I have been listening to a lot of music lately….oh who am I kidding, there is rarely a time when I am not listening to music! If you know me, you’re probably not surprised, as the following phrases fall from my lips regularly: “You know, that reminds me of the song…..” or, “I think [artist] really illustrates that well in [this] song.” or, if I’m in a particularly inspired mood I will just start singing the song that has popped into my mind. Hence, I’ve decided to put together a little blog post to share the amazing musical creativity that I have discovered as of late! I hope this post will lift your spirits and inspire you.
First, I’ll start with a young lady who’s music has impacted my life in quite a few ways. Audrey Assad’s debut album The House You’re Building (which is only 5.99 at Amazon) has not only restored my faith in contemporary Christian music, but has encouraged me in my walk with the Lord immensely. Audrey’s honest, eloquent lyrics coupled with her wonderful voice and excellent musicality have inspired me more than I can say in this brief blog post. Below is a video for my favorite song on the album called “Carry Me”, be sure to read the lyrics, they are amazing!
In the same vein as Audrey Assad, I’ve been quite encouraged by this amazing song by Meredith Andrews and Paul Baloche called “How Great Is The Love”. The first video is the song story, which is quite inspiring, the second video is the version from Meredith’s album As Long As it Takes. I love worshipping to this song, it is a killer corporate worship song, that is immensely deep and relate able.
While we’re on the topic of Worship I am currently enjoying the album Alive Again by Matt Maher. Matt wrote “Your Grace Is Enough” which I believe is one of the best worship songs of our generation. I am currently loving his song “Christ is Risen” (below) the lyrics are so powerful and I love his use of chimes in the song, it reminds me of the church bells that I used to hear as a kid at our cabin in New Mexico.
Click here to view the video on YouTube.
Moving on to secular music town, forget that new Lady Gaga song (as catchy as it may be) and take a listen to some of the music below! I go through phases in my musical listening habits, and I am currently on a female pop/electronica kick. Below are some of my recent favs.
First, I am soaking up the French Electro-pop stylings of the band Yelle! I’ve been a Yelle fan for quite a while. And from the sounds of the few tracks that have been released from their new CD, Safari Disco Club, my appreciation of them will continue. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to go to a safari disco club?! If you’re on the fence about dancing with the animals listen to the song below!
Another foreign import that I am currently loving is the Danish singer Oh Land. She has beautiful, haunting vocals and a fun electro-pop sound. I am most impressed with her live performances as they marry installation art with music. The video below is a typical live performance for Oh Land, no lip-syncing, all live instruments, and great visual elements! If you like her, the Oh Land EP is pretty cheap on Amazon Mp3.
Click Here to view the video on VEVO.
Another amazing singer / songwriter from across the pond that I’ve been enjoying is Jessie J. Jessie J has an amazing voice, simply amazing! And (for most of her songs) the lyrics are thoughtful and encouraging. Check out her video for “Price Tag” below. Her album doesn’t come out in the States for a while, so we’ll have to be patient!
I’ve also recently been returning to an old favorite, The Corrs! You may remember this Irish family band from their song “Breathless“. However, I love their instrumental stuff (1st video), and am currently really enjoying the song “Angel” (2nd video) from their last studio album, Borrowed Heaven. Makes me want to take a long vacation to Ireland and Scotland!
Anyway, hope you enjoyed what I’ve been enjoying. And above all, I hope you’ve been inspired and encouraged! Remember, life is music, play it louder!
Shawn
