Vineyard Soul is the modern gospel expression from within the Vineyard Worship family. Recorded live in Chicago, ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’ features the familiar and poignant vocals of Vineyard Soul powerhouses Tina Colón Williams and Joshua Miller. The former kicks things off with a gospel/rock number called ‘You Are God.’ Although I’m told that this is a new song, it had quite a dated sound, more akin to something that The Anointed Pace sisters might have produced. ‘Heaven’s Work’ follows in similar style, with a soaring guitar sound so low in the mix that I wondered what the point of it actually was? Miller takes the lead on the acoustic led ‘Expectation.’ Joined by other voices, he proves to have a warmth in his voice, which suits this mid-paced song of praise, well. The duo team up for ‘No Longer Strangers’ in which they sing “We are no longer strangers to your arms.” Of the six songs on this EP, this one was easily my pick of the bunch. An interesting collection. But, I can’t shake the feeling that this EP is trying to capture a sound of days gone by. Perhaps we’re in for a rock/gospel renaissance soon. 6/10.
Vineyard Worship presents its latest release, ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’. Vineyard Soul is the modern gospel expression from within the Vineyard Worship family. Recorded live in Chicago, ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’ features the familiar and poignant vocals of Vineyard Soul powerhouses Tina Colón Williams and Joshua Miller. Featuring ‘You Are God’, an upbeat, extravagant, joyful song of repentance and an electric faith declaration, and ‘Heaven’s Work’ ,a timeless prayer, calling us to be active participants in God’s Kingdom come and His will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven, ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’ is layered with rhythmic grooves and dynamic vocal arrangements. Produced by gospel heavyweights Calvin Rodgers & Phillip Feaster, ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’ is a fresh and authentic sound capturing the heartbeat of the growing number of multiethnic churches in the Vineyard movement.
The new REVERE single is a stunningly warm revisitation of ‘How Deep The Father’s Love For Us’, a timeless anthem written by UK singer-songwriter Stuart Townend. The profound and poetic lyrics are wholeheartedly interpreted by Mission House’s Jess Ray on lead vocals and Taylor Leonhardt’s gentle singing joined with Zach Bolen’s (Citizens) powerful voice . This version of ‘How Deep The Father’s Love For Us’ is an emotion-filled one, marrying the truth of God’s unmatched love to our frail and needy hearts. With a stripped-back nature, it invites us to pause and meditate on the unfathomable goodness of the Lord’s heart for us. ‘How Deep The Father’s Love For Us’ truly is a song we all need to hear and sing.
‘Unser Vater’ is the first single and title track for ICF Worship’s upcoming EP. Translating as “Our Father” the song is inspired by the Lord’s Prayer, reminding us of the open-armed invitation to come to God and a declaration of faith in His unconditional love. Crafted from a place of “relentlessly seeking the Lord like never before,” as singer Luca Aprile says, the single leads to the heart of the Father from the first note. ‘Unser Vater’ opens on a chill note with a rhythmic backbone that evolves into ardent worship, each line declaring the life-changing love of our God. ICF Worship revisit the powerful song (previously released on album ‘Choose To Praise’) with fresh energy and passion flowing from the team’s undeniable experience of Divine Love.
Scottish folk worship band Celtic Worship release their first single ‘Come Thou Fount’ from highly anticipated new album ‘Morningtide’ coming in the autumn.
With a unique approach to worship blending traditional and contemporary Christian music with their native sonorities, Celtic Worship are celebrating the multifaceted beauty of the Kingdom of God! As with many songs that Celtic Worship are drawn to, ‘Come Thou Fount’ is a traditional hymn, originally written in 1758 by Robert Robinson.
And I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God;
He to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.
The words beautifully remind us that God is the One who takes initiative; He sought us when we were still strangers, rescued us, and takes us to arrive at home.
‘Come Thou Fount’ paints a huge and wonderful picture. Celtic Worship put their stunning arrangement together quite instinctively, making use of both vocalists Steph Macleod and Naomi Stirrat, who deliver warmth and power in each verse.
A beautiful instrumental melody is also weaved through by Mhairi Marwick on the fiddle and Scott Wood on bagpipes and whistle.The new Celtic Worship single is a striking taster of what is yet to come!
Celtic Worship recorded the music video for Come Thou Fount in Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland venue! Check out the trailer and set a reminder for the YouTube premiere later today at 7pm UK Time.
