Over the past thirteen years Avalon has become a mainstay in CCM. Their blend of pop, dance, and R&B inflected songs that invariably bring the honor to God are both infective and musically solid. Newcomers to the group can’t go in wrong in starting with The Greatest Hits, a generous sampling of sixteen of their most well known offerings.

Hard-core Avalon fans already in possession of the groups previous hit-filled compendium -Testify to Love: The Very Best of Avalon will find a large amount of overlap between the two discs. As a newcomer to the group myself, each song is fresh and previously unheard, but loner time fans will find only five tracks difference from the previous collection. In fact, the tracks that were recorded specifically for The Very Best of Avalon such as “New Day,” and “Everything to Me” have been taken from that disc directly into this one.

Still, dedicated fans may be able to justify the purchase. A new song, “Still My God,” proves to be a real tearjerker, highlighting God’s unchanging nature through our trials and challenges. The last four tracks on the disc: “All,” “You Were There,” “Orphans of God,” and “In Christ Alone” have been swapped in from previous albums.

“Orphans of God” is a particularly moving inclusion from Stand – a symphonic, tender song of reassurance that celebrates God’s unending grace. “All” is a somewhat more two-dimensional tune, exhibiting a bounty, R&B influence. “You Were There” is an introspective, mellow song with a surprisingly forceful chorus.

“In Christ Alone” draws from the vein that is ever popular amongst CCM artists – covering traditional hymns with their own distinctive arrangements. A beautiful rendition, Avalon’s take on the hymn features heart-plucking harmonies, big, bold vocalizations, and poignant guitar accompaniment in the simpler sections that bursts into an array of strong percussion back up during the chorus.

The classics that were previously included in the last greatest hits collection are clearly appearing again for a reason. “Testify to Love” is an addictive headliner that pops into my head throughout the day and demands to be sung. “Knockin’ On Heavens Door” proves itself as a perennial favourite on account of it’s chorus that depicts the insistent, never-ending prayers of a believer confident in her position as a child of God.

Personally, I could have passed on “Give It Up” from the oldies but goodies section of the disc – somewhere between the heavy reliance on synthesizers and the embellishing “na na na’s” I tune out. Likewise the dance-style rhythms of “Wonder Why” generally leave me cold. “New Day” rounds out the trio of tunes that I wouldn’t have missed if they’d been left out of the compilation.

There are some true Avalon classics included that make the album. “Take You At Your Word” is an insanely catchy, upbeat song that catches me every time and finds me belting out the chorus at full volume. “Can’t Live a Day” makes me cry more often than not as I’m reminded of my complete dependence on Jesus, “The Glory” is a story song that recalls Jesus’ life and sacrifice, and “Adonai” is a slow song with understated accompaniment that nonetheless a heart-rending cry to the creator.

I’ll admit that at first listen, the music struck me as somewhat fluffy, but after repeated listening many of these songs have become woven into my life. I’ve come to appreciate their theologically sound, yet still entertaining perspective (not always present in CCM), the variety of represented moods, and the clear vocal abilities of the group’s performers.

Avalon: The Greatest Hits is indeed a highly pleasing album that provides not only an enjoyable listening experience, but one that leads its audience into an interactive state of worship. I’d be hard pressed to number the times the songs I initially viewed as simple have led me to tears of repentance and rejoicing. This resulting emotional response and turning towards God in a listener should be the highest praise an album can receive.

Track Listing:

1. Testify to Love
2. Give It Up
3. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
4. Still My God
5. Take You At Your Word
6. Can’t Live a Day
7. The Glory
8. Wonder Why
9. Adonai
10. New Day
11. Everything to Me
12. I Don’t Want to Go
13. All
14. You Were There
15. Orphans of God
16. In Christ Alone

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From the first time I heard the opening slide of slippery steel guitar strings of the title track, I realized that Ten Shekel Shirt serves up something that’s largely outside of typical praise and worship songs.

Introspective, and at times melancholy, Jubilee somehow captures a depth of reflective thought that is largely missing from the Christian music genre. True, there are upbeat tunes, catchy choruses, and personal reflections on the walk of faith – but there are also songs addressing slavery, recovery from abuse, and poverty.

