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

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

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...