So almost a year ago I asked for music recommendations because Chris Tomlin’s Arriving had been in my car CD player for over a year, and I figured it might be time for a change (love Chris Tomlin though I do). My friend Addie recommended Watermark’s A Grateful People, and as soon as I heard it, I knew I would love it forever and ever.
Clearly I was right on target with my first Watermark impression, because almost a year later, A Grateful People is still in my CD player. I rotate it with the aforementioned old faithful Arriving, Chris Tomlin’s See The Morning, Passion ’06 Everything Glorious (featuring, oddly enough, Chris Tomlin), the latest Bethany Dillon, and Selah Duets.
Versatile, aren’t I?
(Sidenote: I gave D.The Best of Passion (So Far) CD for Valentine’s Day (featuring – guess who? – CHRIS TOMLIN!), and if you have not heard Christy Nockels sing “His Renown,” get thee to iTunes and download it NOW. She’s my new best friend forever, only she has no idea because, well, we’ve never met. But if we did? I would ask her to sing to me while I cooked her fried chicken, and then she would become terribly frightened and alert the authorities. It’s the stuff Lifetime TV movies are made of, really.)
So in the interest of broadening my musical horizons, I’m going to repeat my request from almost a year ago: what are y’all listening to? What CD or song am I missing that I just have to have? Because now that I have my sassy new iPod, I need to fill ‘er up.
You should probably know that I love contemporary Christian or praise and worship music because it enables me to have a little “quiet time” as I listen, but I’ve also been enjoying John Mayer’s Continuum and Corinne Bailey Rae’s self-titled CD when I’m trying to get some work done. Really, the only genre that’s off-limits for me is hip-hop, as I feel it might be somewhat odd for this 30-something mama to be getting her rap on as she waits in carpool line at Mother’s Day Out.
Final request: the music needs to be kid-friendly (i.e., no bad language whatsoever) but doesn’t have to be for kids, simply because I’ve finally broken Alex of his Veggie Tales listening habit, and oh sweet mercy I’d rather not go down that road again if I don’t have to. Because while I love the Veggie Tales with everything in me, three years of listening to high-pitched voices sing “I’ve Got The Joy Joy Joy Down In My Heart” has been a-heapin’ plenty, thankyouverymuch.
Leave your suggestions in the comments.
I’m all ears.
GET IT?
And above all, interpeeps?
ROCK ON.
(I’ve always wanted to say that.)
(It’s a shame I can’t pull it off.)
Okay, so I’m out of the loop on the new and recent stuff but here’s an AWESOME iPod tip…you can put any music CD in your CD-ROM drive and iTunes will automatically import those songs into iTunes- it’s amazing and they’re free! I’ve been copying my old CD’s all night!
P.S. If you already knew this then I’m going to go hide in a corner somewhere…because like I said, I’m SO out of the loop. I always find this kind of stuff out a year later. :)
I can’t believe I get a first comment today instead of 191. Today is a good day in the Living to Tell household!
I love the Newsboys worship CD’s. One is called “Adoration” and the other is “Devotion”. If you want a great kids one that you will love to “Shout to the Lord Kids” is absolutely wonderful. If you like latin flavor “Salvodor” is an awesome band.
Happy listening!
Shucks! Wasn’t first after all. But hey 2nd ain’t bad either! :vD
I love Chris Tomlin!
I also love Barlow Girl, Relient K, Casting Crowns, Todd Agnew, Hawk Nelson and Leeland.
Some of my (fairly) recent favorites that might fit your taste are:
Jars of Clay – Light Gives Heat (from Good Monsters)
Chris Rice – The Final Move (from Amusing)(I love Chris Rice!)
Shawn McDonald – Gravity (from Gravity)
I happen to love when my four year old, from the back seat says, “It is not your turn for music momma. It is my turn, and I would like to be a princess now.” Disney here we come. Sorry. That’s all I’ve got.
I recently heard about “Casting Crown” and now love their song “Who Am I”.
Chris Tomlin is also my favorite.
http://lizas-eyeview.blogspot.com/2007/02/who-am-i-by-casting-crown-how-great-is.html
If you have not downloaded the soundtrack of “Sound Of Music” in your Ipod, that might be a good one to download :) – I did it with mine :)
Casting Crowns are great…also, if you’re not opposed to country, Alan Jackson has a CD of hymns called Precious Memories. I love hymns, and it’s nice to sing along in the car.
BooMama —
Just started checking in at your website… you’re funny! Saw you like Chris Tomlin… Download Hillsong United’s “From the Inside Out” from iTunes. Chris sang this one at Passion 07 in Atlanta, and it is an amazing song. Check out my sidebar for more lead worshippers…
janna
I would recommend the new Norah Jones cd “Not Too Late.” Of course, any of her cds would be great. Her voice is very soothing! My kids and I have also enjoyed the Curious George soundtrack by Jack Johnson. He has a cool voice as well!
I actually have some friends who make up the band Spur58, contemporary Christian. I also just purchased Scripture Rock and LOVE IT. It is a kids cd but I cannot get enough of it, it teachs scripture to music, it is so nice! Shawn McDonald is a MUST have if you haven’t heard of him, he is AMAZING! My friends were on their way back from Chicago and actually met him at the airport because he was writing his song ideas all over his hands and stuff because he didn’t have any paper, he is really funny, and one of the BEST Christian artists I have ever heard! So…those are my recommendations. Enjoy!
Right now on my ipod I am listening to Paulo Nutini, he was on the Today show a couple of weeks ago, he has a great voice, his music is very fun. He opened up for the Rolling Stones on their tour last year in Europe, but is much more easy to listen to than the Stones.