Lamont Hiebert, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter became radicalized in the late ‘90s after hearing reports of child trafficking and slavery. The founding of a charitable organization (Love146) to provide aftercare for rescued child slaves and to help prevent further child abductions, followed his trip to South East Asia in 2002. That passionate dedication to put feet on his faith flows as a theme throughout the album, with many of the songs dedicated to survivors of abuse, exploitation, and slavery.

However Hiebert’s lyrics are surprisingly understated considering his dedication. Far from repeatedly pounding listeners to get involved, the tracks on the CD are a blend of social action tunes, themes of personal redemption and deliverance, and even love songs. Ranging from punchy to breathy, Hiebert’s versatile tenor tackles the “la da da da da’s” in “Warmtime Lullaby” and plaintive wailings of “Higher Ground” with equal amounts of finesse.

Of the eleven tracks on the disc, “You Rescue” is perhaps the most blatant faith-based song with a chorus including the phrase “’Cause you rescue, you redeem, you save, you intervene.” Hiebert’s faith is certainly found in most of the songs, but it is often blended into the lyrics as part of his life and world view, rather than songs of straightforward praise and worship. This approach is somewhat different than many of my listening choices, but I found that the subtlety offered in many of the tracks led to a deeper appreciation of the message and context of each song.

Several musical styles are often juxtaposed and layered within the songs. “It’s Slavery” features a nearly abrasive, alternative sound with a very faint underlying melody – nearly indistinguishable, that tends towards the symphonic. “Jubilee” alternates between a very pared down, thoughtful guitar and drum accompaniment and an upbeat, hope-filled euro-rock sound.

Very few of the tracks on Jubillee are easy to digest. It’s impossible to gain any appreciation for Hiebert’s work without spending time immersed in the music and reflecting contemplatively upon it.

Don’t leave with the wrong impression; Ten Shekel Shirt doesn’t come off as pretentious. Jubileesimply doesn’t offer up instant appeal, quick up-lift, fast-food pop choruses that are immediately ‘sticky’, the disc invites digging in, settling down, and interacting with the music and message. I for one appreciate the difference and continue to slot in hours of playtime of the group’s music.

Track Listing:

1. Jubilee
2. Surprised
3. Fragile
4. Spark
5. Higher Ground
6. En Garde
7. Wartime Lullaby
8. Love From a Lesser God
9. You Rescue
10. Daylight
11. It’s Slavery

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I’m a latecomer to the Newsboys’ franchise. Though the band has been pumping out tunes for over 20 years, I’ve jumped on the wagon just as long-time lead singer Peter Furler is stepping down from his role as lead singer. After five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, and the title track “In the Hands of God” becoming the bands 25th No.1 single, In the Hands of God is being hailed by many as a culmination of a lengthy contribution to contemporary Christian music.

This release is also the last album featuring Furler as front man; he will be continuing with the group as a songwriter. Michael Tait – formerly of dc Talk – is taking up the mantle from here on out, and long-time fans who aren’t able to make it to a live concert or festival to hear him singing in the lead can hear his backup vocals on the new disc.

Building upon the groups long-term momentum and loyal existing fan base, their fourteenth album arrived on the scene like a high-speed rocket, shooting to number one ranks on singles charts and Christian music charts, number one on iTunes in the Christian/Gospel category and in the top 30 on Billboard. Hailed as delivering the classic Newsboys sound, new listeners such as myself may find themselves wondering what exactly that sound is.

On my initial listen I was immediately struck by the distinct sound of an Australian-founded band. Like my first exposure to Midnight Oil, it took a while for my Canadian ears to adjust to and decipher Furler’s slightly accented lyrics. By the third of fourth time through I was singing along. The sound itself is largely eclectic, and that in and of itself seems to be a marker for Newsboys albums. Ranging from classic rock through to electronic Brit-pop stylings and soaring symphonic songs of worship, the band serves up a little bit of everything.

