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N REVIEW: NEWSBOYS’ ‘LOVE RIOT,’ AUDREY ASSAD, JODY MCBRAY

EB 15, 2016

JOHN TIBBSWITHIN REACH

MEREDITH ANDREWSINTO THE DEEP

PASSION’S INNOVATIVEPASTOR PROVES ‘SURRENDER’ISN’T A WORD FOR THE WEAK

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God isn’tfinished

with you yet.

#TheComebackStorylouiegiglio.com/thecomeback

Also Available: The Comeback Curriculum and Study Guid

http://www.louiegiglio.com/TheComebackhttp://www.louiegiglio.com/TheComebackhttp://www.louiegiglio.com/TheComebackhttp://www.louiegiglio.com/TheComebackhttp://www.louiegiglio.com/TheComebackhttp://www.louiegiglio.com/TheComebackhttp://www.louiegiglio.com/TheComeback

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 01, 2016

Publisher Michael Miller

Associate Publisher |

Mixed Media ProductionRoss Cluver

Associate Publisher |Circulation & MarketingSmitty Wheeler

Managing Editor Kevin Sparkman

DesignersMartina Ahlbrandt

Joshua Jamison

Contributing EditorsAndy ArgyrakisMatt Conner

Contributor Caroline Lusk

Assistant Prod. Manager Paula Rozelle Hanback

Fulllment & CustomerService Manager

Jennifer Evenson

Customer Service Reps Janice Collier Arsenault Jason Lloyd

Executive Dir. of AdvertisinDeDe [email protected]

Joel Stombres, 630.584.0213 [email protected]

Account Executive Jon Edlin, 913.231.7333 [email protected]

Web Ad Trafc Director Tamara Phillips

From the Editor

MEREDITH ANDREWS

A recent trip in rediscovering thedepths of God’s truths providedMeredith Andrews a renewedperspective and purpose for marriage,motherhood, and music

LOUIE GIGLIOSouls on re—Passion 2016 fans

the ames of faith, fortitude andfearlessness

JOHN TIBBS

A relative newcomer & true rock n’roll worshipper, the midwestern artistprides himself on honest hard work,his musical roots, and genuine loyalty

Reviews

Newsboys, Audrey Assad, Jody McBrayer + muchmore!

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FROM THE EDITOR

Renewal vs. Resolutions | It might seem more tting that a short op-ed pieceabout renewal would be written around the time of new years. I’ve never been ahuge fan of new years’ resolutions, mostly due to the fact that I’ve been terrible atkeeping them—and usually not much longer than a week! So, am I nally getting

around to writing my new years blurb, now that it’s February 15? Funny, but that’snot the case, here.

Renewal, in the spiritual sense, is welcomed at any time. And for many of us,perhaps we’re just now coming into the realization that our lives are once again,back into that familiar end-of-the-year chaos. “I really wanted to start the year offright,” we might be moaning, while we spend another hour at work on Facebook,have a second slice of pie, or spout off that four-letter word. Stop. Take a deep

breath. There’s good news!Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Whew. He loves us (always and forever)—and He will forgive and guide us, allthe same, despite the gap between our best intentions from Jan. 1 and where westand right now. Feeling a little lighter? Pray Psalm 51:10 to Jesus: Create in me aclean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Strength for the road ahead: Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) But they who wait for theLord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; theyshall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Walk out your next steps today Ephesians 4:23 in your head, …be renewedin the spirit of your mind, and seize the day, the month, the year renewed.

Blessings,

TWITTER.COM/CCMMAGAZINE INSTAGRAM.COM/CCMMAGFACEBOOK.COM/CCMMAGA ZINE

Kein Sparkman

Editor, CCM [email protected]

www.ccmmagazine.com/magazine/issues/feb-15-2016

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Louie Giglio - Souls On Fire

Passion 2016 fans the flames of faith, fortitude and fearlessness

BY CAROLINE LUSK

Almost twenty ago, a movement began. A handful of God’s faithful

were given a mission to make the name of Jesus famous in the

forthcoming generations. Since then, arenas around the country

have been packed with young people inding faith and putting into

action the mandate of the Gospel to care for the least of these.

