Citizens releases their second acoustic single, “when we pray.” The new stripped-back, piano-led version highlights lead singer Zach Bolen’s raw and emotive vocals. Co-written with Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Cantelon, “when we pray” emerged from a conversation expressing thoughts around the phrase “in Jesus’ name.” With simple honesty, Zach says that his “first instinct was to push against the idea of writing a song with that phrase because of how often it has been used as a cliche, or even worse, as some sort of magical saying.” Yet, the song seeks to bring something new to the conversation around the significance of praying in the name of Jesus.
REVERE gathered artists from the United States and South America to craft songs of intimacy and renewed devotion in the summer of 2021. One of the first fruits of this now global movement of worship was “Behold (King of Glory),” a song written by Sarah Kroger, Dwan Hill, Jessica Hitte, and Addison Bevere. This new version is one of three new powerful recordings of the song with a Spanish and a Portuguese version to come in the next few weeks. The third single from REVERE’s 2023 live album is reintroduced as a full-band version, led by David and Nicole Binion.
Leslie Jordan introduces “You Are With Me,” a deeply personal song written as her and her husband were journeying through the process of adopting their son in 2017. Wishing to hear, see, or find God amid the confusion, this song was crafted much like a Psalm. Written alongside her friend Sandra McCracken – who released a first version of the song in 2020 – this single was inspired by the Valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37, as well as the comfort announced in Isaiah 40, two scriptural passages that mirrored Leslie’s experience.
Unified Sound introduces their upcoming first ever live album with new song “Cantaremos.” The single is a medley of songs from influential worship leader Dr.Ron Kenoly and features him on the track. “Cantaremos” blends three of his greatest releases – “Ancient of Days,” “Sing Out,” and “Lift Him Up” – in Unified Sound’s signature fusion of Latin rhythms and highly melodic tones.
“The world is big, God’s creation is big, and music is endless,” says the band. “It’s important for the Church to break the mold and expand their worship experience to every tongue, every tribe, and every nation worshiping our God together.”
Germany’s leading worship group Outbreakband announces the release of an acoustic EP comprised of standout songs from their latest album, “Jesus.” They introduce a reimagined acoustic version of “Der Name Jesus” as the first single kicking off a season of new music. This song carries the band’s vision to bring new German worship songs into the Christian landscape.
Citizens releases their second acoustic single, “when we pray.” The new stripped-back, piano-led version highlights lead singer Zach Bolen’s raw and emotive vocals. Co-written with Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Cantelon, “when we pray” emerged from a conversation expressing thoughts around the phrase “in Jesus’ name.” With simple honesty, Zach says that his “first instinct was to push against the idea of writing a song with that phrase because of how often it has been used as a cliche, or even worse, as some sort of magical saying.” Yet, the song seeks to bring something new to the conversation around the significance of praying in the name of Jesus.
Citizens are the Seattle-born alternative band that never seem to compromise on their signature soundscape. This album, is said to Push the boundaries of any pre-existing idea of what “Church music” should be like. The opening ‘Imagination’ is an electronic pop song, complete with its anthemic chorus. ‘Good Ground’ is a slower number with some atmospheric backing. Zach Bolen has a very distinctive vocal quality, and it’s feeling on ‘When We Pray’ is excellent. Another, slow song, he sings; “In Jesus’ name, Amen; In Jesus’ name, Amen; In Jesus’ name there’s nothing He can’t do; When we pray in Jesus’ name.” A stunning song. Another hit on my list was ‘A Thousand Shores.’ Sound-wise, it’s a cross between The Afters and Coldplay, with some very nice keyboard sounds, within. Another thing that caught my attention was the sharp and clear production of each song. Not a sign of too much instrumentation “mush” anywhere. ‘Hide No More’ tells of being set free by the love of Jesus, while keyboard-led ‘Lovelight’ sings of the joy of living in that love. This album is quite different to anything that I’ve listened to recently, and I enjoyed that. I’ll certainly be revisiting these songs in the future. 8/10.
Citizens introduce a new single after their successful summer EP ‘A Thousand Shores’. The new song, called ‘When We Pray’, was written by Citizens frontman Zach Bolen alongside Canadian singer-songwriter Ben Cantelon. ‘When We Pray’ emerged from a conversation between the musicians, expressing their thoughts around the phrase “in Jesus name”. With simple honesty, Zach says that his “first instinct was to push against the idea of writing a song with that phrase mostly just because of how often it has been used as a cliche, or even worse, as some sort of magical saying.” The new single seeks to bring something new to the conversation around the significance of praying in the name of Jesus. Citizens dare to embrace the tension, encouraging listeners that it’s often in that place that our faith becomes tangible: “At times it’s a tattered and frustrated faith and at other times it’s a garden at springtime. I can’t explain why that is, but I’ve found along the way that God has answered many of my “in Jesus name” prayers, just not always in the way that I was expecting,” Zach adds. ‘When We Pray’ speaks of selfless faith and untapped hope on a spacious sound bed of melodic bass, atmospheric synths and a subtle rhythmic guitar line; and the song is marked with Citizens‘ signature alternative edge. “Let’s consider what it would look like to spend more time together as a church praying in the name of Jesus for the good of those who don’t dress like us, talk like us, look like us, believe like us, agree with us,” Zach concludes. With ‘When We Pray’, Citizens hope to remind listeners that even in the waiting and the tension, we are still surrounded by the presence and comfort of Jesus.
Grammy-nominated artist and worship leader Leslie Jordan releases a live-in-the-studio edition of her latest EP ‘All That I Need To Know’. Titled the ‘Fox Den Sessions’, the 6-track project strips back songs that Leslie helped write and were previously recorded by other artists. Featuring a stunning array of instruments, from the cello, piano, stripped-back drums, acoustic guitar and banjo, ‘All That I Need To Know (Fox Den Sessions)’ shines with Leslie Jordan‘s generous heart and gentleness. After almost ten years of being a part of All Sons & Daughters, she has been thriving in the writer’s seat since 2017 championing others to carry the songs they’ve written together. But, as she explains, “occasionally there are songs that stick to me as well […] this is a collection of those songs.”
‘Vem Quebra As Barreiras/Come And Tear Down The Walls’ is a prayer unto God that has been resonating with both the REVERE message and the international community of worship leaders. American-born Brazilian singer Julia Vitória heard the song from REVERE’s live album and started singing it as a prayer, growing to truly love and believe in the song. When the chance to lead ‘Vem Quebra As Barreiras/Come And Tear Down The Walls’ during the REVERE Unscripted night of worship came up, the powerhouse vocalist interpreted it in both Portuguese and English. There are so many barriers that we construct in our lives; between ourselves and others who don’t look like us or share the same perspective, but ultimately, barriers between us and God.‘Vem Quebra As Barreiras/Come And Tear Down The Walls’ is a humble call to God-inspired change. The new single is built around the vocals, with a grand piano and cello as a stripped-back sound bed. The new REVERE release is a breath-taking presentation of an open-handed worship experience.
Never for Nothing 