Vineyard Worship release ‘Roll Like A River’, the last single from forthcoming EP ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’ coming on August 20th, 2021. This new song is a rallying cry and petition for God’s justice to flood and fill the cracks of our broken society. It ponders the empathy of our Saviour in facing abuse and oppression and equally exalts the unwavering hope found in Him. ‘Roll Like a River’ is a timely anthem, as the world frantically searches for answers and struggles with division in the process, the new Vineyard Worship track points to the effortless unity gushing from the Kingdom of God. Written in June 2020, shortly after the horrific death of George Floyd, ‘Roll Like A River’ literally flowed out of contemplation, prayer and conversations taking place between songwriters Joshua Miller, Tina Colón Williams and Mark Alan Schoolmeesters. Joshua Miller, one of the vocalists on Vineyard Soul tells of a clear theme emerging for the Kingdom to come in its fullness, “the idea of Justice, Mercy and Surrender are common realities of the Kingdom,” he adds. Marrying the beauty of these virtues with the ultimate example of selfless love – Jesus – taking on the cross-and Kingdom themes throughout the scriptures, ‘Roll Like A River’ came together as an ode to the hope we can have now for what is yet to come. Led by vocalist Tina Colón Williams, known for the warmth and power of her emotive voice, ‘Roll Like A River’ combines an irresistible approachability and intricate musical structures. The new single is soulful, joyful and truly infuses the listener with glimpses of the Kingdom of God.
Citizens release first single ‘Light Of Your Grace (Live)’ from their upcoming Live project The Joy of Being Together. The song was recorded in the room where Citizens first met started the band; music originally brought them together and now, 10 years later, their friendship is what continues to bring them together. ‘Light Of Your Grace (Live)’ is a beautiful song that reminds us that we don’t need to hide in the struggle. When we confess our sin, God meets us with grace and we can walk in the brightness of His freedom. ‘Light of Your Grace (Live)’ releases today along with video of the live recording
REVERE revisit the huge and impactful ‘Revelation Song’ in a stunning version by Mission House & Citizens. The beauty emerging from Mission House‘s Taylor Leonhardt mesmerizing folk vocals and Citizens’ emotion-filled interpretation featuring violin, keys and nylon string guitar. ‘Revelation Song’ marked a generation of Church and this new single carries its legacy of holiness into our current times, leading us to the heart of worship – our Lord Jesus. Recorded in an awe-inspiring empty sanctuary, REVERE‘s ‘Revelation Song’ invites the listener into a renewed and intimate “revelation” of God.
Worship For Everyone are completing their year of singles with Masterplan, a joyful song to take us into the summer! Masterplan is based around the words of Psalm 139, declaring that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. With so many pressures and voices all around us, the song reminds us of our true identity in Christ. We have been loved from the start, God has gifted us uniquely and and we are all part of His Masterplan. Once again Nick and Becky hope that the song will connect across the generations as they continue to write songs with all-ages in mind. No matter how old or how young we are, their hope is that the words of Psalm 139 will encourage the whole family of God this summer as they hear the words ‘there’s nothing ordinary about the way you’ve made me!’
‘You Are God’ is Vineyard Worship’s new groove-infused release and lead single from forthcoming EP ‘Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions’ coming in August 2021. The new song is an all-Vineyard co-write with Dana Masters (Vineyard Worship UK&I) and Vineyard Worship USA’s Tina Colón Williams and Casey Corum.
Birthed on Dana’s piano one day as she sought to express where she was at in her relationship with the Lord, ‘You Are God’ takes the listener on a journey: one of returning to the truth of God’s centrality regardless of where we might find ourselves. Dana explains: “I had somehow gotten to a place where I centred myself in the middle of an epic story. I was the protagonist, the heroine and everyone in my life, including God, were supporting actors.” Wrestling with this revelation and with subsequent questions about trusting God, Dana came to grasp the Holy Spirit’s gracious closeness and guidance in a whole new way!
‘You Are God’ takes inspiration from the words of Isaiah 55 (8-11), “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”The new Vineyard Worship song is an extravagant and joyful song of repentance and an electric faith declaration, affirming that when God is the centre everything else will be at rest in its place.
Produced by Chicago-based Calvin Rodgers and Phillip Feaster, the single features Tina Colón Williams’ warm and soulful vocals and perfectly taps into gospel brilliance with funk vibes and blues guitar riffs topping it off. ‘You Are God’ reminds us that our trust goes beyond the mortal soil of human existence and reaches into eternity.
YWAM is a global movement of Christians from many cultures, age groups, and Christian traditions, all dedicated to advancing the Gospel and serving Jesus throughout the world, summed up in the purpose to “Know God and to Make Him Known.” YWAM Kona Music is the worship team and soundtrack for this heart-fire movement located in Kona, Hawaii. Leading on YWAM’s largest global missions base and ministry training facility in the world, YWAM Kona Music are fuelling passionate praise, intercession, and prayer for believers everywhere. Their new EP ‘The Sound of Go’ captures a deep hunger for Jesus and Spirit-led stirring through songs that truly embody the heartbeat of this movement. Recorded live at YWAM Kona, ‘The Sound of Go’ is the cry and prayer rising from this group of passionate Jesus-followers.
