Until the whole world hears…

Last week saw two new CD’s crossing my path. I have been eagerly anticipating the new Casting Crowns album. I spent the weekend listen to this on almost a constant repeat. The lyrics and vocal arrangements provides a familiar warmth and listen to Mark and the guys is like visiting with an old friend. The metaphor should not be mistaken for a dull same-old same-old disappointment, but rather a hugely fulfilling experience of being shaped by someone you trust and that speaks into your soul with authority.

Even though the music is so familiar it is not boring or dull, but rather the guys (and girls) for Casting Crowns speak profoundly with bold and relevant lyrics. The same musical traits that drew me to their music is previous albums is still alive and well in “Until the whole world hears”. Songs like “Joyful, Joyful” gives me a spirit kick-start and instantly changes my state when the violins add their unique arrangement on a classic.

Check out http://www.castingcrowns.com for great behind-the-scene video interview that adds a lot of context about the band and the album.

Personally I have huge respect for the musical ministry of Casting Crowns. I love the true church grown honesty of their intent to worship and minister. If you ever get the opportunity to see them in person please do so since it provides not just a great show, but so much more – truly a powerful moment for encountering God.

Sanctus Real

I recently stumbled across a great find. Sanctus Real is a Christian band from Toledo – Ohio. After hearing their new single “Forgiven” and browsing around I realised I heard them before through their cover of “Beautiful Day” from U2 and other songs like “I’m not Alright” (love it), “Fight the Tide” and “Sing”.

The following excerpt provides some background behind the single in their own words.

Forgiven came from an instance when we were talking honestly as a band about feeling the wear and tear of our insecurities. At the end of the conversation, we realized that no matter what we are or what we’ve done in this world, to other people, or even to ourselves, what we truly are and will always be is “…a treasure in the arms of Christ.”

It’s so hard to see past our weakness and failures sometimes, or rather the things WE think are weakness and failures. They can corner us…trick us into believing we can’t be used effectively by God. But God’s strength is perfected in our weakness (2nd Corinthians 12:9)…It’s when he can use us most!

The message we hope to convey in this song is this…We’ll always have weakness. We’ll always make honest mistakes. It’s part of being human. God’s great promise though is that we can always run into his arms, and we’ll always be Forgiven.”

- Sanctus Real

Check out Sanctus real again or for the first time at: sanctusreal.com or www.myspace.com/sanctusreal

John Mark McMillan

Came about this music on Steven Brewster’s blog this morning. I love this sound, very much like Bruce Springsteen. Now I simply hope I can lay my hands on a copy as the words is really moving.

Love story meets Viva la Vida

This is an awesome arrangement

Christy Nockles

OK, you might have heard of her, but I think she has an awesome voice, and this song of her is simply amazing

True worship

This is a song by Hillsong, led by Brooke Fraser. She is, for me, one of the best female worship leaders out there, and I simply love her music.

Enjoy the song, but also, focus on the end part of this video, focusing on the view of what true worship is.

Free music…

One of the things I would really love to do through Unsafe Challenge, is to expose Worship artists, especially those that are unknown in South Africa.

One of these that I have come across recently, is Phil Wickham. He also has a free album, that can be downloaded by clicking on the image.