Opening with “The Way We Roll” the band rocks its way through the hardest track on the disc, a musical introduction to their history, work and purpose declaring, “that’s the way we roll, ‘cause we’ve been set free”. Pointing to God as the sole progenitor of their music, sustainer, and motivator; this driving tune kicks things off before heading into a diverse range of songs that run the gamut of CCM.

There are a few misses on the disc, “No Grave” while haunting in melody fails to capture the imagination, “This Is Your Life” comes off as a platitude, and “The Upside” falls squarely within Brit-pop, a genre that leaves me cold. Though these tracks weren’t my cup-of, the disc is diverse enough that there’s something here for everyone.

“Glorious” is just that, pointing out our ever-present failings and the need to continue running into God’s arms for His sustenance, for His love. Wreathed with a rich swirl of strings this soaring song will lead listeners into a great and deeper dependence upon recognizing their utter insufficiency. “In The Hands of God” is without doubt the most memorable track, featuring an insanely catchy, take-away pop melody, and rich spiritual message.

Demonstrating a sense of humor that pokes fun at onself, “My Friend Jesus” features punchy lyrics and the unusual premise of God’s sanctifying work through a patience-trying call with a help-line that puts user on hold interminably. It’s a fun, lighter piece with a simple chorus that works and brings a few chuckles each time I listen to it. “Lead Me To The Cross” begins with a simple piano and grows into a rousing Christ-centered apogee – strings included. “Dance” is another of the harder tracks that has Furler leaning towards speaking over singing, the staccato, rhythmic text phasing into chorus that leads into the boundary lands between pop and dance music, while the choppy body of the song is reminiscent of indie-rock.

The bands Australian background goes largely unfelt throughout the album – other than the subtle accent – but it does feature prominently in “RSL 1984”, which feels like a voyeuristic look into a boys ongoing relationship with God. It seems filled with insider only references, and will likely be more appreciated by long-time Newsboys fans.

If you’re new to this bastion of CCM, it’s not too late to discover the widespread appeal of the band. Don’t worry about playing catch-up, just jump in – the listening is fine; In The Hands of Godis diverse enough to provide a few, new favourites for most everyone.

Track Listing:

1. The Way We Roll
2. No Grave
3. This Is Your Life
4. Glorious
5. In The Hands of God
6. The Upside
7. My Friend Jesus
8. Lead Me To The Cross
9. Dance
10. RSL 1984

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With a growing number of aspiring artists releasing debut albums into the praise and worship market each year, it takes something special to make listeners sit up and take notice. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Reeves has that something special in spades. Her debut album Sweet Sweet Sound - an EP consisting of seven relatively short tracks – cuts to the quick with clear vocals replete with longing and musical back-up featuring consistently strong piano parts through a selection of styles.

Born into a musically gifted family, daughter to a man respected in mainstream music, Reeves had determined at a young age to pursue a career in music. It wasn’t until a life-changing encounter with God at the age of fifteen that she shifted her focus to ministry. Immediately joining her church’s youth worship band she began leading young people into worship. As the bands reputation spread, she came to the attention of Sparrow Records who are releasing her first disc; I hope they realize the treasure that she is.

Opening with a heartfelt, lilting prayer in song to Jesus to use her words despite their human limitations, Reeves launches into a small grouping of carefully selected songs chosen from her collaborative song writing and recording sessions with noted writers and producers. What treasures they are. Each track is a sparkling gem lifted to the One who rescues, saves and anoints.

It may sound cliché and repetitive considering the name of the title track, but Reeves truly does deliver a “Sweet Sweet Sound.” Her youthful voice soars through an impressive range, alternately breathy and grounded while remaining polished and controlled.

“Fresh Anointing” and “Let Us Rise” deliver full-bodied tracks replete with solid guitar and rhythm lines. In these selections Reeves delivers straightforward, energetic performances that quickly lead to a rhythmic, heart-pounding eagerness to meet with God. Alternately calling out to Him for a fresh anointing and inspiring Christians to rise up, these songs should soon be making their way into congregational praise across the nation.

