Judah Lee, lead singer of the band Judah & The Lion now releases a solo worship EP, this track Build My Home is the opening track. Make sure you check out the rest!
Genre: Indie, Rock, Experimental, Singer/Songwriter
Explained in WASHA’s own words:
“2013 was the hardest year I have ever faced, and it was almost over before any of the seeds God had planted could come to fruition. All my life I lived cloaked in an overwhelming sense of darkness. That was the norm for me. It was natural, everyday life. I thought it was something I had to adjust to and deal with as I become older. It wasn’t until I realized for myself that I didn’t have to live that way that I was able to understand. It took a personal realization from the Lord for everything to connect. That there was a light that could pierce every dark. And it was the maturity of that realization that enabled me to become set free of the bondage the enemy had on me. It was like waking up from a long dream; being uncovered after living blanketed for so long. I thoroughly believe that DEPRESSION is not a natural element of nature, but a perversion of God’s gift of love. I was at a crossroads: fall victim to the enemy’s will for my life, or overcome my lifelong struggle and claim victory over my life through the Lord. Without God’s love, I would not be alive today. We don’t have to live in darkness, because He has already overcome. And so I live as a portrait of what Christ has done in my life. this is my testimony. This is my life. This is Child.”
Lyrics:
Fell through the cracks
burnt there and back
Dark built from lungs
fate overcome
I was a child in my skin,
there is a man somewhere within.
Light floods the dark
fill, grateful heart
Yearn, thirst for love
death, overcome
I was a child in my skin,
there is man somewhere within.
Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Acoustic, Folk, Worship, Indie, Modern Hymn
Irish born Tom McConnell, also known for being the frontman of The Ramshackle Orchestra, today released his latest solo musical offering with his single ‘Honeybee’. On the B-track ‘Old Hymns/New Hearts, we hear Tom singing praises to the Lord with his folk flair and Irish charm, telling a different love story to the ones usually heard on Valentine’s Day. Great theology and even greater songwriting makes this a brilliant indie worship track from an exciting singer who consistently delivers.
Lyrics: When I was lost my guilty heart was leading me astray, I put my trust in idols that shall falter and decay. Whilst in the depths of my despair the sinless Saviour died And bore the wrath for all my sin when He was crucified.
O what a gift so freely given and grace so undeserved, That Jesus came from Heavʼn to earth to serve and not be served. For all the wrong that I have done my Lord has paid the price And reconciled me to His throne my Jesusʼ sacrifice.
The power of our glorious God the grave could not contain, Death is defeated, once for all, because He rose again! Jesus you and you alone sustain me and suffice, Alleluia! Iʼm forgiven and made alive with Christ.
Alleluia! He has loved us so abundantly, Brought from death to life because my God has ransomed me!
Here’s an older track of his ‘Riches’ performed live with a loop pedal.
Cageless Birds are a community of people from North Carolina who love, follow and worship Jesus with everything in them. Recently they met and recorded a live album comprised of songs written by different members of the group and released it with the humble name, ‘Live at Home‘. This track, East & West, is a calming song written by Jonathan David Helser based on a verse from Psalm 103 this song reflects on how far our sins have been removed from us, and that we no longer stand condemned because of Jesus’ death & resurrection. Simplistic, humble and organic this album is a beautiful piece of art and worship that never feels forced or contrived, but instead ushers the listener into a unique style of worship.
The man behind The Followers and Pilgrim, Josh White now releases a heart-felt and intimate solo acoustic album. This track, ‘Enclosed By You’ presents a conversation between Josh and God, with Josh’s doubt leading to him questioning God’s love, with God’s response of “I will never leave you” as the chorus, emphasised by the beautiful harmonies. Emotionally transparent, powerful and reflective this track is a remarkable piece of music, from an inspiring album.
Lyrics: Will You stay with me, When I forget You’re there? Will You still love me, When my love lingers elsewhere?
I hear you softly speaking, Secrets that enclose Words that softly linger, With sweet repose
“I will never leave you Leave you waiting ’round I’m the One who’s been waiting For you to turn around For you to turn around”
How can I contain You When You contain everything? The house of my soul is far too small Still I will sing
I hear you softly speaking, Secrets that enclose Words that softly linger, With sweet repose
“I will never leave you Leave you waiting ’round I’m the One who’s been waiting For you to turn around For you to turn around”
Enclosed by You In close I see I am in You And You are in me
Member of the Deeper Well Collective, Liz Vice released her first solo album earlier this week. Drawing on the influence of 60/70s gospel and R&B as well as a head nod or two to contemporary singers like Adele & Duffy, Liz Vice beautifully combines the old & the new on this record.
Lyrics: Empty me out / Fill me with You Lord there is nothing / I can give to You I lay down my life / Here at Your feet You give me life / So completely
Singer-Songwriter, John Ball, released his first EP earlier this year that showcases his diverse songwriting abilities. Expanding across several genres the EP is a great first release from John, ending with this great melodic blues/rock track discussing his frustration over habitual sin and temptation.
The title track from his forthcoming record, ‘Anchor’ is John Tibb’s telling of leaving comfort and safety for God’s calling, comparing the experience to a ship setting sail to the unknown. The album ‘Anchor’ was funded by fans through Kickstarter and was in September this year. This is the Indianapolis worship leader’s third release, following on from his 2010 ‘Origins’ and his 2012 ‘Swallowing Death, Breathing Life’.
*Update
Due to featuring John Tibbs on the blog, a motion graphic/film-maker named Patrick Flynn got in touch with John saying that he’d like to work with him in future. As a result of this contact, John Tibbs has now released a lyric video for his song Abraham, check it out:
Originally written in 1901 by Maltbie D. Babcock, ‘This Is My Father’s World’ has been rerecorded by the talented singer/songwriter Wilder Adkins. Wilder’s folksy guitar playing brings a beautiful gentleness to this tune, perfectly complimenting the lyrics. This track is part of a hymn album that Wilder released in 2011 titled Oak & Apple, links below.
Lyrics: This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair; In the rustling grass I hear Him pass; He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father’s world, why should my heart be sad? The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.
This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone. In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known. This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam Whate’er my lot, it matters not, My heart is still at home.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done: Jesus who died shall be satisfied, And earth and Heav’n be one.
Following on from the last upload, here is another song from a member of The Door Of Hope Church, this time it’s ‘Healer’ by Holly Ann. With just a piano to accompany her, Holly Ann delivers a powerful yet intimate performance on this hauntingly beautiful worship track.
Lyrics: At my worst yet You are always by my side And still my doubts they get the best of me
Consuming fire
It seems I am cold as ice
Come lift me higher
I long to follow You
Heal me
Comfort me
in these storms that I create
When I turn away
would You follow me?
Seems I’m always walking away
but its always, always Your grace
that leads me back home
Protect me, oh Lion
Comfort me, oh Lamb
I need You, I’m crying out
Lift me up on eagles wings
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