Momentum Review: Gary Levox One on One!

 

I was so excited to stream songs from Gary Levox's debut album, One on One!  The former lead singer of Rascal Flatts released the EP on May 21st from Big Machine Records, fusing two of his biggest passions - music and faith!  The album features artists including MercyMe, BRELAND, and more!

I received this statement with my review materials:  

When asked about the role God has played in his musical journey, LeVox said, “I feel like God graced us with a platform where we can not only touch people’s lives through music, but by being men of God offstage too,” explained LeVox. “At those times when we are with fans that are going through something like cancer, it is so wonderful to not only sing for them but to hold their hand and pray with them. I want them to know that they have a friend in me. I’m not just some guy on the stage. I feel like Christ has put me in this position because He knew I could handle the obligation, which often means taking the time to lift someone up in prayer.”

This is the kind of faith and attitude I really love to see in a performer.  The music business is difficult, strokes a lot of egos, and leads people to believe they must continually look out for themselves.  It is refreshing to see someone who is so talented, yet so approachable.

Even more importantly, $1 of every purchase goes to fight human trafficking through the Tim Tebow Foundation!!!

My favorite song on the EP is "While I Wait," a duet sung with Levox's daughter, Brittany, who is also a singer/songwriter.

Check out Gary's website here:  https://garylevox.com/.

Stream the album here: https://garylevox.lnk.to/OneOnOneMI

Of course we have a giveaway!  After you stream the album, comment here or on my Facebook page with the title of your favorite song from the EP!  One lucky winner in my drawing on Saturday, June 5, will receive a signed 8x10 poster!

#GaryLeVoxMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

Disclosure: Many thanks to Capitol Christian Music Group for providing this product/product information for review.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Happy Listening!

Flyby Review: Holy Roar from Chris Tomlin!

You may have already seen the release of Chris Tomlin's new album, Holy Roar.  I was supposed to receive a copy of it and post my review prior to the October 26 release; however, I did not receive the album until the evening of the 25th, so I'm running a bit late with my review.  Still, I'm sure there are readers who are considering purchasing the album, so I am posting my review late!

I have been thinking and researching a lot lately about worship.  What is "worship," exactly?  Is it just the music we sing on Sunday morning?  Do we need to raise our hands up?  Does it make a difference in our lives?  I will share more of my own thoughts and research in the near future.  As a result of all this, I was excited to see Chris Tomlin's new album, Holy Roar, produced in conjunction with the book by the same name that was co-authored by Tomlin and Darren Whitehead and published in October of 2017.

The idea of the book was that there are 7 Hebrew words in the Old Testament for "praise" - "7 words that will change the way you worship," the book claims.  It is not a new idea, as sermons have been preached on the concept for several years now, but it is one that Tomlin and Whitehead thought should be expanded into a book.  I cannot as yet recommend the book itself.  The authors' claims of what the Hebrew words mean and what they mean for our lives are something I need to research a little more.

Tomlin wrote the music on this CD to complement the book.  It is his hope that it will communicate "the freedom, the experience, the wonder of worship. It is seeing the church come together, hands lifted to God, pouring out our praise with an eternal song in our hearts. It’s every voice together, changing the way we worship."

What I like most about this CD is that it is 100% praise to God.  The songs are God-centered, not me-centered.  Their focus is on God and what He has done, and they are sung in the context of being part of corporate worship.  We come together for the purpose of bowing ourselves and our wills to God.  We do not sing to Him because it makes us feel good or helps us forget the problems we had during the week.  We worship Him because He is God and He is worthy!  As the song "Satisfied" claims, we are content with the blessings He has given us.  He is enough.  "Goodness, Love, and Mercy" is a re-arrangement of the old 23rd Psalm, and you simply cannot find better lyrics than that.  Scriptural words paired with the praise music that we've come to love from Chris Tomlin make this album one you'll want to have in your collection.  When you become too focused on your own problems and the things going on in this life, listen to these songs and turn your focus to praising God.  When you see a brilliant sunrise or sunset or the mountains dazzling with fall colors and you cannot contain your gratitude to the Creator of it all, bow your knee in worship with these songs.

God is worthy.  God is holy.  God is the all-powerful author of love.