Under the guidance of Louie Giglio whom, alongside his wife

Shelley, founded the Passion movement—and it has evolved into

a yearly conference, a musical platform and an undeniable force

of change. Sixsteprecords is home to worship leaders Chris

Tomlin, Kristian Stanfill, Christy Knockles and many more who

have veritably shaped the landscape of modern worship. Passion

Conferences were among the earliest movements to throw light on

the atrocity of human traficking, raising hundreds of thousands of

dollars to the eradication to such grave social injustice.

Just one month ago in January 2016, that clarion call of human

justice was louder than ever, as students raised money to build a

hospital in the polarizing country of Syria. Yet what is controversial

to some is merely the fulillment of the gospel to others. And what

began as a spark has most clearly become a passion ablaze.

CCM Magazine had the privilege of chatting with founder Louie

Giglio about the movement, the momentum and what is next for the

groundbreaking ministry.



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CCM Magazine: As you approach the twenty-year mark with

Passion. At this point, are there any ‘benchmarks’ you have yet

to achieve?

Louie Giglio: It’s interesting to consider, but there was a pointfourteen years ago after One Day 2000 that we thought the mission

of Passion might be complete...that we had served the purpose for

which God set us in motion. Obviously, that wasn’t the case and

God had more in store than we could imagine. We couldn’t be more

grateful for what we have been able to be a part of the past two

decades. So I guess the benchmark we are focused on is staying in

step with Jesus in the days ahead.

CCM: What did the 2016 Passion conference represent to you?

How was it distinct from previous years?

LG: On the human side, it was a irst for us—linking three arenas

in two cities in one seamless gathering. It worked better than

expected and felt like we were all in one beautiful space together.

So that’s a huge distinction. Yet, on the spiritual side, and it’s hard

to quantify—2016 felt like one of our most signiicant gatherings.

There was a depth...a clarity of calling in each session that felt just

as signiicant as our irst gathering in 1997. For me, that’s pretty

special seeing the durability of the vision across the years. Passion

is pretty deep, meaning that 45 to 50-minute messages by thinkers,

theologians, preachers and pastors are not the norm for student

conferences, but people fully leaned-in and the seed was surely

planted. All that to say, it feels like we are tilted forward, and that’s a

great thing after nineteen years.

CCM: When you look at thousands of young people lifting their

hands and giving of their time and money for others, what does

LOUIE GIGLIO



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that say to you about the future of the church and of the country

in general?

LG: It says that the people who are writing off this generation might

be looking in the wrong place. This generation is alert and willing toengage at a signiicant level in response to glimpses of God’s glory

and His heartbeat for the world.

The Church feels much stronger now than when we began twenty

years ago. Leaders like David Platt, Matt Chandler and so many

others were awakened and inspired in a Godward, and subsequently,

a Church-ward direction sitting in Passion gatherings years ago.If this kind of fruit continues, it bodes well for the Church and

the future. There have been a lot of knocks on the multi-labeled

generations who have come through Passion (now “millennials”),

but I wouldn’t count them out just yet!

CCM: Music has always been an integral part of Passion.

Why? What is it about music that bridges hearts and brings

passion to life?

LG: Sound is a vital component in the economy of God. Music touches

us in its own unique way. And in the song there is an irrevocable

and altruistic blending of voices into one. We are moved by God’s

majesty and grace and the song helps us respond with mind, body

and spirit. And the song unites us, fuels us...gives us our marching

orders.

So when we set out on this Passion journey we knew worship would

be central. Not recordings, but worship. Honestly, all the albums and

the rest were just an overlow of wanting to see Jesus and amplify

His name.

LOUIE GIGLIO



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CCM: Why have you been so committed to keeping social justice at

the heart of Passion?

