Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Music News: Mack Brock Releasing New EP "Covered"



Being released on March 22nd from Sparrow Records (Capitol Christian Music Group) is the EP "Covered" by Mack Brock, a music producer and former Elevation Worship leader.

Mack Brock had released his debut 9-song album, Greater Things, in 2018 and later toured with Rend Collective.

He has been a worship leader for over 15 years. He's the co-songwriter of O'Come to the Alter, Resurrecting, Here As In Heaven, and Do It Again. His songs have been in the Top 50 on CCLI, and four were in the Top 100 CCLI worship songs. 


Friday, October 19, 2018

Music Review: Talk About Love: Music from the Motion Picture No Postage Necessary


Satya Records; 41 mins 51 secs; Amazon

Available now from Satya Records is Talk About Love: Music from the Motion Picture No Postage Necessary, the first soundtrack singer/songwriter/composer Charleene Closshey, who composed, orchestrated and recorded the film’s musical piano-based orchestral score.

No Postage Necessary was the first movie to released via the Blockchain, which allowed customers to stream the film using cryptocurrency. The movie was released to select theaters and VOD over the summer. It was released to Blu-ray and DVD earlier this month.

Produced by award-winning songwriter, engineer and producer Brent Maher, the album features a duet between Closshey and George Blagden (who costars in the film) on the song "Til I Loved You." "Give Me Your Heart" features a duet between Closshey and Irish singer/songwriter Gareth Dunlop.

The tracks/songs on the album include:


  • Talk About Love
  • Give Me Your Heart featuring Gareth Dunlop
  • Galileo
  • ‘Til I Loved You featuring George Blagden
  • Sam’s Theme (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • The Letter (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Josie’s Theme (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • In Sam’s Defense (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Twistee Treat (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Sam Sneaks, Ames Lurks (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Live (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • What is it You Want? (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Walking Towards Grace (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • The Truth (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Stanley’s Bible (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Acceptance Letter (score from “No Postage Necessary”)
  • Falling Backwards (score from “No Postage Necessary”)



Monday, September 17, 2018

Music Review: Tori Kelly: Hiding Place


Schoolboy Records & Capitol Records; 36 mins 50 secs; Buy Link

Now available from Schoolboy Records & Capital Records is the second album from singer Tori Kelly, titled "Hiding Place," which features eight Gospel inspired songs with R&B infused melodies.

Tori Kelly received a 2016 Grammy Award nominee for Best New Artist for her first album Unbreakable Smile, which included one track inspired for her love of Gospel music. Later, her manager,Scooter Braun, helped her connect with the 12-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin. The two artist worked together to create the“hope-pop” album.

One of the things I want for this album is for people to feel uplifted and encouraged when they listen,” Kelly says. “I want them to know that, no matter what they’re going through, there’s a God who loves them so much and so unconditionally, and there’s always a reason to feel hope. That’s what I really believe in, and I want everyone out there to hear my heart.” 

The title of the album, Hiding Place, was inspired by from a line in one of Kelly's favorite psalms -
from a line in one of her favorite psalms - "You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with songs of deliverance."
Tori Kelly
That always stuck with me: this idea of God being a place of safety, a place where you can hide from all the crazy things that this world can throw at us,” she notes.


Though half the songs on the album were written by Franklin, there are a few that were co-written with Kelly, which marks the first Franklin has ever co-written a song with another artist.“It blew me away that she wanted us to co-write, because she’s a phenomenal songwriter and could’ve easily done it herself,” Franklin says. “I’ve worked with Mary J. Blige, Bono, Yolanda Adams, and I’ve never seen anyone that’s a monster behind the microphone like Tori Kelly. She’d nail one song in three takes, and all those takes were amazing. It set the bar higher for my whole career.

The opening-song "Masterpiece" features  the Houston-bred hip-hop artist Lecrae. The slow-burning single "Help Us To Love" features harmonies from The HamilTones ( the official background vocalists for Grammy Award-winner Anthony Hamilton.) "Just As Sure" features a
chart-topping gospel star Jonathan McReynolds. And Kirk Franklin's vocals are featured in the song "Never Alone."