“Sweet Sweet Sound” reveals the true heartbeat of Reeves musical ministry, serving as an instrument of the Most High, to praise Him in song, to please Him. A stellar work, it drives deep with simple accompaniment, relying upon Reeves voice to reach deeply into the soul and high into the heavens. Ah, heartbreakingly beautiful – a phrase which applies to the entire EP, but most particularly to this track. After sampling this track online I was hooked, couldn’t wait for my disc to arrive, and Reeves hasn’t disappointed.

Lyrical, longing and filled with symphonic melodies, “Come Save” and “My Saviour” reveal personal cries to Jesus to rescue us from this failing world and our own iniquity. The mingling of pop sensibilities, rich orchestral swells and full-bodied communion with Jesus on these tracks have allowed me to enter into personal worship with Him into the most mundane circumstances. Swept away to the throne, intercession in song, Reeves takes me there while hanging laundry, doing dishes, comforting a child.

I have in past years listened solely to LPs, feeling I received more ‘bang for my buck’. However, I strongly encourage you to pick up Reeves’ EP (it’s also happens to be incredibly affordable.) Her debut is not to be missed, I only wish she’d given us more! It’s my hope and prayer that we’ll be hearing great things from her in years to come. If this is only the beginning, I can only imagine what further he the deepening of her personal experience with the Lord will bring.

Track Listing:

1. These Words of Mine
2. Fresh Anointing
3. Awaken
4. Sweet Sweet Sound
5. Come Save
6. Let Us Rise
7. My Savior

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After winning Oprah Winfrey’s one-and-only “Oprah’s Pop Star Challenge” in 2004, LaShell Griffin has been wowing listeners with her big, beautiful voice, soaring lyrics and emotional delivery. Now releasing a third album Dreams Are Possible, LaShell’s growing and dedicated fan-base will be delighted with the inspirational, vocal acrobatics that helped set this artist apart from 18.000 other contestants and catapult her to public attention.

Blending her strong faith in Jesus with danceable R&B and electro-pop tunes, LaShell had me lifting my hands to heaven as I grooved to her big, sweet sound on “I Almost Blew It.” Smooth, mellow performances are delivered on “I Don’t Judge” and “Because of Your Mercy.” The album’s title track “Dreams are Possible” serves as an ideal showcase for Griffin’s range of vocal abilities – building from a full, rich melody to a bold, open-throated chorus while backed by a veritable choir that’s filled with soul.

Not only does the disc provide ample opportunity for Griffin to move through her full vocal range, but she also presents tracks ranging from the deeply formal to surprisingly casual. “Sista’ Talk” is in fact a recording of a light-hearted conversation between Griffin and her sister LaTress Tomas, before launching into a duet calling for love and reconciliation. Griffin also interposes seemingly spontaneous spoken praise, scripture and gets her preach on in the midst of her songs, encouraging listeners to lay their cares on Jesus and trust in Him.

While Griffin’s voice is a compelling instrument itself, the only track in which she’s backed by a band is on “Dreams Are Possible.” With the disc relying heavily upon synthesized music the cumulative effect can be rather synthetic (particularly when the voice transforming effects are broken out, thankfully only a few times). I’d love to hear Griffin against a rich background of instrumentation worthy of the talent she pours into her vocals.

Music is a family affair in the Griffin home. Devoted to her husband and five children, Griffin continues to involve her family in all aspects of life – including her singing career. Of the songs not written by Griffin herself, two are penned by her husband Lee (who also serves as her manager), and one by her son Raffiel. They also provide background vocals on a number of tracks. Griffin herself composed five of the songs, with an equal number contributed by Frank McGinnis.

In times such as these, Griffin’s message of holding fast to Jesus through times of trial and difficulty while believing on His promises is particularly relevant. Now I don’t know about you, but when I see a mother of five hanging in there and reaching for big dreams, I believe her when she sings, “Dreams are Possible.” Griffin herself is a living, breathing testimony to the truth of her heartfelt, voluminous assertion.