LG: We believe worship and justice are two sides of the same coin,

each inseparable from the other. God’s Word is clear, He loves songsand invites us to sing, but worship is a lifestyle more than just a

song, and the song we must not forget is the one that propels us to

carry His mercy and truth to those who have no voice.

CCM: This year you raised money for a hospital in Syria. Given the

controversy over allowing Syrian refugees into this country, what

do you feel is our obligation as Christians to care for widows andorphans? How do you hope to inspire young people in that vein?

LG: Building a hospital within Syria is a challenge and lies in

the face of the political ramiications brought on by the current

population migration from the Mideast to the western world. But we

are not calling people to a political solution, but a gospel response.

I will let smarter people than me igure out the best policies for the

common good, but we also can act now—in Jesus’ name—to care for

people in need.

If an accident happens in front of me, I don’t ask the victims for their

religious identiication. I call for assistance and try to render aid.

This hospital speciically addresses the needs of women, and will

be one of, if not the irst, NICU hospital in the region. Our partner,

World Vision, has ensured us a great possibility for success in

meeting human need. This is the fabric of our message and the

heartbeat of the One we follow.

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CCM: Your latest book, The Comeback , is certainly something

everyone can relate to—being knocked down. Personally, what

has been a setback in your life that you’ve had to recover from,

walk through, or learn to live with?LG: I open the book with a vulnerable recounting of a near

breakdown I had in 2008. A lot of factors triggered a depression-

related collapse than landed me in a dark hole and knocked me

out of commission. In some ways you never fully move on from

something that ticks you like that. But God came through with

powerful rescue and continues through that struggle to daily draw

my heart toward His.

CCM: You make it a point to not offer false promises in your book.

How do you explain the hope of Christ to someone who doesn’t

know Him, with the caveat of, “your circumstances may not

improve”...? Is it possible for healing to co-exist with hurting?

LG: The promise of the gospel is that Jesus will live in us...that He

will be to us and in us a source of life. But He also promised that in

this world we would have heartache, loss, pain. Often, the victory is

physical healing, deliverance, restoration, but in every case we have

the assurance that nothing in this life can separate us from His love.

And nothing can thwart His purposes and plans for our lives. In the

end, no matter the struggle, we win. In the end, no matter the loss,

we gain.

CCM: With 40,000 students in attendance this year and 60,000

projected for next year, what’s left for Passion to achieve? What

do you hope the future brings for this organization and those

touched by it?

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LG: For now, there’s one more student who hasn’t seen what

their life is really all about. One more campus that doesn’t have a

lighthouse of gospel hope. One more person settling for less when

they were created for so much more. In the end, Passion is aboutpeople. Touching the next one is a worthwhile goal.

LOUIE GIGLIO



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Meredith Andrews

Off The Deep End

A recent trip in rediscovering

the depths of God’s truths

provided Meredith Andrews

a renewed perspective

and purpose for marriage,

motherhood, and music

BY MATT CONNER

A lucky few have been listening to Meredith Andrews’ new album,

Deeper , long before others. They aren’t label execs, press members

or even friends or family. These were fans that happened to hear

Andrews play some of the new songs in concert, and they just had to

have them. More than that, they needed them.



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Meredith Andrews

“I had no idea when I would be able to hand someone a physical

copy,” says Andrews. “People would ask and say, ‘I need this song

now!’ Some of them were really adamant and I inally just said, ‘I’ll

just email you the demo.’”

The response is representative of the larger story around pop artist’s

new release, Deeper. The songs on her latest aren’t just inspirational.

They’re more than catchy or memorable. They’re necessary. They

are songs birthed from deeply personal stories of heartache and

frustration, sorrow and confusion. They were songs that Andrews

herself needed, so it’s no surprise that her audience needs them, too.

Three years have passed since her previous album Worth It All

brought her further into the conversation of Christian music’s biggest

female artists. After several years as a worship leader for Vertical

Church in addition to two Dove Award wins to her name, Andrews

has already amassed a large following. It made sense for Andrews

and her husband, Jacob Sooter, who is also a producer, to move to

Nashville and record a new album that would further her inluence

and platform.