The songs/tracks on the album include:
  • Masterpiece featuring Lecrae
  • Help Us To Love featuring The HamilTones
  • Sunday
  • Just As Sure featuring Jonathan McReynolds
  • Psalm 42
  • Questions
  • Never Alone featuring Kirk Franklin
  • Soul's Anthem (It Is Well)




Final Thoughts

Friday, November 17, 2017

Music Review: KUTLESS: ALPHA / OMEGA


Buy Link
Now available from BEC Recordings is the newest album from the Christian rock band KUTLESS, titled ALPHA / OMEGA.

KUTLESS was first formed as a modern rock/worship band at Warner Pacific College in Portland in 2000 by original members Jon Micah Sumrall (lead vocals) and guitarist James Mead. The band first signed with BEC Recordings in 2001, and since then they have had top-charting hits, sold millions of records and more than eight million streams!

KUTLESS has two RIAA Gold-selling albums for Strong Tower and Live from Portland. They have had 12 No. 1 radio singles across all formats including the songs "Strong Tower," "What Faith Can Do" and "Carry Me To The Cross."

ALPHA / OMEGA is a collection of rock worship songs of both original and cover tracks. The album features a new version of "Strong Tower" as well as the debut radio single "King of My Heart."



Tracks/Songs on the album include:

Your Great Name
Strong Tower (Reprise)
King of My Heart
Cornerstone
You Are Love
Great Are You Lord
Your Love Awakens Me
Shepherd Of My Soul
Gave It All (I Surrendered All)
No Wonder (Roar of the Rugged Cross)



Final Thoughts

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Music Review & Giveaway: Jeremy Camp: The Answer



Sparrow Records; Buy Link



Now available from Sparrow Records (Capitol Christian Music Group) is the eleventh album from Christian singer & songwriter Jeremy Camp, titled "The Answer."

Jeremy Camp has won five GMA Dove Awards. Four of his albums have been RIAA-certified as Gold. He has been nominated for three American Music Awards, and his album Speaking Louder Than Before was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 2010.







Songs/Tracks on "The Answer" album are:

Word Of Life
My Defender
The Answer
Storm
My Father's Arms
Never Stopped Loving
Tell The Whole World
Heaven's Shore
Carriers
Love So Great
Awake O Sleeper




 
Final Thoughts
 
I'm a new fan of Christian music, so I wasn't aware of Jeremy Camp's music until I received an advanced copy of his newest album "The Answer." Also, please take note that I have never been a fan of male singers. Don't sky me why, as I have no idea why I prefer female singers better. Anyhow, I had no idea what to expect when I put the CD into my laptop disc drive and pushed play. Let's just say that I was pleasantly surprised by the singer's strong vocals in "Word Of Life," which is the first song on the album. The song has a contemporary-rock vibe to it, as well as the rest of the tracks on the album (there are 11 total songs). The lyrics are well-written and each song has a wonderful rhythm to them. 

Overall, I enjoyed listening to the album. What's my favorite song from the album? That's a great question. Actually, I like all the songs from the album, but if I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorites are "The Answer," "Storm," "Word Of Life," "Never Stopped Loving," and "Carriers."
 
 

* I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
 
 
Giveaway Details

Friday, September 29, 2017

Music Review & Giveaway: Matt Redman: Glory Song


Buy the album here!

Now available from Sparrow Records (Capitol CMG Label Group) is the newest album from  English Christian singer Matt Redman, titled "Glory Song."

Matt Redman co-wrote the song "Blessed Be Your Name" which won a Dove Award in 2005 for Worship Song of the Year. He also co-wrote the Grammy Award-nominated "Our God."

He has won two Grammy Awards for the Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.

For the album "Glory Song," Matt has teamed up with several other Christian singers - Kierra Sheard, Guvna B, Madison Cunningham, and Kim Walker-Smith.



Songs on the album are:

All Glory - featuring Kierra Sheard
Gospel Song - featuring Guvna B
Greatest Hallelujah
Gracefully Broken - featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard
One Day (When We All Get To Heaven)
Redemption Ground - featuring Madison Cunningham
It Is Finished
Questions (You Are Faithful)
Still I Will Sing
Place Of Praise - featuring Kim Walker-Smith
Hope Is Marching On
Simple Pursuit / Glory Song
Your Ways



Monday, July 31, 2017

Music Review & Giveaway: Nichole Nordeman: Every Mile Mattered


iTunes; Spotify; Amazon
While almost everyone knows that I'm a bookworm, many of you don't know that I'm also a music lover. As far as I can remember back, my first music cassette tape (Remember those?) was of Sesame Street. By elementary school, I was into country music (Garth Brooks, Sawyer Brown, etc.). From junior high thru high school , I was listening to classic rock and some pop music on CDs. However, as I have gotten older (I'll be 37 in September.), my tastes have changed quite a bit. I still listen to a little bit pop, rock (classic, alternative, and Gothic), contemporary, and a few country singers. As of this year, I've been listening to several Christian artists.