Track Listing:

1. Live by Faith
2. Jesus Said
3. I Almost Blew It
4. I Don’t Judge
5. Dreams Are Possible
6. This 2 Shall Pass
7. Man from Galilee
8. Because of Your Mercy
9. Sista Talk
10. Way Back When
11. Every Day
12. From the Night to the Light (poem)
13. Live by Faith (remix)

The refining fires New Life Church in Colorado Springs has passed through in the past several years are all too well known. They’ve come through spiritual attack in a widely publicized scandal as well as violent, physical attack in the form of a shooting that claimed the lives of two members. Following directly on the heels of that shooting they came together as a body to record a live offering of worship to the Lord – Counting on God. Their resolve to stand on God’s promises, embrace total dependence on Him while praising His holy name forms a blazing beacon piercing the darkness that threatened to envelop their family of worshipers.

Counting on God is nothing less than a full-blown, live worship experience. Filled with the spirit of God and his peoples ecstatic praises, listeners are irresistibly drawn into communion with their creator through repeating choruses, lyrics and melodies that are simple to learn yet deeply moving. Followers of Jesus world-wide will be lifted by song after song that focuses eyes upon the character of God, His utter dependability, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, and His is goodness.

Opening with the contagious, energetic anthem “Counting on God”, the cat-calls, whistles, and worship pastor Ross Parsley’s calls to the crowd combined with solid electric guitar and rhythm give the impression of a live rock concert. It soon becomes evident that this is so much more. Followed by “Solid Rock”, a frenetic tune that’s enough to send my children up the wall with intense scrambling activity; we need to skip this one at home. Wrapping up the initial trio of energy-raising tunes is “Mighty King of Love”, set apart from The Desperation Band’s normative sound by a distinctive R&B, rock fusion.

Following the power trio, the focus shifts to beautifully contemplative, upward seeking songs as the band opens with as they settle into worship. “Glorified” marks this transition with a soaring chorus declaring, “I’ve come to worship, I’ve come to lift up Your name.” The last half of the album, starting with the tear-inducing and comparatively light instrumental accompaniment “Unfailing God” begins to blend together in an otherworldly communion with God, creating a never-ending heart-cry of adoration.

The Dallas and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras provide complementary string backup on “Worthy”. I’ll admit it, the addition of strings an otherwise plugged-in tune is enough to catapult it to winner status in my books more often than not. No live album is complete without passing off sections of song for the audience – in this case the congregation – to sing. Most notably “I Will Stand” and “This is My Story” incorporate full hand offs, though the participation of fellow worshipers is apparent on “Overcome”, “Saviour” and among others.

The majority of the discs tracks are freshly written, often spontaneously composed songs of praise to the Lord. Several will be familiar to followers of New Life Worship – “Counting on God” and “Overcome” were previously recorded on Everyone Overcome. Given the intervening trials between recordings, the depth and meaning carried in these songs of reliance and God-given strength have only been amplified for the congregation, worship team, and for all who listen to this new recording.

New Life’s sizable choir and the huge congregation itself provide back-up vocals. With 12,000 members, thousands of worshipers contribute their voices providing a rich, spirit-filled sound. Ross Parsley, Jared Anderson, Jon Egan, and Glenn Packiam trade of as they lead worship and are also the writers of the vast majority of the included songs.

Upon first listen I heard a glossy, big sound production paired with lyrics glorifying God. Living with the album over the past few months has deepened my appreciation, leading me to recognize the living heart of worship to be found at its core. As I lift my own voice reaches toward heaven along with the CD, I’m brought into His presence and reminded of who I am in Him. Jesus you are “worthy worthy is the lamb for sinners slain, worthy worthy I will lift my voice again”.

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A beautiful thing happens in the intersection of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, a strong lead man and Jesus. The sweet, strains of bluegrass harmony are uniquely suited to reflecting the constant tug in the heart of God’s children towards the promised Kingdom to come. James King, a leading voice in traditional bluegrass music has offered up his first all gospel compilation.

Gardens in the Sky combines King’s gospel tracks from his own previous recordings contributions to other albums – most notably The Stanley Gospel Tradition – Songs About Our Saviour – and previously unreleased material to make up this winning compendium. King’s songs weave together the familiar elements of bluegrass gospel tunes: faithful mothers, daddies, family bibles, deceased relatives, the local church, worshipping the Lord and a desperate longing for heaven.