Except it wasn’t that easy.

“Over the last two years, we’ve moved to Nashville and I had my third

child,” says Andrews. “When you have your third, it’s like ‘Game Over’

in a good way, but you realize you really should clone yourself. In the

midst of those changes, Jacob and I were also walking through the

hardest season of our marriage that we’ve ever experienced—just a

lot of stress, transition and attacks from the enemy all rolled together.

We were learning to navigate the move, three kids, and full-time



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ministry because still on staff at our church in Chicago while living in

Nashville. I was traveling and asking, ‘How does this all work? How do

we stay sane and not be just ships passing in the night?’”

Such seismic transitions brought more than just stress to their

household; it nearly tore them apart. The proverbial storms of life

caused such damage on the surface that Andrews says she doubted her

ability to weather it any longer. Everything was at stake—her family,

her career, her ministry. Fortunately, God proved faithful with moments

of inspiration and tangible help when Andrews needed it most.

“Last October, we had a friend come to our house to pray over

us,” says Andrews. “We’d gotten to rock bottom, especially in our

marriage, and realized we can’t ix this on our own. A sweet friend

said, ‘I feel like the Lord is speaking to me that He just wants me to

pray over you, your family and your house.’ She did and I felt like it

was the beginning of the turn.”

The turn also included the aforementioned addition to the family, her

daughter Francis. Andrews says giving birth to her third child could

provide a tipping point in the midst of such chaos, but instead God

used Francis to bring everyone together.

“Even though it was crazy and I felt overwhelmed when she was

born, she was a ray of light in our darkness,” says Andrews. “It

was a glimpse of what God wanted to do in our family. Her name is

Francis. We call her ‘Frankie,’ but her name means ‘free one.’ I felt

like the Lord was saying, ‘I’m bringing a joy and a freedom through

this little baby.’

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“I look at her every day and realize that she’s a free spirit. She’s such

a joy. It was so crazy how the Lord used even her being born for us to

catch our breath. We knew it was hard but it was worth it.”

Because of the level of pressures and internal struggle, Andrews also

said they’ve also learned the value of boundaries—saying “no” to

career pressure and ministry demands for the sake of family. It was a

protective move that allowed them to rest and heal at a pivotal moment.

“In February of last year, over Valentine’s weekend, we cancelled

some stuff,” she says. “We just dropped everything and got away asa family to a mountain cabin. That was really rebuilding for us. God

was putting the pieces back together and doing a deeper work in us.

It’s like the Lord said, ‘This isn’t hopeless. You just have to hang on to

Me.’ So there were these lifelines being thrown out to us in the midst

of what felt like this massive storm.”

Some lifelines also appeared in the form of the songs she was writing

in the midst of it all. “Soar” is one of the irst singles from Deeper

that’s found an instant impact with fans, but before she ever sang it

concert, Andrews says she sang along with the demo in the car—and

not for reasons you might think.

“When I wrote ‘Soar’ with Mia Fieldes and Seth Mosley, it was

almost like the Lord was saying, ‘Here’s a song and you’re going to

need this.’ It was the beginning of walking through this valley,” she

says. “God gave me a song to sing over myself long before I would

ever sing it over others. And I did. I would crank up that demo in the

car, and I would just cry. I would bawl and sing at the top of my lungs.

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“I don’t normally listen to myself, but it was a song that I needed. I

knew I had to sing it and believe it was true. It was me singing, ‘Even

though I’m in the valley, I believe your promises. I believe that you

are working while I wait. Even in this waiting season, you’re in it andyou’re still intentional in it.’”

“That was probably one of the irst songs we wrote for this record,

and the rest you can kind of draw a line of similarity through all of

them,” she continues. “They all say the same thing in sort of different

ways. The title track, ‘Deeper,’ is a song we wrote together with

our friend Mia, and we were still banging our head against the wallwondering when this would end. It all felt so up and down, up and

down. We needed freedom from this and we were asking, ‘God, when

are you going to free us? Because we could use something real soon.’”