Now available from Sparrow Records (Capitol CMG Label) is the 5th studio album from the Christian singer Nichole Nordeman, titled "Every Mile Mattered."The singer has won 9 Dove Awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year in 2001 & 2003.

To be completely honest, I had never heard of the artist before receiving a press release about her new album. After watching one lyric video on YouTube for "Dear Me," I thought I would give the artist a try by reviewing "Every Mile Mattered."

The album has eleven songs on it, including a new version of "Slow Down" featuring Nichole's daughter, Pepper Ingram, and a remake of U2's "Beautiful Day." "Slow Down" originally appeared on her 2015's EP, titled "The Unmaking." The single sold over 146 track equivalents, and the lyric video has over 30 million views. The single also peaked at #38 on iTunes singles chart.


The eleven songs on "Every Mile Mattered" are:

Every Mile Mattered
You're Here
Dear Me
No Longer
Lean
Hush, Hush
Listen To Your Life
Beautiful Day
Sound Of Surviving
Anywhere We Are
Slow Down (feat. Pepper Ingram)

Monday, May 22, 2017

Music Review & Giveaway: MANDISA: OUT OF THE DARK (Deluxe Edition)



Purchase Link
Now available from Sparrow Records (a CMG Label Group) is the fifth album from the Christian artist Mandisa, titled Out Of The Dark.

It's been four years since Mandisa's last album, Overcomer, was released. One of the songs from the album, also titled Overcomer, was written to encourage her close friend Kisha, who was fighting breast cancer. Sadly, Kisha passed away in 2014.

Due to her friend's death, Mandisa fell into a deep depression for close to 3 years. During this time, she shut out her friends, family, and the rest of the world. With God's help, she was able to overcome her depression. The songs on Out Of The Dark were written, so Mandisa can sure her story with her fans.

Out Of The Dark is available to buy in a standard or deluxe edition. The deluxe edition contains 3 additional songs.

The tracks on the album are:


1. Voicemail Intro
2. I'm Still Here
3. Out Of The Dark
4. Unfinished
5. Bleed The Same Intro (featuring Kirk Franklin)
6. Bleed The Same (featuring TobyMac and Kirk Franklin)
7. Comeback Kid
8. What You're Worth (featuring Britt Nicole)
9. Dear John Praise Report
10. Good News
11. Prove Me Wrong
12. Mothdisa Interlude
13. The One He Speaks Through
14. Shine
15. My First Love (featuring Jeremy Camp)

Bonus Content:
16. Shame Off
17. Keep Getting Up
18. Back To Life


Saturday, February 4, 2017

Music Review & Giveaway: Kari Jobe's THE GARDEN


Sparrow Records; 75 minutes; Buy Links: iTunes; Spotify;
Now available to purchase today on CD, streaming, and MP3 from Sparrow Records (CMG Label Group) is the 4th album from the contemporary Christian singer Kari Jobe, titled "THE GARDEN."

Kari has sold over 1 million albums and has over  173 million career streams. Additionally, she is the most-followed female CCM artist on social media with over 3.5 million followers. Her previous album in 2014, the critically-acclaimed live recording Majestic, won a GMA Dove Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year.

The 14 inspirational songs on "THE GARDEN" were written over a transitional period. During this time Kari married Cody Carnes and moved from her hometown of Dallas, Texas to Nashville. She gave birth to their first child, Canyon Carnes, last February. Kari's sister, Kris, was also pregnant at the time, but sadly gave birth to a stillborn daughter, James Ivy.

Through pain and heartache, Kari managed to write new songs for "The Garden," which happens to be first track for the album.