Opening with the up-tempo “Will He Wait a Little Longer,” King had me up and on my feet within the first few bars – easily the most likely contender for play at a community barn dance. The remainder of the album is much more reflective, with occasional bright spots that pick up the pace, such as the classic acapella warning to sinners “It’s Hot Down Here.” The albums mood ranges from melancholy to sweet assurance, and throughout listeners can easily detect the ongoing thread of the heart’s ongoing desire to meet with the saviour, to be reunited with loved ones who have gone on before.

The traditional song “Garden in the Sky” – the album’s namesake – is a sweet song of acceptance into the arms of Jesus, reassuring loved ones who remain, while still plucking the heartstrings of any parent. Other inclusions such as “Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore” are classics in the making with a hidden meaning that is only revealed at songs end.

A most curious addition to the album is “Jerusalem Tomorrow.” While the song hearkens back to the early Christian church, King’s rendition calls up images of the southern Bible belt. There the lyrics could as easily be applied to religious charlatans without Jesus in their life, as the false healer in Israel.

Of course no bluegrass disc would be complete without the smooth harmonies found throughout, most notably on “I Just Steal Away and Pray,” “Don’t Worry Mama,” which features the single female voice – Rhonda Vincent – on the CD, and “Voice of My Saviour.” But truly there are too many excellent examples to mention them all.

King’s vocal stylings are humble and unpretentious; relying upon his steady, grounded voice that consistently delivers both songs of praise, warnings of judgment and simple odes that reflect the Christian life. Warm, rich and full of life King’s voice is earthy, deep and true. He contributes a genuine salt-of-the-earth and son-of-the-hills flavor to the recording. With solid performances all around Gardens in the Sky is a classic disc that listeners will reach for time and again.

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Track Listing:

1. Will He Wait A Little Longer
2. The Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn
3. I Just Steal Away and Pray
4. Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore
5. Garden In The Sky
6. Jerusalem Tomorrow
7. It’s Hot Down Here
8. Sweeter than the Flowers
9. Don’t Worry Mama
10. The Touch of God’s Hand
11. These Old Pictures
12. Just as the Sun Went Down
13. Message for Peace
14. Angels are Singing (In Heaven Tonight)
15. The Prettiest Flowers Will Be Blooming
16. Voice of My Savior
17. Will You Feel at Home
18. Happy I’ll Be

Our family is very familiar with scripture songs to help hide God’s word in our hearts, but the work of Bible StorySongs is new to us.  Rather than setting scripture to song, two mothers set out to set lessons and concepts from scripture to familiar, old-fashioned tunes that many of us are already familiar with.  It’s been 15 years since these ladies (now grandmothers) started their work, and they’ve written 300 songs, many of which are awaiting production.  It’s my prayer that they will be equipped to complete this work – our family has been blessed by their efforts.

We recently received a copy of Matthew, Volume 1 –  Jesus Christ is the King: Chapters 1 – 8 to review through the TOS Homeschool Crew.  A cheerful ensemble of children’s voices complete with musical accompaniment sings the 30 short songs included on the CD; the entire CD length is 55 minutes.  I’m very pleased with the production quality – it’s excellent and very professional.  Each of the songs elaborates or explores a theme, phrase or verse that is found within the first eight chapters of the book of Matthew.  The note liners don’t provide information on the performers or musicians, but do include the complete lyrics for all of the songs.

One of the features of the CD that I enjoyed the most is that these aren’t simple ‘one-dimensional’ children’s songs; many feature rounds and beautiful harmony.  On some tracks a children introduces the concept that the song will be exploring.  My oldest daughter Kaelynn (five-years-old) was telling me all about “Immanuel”.  “Do you know what Immanuel means Mommy?  It means God with us!  Jesus is God with us!”  Thank you Bible StorySongs! 

Matthew, Volume 1 is a mixture of songs that could qualify as instructional, devotional, fun, and praise-oriented.  This might sound corny coming from an adult listening to a children’s music CD, but I found myself lifting my hands in worship as I sang along with some of the tracks.  It’s that good.  In fact Matthew, Volume 1 was a 2005 – Gospel Music Award Contender in the Best Inspirational Song category.  The songs are catchy too, being set to traditional tunes, it’s easy for the songs to get stuck in your head.  A song about the lineage of Jesus running through your head all day is a good thing.  These are classic songs for your children to listen to while running around the living room dancing; at the same time they’ll be absorbing facts and insights from God’s word.