Through it all, Andrews is now in much happier and healthier, but it’s

not because she ran from the problems surrounding her. Andrews

says she titled the record Deeper because it is “all-encompassing,”

and it’s the term that best describes her posture in this season of

need. She’s learned lessons of what it means to lean deeper in what

God has promised.

“I feel like God is bringing me to the end of the valley, and I’m

seeing the light,” she says. “Because of this, I’ve realized that I have

something to say that I didn’t have before. I’ve known God to be

faithful in that darkness when I’d never known anything like that in

my life. Now I have an authority to say, ‘I’ve known the Lord to be

who He says He is. I’ve known Him to be true. He is on your side. He is

working in a mighty way. He has a plan, so let Him do what He wants

to do in your heart.’”

Meredith Andrews



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Andrews says it’s the ability to share the wisdom and hope from

her own experiences that keeps her going deeper into the demands of

her singing career. With three kids at home, it’s more dificult

than it used to be to head out on the road or appear at an event.However, in limited stretches, it’s worth the investment for the

sake of serving others.

“Even though I don’t love getting on a plane and leaving my kids,

when I get to look people in the face and love on them and sing over

them and invite them to sing with me the truth of who God is—His

character and His love for us—there’s nothing else like it,” saysAndrews. “It makes me come alive. I’m just so excited and expectant

in being able to share these songs and stories with people, and

hearing their stories too, and believing God will use these songs to

speak hope into people’s lives where they have none.”

Meredith Andrews



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John Tibbs—Within Reach

A Relative Newcomer And True Rock N’Roll Worshipper, The Midwestern ArtistPrides Himself On Honest Hard Work, HisMusical Roots, And Genuine Loyalty

BY MATT CONNER

Springsteen. Petty. Mellencamp. This brand of working man’s rock

and roll is a proven one, saturated in the stories of the average

American. It is, however, rare territory for an artist who could also be

branded as a worship leader. Meet John Tibbs, an uncommon artist

charting his own musical course.

Tibbs is the newest addition on the FairTrade Services label, a

young man whose midwestern work ethic and musical approach

garnered a tremendous following as an independent artist. His irst

release, titled Dead Man Walking (the follow up to last year’s EP

of the same name), delivered by the afore mentioned label, drops

February 2016 and a spring tour with Matt Maher will give him

a chance to shine after previous tour slots for Audrey Assad andNewsboys. We recently sat down with John to hear more about his

roots rock delivery and working with producer Ben Shive for the

irst time.



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CCM Magazine: You’ve got a roots music delivery and set of

influences, but you’re also a worship leader. It’s an uncommon

mix, which makes me curious how you bring it all together in one

musical package?

John Tibbs: Man, that is a great question. Worship, to me, is a

conversation between myself and God. So when I write lyrics, I

write from my experiences and my story. That inherently creates

a conversation. I don’t necessarily try and write something that’s

comfortable for a corporate worship setting. Rather, I try and write

something that’s very real and honest to me and a melody that

invokes that emotion. I try to focus on the heart before anything else.

As far as the music goes, I just want to make some thing I’m proud

of. I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, and it felt like the classic

American rock of John Mellencamp, Tom Petty, and Bruce

Springsteen were the soundtrack of my childhood. That certainly

had an impact on me. As I’ve grown up, I’ve fallen in love with

modern sounds from guys like Ryan Adams and Brandon Flowers.

All of that has inluenced the way I sing and write.

I remember the irst time I saw The Lone Bellow live. It was a

venue in Bloomington, IN on a Monday night in January. There were

probably eighty people there. It was the kind of cold night that you

think to yourself, ‘These guys probably don’t want to be here.’ That

didn’t seem to be the case, though. After one song in particular, Zach

Williams stood on the stage right in front of us, in silence, and justcried. That said a lot to me.

I decided right then that I wanted to write songs that no matter how

many times I sing them, it will always means something to me. And,

you know, I think that’s the kind of music that connects to people.