The songs on the album are:

The Garden
Let Your Glory Fall
Heal Our Land
Lover Of My Soul
Speak To Me
Fall Afresh
I Will Sing
Miracles
Closer To your Heart (featuring Cody Carnes)
Oh The Power
The Case of Christ
Here  As In Heaven (featuring Cody Carnes)
Come Alive
On The Throne



Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Becoming a Musician Is a Great Career Choice



The amount of careers that you can choose from is practically endless. There are many people who go to college and earn a degree to get into a specific profession that they end up disliking. Life is too short to get up every day and go to a job that you truly hate. You deserve better than that. This is why it is so imperative that you decide a career path for yourself that will enrich your life in every way. You should feel grateful that you are able to do your particular job. Therefore, you should make a list of the things that you are truly passionate about. This will allow you to make a list of ideal professions for you to choose from. Have you always had a passion for music? If this is the case, you might want to consider playing music professionally. Do not be scared if this career choice seems unusual. Taking a chance in life might be one of the best decisions you ever made. Being a musician is a great way to make a living and here are some reasons that support that statement.

  • 1. You will enjoy it much more than a standard job.

Most people work 40 hours each week. They get up early and battle rush hour traffic five days every week. How many of these people are truly happy with their lives? There is no time clock to punch when you are a musician. You will not need to battle rush hour traffic ever again. You will not need to be at your office at a specific time. Being a musician means that you will be able to spend your life doing something that you truly love and makes you feel fulfilled. A job in an office will not do that for you.

  • 2. You will no longer need to take orders from anyone.

Being your own boss is something that most people only dream about. However, musicians are in business for themselves. You will never again be screamed at by an irate boss for not writing a report on time. You will be completely in charge of your own destiny. However, it is always a good idea to have a heard working manager. Coran Capshaw, the manager for Dave Matthews Bands since they started performing in bars, helped the group grow into a huge success. Capshaw has gone on to help many other musicians, so ensuring you get a savvy manager who will work hard on your behalf is key.

  • 3. Being in the music business will allow your creativity to flow.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Find Out the Best Smart DNS for You

Domain Name Servers (DNS) are considered the phone books of the Internet. In fact, they maintain small or extensive directories of domain names and translate them to Internet Protocol (IP addresses). This is essential since most people simply cannot remember or keep track of their favorite domain names. Computers and machines also access websites via IP addresses, which saves a lot of time on searching for URLs and domains. With this in mind, finding the best smart DNS for your online music storage and file playing does not have to be a time-consuming and tedious affair.


Comparing DNS Servers

With the digital age upon us, there are countless DNS servers that specialize in online music files and sharing. While some are limited to the number of shares and downloads allowed – others allow users to modify settings as desired. With so many DNS servers available, however, does one select the right server application to achieve desired results? According to industry experts, it simply comes down to storage capacities and bandwidth.

In fact, these vital aspects should serve as foundations for your searches. Correlation between computers and music server sites needs to be addressed as well. For example: certain PCs may not be able to fully reap the benefits of servers with larger bandwidths. Similarly, systems with low memory settings may need upgrading to enable optimal correlation and speed. The key to downloading and uploading music files is simply sufficient speed – and the ability to bypass any server maintenance or updates happening in the background. As a result, it is important to compare existing DNS servers before making a worthwhile and informed decision.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Music Review: Golden Records: American Patriotic Songs

Golden Records: American Patriotic Songs
k: http://bit.ly/10xwpzx
The 4th of July is just over a week away and it would be a great time to celebrate the founding of our wonderful country by listening to some timeless classics.

Golden Records recently released twenty classic songs titled American Patriotic Songs onto a digital download for a whole new generation to enjoy. Yes, Golden Records is the studio that released many children's songs and stories onto vinyl records years ago, but they started releasing newly recorded tracks and classics last year on CDs and digital.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Music Review - Shake It Up: I 3 Dance Soundtrack

Shake It Up: I <3 Dance Soundtrack
Studio: Walt Disney Records
Release Date: March 5, 2013
ASIN: B00AMEZCVQ
Buy Link: Amazon

Review:

I've been a music lover since I was a kid, liking a wide variety of artists and styles, ranging from folk music to gothic rock, and the occasional soundtrack. Recently, I got a chance to review the newest soundtrack from the Disney Channel's hit series Shake It Up titled I <3 Dance, which I received free of charge in exchange for my honest review. From time to time, I have run across the series and watched a few episodes, but I was unaware that Selena Gomez sang the Shake It Up Theme Song.

The soundtrack features many Disney Channel's stars, including Selena Gomez singing the theme), Zendaya (from Shake It Up and currently on Dancing with the Stars), Bella Thorne (Shake It Up), Caroline Sunshine (Shake It Up), Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up), Coco Jones (Let It Shine), Olivia Holt (Kickin' It), and Bridgit Mendler (Good Luck, Charlie), along with the McClain Sisters, Dove Cameron, and Y.LA.