Come together and praise Him.

Find the album here:

https://christomlin.lnk.to/HolyRoarQW

#HolyRoar #FlyBy  

Flyby Review: Alpha/Omega by Kutless

I have been familiar with the rock/worship band Kutless for several years through their songs on the radio and their representations on the WOW Worship CDs that we bought every year.  This, however, is the first Kutless album I have actually owned.  I don't know why I haven't bought any before.  The band has a great modern sound that is worshipful and singable but also contemporary and performance-worthy.

Released on November 10, 2017, Alpha/Omega has a great blend of new and not-so-new songs, both originals and covers.  The band has sought to find songs that will minister to the current generation.  My favorite, though not a brand new song, is "Cornerstone," the updated version of the hymn "My Hope Is Built."  Some of the old hymns have so much meaning, and I have always loved well-done contemporary updates that keep a new generation singing the old favorites.  "Gave It All" and "No Wonder" are two other refreshing pieces that take ideas directly from old favorite hymns without really using any part of the hymn itself in the new songs.  "Your Great Name" and "Great Are You Lord" are beautiful, worshipful expressions of praise to God without the "me" focus that is so prevalent in many Christian Contemporary songs.

Alpha/Omega is now a permanent part of my listening playlist.  The band has pursued excellence and kept the focus of their music on Christ - the two things I look for in excellent worship music.

Social Corner:

Landing page to buy/stream the record: http://smarturl.it/kutles

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2eNsXwlLvo

Of course, I have a giveaway for you!  Because I received the CD late and therefore got my review done late, there will be a short window on this one.  Please just comment below or on my Facebook page "I want this CD!" by Wednesday, November 29.  One winner will be chosen in a random drawing.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Happy Listening!

Winner of the Nichole Nordeman CD

And the winner is. . . 

Keep checking back to the blog.  We have more reviews and more prizes to give away!

Flyby Review: Every Mile Mattered by Nichole Nordeman

The last few weeks, we have been privileged to review Every Mile Mattered by the talented artist Nichole Nordeman.  On this album, Nichole reflects over the miles she has traveled in life - the memories she wants to treasure, the trials she'd like to forget, everything that has made her who she is now.  This is a great listening album for me.  Nichole has a beautiful, clear, mid-range voice that communicates her powerful message, accompanied by excellent instrumentation.

From the Capitol Christian Music Group website:  

This album is all about the journey, the ups and downs of life, and not looking back with regret, but with thankfulness that God was there at every turn. "In the hands of Jesus, every one of those miles brought me to right now. Nothing wasted. Every mile mattered."

My favorite song on the album has to be "Slow Down," the beautiful duet with her daughter, Pepper Ingram.  (Nordeman is Nichole's maiden name, which she has kept, at least professionally.  Her husband's and children's last name is Ingram, which is my maiden name, so that holds a special place in my heart!)  The beautiful ballad with the lovely piano is nostalgic and pleading but not sad.  If only we could all slow down how fast our children are growing up and growing away from us - this hits close to home as my oldest heads for college next weekend!  And how our children long for us to slow down and spend the valuable time with them!

Whether you grew up in a Christian home and church, came to Christ later, wandered away from Christ and came back, or haven't found Christ yet, this album has something to say to you.  Jesus can work through every mile, every circumstance in your life.  Listen.  Let Him speak to you.

Find Every Mile Mattered at the following:

SOCIAL – CORNER

Official website - http://nicholenordeman.com

Buy links – ITunes http://capcmg.me/emm?IQid=b

                       Spotify http://capcmg.me/emm.sp

                        Amazon http://capcmg.me/emm.am)

Nichole has a book “SLOW DOWN” coming out in August!  Pre-order here: http://slowdown-book.com .

Check out Nichole’s blog  http://nicholenordeman.com and sign up for newsletters!

And of course, I have a CD to give away!  Leave any comment here or on my Facebook page to enter the drawing.  Drawing will be held Tuesday, August 8.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.  Only continental U.S. residents for this promotion.

Happy Listening!

Flyby Review: Mandisa's Out of the Dark and a GIVEAWAY!