If it’s real to me, it’s most likely real to someone else. I think we are



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all connected. So, yeah, some of my music can probably it into the

“worship” category and others, not. That’s okay. It’s all genuine to me

and that is what matters. The rest will work itself out.

CCM: You mentioned being struck by music that’s genuine. When

was the last time you felt that way about a piece of music? Any

recent moments?

JT: One of my favorite records this past year was The Firewatcher’s

Daughter by Brandi Carlisle. She’s been slaving away for over a

decade, and you can hear her story coming to life in this record. I

don’t know everything about her, but that’s the great thing about

music. Although we are disconnected people, we connect through

these songs. Her words from her story ind me in my story, and

somehow, we are connected in that. Man, isn’t that something?

I love how the record opens up: “I think it’s time we found a way back

home / You lose so many things you love as you grow / I missed the days

when I was a kid / My fear became my shadow, I swear it did.”

CCM: You worked with Ben Shive (Ellie Holcomb, Rend Collective)

on the new album. What did he bring to the music that wasn’t

already there?

JT: It was truly an honor to work with Ben on this record. He is the

most genuine, humble, talented, and hard-working producer I’ve ever

met. He showed up every single day ready to do whatever to make

this music great. Ben is a wonderful listener and I felt like he was ableto see these songs from the outside and bring a fresh perspective.

If you listen to his work—Colony House, Ellie Holcomb, Dave

Barnes—they are all wildly different, but they’re all true and unique

to the artist. I really enjoyed working with him, and cannot wait to

do it again.



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CCM: On the worship side, when you’re in that setting, what’s the

best advice you’ve been given about being a leader in that space?

JT: I think it was when I was encouraged to be myself, rather

than focusing on being this amazing leader that was always going

before people. The pressure of being ‘all things to all people’ was

suffocating. I found that when I was true to myself, I helped create

an environment for people to feel comfortable with who they were

in church. That really went a long way. I found that some of the best

moments of worship would be after a song I’d say, “Let’s pray,” and

then just step back from the mic, and we’d all tell God what was on

our own mind and heart in that moment.

CCM: You’re hitting the road with Matt Maher this spring.

What are you most looking forward to with the pairing?

JT: There aren’t too many people I respect out there as much as Matt

Maher. I think he’s been one of the most consistent artists in CCM for

the last decade. And his latest record Saints & Sinners is a wonderful

piece. On top of that, he’s a very genuine person. I’m honored to

support him this spring. Personally, I’m really excited because on

this tour I’ll have the opportunity to have his band back me on a few

songs. That’s a irst for me; I’m used to opening up solo. That is going

to be a lot of fun!

CCM: Beyond what we’ve discussed, what’s one thing you want

readers to know about you and your music?

JT: I think I’d love for people to know that they can always reach me.One of my favorite parts of what I do is meeting so many people. I

guess I’d say that I will always reply—whether it be an email or a

Facebook message. I’m blessed to be able to make music for a living,

and I couldn’t do it without the support such kind people I’ve met

along the way. I don’t consider myself to have any fans, rather many

friends.



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REVIEWS

NEWSBOyS

Love Riot

(FairTrade Services)

FOR FANS OF:

Audio Adrenaline, DC Talk

WE LIKE: “Committed”

QQQ

At this point, Newsbos need no introduction as one of the pillars

of Christian music going on thirty years, but that hasn’t stopped

the GRAMMY-nominated pop band from some introductions of their

own. Love Riot is the new album replete with new sonic touch points,

most notably darker synth pulses, that give a new energy to the

album’s opening tracks, “Crazy” and “Hero.”

Some tracks, like lead single “Guilty,” are straight from the

band’s wheelhouse and will appeal to longtime fans, but the

shadowy rhythms of songs like “Committed” impressively expands

the scope of the album. It also lends a forceful feel to songs that

demand it, as Michael Tait pledges musical allegiance to the

kingdom of God. It’s a common refrain throughout the Love Riot,

with cries they are “in this for life.” The band’s fans would likely saythe same about their relationship.

