Softly and Tenderly - Bart Millard

One day several years ago my father recommended that I listen to Bart Millard, and I thought that was a really funny name.  I shortly after discovered that Bart Millard was a great guy and a great song writer.  If you don't know, Bart Millard is the singer for the band Mercy Me and he is an active "tweeter".

He also has recorded a few solo albums where he arranges and records Hymns.   These albums are Hymned No1 and Hymned again.   Any guy who remaks a hymn with a ukulele, is A ok in my book.  His smooth jazz version of Softly and Tenderly is really something special.  Every time I hear it, it causes me to relax and be thankful that I am a child of God.  This is a great one to add to your playlist if you haven't already.


Amazon: - Hymned No. 1

Amazon - Hymned Again


Lyrics to Softly and Tenderly:


Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,


calling for you and for me;

see, on the portals he's waiting and watching,

watching for you and for me.

Refrain:

Come home, come home;

ye who are weary come home;

earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,

calling, O sinner, come home!


-DD

A MUST HAVE Song "Garden" by Needtobreathe

The best decision Taylor Swift ever made was choosing Needtobreathe to open for her on her world tour.  It's rare to find a band as talented as Needtobreathe and I love the fact that they are unashamed followers of Jesus Christ.  On a scale of 1 to 10, this song is a 12. Arranged with a beautiful collection of strings and acoustic guitars, this song is simple yet powerful.  The tone really compliments the lyrics which fit well with the scene of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane.

Here are some things I love about this band.
1.  They are straight up amazing live.  Better than their albums
2.  Bear and Bo are fantastic names
3.  They come from Possum Kingdom, SC.  Fans of alternative music will understand that one
4.  They have outstanding guitar solos (including slide guitar)
5.  Bear rocks the long hair well
6.  Their lyrics are top notch.  Integrity and depth
7.  Bear's voice...can you say amazing????
8. Harmonica
9.  5 star average on Amazon for the album the outsiders.
10. Can you say Banjo?  I can't imagine it an easy task incorporating banjo's in rock and roll, but these guys make it work.
11. The legend Ed Roland (from Collective Soul) helped out with recording efforts.

Get to know this band.  Pray for them, go see them live and buy their music.

Links:
Grooveshark (Listen for free)
Acoustic Version With Insight into the song.
Amazon.com


Song: Garden
Band: Needtobreathe
Album:  The Outsiders

Lyrics:

won't you take this cup from me

Cause fear has stolen all my sleep


If tomorrow means my death

Pray you'll save their souls with it


Let the songs I sing bring joy to you

Let the words I say confess my love

Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you


In this hour of doubt I see

Who I am is not just me

So give me strength to die myself

So love can live to tell the tale


Let the songs I sing bring joy to you

Let the words I say confess my love

Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you

Father let my heart be

For you

Let the songs I sing bring joy to you

Let the words I say confess my love

Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you

Rediscover You - Starfield

RIGHT NOW, Add the song Rediscover You by the band Starfield to your ipod if you do not have it already.  This song has been one of my favorites and it is rare gems that I can play over and over again and it seems to get better.  The musical texture, instrumentation and storyline all compliment each other well.  They lyrics shape a story that I have seen played out in my own life and I find my self praying a similar prayer to the second verse.  Familiarize yourself with the song and band.  They have aged well (musically speaking of course), kind of like fine wine!

The album, the Saving One by the Christian band Starfield is loaded with many more worshipful songs.

STARFIELD - BAND
THE SAVING ONE - ALBUM

REDISCOVER YOU - SONG

LINKS:
AMAZON - Purchase the song/album
GROOVESHARK - Check this song out for free
TWITTER- Get tweets from the official band page
Youtube - Listen to the song for free
Youtube - Acoustic Live Performance

Lyrics:
I need to just admit
my faith is paper thin
I'm feeling so burned out
On religion

I say an empty prayer
I sing a tired song
I need to just admit that the passion's gone

And I want to get it back

You told me
Look for You and I will find
So I'm here
Like I'm searching for the first time
Revive me, Jesus
Make this cold heart start to move
Help me rediscover You

I want to learn to pray
The way that David prayed
I want my soul to burn when I hear Your name
I want to feel like new
I want to hunger for you
Bring me back to life like only You can do
Cause I don't want to stay the same

You told me
Look for You and I will find
So I'm here
Like I'm searching for the first time
Revive me, Jesus
Make this cold heart start to move
Help me rediscover You

Lord, I want to be Yours today
I want to know the passion of the saints
And how they were changed

You told me
Look for You and I will find
So I'm here
Like I'm searching for the first time
Revive me, Jesus
Make this cold heart start to move

I want to burn for You
Bring me back to life, Jesus
Help me rediscover You

-DD

"Anthem Rock" Worship - Awesome God - Hillsong United

Sometimes worship needs to be played loud and shouted, and this "Anthem Rock" version of Awesome God packs musical heat.  It sounds like it was recorded at a stadium and the energy is through the roof which makes for a pretty good workout worship jam.  Put this song on your ipod, lace up your jogging shoes and go for a run.  Well, you don't have to do that exactly but you get the point.

Hillsong United is a youth worship band from Australia, and over the years they have cranked out several worship CD's.  I know there will be more songs from them to be highlighted on this blog.

Song: Awesome God

Artist: Hillsong United

Album: Look To You

Links
www.grooveshark.com
Youtube (Live)
Amazon (Purchase the Album)

LYRICS (Chorus to Awesome God by Rich Mullins)

Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom, power, and love

Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With wisdom, power, and love

McClurkin Project - As Long As There's You - Gospel Praise & Worship

Donnie McClurkin has won 3 grammy awards and one dove award, yet some people have not been exposed to his music! This week, I decided to pick the song As Long As There's You by the McClurkin Project.  I somehow stumbled on this song a couple years ago and by the second time I heard it, I was hooked.  I love how the song focuses on the most important part of Heaven, being there with God!