I so appreciate all of you, my loyal readers!  Even though I haven't been posting much lately, my stats show that people are still reading, so I will try to step up my game over the summer.  Tonight I have a great CD to review and a GIVEAWAY for you!

Mandisa's new album Out of the Dark was just released last week.  If you listen to Christian radio at all, you've probably been hearing the lead single, "Unfinished," for the last couple of months, as it was released on March 10 in anticipation of the full album release.  This album spoke to me in a powerful way.  I'm going to just let you read Mandisa's press release here for the story behind the album:

Mandisa wrote her song “Overcomer” in 2013 to encourage her close friend Kisha, who was battling breast cancer. Mandisa really believed and prayed that God was going to heal her, but when Kisha went to be with Jesus in 2014, Mandisa’s foundation was shaken in a way she never expected. She fell into a deep pit of depression for close to 3 years, shutting out her friends, family and the rest of the world. Mandisa believes if she had kept going down that road she was on, she would not be here today… but God stepped in and lifted her out of that pit by using her close friends to communicate their love for her and God’s love for her. This album is Mandisa’s way of letting her fans into her story – it’s called 'Out Of The Dark' because that is exactly where God lifted her out of!  

You can watch her talk openly about this on Good Morning America a few weeks ago here: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/mandisa-opens-overcoming-depression-47020463

That is such a dark place from which to emerge.  How many of us have lost family members, friends, or even children to cancer or other tragedies?  Some people will tell us, with all good intentions, that God will heal our loved one if we just have faith.  We know that God can heal them.  But sometimes He doesn't.  And why not?  Is it because we didn't have enough faith?  That is the question with which many people find themselves struggling.  And unfortunately, many of us end up angry with God, because we do not understand.

Evil is in the world.  It is here because of our sin.  Every bad thing that happens to you is not a direct punishment for a specific sin, but since we have all sinned, none of us can claim that we do not belong in a sinful world.  This world is ruled by the Prince of Darkness, and he would like to keep us in darkness.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Because we all live in this world, and evil does not discriminate.

Our limited human understanding struggles with the paradox, because God is good, and He does answer prayer.  So why doesn't He heal everyone who calls on His name?  Why does anyone have to struggle with cancer?

These are questions which may never be answered as long as we live on this earth, but even God is not immune to suffering, though He is without sin.  Even Christ suffered, although He alone could claim not to belong here, not to deserve the suffering.  He suffered, and He died, but for the past 2,000 years the Good News has been that He conquered death!  Sometimes our eternal reward seems slow in coming, but because Jesus Christ conquered death, death will not be able to hold any of His people down eternally.  Those who have gone on before us are done with this imperfect life and ready for their eternal reward.  It is we who are left behind who must deal with the grief, the questions, and the depression.

A few years ago, I went through a dark time myself.  It had nothing to do with cancer, although we did lose several family members during that time.  There were a number of other things going on as well, and by the end of it, I was begging my husband to find a job out of town so we could move.  And we did.  I have been healing for the past couple of years, but let me tell you, that was a time that I found out who my true friends were, those who would be there for me through anything, and they were few.  After going through something like that, you really know on whom you can depend when the times get rough again.  I pray that I may be such a friend.

Mandisa's album opens with voicemails of friends leaving her messages during her dark time, telling her they loved her, they missed her, that she is a child of the King.  What wonderful friends!  God lifted her out of that pit, partially by using the love of her friends, and she wrote this album about the experience.  It is not a depressing album full of slow, sad songs about the dark times.  It is an album that is full of life and full of hope.  As I've said in other reviews, I look for music with really meaningful lyrics, and this album has it.  I could think of my own "coming out of the dark" moments as I listened to it, and I felt joy that God got me through that time and brought me to where I am today.

Whether you are in a dark time right now, are coming out of one, or know someone else in a dark time for whom you need to be a friend, this album will bless you.  I am very thankful that I got to review it.

You can see more at:

Story Behind The Album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df27myDpm1c
Acoustic Video for "Unfinished”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQFpXcvFI0A
Purchase link: http://smarturl.it/OutOfTheDark.all?IQid=flyby

If you would like to win a copy of this fabulous CD, enter your name and email address below, or on my Facebook page.  (This will not put you on any newsletter or email list.  The email is just so I can contact you if you win.  If you prefer, you may also send it to me in a message to noteablescraps (at) gmail (dot) com.)