–Matt Conner


8/19/2019 CCMdigital 2016-02-15


REVIEWS

AUDREy ASSAD

Inheritance

(Fortunate Fall)

FOR FANS OF:

Meredith Andrews, Sara Groves

WE LIKE: “Even Unto Death”

QQQQQ

Audre Assad had provided hints of both impact and inspiration

on projects past, but Inheritance provides as much substance and

style as any record will likely hold in 2016. The singer-songwriter’s

highly-anticipated hymns project includes originals alongside

familiar favorites, but Assad’s strong artistic touch and the incredible

production of Daniel James (Canon Blue) gives every song multiple

layers of texture and meaning.

“Even Unto Death” is the album’s lead single and rightfully so,

a triumphant song inspired by the recent martyrdom of 21 Libyan

Christians. It’s a powerful refrain, backed by Matt Maher , and

represents the potency of this set of songs well. “Holy, Holy, Holy”

and “Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet” are excellent examples of

familiar songs receiving new instrumental treatments and breathesnew life into what the listener knows so well.

Inheritance is a brilliant album, a heartening reminder of the centrality

of Jesus in all things that captivates the listener, including but not limited

to its musically, in addition. It’s a rare triumph on both counts that should

glow beautifully as one of the year’s best. It’s certainly Assad’s best.

–Matt Conner


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REVIEWS


JODy MCBRAyER

Keep Breathing

(StowTown Records)

FOR FANS OF:

Avalon, Truth, Greg Long

WE LIKE: “Good To Be Home”

QQQQ

Between extensive time in the vocal troupe Truth and

contemporary pop hit makers Avalon, Jod McBraer is one of

the most accomplished singers in all of Christian music. Though

it’s been quite some time since we last heard from the tenor, he’s

stayed active as a worship leader and also triumphed over a rare

heart condition, all of which contributes to this hopeful and deeply

personal collection.

Fans of those past acts and solo projects will surely gravitate

to his rich and sometimes soulful performances spread across

gorgeous arrangements, all of which help drive home the powerful

messages of “Good To Be Home,” “Me,” “With Each Borrowed

Breath” and “When We Look Back.” Any of the above would’ve t

right beside his memorable material from the ‘90s, though theyavoid sounding dated thanks to McBrayer’s well-preserved voice

that transcends specic eras.

— Andy Argyrakis


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REVIEWS


URBAN RESCUE

Wild At Heart EP

(Rend Family Records)

FOR FANS OF:

Phil Wickham, Crowder, Rend

Collective, Stars Go Dimr

WE LIKE: “His Name”

QQQQ

Representing the rst release from fan favorite Rend Collectie’s

label, Rend Famil Records (under the guise of Capitol Records),

Urban Rescue—calling themselves a “revival band” from Los

Angeles, California—offers their new EP Wild At Heart. After this

brief ve-track introduction we can condently boast about the

band’s depth—and, we’re hedging our bets on it being way more

than just choosy song sequencing.

The crisp vocal performance from front man Jordan Fre offers

a much welcome timbre among the slew of grizzly-bearded malaise

readily accessible today, and as their moniker suggests, the upbeat

and celebratory arrangements lay a foundation for hope and

positive vibes. Make no mistake, this is a worship project, but in the

vein of Phil Wickham and Crowder ’s more synth-led selections,Urban Rescue does a masterful job at meshing pop sensibility with

devoted praise—we can’t wait to hear more.

–Kevin Sparkman


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REVIEWS

CURT ANDERSON

Every Moment

(Dream Records)

FOR FANS OF:

OneRepublic, The Fray, Imagine Dragons

WE LIKE: “Love Like You Love”

QQQQ

Michigan small towner turned Nashville-based recording artist

Curt Anderson played piano ever since he could reach the keys and

maintained an active touring schedule from the time he was old

enough to hit the road. Two decades into his artistic pursuit, the

singer/songwriter inked a deal with Dream Records and is putting

an epic musical and positive lyrical spin on the modern day piano

pop formula.