Phil Thompson penned ‘Jesus’ sat at his piano simply worshipping after a time of songwriting… as the worship got deeper and tears started to flow, new single ‘Jesus’ was birthed within in a span of 15 minutes. “It felt like a gift had been given to me, because it came so effortlessly,” Phil explains. There is something very solemn and peaceful about this song, a hymn-like feel which led the artist to add a third verse instead of a bridge to it. The message of ‘Jesus’ is too simple to even try to unpack… There is power in the name of Jesus. This name is above every other name. Undefeated and uncontested.
Vineyard Worship presents the latest release from Vineyard Soul, ‘Heaven’s Work’. This modern gospel anthem expresses the cry of every believer’s heart to join in the movement of God. With a powerhouse vocal from worship leader, pastor, and immigration lawyer, Tina Colón Williams, ‘Heaven’s Work’, gives unifying language to a community of believers.
We wanna go where we see you moving
We wanna join what we see you doin’
Our heart’s desire is to see
Your Kingdom come
Written by Anabeth Morgan, Casey Corum, and Geno Olison and produced by Calvin Rodgers and Phillip Feaster, ‘Heaven’s Work’ is a timeless prayer, calling us to be active participants in God’s Kingdom come and His will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
‘Soli Deo Gloria‘ is a Latin term for ‘Glory to God alone’ and legendary musicians such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel would sign off their manuscripts with this phrase again and again… declaring that their creative offerings were for the sake of praising God alone. In a world that is constantly becoming more obsessed with self and less concerned with the things of God, Darlene Zschech found herself diving into ancient songs of worship, hearing how our forerunners described the throne room of God and their dedication to His presence. The Australian worship leader crafted this song from a heart and soul desire for that ‘deep calls unto deep’ sound of worship alongside Mitch Wong and Dustin Smith.
“All Glory to God Alone.. I pray this is the signature that my life is known by...” Darlene Zschech.
“The Commission” is marked with the sound of GO. The new YWAM Kona Music EP gives voice to God’s worth of the worship of the nations and our joy to give everything to see Him get it. At YWAM Kona, Hawaii, people are constantly coming from or going to the nations with great faith and stories of God moving. More than an artist, this EP features a whole tribe of happy missionaries proclaiming their “yes” to Jesus. Whereas most worship albums focus on our personal relationship with the Lord, “The Commission” explores what the fruit of that relationship is in our lives… Every movement has a sound. It’s time for the sound of missions.
Music is this experiential world that pulls at our emotions and sometimes says the very words we needed to hear without saying anything at all. For thousands and thousands of years people have been singing songs, and we find ourselves at a point in history when all the decorations we’ve used to dress up the songs we sing in the church have been temporarily boxed up. Perhaps there’s never been a better time for honest introspection as we consider the songs that we sing in the church. Songs that teach us our theology. Build our faith. Rattle our defenses. Give breath to our emotions. It’s just a voice and an instrument now in front of a shaky camera leading the people of God. This is the moment where we dig deeper than music can ever go. Citizens‘ new album “The Joy Of Being” was first written as a call to get back to middle ground, to a space that occupies more than just emotion or thought but the soul; a call to be. To find contentment in the absence of production and the honesty of an unrefined voice lifted up in praise to our glorious God. “These songs are yours to use in whatever way you want, we have intentionally made these arrangements as basic as possible to leave room for your imagination,” says singer Zach Bolen. (That’s why ‘The Joy of Being’ was first recorded on iPhones!) There is a world of possibilities and a number of ways for us to articulate that through our own individual creativity!
Vineyard Worship is a truly global family with over 600 churches in the US and 3000 churches worldwide . “Familia” is a perfect representation of this reality. An organically bilingual, joyful celebration of the family of God, “Familia” is so timely for this moment of history. Featuring the powerful vocals of Tina Colón Williams (Vineyard Soul, Porter’s Gate) and produced by Grammy award winner Dwan Hill, this new single is driven by syncopated drumbeats and soaring trumpet flairs that will inspire a dance party across all generations! Initiated in the midst of pandemic and political upheaval, this song of unity was written collaboratively by three ethnically diverse people, strangers until their creativity brought them together via Zoom. While the Vineyard has a history of translating worship songs into Spanish, their desire was to write a bilingual song with simple yet powerful lyrics that bridge the culture gap that feels ever widening. “Familia” is a call to worship, a song about coming together and building each other up, a prophetic declaration that the church is a home for all people, regardless of tribe or tongue. The deeper spiritual reality of this song is evidenced in the daily work of songwriter and vocalist, Tina Colón Williams, who, as an immigration lawyer, represents undocumented immigrants facing deportation. Carrying their stories with her, Tina is passionate about the role of the Church as a counter-culture space of ‘home’, championing injustices that the world is blind to, and celebrating the unity we can experience as the family of God.
Never for Nothing 