Remember you are blessed!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Flyby Review: Laura Story's Open Hands

The last couple of weeks, we have had the opportunity to review Laura Story's new album, Open Hands.  This album is a welcome addition to our music library.  In 2004, I fell in love with the song "Indescribable," which was written by Story and became popular when recorded by Chris Tomlin.  I love the story behind the song, which you can read on Worship.com:  http://worship.com/2007/09/laura-story-the-story-behind-the-song-indescribable/.  Laura continued to write and record her own music, with her most popular song, "Blessings," reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart in June 2011.  I am probably one of the few people on the planet who did not fall in love with that song, because it was just too sad for me, but again, the story behind it is beautiful.  Laura wrote the lyrics while dealing with her newlywed husband's struggle with and recovery from a brain tumor.  It was a time her faith was put to the test and she learned what really trusting God in the darkest times looked like.

I think what I really love about Laura Story is that her faith seems so genuine and truly shines through in all her work.  Her songs sound like true worship from the heart rather than performance-driven work.  Lyrics and meaning in music are very important to me, and so many modern worship songs are devoid of meaningful, theologically-correct words.  I love the sound of the heart that is 100% given in worship to God that is flowing through these songs.  In that vein, Open Hands did not disappoint.

Open Hands is Laura's seventh solo album.  While it is compiled of original songs, there are several songs, such as "Awake My Soul (A 1000 Tongues)" and "For the Love of My King" that are updated versions of old hymns.  I have always loved newer versions and covers of old hymns, and these two are my favorite songs on the album.  The title song, "Open Hands," is another testimony of what it means to give everything to Jesus, even in the hardest times.  "Give You Faith" is a beautiful message from a mother to a child, in which Laura has captured the feelings I have as I watch my children grow up.

Performance-wise, Laura Story gives a flawless recording and has God-given talent and a lovely voice.  These songs do all sound a bit the same, and there is nothing earth-shattering style-wise here, but the album is a beautiful collection for quiet listening or personal worship, in the vein of Amy Grant or Sandi Patty.  In addition, most of the songs are very singable and will be easily adaptable for corporate worship in the church.

If you would like a chance to win a free copy of this CD, leave a comment here or on my Facebook page with your favorite worship song.  If you don't have one, you can comment that, too!  And trust me, you do want to win a free copy of this CD!  Drawing will be held March 24.

If you are not lucky enough to win a copy, you can purchase one at:

Buy Link: http://smarturl.it/OpenHandsiTunes

             Web and Social Links:

http://laurastorymusic.com/

https://twitter.com/laurastorymusic

https://www.facebook.com/laurastory

https://www.instagram.com/laurastorymusic/

Video links:

Open Hands (Official Lyric Video) - https://youtu.be/AABE--YR1No

Open Hands (Song Devotional) - https://youtu.be/NWWiyFlXdi0

In addition to being an artist, mom and author, Laura Story is also a worship leader and is gifted at teaching the truth of God to others. Below are some devotionals that she wrote:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/oeji4ryyi3urqsh/Open%20Hands%20devos.docx?dl=0

About Laura StoryGRAMMY® award winning artist, speaker, songwriter, author and worship leader Laura Story has a gift for penning songs that connect with people all around the world. Among her successes as a solo artist with her smash hits “Mighty to Save” and “Blessings,” Laura has also penned hit songs for other renowned artists including Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable.” Her solo artist music debut in 2008 with Great God Who Saves led to four Dove nominations and the award for “Inspirational Album of the Year.” In 2011, Laura released her sophomore project Blessings. The album and the emotionally powerful title was inspired by her real life trials and adversities, primarily her husband Martin's diagnosis of a brain tumor. The album resonated with a huge audience and led to whirlwind career highlights for Laura, peaking at the No. 1 album spot for three consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Contemporary Christian Overall chart, topping the iTunes® Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart and holding the No. 1 spot for an impressive 28 consecutive weeks on the Christian charts. The success of the single “Blessings,” which was certified RIAA Gold, includes the GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Christian Song, the Billboard Music Award for Top Christian Song and the Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. The song inspired Laura's first book, “What If Your Blessings Come Through Raindrops?” in 2012. God Of Every Story released in 2013 to much acclaim, and her first ever Christmas project God With Us, released in October of 2015. Laura recently released a new book and bible study curriculum When God Doesn’t Fix It; Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without.  She has a graduate degree from Covenant Theological Seminary and has served as a worship leader at Perimeter Church in Atlanta since 2005, but her greatest joy is being a wife to Martin and the mother to Ben, Griffin and Josie.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification. 

