New Music Tuesday:Various Artists

Have you ever purchased an album and listened to it straight through? Have you ever done it twice…or even three times?

Normally, we find the songs we like and we find the songs we like skipping. By the third listen of an album we’ve gotten into a routine of how we listen to this particular album and rarely break the habit.

Well I have something amazing to report…the last 2 albums I bought – I listen to STRAIGHT THROUGH every time. And my listens have now hit the double digits. Now don’t get me wrong, there is some great music out there and these aren’t the only albums I listen to from start to finish…but I definitely think they’re worth recognizing as I was a bit surprised myself.

Album #1: Hawk Nelson’s “Live, Life, Loud”

It’s not much of a secret that I’m a fan of Hawk Nelson. I saw them 2 years ago at The Revolve Tour and own most of their albums. But let’s face it, they’re usually a bit on the teeny-bopper side. The music is fun and light (with the exception of their occasional “dark topic” song) and leaves you with a catchy chorus stuck in your head. But their 2009 release breaks the Hawk Nelson mold. Blame it on the fact that they’re now in their 20s or that they’ve been together since 2002, but this album is the best so far. It starts with the Live, Life, Loud party starter anthem, but makes its way to instruments never heard in their songs before (think violins) and lyrics that are deeper than their usual bounce in the car sing-a-long songs. Take a listen to these samples and then purchase their album – it really is good.

Album #2: Josh Garrels’ “Lost Animals”

I saw Josh at Cornerstone 2009 and was blown away by the depth of the lyrics he presented in his new music. I’m ashamed to say that it took me this long to buy his new album. This singer/songwriter took his usual eclectic style and turned it up to new levels. With lyrics that will bring your heart to the most humble place and instrument combinations that one wouldn’t expect to hear – Lost Animals is one of the most beautifully produced albums I’ve ever heard. The songs flow together and take you on a musical journey through the depths of his soul. Take a listen on his website: www.joshgarrels.com and then go support this amazing artist.