The songs featured on this release are:

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Music Review - A Golden Easter

A Golden Easter
Studio: Verse Music Group
Release Date: March 1st, 2013
ASIN: B00BNUCTPK
Website: http://bit.ly/Qt3A39
Facebook: http://bit.ly/Qt3A39
iTunes: http://bit.ly/XS3As76
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoldenRecords
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/goldenrecords
Golden Press List Email Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/pbZVr
Streaming Link: http://soundcloud.com/golden_records/sets/a-golden-easter/ 
YouTube Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgadmDngNo0&list=SPGJoGBEV-_XYWRf3RO1p_hCl10uZNiLk8


Review:

Last year, Golden Records returned for a whole new generation of kids, releasing new and old songs and stories on  CDs and digital downloads. I was one of the lucky bloggers who got to review a few of the titles, including their latest release A Golden Easter (a digital download), which I received free of charge in exchange for my honest review. 

We all know what Easter Sunday really means, but little kids look forward to the Easter Bunny and Easter egg hunts. I know the story of Peter Cottontail and Peter Rabbit, but I didn't know that there were so many songs dedicated to the holiday for kids.

The twenty titles on A Golden Easter are:

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Music Review - Hello My Name Is... Bridgit Mendler

Hello My Name Is...
Artist Bridgit Mendler
Label: Hollywood Records
ASIN: B008R14YBK
CD Release Date: October 22, 2012
Total Length: 42 minutes 11 seconds


It seems like every teen star of a Disney series will eventually bring out an album, such as Hilary Duff, Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale, Miley Cyrus, and others. Some have had a mild success at a singing career and others have bombed.

Now Bridget Mendler of Disney's Good Luck Charlie has released her debut album. One would think she would face the marketing curse of the other ex-Disney stars/singers, but unlike the others, Bridget actually co-wrote all twelve songs. 

I've been a fan of Disney's Good Luck Charlie every since it began airing in 2010. I was aware that Bridget Mendler, who plays Teddy Duncan, was releasing an album, but I just happened to stumble upon yesterday for ten dollars. I was having a bad day and listening to music always cheers me up, therefore I bought the Hello My Name is...Bridget Mendler.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Music Review - Music From Another Dimension!

Music from Another Dimension!
By Aerosmith
Label: Columbia
Release Date: November 6, 2012
ASIN: B0085RQLXK

Review:

I saw Music From Another Dimension at Walmart a few weeks ago, but I it didn't pick it up until today during the Black Friday sales for five dollars. The retro B-movie album cover is cool, but covers can be misleading. I made the mistake of reading several bad reviews, so my expectations were low. It seems that fans think the band will crank out hit after hit, but you have to realize that it has been eleven years since their last release. During that amount of time people can change and so can their style of music.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Music Review: Colbie Caillat: Christmas in the Sand



I wasn't even aware that Colbie Caillat had a Christmas album out until I stumbled upon it at my local Walmart today for ten dollars. Colbie has bubbly music that can cheer me up on a bad day, so I had to buy it.

Colbie sings several classic holiday songs, such as Sliver Bells, Santa Baby, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, and Winter Wonderland. There are duets with Brad Paisley, Gavin Degraw, Justin Young, and Jason Reeves. There are four new songs that are catchy, Christmas in the Sand, Every Day is Christmas, Mistletoe and Happy Christmas.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Review - Golden Records Celebrity Series: The Magic Continues, Volume 1

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.


Do you remember the Golden Records that came with Little Golden books? I remember having dozens of Little Golden Books that came with a cassette tapes, ranging from fairy tales to Sesame Street. I even recall listening to a few vinyl records that belonged to my grandma.

Golden Records is the most successful children record label in America. It was created by Arthur Shimkin in 1948. Each record contained an amazing orchestration and popular voice talents. Now, Golden Records is releasing their classic songs and stories onto CDs for a whole new generation, combining some old favorites tunes with new celebrity vocals.

I was recently sent a CD of Volume 1consisting of the amazing celebrity voices of Ed Asner, Alicia Silverstone, Susan Sarandon; Constance Marie, Didi Conn, Cheryl Hines, and Busy Phillips, courtesy of Golden Records in exchange for an honest review.