Flyby Review: Amy Grant's Tennessee Christmas

It just wouldn't be Christmas without some Amy Grant music playing!  I was excited to get this CD to review while getting ready for the holiday season!

The album "Tennessee Christmas" has some new songs and some old favorites.  During some of the songs, Amy waxes nostalgic and talks about Christmases she remembers and her kids being young.  I guess I'm not quite ready for the nostalgic memory-type of album, since my kids are all still home.  I don't tend to like a lot of talking in the middle of songs.  I just like straight Christmas music.  All of the songs were also pretty slow and drug out a little too much for me.  I like a peppier, more energetic sound.  All in all, this was probably my least-favorite of Amy Grant's Christmas albums.

All that said, Amy Grant is still Amy Grant, and as someone pointed out, her voice never seems to age or change.  She graces every piece with the quality we've come to know is only from Amy!  If you enjoy Christmas music with a bit of nostalgia, this album may be just what the doctor ordered!

Listen to one of the new songs, "To Be Together," a song inspired by Amy's daughter's car accident, at the following link and see if this is an album you'd like to add to your collection!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUpIwK5Bxn8     

You can purchase the album here:

http://smarturl.it/TNChristmasAlbum?IQid=flyby 

Also, as part of this project, please upload any videos you may have of you surprising loved ones for the holidays to social media.

Bloggers are free to ask their readers to post these to socials using the hashtag #TNChristmasSurprise! We’ll be making a compilation video and posting it to Amy’s socials – this specific video has not been announced yet though.
Similar to this video: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lfa22gpczyqmhfy/ChristmasSurprise.MOV?dl=0
Those chosen will be part of a compilation video that Amy herself will share on her large social media outlets!

Happy listening and Merry Christmas!

   

Flyby Review: PASSION Salvation's Tide Is Rising Album and Giveaway

Christian Contemporary music albums are always a big hit with my kids, and this one was no exception.  We were so excited for the chance to preview Passion: Salvation's Tide Is Rising!  Although my review post is a bit late, that is not indicative of our excitement for the album.  We were listening to it and enjoying it as soon as we got it!  My kids have been eagerly syncing it onto their listening devices.

First, let me give you a little background info on the Passion Movement:

About The Passion Movement:The Passion Movement and the messages of founder Louis Giglio have marked the lives of millions of people around the globe, calling people everywhere to live for the glory of God.  From its inception, the movement of Passion has birthed new anthems of worship, influencing countless churches and helping to define the current worship climate and establish artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and others.  Louie Giglio is the pastor and founder of Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA. 

Some of the songs on this album were written specifically for Passion 2016, while others are songs we've been singing in our church for a while now.  I really enjoyed the album for several reasons.  One was the big names that are always favorites in our house that were featured, including Crowder, Chris Tomlin, and Matt Redman.  Another reason is that while this is an album of praise songs, they also really have their own distinct sound.

I look for musical variety, meaningful lyrics, and excellence in performance to put on my personal playlist.  With all the different artists featured, this album definitely fit the bill for musical variety and excellence in performance.  All the songs seemed full of heartfelt worship.  I think my favorite song on the album, and the one with the most meaningful lyrics, was "My Victory" by Crowder.

