Chris Tomlin: And if Our God is For Us – I heard it said that these are the 11 songs your church will be singing for the next couple years. Probably true. I like Majesty of Heaven, The Name of Jesus, & I Lift My Hands.
Future of Forestry: Christmas EP – the best Christmas music. Period. Go and get their album from last year while you’re at it.
Phil Wickham: Songs for Christmas – Phil’s got a voice that stops you dead in your tracks. Demands respect.
Brooke Fraser: Flags – Brooke also has an incredible voice. This album is intricate, yet laid back. Love it.
Arcade Fire: The Suburbs – If there’s one indie rock record you buy this year, get this. Incredibly catchy and awesome. I learn new things every time I listen.
Sufjan Stevens: The Age of Adz – this is still growing on me, though I’m not sure I’ll ever love it. A bit too abstract for my tastes. I love the traditional Sufjan Stevens acoustic sound, but this is bizarre music at its finest.
Derek Webb: Feedback – Derek takes a huge risk with this and does something totally unconventional for him. That’s what I love about Derek. This is a fantastic instrumental record based on the Lord’s Prayer. Essential.
OK, music people. What else should I be listening to? What’s been inspiring to you?
if you have to have a cristmas CD the shane and shane one is terrific, as with all thier albums its loaded with sick harmonies. another CD i can never get away from is canadian band Capstone, thier original album integreality, fantastic and still fresh a decade later, you will love it!! hit your CD up a couple times over the weekend, great stuff, would love to jam with you sometime!!
I’ll have to check out Shane & Shane Christmas. Haven’t heard that one!
A resounding “Yes!” to Tomlin’s new album. Phil Wikcham and Brooke Fraser are amazing. Captivating voices for sure. Derek Webb has been all about risks, since way back to “She must and shall go free” (remember that one?) and Mockingbird all the way to Freedom, he’s continued to challenge his listeners.
Oh, and everything about FoF is win. Everything.
I’m not familiar with Sufjan Stevens or Arcade Fire, but I’ll familiarize myself with them.
Here’s some of my favorite albums right now:
ALM: UK- Name Above All Names – Great album. We’ve already done the first 2 tracks in our services and I’m hoping to do more.
Jesus Culture – Come Away – I wouldn’t say you could put everyone of these into your service, but man there are some amazing worship tunes on here. “Show Me Your Glory” is serious business.
Hillsong Chapel – Yahweh – Love the new track, but if you’re a Hillsong fan, this album is a really nice and refreshing take on some of their greatest worship songs.
Starfield – The Saving One – Quality album, all around, and seriously killer vocals.
There ya go, to name a few anyway. Love you bro!
Dude, thanks for the recommendations. My Jesus Culture album is in transit. Can’t wait.