I recommend putting this song on and doing nothing else but listen to it.  It is soul refreshing!  May you be blessed by this song!

Artist: The McClurkin Project / Donnie McClurkin
Song: As Long As There's You
Album: We Praise You

Links:
Youtube (Listen for Free)
Amazon
Wikipedia

As Long As There's You By Donnie McClurkin / The McClurkin Project
Lyrics:
If there were no gates of pearl 
If there were no streets of gold 
If there was no other world 
And a land where we won't grow old 

I'm not thinking about those sites 
Won't be there to enjoy the view 
I think heaven will be alright 
As long as Your there, as long as there is You 

If I never hear an angel sing 
In a far off holy land 
If I never hear a joy bell ring 
Sing a chorus in a Christian band 

I'm not thinking about those sites 
Won't be there to enjoy the view 

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/as-long-as-theres-you-lyrics-donnie-mcclurkin.html ]

I think heaven will be alright 
As long as Your there, as long as there is You 

CHORUS: 
I'm not thinking about the sites 
Won't be there to enjoy the view 
I think heaven will be alright 
As long as Your there, as long as there is You 

Vamp: 
When we all get to heaven 
What a day of rejoicing that will be 
When we all see Jesus 
We will sing and shout the victory

David Crowder - How He Loves - Worship Song Recommendation

David Crowder, goofy looking guy but serious about worship.  How He Loves is a heartfelt worship song about the father's love.  Powerful and moving!!  What I like about David Crowder is that he has been faithfully dedicated to creating worship music for many years.  His songs are always focused on eternal matter and he doesn't get sidetracked.  If you're not familiar with his stuff, I recommend just diving in.  Generally speaking, all of it is good.

Quick Links to this song:
Grooveshark (stream most music for free)
Pandora
Amazon.com (purchase the MP3 Album)
Youtube 

***Please support the artists by purchasing their music***

Song: How He Loves
Album: Church Music
Artist: David Crowder Band

Lyrics

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
And I realise just how beautiful You are
And how great Your affections are for me

(Pre-Chorus)
And O how He loves us
Oh, O how He loves us
How He loves us all

(Chorus)
Yeah He loves us
O how He loves us
O how He loves us
O how He loves

(Verse 2)
We are His portion and He is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way

Worship Song: Your Love Is Strong - Jon Foreman

Song: Your Love Is Strong

Artist: Jon Foreman

Album: Spring

My sister recommended this album to me and it was a great find! The lyrics and style of this song fit together well. The best lyric is in the second verse where it reminds us that the flowers of the field are better dressed than any girl on her wedding day! That line always sticks with me.

I have purchased all four of his ep's and they are great background music.  This song always refreshing to hear.  He is a master at crafting rich thought provoking music.  I also like how his lyrics are honest and raw.

Links
Video: Song, Acoustic Performance with Explination
His Official Website: www.jonforeman.com
Grooveshark.com - Listen to the song for free!
Twitter: @jonforeman
Amazon: Buy the electronic album.

**Please please support the artist and purchase the music.

Lyrics: Your Love Is Strong By Jon Foreman

Heavenly Father
You always amaze me
Let Your kingdom come in my world
And in my life

Give me the food I need
To live through today
Forgive me as I forgive
The people that wrong me

Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune
Or out of place

I walk to the meadow
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl
On her wedding day

So why should I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need!

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens
Is now advancing
Invade my heart
Invade this broken town

The kingdom of the heavens
Is buried treasure
Would you sell yourself
To buy the one you've found

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

Our God in Heaven
Hallowed be Thy name
Above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us, today, our daily bread
Forgive us weary sinners
Keep us far from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons

Woship Song: True Love by Phil Wickham

True Love

By Phil Wickham

Album: Cannons

This is a moving song that retells of the powerful and life changing love of Jesus Christ. In this song, he calls Good Friday "the day that true love died". True love was on display at the cross.

Video Links: Song, Phil Playing on Acoustic Guitar Live

**Please support the artist by purchasing the music**

Lyrics of True Love by Phil Wickham:

Come close listen to the story
About a love more faithful than the morning
The Father gave His only Son just to save us

The earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt the Fathers Broken Heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died

Search your heart you know you can't deny it
Come on, lose your life just so you can find it
The Father gave His only Son just to save us

The Earth was shaking in the dark
All creation felt The Fathers broken heart
Tears were filling Heaven's Eyes
The day that True Love died, the day that True Love died
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died

Now, Jesus is alive

Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Jesus is alive
Oh, He is alive
He rose again

When blood and water hit the ground
Walls we couldn't move came crashing down
We were free and made alive
The day that True Love died, The day that True Love died

Come close listen to the story

Recommended Song: Sunrise to Sunset by Paul Wright

Song: Song Sunrise to Sunset

Artist: Paul Wright

Album: Sunrise to Sunset

This is a light song with a nice groove! I love the concept of this song, remember the forgiveness that we have received.

Video Links: Hear The Song, see Paul Play Live

**Please support the artist and purchase the music.

LYRICS

Father in heaven, forgive me for sinning
I know I need a new beginning.

Father in heaven, forgive me for sinning
I know I need a new beginning my world is spinning.

From sunrise to sunset help me not forget
all that you've done for me.

From sunset to sunrise help me keep my eyes
upon Your glory.

Say ah yea (ah yea)
say alright (alright)
every sunset (sunset)
every sunrise (sunrise).

Oh I need ya, oh I need ya right now.
You came down from heaven above to
show me Your way, You way is to love
so help me love love and not judge or hold a grudge sayin...