We are still looking for more contemporary music with really meaningful lyrics.  We are very eclectic in our musical tastes, and I can sing hymns all day or praise along with the modern praise songs.  I do miss the "meat" in the lyrics of a lot of the modern songs, which seem to be full of a lot of emotion and "milk" for believers.  Some worship leaders I've read lately advocate going back to hymns to find this meaning that is missing from a lot of our modern worship.  I don't know that going back to hymns, though I love them, will really help us reach a modern generation.  In the last few decades, some of my husband's and my favorite artists have been Michael W. Smith, Rich Mullins, and Michael Card, all of whom had rich lyrics along with excellent music.  Even Petra and some rap groups like DC Talk and later TobyMac have excelled in this area.  I think this is a challenge the rising generation of songwriters needs to meet, but that is a topic for another post!

Meanwhile, if you enjoy modern worship music, I'm sure you will enjoy this album.  Comment here or on my Facebook page with your favorite worship artist  - modern or not - to enter the drawing to win a FREE copy of this album!  The drawing will be held one week from today, on Tuesday, January 26.

Thanks for reading my reviews!

About Salvation's Tide Is Rising:This brand new Passion album contains new studio recordings from best-selling artists Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, and Kristian Stanfill.  It features new songs written specifically for Passion 2016.  Release Date is January 29, 2016.   

Track List:1.  Salvation's Tide is Rising - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill
2.  My Victory - Passion featuring Crowder
3.  Remember - Passion featuring Brett Younker & Melodie Malone
4.  God & God Alone - Passion featuring Chris Tomlin
5.  Simple Pursuit - Passion featuring Melodie Malone
6.  I Turn to Christ - Passion featuring Matt Redman
7.  Your Grace Amazes Me - Passion featuring Christy Nockels
8.  All We Sinners - Passion featuring Crowder
9.  Surrender - Passion featuring Jimi Cravity
10. Good Good Father - Passion featuring Kristian Stanfill  

About Passion albums:Since the first release in 1998, Passion albums have sold over 1.3 million units while introducing the church to worship songs like "Our God", "Holy Is The Lord", "How Great Is Our God", and "God Of This City".  Passion is coming off its best charting radio success in 5 years with the single "Even So Come", which went Top 5. 

SOCIAL • CORNER 

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PassionSTIR?IQid=pbn 

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/PassionFB 

Twitter: http://smarturl.it/PassionTW 

Instagram: http://smarturl.it/PassionIG 

One more really helpful resource:  if you would like to perform these songs in your own church or worship group, you can find the lyrics and chords for most of them, along with hundreds of others, with a free membership in Worship Together at http://www.worshiptogether.com.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Flyby Review: Chris Tomlin Adore CD

I was so excited to add Chris Tomlin's new Christmas album to my Christmas music collection!  This all live album contains a mix of traditional Christmas classics and original Christmas songs.  It is unique in that it is all arranged as worship music.  This song list is great to listen to on your own or as part of a worship service.  

As I've been running my errands the last few days, I've noticed that more and more radio stations and stores are playing only secular Christmas songs for the public.  While I couldn't get through December without a good rendition of "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," I also really miss the religious songs as I prepare for the season.  There really is no reason to have Christmas at all if Jesus is not the focus.  (A big shout-out to our local Wal-mart, which has been playing a mix of religious and secular favorites in the Christmas section, and which proclaims "Merry Christmas" on many ads and decorations!)  Through our music, our actions and traditions (we DO have a "Sparkle Box"; we did NOT go shopping on Black Friday), our talk, and activities such as The Christmas Experience (more about that in a future post), we are trying to live the true meaning of the Season of Christmas for ourselves and our children.  This is why an album like this is so important.  Everything we do during Christmas should be Worship.  This album turns every song into a worship anthem as only Chris Tomlin can.

This new Christmas album released on October 23, 2015.  It features classic Christmas songs with a mix of original Christmas songs.  There are special guest performances from Lauren Daigle, All Sons & Daughters, Crowder, and more on this album.  
Songs:1. He Shall Reign Forevermore
2. Adore
3. Midnight Clear (Love Song)
4. Noel featuring Lauren Daigle 5. Hymn Of Joy
6. Silent Night featuring Kristyn Getty 7. What Child Is This? featuring Sons & Daughters 8. It's Christmas
9. A King Like This
10. Bethlehem
11. A Christmas Alleluia featuring Lauren Daigle & Leslie Jordan of All Sons & Daughters 

Chris Tomlin is an American contemporary Christian music artist, worship leader, and songwriter who has sold nearly 30 million records.  Some of his most well-known songs are "How Great Is Our God", "Jesus Messiah", "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)", "Our God", and "Whom Shall I Fear".  His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at No.1.  Throughout his career, Chris has been nominated for 32 Dove Awards (6 of them collaborative efforts) and he has won 19 of them.  