I’m thrilled to have found this collection of CD’s and I hope that it continues to grow.  Current discs include David, The Bible, Moses, Vol. 1, Moses, Vol. 2, Moses, for Young Singers (a short compilation from the two previous albums), Matthew, Vol. 1, Matthew, Vol. 2 and Matthew, for Young Singers (a short compilation from the two previous albums).  Real Player samples can be found online for each CD at Bible StorySongs when you click in the desired album.

Bible StorySongs also offers sheet music downloads (for guitar), coloring songbook downloads, and puzzle page downloads.  There are currently six full length CD’s available, and if you order directly through them there are volume discounts starting at 2 CD’s and up on their ordering page.  Their CD’s are also available for instant download through the iTunes store, and all of their products can be found at The Old Schoolhouse Store for U.S. customers only.

One of our family’s main goals in home educating our children is equipping them to hide God’s word in their hearts.  For consistency and the best memorization results we’ve chosen the King James Version of the Bible to memorize from exclusively.  Personally, I find scripture memorization resources that pull from a wide variety of Bibles frustrating and even confusing, particularly for young learners.  Early in our journey of scripture memorization I realized that singing scripture is an excellent way to retain God’s word.  By setting the Word to song it is memorized more quickly, pops up during the day as a song gets caught in our heads, and is retained for better recall. 

As a result, I’ve made it my mission to stay informed about all KJV scripture memorization song CDs that are available.  I’m sure there are some I’m not aware of, but I keep my eyes peeled for any new resources to add to our collection.  Understandably, I was thrilled to learn of the new release of Sonbeam’s ABC Bible Memory Verse Songs for children.

In ABC Bible Memory Verse Songs, the Sonbeams choir sings 26 verses from scripture, one for each letter of the alphabet.  The first word of the section of verse set to song either starts with the letter, or in some cases (such as the letter ‘x’) the letter is featured within a prominent word in the verse.  Most of the verses are drawn from the New Testament, with a smaller number hailing from the Psalms and Old Testament.  Of vital importance is the inclusion of the scripture references themselves into the song; not only can your family sing scripture, but they’ll know where to go to share the verses with others.

Currently available as a download, I found the quality of the songs to be very professional.  The short songs feature both an adult female voice, and that of sweet young children.  The songs are mainly upbeat and catchy; particularly the song for “R” – Resist the Devil, taken from James 4:7.  The musical accompaniment is cheerful, innocent and appealing to a wide variety of musical tastes, falling into the category of simple, traditional children’s music.  The lyrics of the songs are not always exactly as the words appear in scripture.  While taken from the KJV, some portions of the verse may be repeated, and at times short portions of a verse are excerpted from their larger context and set to song.  We didn’t find this to be problematic, but some families may desire to find a resource that is exactly word for word without repeating refrains.

Over the past few days of playing the mp3 files in our home, both my children and I have experienced a quickening of our hearts to God’s word.  I catch myself singing the bright scripture songs throughout the day, and my oldest daughter is gleaning new insights from God’s word.  When listening to the song for “G” God is Love from 1 John 4:16 she excitedly declared, “Now I know who God is!  He’s love!”  As a parent, there’s little in life more exciting than seeing my children capture new insights about God and His nature.

Adding to the valuable insights that can be found in the songs is the Parent/Teacher’s Guide created by Mrs. Candace to help young students of God’s word understand the applications of the scripture songs in their own lives.  For each of the 26 songs Mrs. Candace provides the full scripture the song comes from, a devotional explanation of the verse, lyrics to the song, and a practical way to illustrate or further explore the concepts explained.  Meant to be used weekly in conjunction with the Sonbeams preschool curriculum, I can easily see the 26 lessons forming a musical unit study for daily devotions in conjunction with the songs.  Written from a conservative viewpoint, Mrs. Candace always points children to Jesus, keeping the gospel in clear focus throughout.  This short guide is truly a treasure, and in my opinion worth far more than the $3.95 it’s currently being sold for.

