From the tongue-in-cheek title (Owens has been blind since early childhood) to the empowering feel, this album makes it clear that Ginny is firmly in the driver's seat. Chronicling the past several years of her life, this batch of songs was inspired by several moves -- first to New York City, then home as her mom battled cancer, and finally back to Nashville. The change in emotional scenery as well gave her plenty to draw on when writing. Overall, there's a fun, funky, soulful sound that permeates the entire album, whether she's singing about a friend's adoption or her own personal journey.
After two years of nonstop touring to promote their breakthrough album, The Outsiders, Needtobreathe finally found time to get back in the studio. The result is The Reckoning, an album that finds its core in the songwriting talents of brothers Bo and Bear Rinehart. The band isn't relying on a formula, though. Instead, they approached this recording wanting to try everything, pressuring themselves to create a career-defining disc. They may not have quite reached that lofty goal, but the album's a solid follow-up filled with moody, earnest pop-rock that has some weight to it.
Less of an album and more of a musical experience, Ghosts Upon the Earth draws on metaphor and allegory, pairing those literary devices with some unexpected instrumentation. A string ensemble and a boys' choir help flesh out this sonic journey that takes listeners from creation to modern day. The album started with Michael Gungor's weeklong meditation in Assisi, where he was inspired by the saints' view of the world. Michael also produced and did the bulk of the writing, along with his wife Lisa. Bonus points if you connected the album title to C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce.
It's true, some bands just get better with age. Switchfoot is proof. From the first note of Vice Verses they make it clear they have something to say and a talent that continues to earn them the right to be heard. The synth sounds of "The War Inside" and the driving beat of "The Original" are a nice contrast to the lo-fi anthem "Restless," which showcase the band's great big heart. "Selling the News" may be a musical experiment gone awry, but it's a rare misstep. Jon Foreman & Co. continue to grow and change in unpredictable ways, making us always eager to see (and hear) what's next.
Jessa Anderson's music is a family affair. This graduate of Nashville's Belmont University travels with her young daughter and her husband/guitar player, Jordan, sharing her honest, intimate songwriting with whoever will listen. Her label debut features the single "Fireflies" (co-written by Phillip LaRue and Pete Kipley) and showcases her down-to-earth, girl-next-door sound that conjures up images of a young Jill Phillips. The focus here is on real life and the real problems we all face, no matter what we believe. Don't miss "Not What I Thought" and the soulful title track.
For their fourth release, Leeland returns to their roots -- both musically and spiritually. Inspired by theologians such as Salvation Army founder William Booth, The Great Awakening is equal parts old-time revival meeting and modern worship gathering. It also marks the addition of the Mooring brothers' little sis, Shelly, on bass. Produced by Paul Moak, the project features pleasing sibling harmonies as well as a live concert sound, thanks to the fact that all 11 tracks were recorded live-to-tape. Definitely don't miss "I Wonder" and the title track.