SOCIAL • CORNER 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK 

TWITTER 

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

ITUNES  - Link to purchase digital download of the album.

Would you like to win a copy of this CD?  Tell me your favorite Christmas tradition, here or on my Facebook page!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Merry Christmas!!!

Flyby Review: MercyMe's It's Christmas!

There are two kinds of people this time of year.  You've seen the Facebook meme:

So which are you?  Can you stand for me to do a Christmas CD review yet?  Well, I'm ready!  I don't put my Christmas decorations up till after Thanksgiving (husband's orders!), but I like to start the Christmas music and maybe a couple movies a little ahead of time to get in the spirit and so the holidays just don't seem so rushed.  And the crafts.  You have to start the Christmas crafts a little early so you have time to get them all done.  So I'll be starting just a little bit of Christmas on my blog this week before Thanksgiving!

Since I'm totally ready to start listening to Christmas music, I was very excited to get MercyMe's new 

CD to review for Flyby Promotions!

This album gets a definite thumbs up!  It's a great blend of original MercyMe songs and traditional Christmas songs with a MercyMe flair.  None of the songs are too slow and all are upbeat, which I really like on an album that I'm going to be listening to while I'm driving or working around the house.  I love the instrumentation on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," as well as the way a portion of "Carol of the Bells" is worked into it.  The whole album has a pop feel to it, whether new songs or traditional, but some songs have a slightly country feel as well.  It all has a distinct sound to it, so even your traditional songs won't sound exactly the same as all the others you have on your Christmas playlist.  I think my favorite song is the first one on the album, "Newborn," which is a medley of original music and a traditional carol.

There was a slight problem on my copy, which did not affect the listening quality, but was confusing when I tried to import the album to my iTunes.  The songlist on the album cover and the CD itself lists the following:  #12 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, #13 O Holy Night, and #14 Silent Night.  The actual order on the CD was #12 O Holy Night, #13 Silent Night, and #14 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

So, are you dying to know where you can get this fabulous CD this Christmas?  Well, it's another great Pizza Ranch promotion!

Mercy Me It’s Christmas​ CD will be available in Pizza Ranch locations beginning November 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.  It has 4 exclusive songs that can only be found on the CD version being sold by Pizza Ranch.  Each CD will be sold for $5 plus tax.  Pizza Ranch will give away the CD with a $25 gift card purchase as well as sell the full album at each of its 200 locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states.  "We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, MercyMe, It’s Christmas, with Pizza Ranch” said Bart Millard with MercyMe. “Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It's the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit.” 

So if you have a Pizza Ranch near you, run right down and grab yourself a pizza and a CD!  You cannot beat that price.  If not, you can purchase the MercyMe album, minus the 4 Pizza Ranch bonus tracks, on iTunes.

You can also win a copy of the full CD, with the 4 bonus tracks, right here!  Leave a comment with your favorite Christmas carol here or on my Facebook page to enter the drawing!  I will choose a winner in one week!

Merry Christmas!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Flyby Review: Toby Mac "This Is Not A Test"

Anybody know what day it is?

No, Silly!  It's not Wednesday!

Today is August 7, the day of the release of Toby Mac's "This Is Not A Test"!!!!

As far as my kids are concerned, one of the great perks of Mom writing is that we get some CDs and DVDs before the release date to review.  As much as I've raved about any product before, however, I have to say that this was, without a doubt, my kids' favorite product that we've gotten to preview before release.  We got it while my older daughter and son were at camp.  After my younger daughter finished squealing with delight, we went to pick up the kids at camp, and the first thing she said to her older sister when she saw her was, "MOM GOT THE NEW TOBYMAC ALBUM TO REVIEW BEFORE THE RELEASE DATE!!!!"  And then they both squealed.

From my son's Facebook page two days ago:

"Already have it. . . thanks Mom!"