To listen to free song samples and to order, visit the Sonbeams website.  The mp3 download is $10.95, $12.95 with Parent/Teacher’s Guide, or $21.95 for the songs, guide and the musical accompaniment without lyrics.  Other combinations of products are also available.

Accomplished bluegrass ensemble Pine Mountain Railroad’s latest album is devoted to songs celebrating and declaring the gospel. Their five-man band (with supplements) of multi-talented, accomplished musicians covers a great deal of territory in this release. Roaming from fiery calls to repentance to aching songs of longing for heaven the crisp instrumentals and tight harmonies make for a captivating listening experience.

With a core of traditional, public domain hymns, and gospel classics PMR mixes in a scant handful of contemporary works. The combined lyrics create a picture of a simple, salt of the earth faith. No fancy theology here, just plain old-fashioned praise sent up to Jesus, the joys awaiting believers in heaven and the age-old story of salvation.

While 80% of the songs on this disc are found in the public domain, the music is never stale. Each title receives a fresh interpretation, PMR claiming each one as their own through new arrangements and personal tweaks. I wasn’t sure about some of the more drastic changes found in old stand by’s. “Rock of Ages” was so unlike traditional arrangements that I disliked it the first few times through; now I’m catching myself singing the new harmonies of this re-worked hymnal standard throughout the day. Any listener who opens their ears to Pine Mountain Railroad’s sweet strains is sure to be won over in like manner.

However not all of the old favourites have been given such a facelift, many remain quite recognizable. “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be” and “The Old Rugged Cross” are two that pair familiarity with the fresh coat of paint PMR applies.

Shuler’s original opening track made respectable appearances on bluegrass charts, “My Eyes Shall Be On Canaan’s Land” is a toe-tapping piece embodying the best of the style – twangy vocals, quick banjo picking with sweet fiddle solo’s. If this tune isn’t enough to get you dancing, nothing is. Perhaps the strongest track instrumentally, “My Eyes” doesn’t fail to draw upon the group’s main strength – achingly beautiful and bang-on 4 part harmony.

Throughout the disk Cody Shuler and Jerry Cole alternate lead vocals. When not at the helm the men provide a surprisingly sweet, clear tenor and a rich, full-bodied tenor respectively. Matt Flake’s baritone provides an anchor with surprising depth for his apparent youth and Bill McBee’s bass is brought in to seal the deal when the most driving rhythms require his counterpoint.

Playing up the ability to produce this glorious melding of voices several tracks are a capella including “I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy”, “Run On”, and “So High”. Some songs include accompaniment by a single guitar or guitar and mandolin back up. This is in no way related to any weakness in musicianship – the band works together like a tightly oiled machine with amazing timing and cohesion – it’s just that the amazing vocal work is best lightly supported in many cases. In fact, one of the entirely a capella tracks “Run On” is one of the strongest on the disc a rhythmic, powerful tune with swing leanings that warns of the futility of running from God’s impending judgment. A close runner up is “So High” another a capella track wherein the four vocalists trade off the lead, interspersed with an infectious chorus.

Pine Mountain Railroad will impress newcomers and devotees alike with their brilliant execution combined with the mix of style variations and topics explored on Pickin’, Praisin’ & Singin’. I danced on my seat and on my feet, cried with longing for heaven and looked to my savior with praise and devotion. I wouldn’t dare ask for more from a gospel album.

Track Listing

1. “My Eyes Shall Be On Canaan’s Land”
2. “I Bowed Down My Knees and Cried Holy”
3. “Blood Brought My Freedom”
4. “When We All Get to Heaven”
5. “Where the Soul Never Dies”
6. “The Gospel Ship”
7. “Run On”
8. “Let’s Meet by the River”
9. “This World Is Not My Home”
10. “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be”
11. “So High”
12. “The Old Rugged Cross”
13. “Over in the Gloryland”
14. “What Would You Give in Exchange”
15. “Rock of Ages”
16. “I’m Getting Ready to Leave This World”

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