Every Moment kicks off with the redemptive charge of “Keep It

Beating,” works its way to the mid-tempo introspection of “When

It Hurts” and bursts with the electronic beats of the contagiously

hopeful “Every Moment.” There’s even an appearance by rapper

KJ-52 on the faith-fueling ballad “All Of Me,” which adds additional

diversity to Anderson’s already vibrant canvas.— Andy Argyrakis



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REVIEWS

NEWSPRING WORSHIP

Difference Maker EP

(Dream Records)

FOR FANS OF:

Avicii, Chris Tomlin, Bethel Music

WE LIKE: “Love Me Like That”

QQQQ

Worship music continues to change, as it should. As an expression

of devotion and love to our Savior, its evolution is a great indication

that the Family of God is an ever-growing and diverse community.

NewSpring Worship, the musical representation of South Carolina’s

NewSpring Church pastored by Perr Noble, manages to jam-pack

as much of this rhythmic and melodic divergence into one four-

song EP as possible—and they do it very well. The opening track,

“Now And Forever,” is a perfect blend of synth-rock and reverence,

while “Love Me Like That” takes the listener into experiencing

elements of EDM (we imagine throngs of congregants across

NewSpring’s many campuses dancing in the isles).

The EP ends with an acoustic version of the classic hymn, “It Is

Well,” featuring awless harmonies while leading the worshipperinto a spirit of victory over any current circumstance. With

seventeen campuses across the state from the Atlantic coastline

to the Georgia and North Carolina borders, this could only be a

glimpse into what God is doing in the lives of people in South

Carolina and beyond.

–Kevin Sparkman



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REVIEWS

MATT PRICE

Dream EP

(Self-Released)

FOR FANS OF:

OneRepublic, Jonny Diaz, Charlie

Peacock

WE LIKE: “Beautiful Now”

QQQ

Coming with his signature and extremely unique vocal delivery,

singer-songwriter and Nashville producer, Matt Price, gives us

his latest offering—an EP entitled Dream. While pursuing a

personal dream several years ago, Price moved to Music City as

a newlywed and began pounding the pavement as a songwriter,

eventually getting opportunities to collaborate with some of the

most seasoned writers in town. It sounds like the hard work and

experience has paid off, as the album’s six tracks showcase an artist

approaching the top of his game.

Even as a producer himself, his own EP expresses a collection

of works that are expertly and tastefully done, or in other words,

not over-cooked. That being said, there were a few moments where

we were expecting a little more “punch” or “bang” from the overallproduction, after all, it’s a very synthy-pop record versus being led

by more acoustic guitars or strings (think Ryan Tedder vs. Sting).

Still, we think you will love his approach and we await more creative

projects from this talented up-and-comer.

—Kevin Sparkman



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REVIEWS

OLIvIA SONIA

Victory In Christ Jesus EP

(Self-Released)

FOR FANS OF:

Tasha Cobbs, Kirk Franklin, Kierra

Sheard

WE LIKE: “Victory”

QQQQ

Olivia Sonia’s debut EP, Victory In Christ Jesus, comes out of

the gate strong with “Victory,” declaring the budding artist’s

mighty pipes and vocal control. It’s not like she’s new to this

game, as Olivia’s New York upbringing has given her access to

enjoy opportunities like joining forces with Brookln Tabernacle

Choir , among others. Her talents audibly go beyond the regional,

however—accompanied with the funk-and-soul of the opening

track, to the heartfelt gospel worship-ballad, “Remain In Me”—we

won’t be surprised to hear and see more from her on national

stages in no time.

Fans that tend to lean toward a more pop-appeal will enjoy

Olivia’s Beonce-tinged timbre, especially when she reaches for

a higher range on the rst two songs. This EP has it all, with theexception of more than just three tracks—so, be on the lookout for

this next gospel music star, and for more original music soon

–staff



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