relationships the most valued thing in your world. and all the rest will fall into place. Dreams can sometimes make people self centered and slip into a 'user' mentality. So love, serve, give and God will open the doors for you! 

 

Is there a mountain in your life? An obstacle in your way, keeping you from moving on with God? We’ve all had them, including some of your favorite Christian artists. Through their trust and determination God helped them beat their fears, addictions, sicknesses, and limitations, and He’ll do the same for you.
We may not all struggle with stage fright, Crohn’s disease, or losing fifty pounds. But the obstacles we face in our own daily lives are just as important to God. Whatever our walk of life may be, if we lean, trust, and rely on Him, He’s sure to make a way for us!

PLUMB: When I was thirteen years old I was diagnosed with just about every single stomach disorder you could imagine. They thought I had colon cancer; they thought I had cysts. I was desperately ill. When I got scared my stomach would be unbelievably painful, so I was basically afraid of being afraid. Between the ages of thirteen and nineteen, I didn’t go a day without a stomach spasm. I told God, "I don’t ever want to leave Atlanta, and I don’t ever want to travel. I don’t ever want to move away from home, away from my doctors," because I got so sick all the time. And God said, "You know what? I’m going to move you out of Georgia, and I’m going to move you into an apartment by yourself. You’re going to travel for a living, singing and doing exactly what you thought you couldn’t do." When I was nineteen-and-a-half I was asked to do a background singing job. I did it, and it led to here. I‘d never be able to do what I’m doing today if my stomach were still the way it was. But God was bigger than me, and He had bigger plans than I did. Since I stepped out in faith I haven’t been sick anymore.  

REBECCA ST. JAMES:
My biggest personal obstacle that He’s allowed me to overcome is fear. You know, fear of being up in front of people on stage, all on my own. I started singing when I was thirteen and it was "little me" standing up there, and no one else. That was pretty scary at times. I remember looking out and seeing all the young people my age and being very intimidated. And I remember seeing adults who have a lot more life experience and wisdom than me, and just feeling scared. But I think that’s where prayer came in. Prayer was the one thing that held me together. I would pray, “God, I can’t do this on my own. Be my strength.” And He’s been that for me. I think those hard times made me appreciate the good times so much more.  

JACI VELASQUEZ:
I lost all my hearing when I was nine years old. Through my parents’ prayers God totally restored it.

IAN ESKELIN:
Worry has been a big obstacle in my life. Several years ago, when I was on tour, I wasn’t even able to sleep. I had insomnia so bad because I worried about everything. I started praying about it a lot, and the Lord delivered me and set me free. When I pray I have a way more relaxed attitude about everything.