A Few Favorite Tunes

This week, instead of reviewing an album, I thought I would give you a few of my favorite tracks currently “in rotation.”

  1. “Where I Belong” Matt Gilman & Cory Asbury, Holy – From the IHOP-KC free album download.  When it first came on, I had to listen to it several times before I could listen to anything else.  Musically, it’s got a great soaring chorus and some nice drum programming.  Lyrically, it’s got such a spirit of joy about “finding the place I belong – Your presence.”
  2. “In Your Atmosphere” John Mayer, Where the Light is – This is from the acoustic portion of his live album.  Moody and profound, it articulates a feeling you know you’ve had: love, friendship, family, somewhere.
  3. “Closer” Matt Gillman, IHOP LE Volume 18From a series of best-of compilations from the Prayer Room, this is a highlight in 9(!) that sounds natural and builds from very intimate to grand and sweeping.
  4. “Between the Lines” Sara Bareilles, Little Voice – Ah, the bass line and melody together!  This is just such a beautiful song.  Poetic title and wonderful piano.
  5. “Every Tear” Jon Thurlow, Songs About Jesus – I wrote a review of this album a few months ago and have recently been listening to it a lot again.  This track is just beautiful (that seems to be a theme here) and the truth of Jesus wiping every tear from our eyes is comforting and powerful.
  6. “The Hardest Part” Coldplay, LeftRightLeftRightLeft and X&Y – I had heard this on X&Y and didn’t think much about it, but when I heard it on the new live (& free!) album I flipped.  For the past three weeks I have literally woken up with it running through my head.  The stripped down version with just piano and the singing crowd is awesome.  Coldplay’s melodies and general vibe are so unique and captivating.

Jon Thurlow – Songs About Jesus

Download the MP3 album here.

I’ve waited a long time for a record from Jon Thurlow. The fact that it’s just piano (a real one at that!) and voice is even better. From the first notes to the last it’s an act of worship and a work of art. What a great offering to Jesus.

 My favorite track right now is “Equality with God.” It has a chorus that cuts you to the heart with lyrics like, “And it’s the very same thing that cast the devil from Your presence / The very same thing that tripped up Adam and Eve / And it’s the very same thing that I struggle with inside of me…” The vulnerability of saying, “Hey, this is something I struggle with, too…I’m not perfect” is so refreshing and reminds us that, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Musically, the mix of styles and the sophistication of the harmony while still being accessible is great. The Lord’s gifting in Jon is evident and clear.

I would highly recommend this album and encourage its use in times of prayer and worship. It will bring you great enjoyment — it’s done that for me!