So, yeah, this one most definitely gets a 5 out of 5 stars!

After all the hype building up the album, TobyMac did not disappoint.  The kids were immediately singing along with "Beyond Me," which was pre-released as a single and has been on the radio for a while.  The album also includes a great remix of that song.  Then there's "Love Feels Like," which features DC Talk.  I grew up about an hour outside of Washington, DC, and heard DC Talk at events there before they were ever popular nationwide.  They've been one of my favorites since I was a teenager, so hearing them together again on this song was thrilling!

My younger son's favorite is "Backseat Driver," featuring Hollyn and TobyMac's son, TruDog - is he really old enough to drive??  The kids also seemed to love "Like A Match" - well, it's hard to pick a favorite.  They loved the entire album and have been listening to it non-stop!  

My favorite song on the album is "Undeniable."  I love the line, "From the hymns that my daddy sang, I know I was made to glorify Your Name."  This man has not rejected the hymns with which he was raised and that are such a rich part of our Christian life and history, but he has embraced them while also pioneering the cutting edge of Christian contemporary music for several decades. 

TobyMac is one of the rare artists that has stood the test of time.  He came on the scene when he and Christian contemporary music were young, and he and the other members of DC Talk extended the world of CCM to include the popular beat-box rap of the 80s.  With each album, as a part of DC Talk or on his own, he has been able to keep his style fresh and new without discarding the elements that made him popular in the first place.  And while I will never "judge" an artist's heart for good or bad in a review - because none of us have any idea what is going on inside anyone else's heart - his lyrics speak of a man who strives to follow after God with his whole heart.

So, don't waste any more time reading this review!  Go get this album!

Unless, of course, you want to try for a free copy!  As usual, Flyby is giving away copies of this terrific album.  To enter to win, I just want to know one thing from you:  Have you been a fan since the glory days of DC Talk (80s and 90s), were you introduced to TobyMac after he went solo, or is today the first time you've ever heard of him?  Comment here or on my Facebook page for your chance to win!  Drawing will be held next Friday, August 14.

About TOBYMAC:Toby McKeehan(known professionally as TobyMac) is a husband, father, performer, songwriter, producer, and businessman.  Growing up in the northern Virginia suburbs adjacent to Washington D.C. helped instill his love for rap music.  While attending Liberty University during the mid 80s, Toby met Michael Tait and Kevin Max Smith and these three friends formed the Grammy winning, platinum selling group dc Talk.  Toby began his solo career in 1999 with his first solo album, Momentum, releasing in 2001.  Momentum has been followed by four additional studio albums, Welcome to Diverse City (2004), Portable Sounds (2007), Tonight (2010), and Eye On It (2012), along with his first live album, Alive and Transported (2008).  This Is Not A Test is his 6th studio album to be released.  Starting with dc Talk, and then going solo when the group disbanded, Toby still clings to such rootsy notions as hard work, persistence, patience, and - perhaps most relevant of all - the power of music, which he insists is still what keeps him going.  "It's the truth," he says.  "I still believe that a song can penetrate a heart.  I believe God can use a song to open someone's mind and heart."    

This Is Not A Test  (Deluxe Edition) Songs: 1. Like a Match
2. Backseat Driver (featuring Hollyn & TRU)
3. This Is Not a Test (featuring Capital Kings)
4. Lights Shine Bright (featuring Hollyn)
5. Til the Day I Die (featuring NF)
6. Feel It (featuring Mr. Talkbox)
7. Move (Keep Walkin')
8. Love Broke Thru
9. Beyond Me
10. Love Feels Like (featuring dc Talk)
11. Undeniable
12. Lift You Up (featuring Ryan Stevenson)
13. Fall
14. Beyond Me (Phenomenon Remix)
15. Like a Match (Garcia's Remix)

ALBUM RELEASE DATE:  AUGUST 7th! 
::::::::::::::::::::::
S O C I A L • C O R N E R
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER 
INSTAGRAM
YOUTUBE CHANNEL - Includes a 3 part video series for the song Feel It (see link on the Feel It giveaway below) 
VEVO
iTunes 
FEEL IT GIVEAWAY (Feel It will be the 2nd single released from the new album.)

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”