My most favorite album right now or albums I should say is anything by Amy Stroup. You can find her on itunes, but if you want to listen to a couple of her songs you can go to my business website at marcelainphotography.com and her music is what plays in the background it is amazing. Christian music with a style that is her own.
Oh oh oh! Get thee quickly to the store to buy anything by Phillips Craig and Dean! They have amazing music and I love almost everything they’ve ever composed or sung! (There is the occasional one song on one CD that I skip but that’s rare) My current favorites are Top of My Lungs and Where Strength Begins. Let the Worshippers Arise is amazing too. I have them all and couldn’t pick a favorite if I had to. Wonderful music!!
I love Contemporary Christian, too. That is really all I’ve been listening to lately. Do you ever listen to December Radio? Love their song Drifter! Or, what about the Barlow Girls? I Need You to Love Me speaks volumes to me!!! Those are two of my favorites, but I’m with you on the Chris Tomlin…he IS amazing!
I really enjoy the new Lincoln Brewster. We sing several of his at church. Anyway, just my .02.
All Christian music on our end and we love our music!
Ginny Owens sits in my kitchen CD player, her Something More CD is my favorite!
Jars of Clay, Who We Are Instead rules!
My ipod is filled with Christian hip hop, or Hip Hope. I know you said no, but tobymac rocks! His sound varies and really can get ya movin’. Diverse City is a good CD and his new one comes out this week called Portable Sounds, you can visit him on myspace and hear his stuff, as you can with most artists. I’d check him out regardless.
LA Symphony is west coast (Christian)urban hip hop, but you said no to hip hop- oops.
Casting Crowns- good
Jeremy Camp- rocks!
Skillet – good rock
Kutless- good rock
Reliant K is good, my boys like them more than me- kind of youthish
Thousand Foot Krutch – good
That’s it, gotta run to church. I have a bunch more but Ginny Owens and tobymac are a for sure for you. Please have some stylin’ music playin’ at MDO- ain’t nuttin’ wrong with being over 30 and jammin’ out!
With your little one coming up you’ll be up on the latest music in no time.
I noticed that no one here has mentioned Delirious or By The Tree. Two of my favorites, also, The Frey and Snow Patrol
I won’t be of much help since I am currently listening to the Dora the Explorer soundtrack every time the Yukon doors open.
But, when I do get “my turn” (ha ha) hubby and I swap WOW CD’s back and forth so we have a bunch of different artists in one place.
Have a great day!
Tonya
My lastest favs-
Nichole Nordeman- Brave
Jars of Clay- Good Monsters (funky)
Natalie Grant- Awaken (not new but I love it)
My daughter’s fav that I can tolerate-
Spongebob Best Day Ever CD- in the format of a radio show. “Tightie whities” is hysterical!
My vote is Casting Crowns–hands down! I also love Chris Rice, Selah, and yes, The Gaither Vocal Band and The Crabb Family!
I’m going with Amberly’s suggestions above–Jack Johnson, especially the Curious George soundtrack, is great. Alex will love it, and so will you. Chris even brought some of his stuff to the hospital while I was in labor because it’s mellow but happy.
Also, Norah Jones has a new one out that I haven’t heard yet, but I love her, as well as Bebo Norman, Fernando Ortega, and anybody else who’s mellow and doesn’t cry for Just One More Cookie!
p.s. The worship team at our church recorded a live worship album last month, and it is fantastic. It comes out in a few days; I will send it to you. Chris produced it, and you will love it :)
Fernando Ortega and Casting Crowns.
Have you heard the latest Chris Tomlin, including the song that contains the words ‘loved by the King and it makes my heart sing’ ? I just heard it the other day for the first time and I WANT it!
Mary, mom to many
Fernando Ortega~~I love anything by him. My hubby gave me “The Shadow of Your Wings” for Christmas and it’s one of my *very* favorites.
On a totally different note (no pun intended!)I really like the Gaither Vocal Band’s “Give It Away”…oh and I *LOVE* The Isaacs “Heroes” or “Songs of the Faith”…man, can that family sing!! : )
Did anyone mention Third Day?
Very good.
I have said it before, but I love your blog. If you lived near me, we would be friends.
Just sayin’
BooMama–I’ve been lurking on your site for a while now and LOVE it!! But I also love my iPod, so I had to comment today!! I am in the midst of the Veggie Tales slump–every time we get in the car, I hear “New Veggie Tales” from my 22-month-old before I can even get her buckled into her carseat! But thank heavens for my iPod!!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! Selah is one of my new favorites. I love praise and worship and just got the WOW Praise and Worship Aqua–it’s fantastic! It has some of my all time very favorite praise songs, so I’ve been listening to it almost non-stop since I got it last week. Phillips, Craig and Dean are also favorites. I also love Avalon and just got their “Faith: A Hymns Collection”–very good for some private worship time. Hope your iPod is “rocking” soon with some new tunes!! Blessings!
Boo–trust me on this—if you like Chris Tomlin, Christy Nockels and the like, you will LOVE LOVE LOVE
NEW LIFE WORSHIP (My Savior Lives album)
Go to iTunes now and check it out. I’m listening to it as we “speak.”
It is great stuff. A nice break from Tomlin but much of the same “sound”
My husband just bought me the CD “Sing Over Me- Worship Songs and Lullabies”. It has Nichole Noredman, Janna Long, Bethany Dillon, Erin O’Donnell and last, BUT NOT LEAST, Christy Nockels.
It has some very tender renditions of some of my favorite worship songs. Perfect for quite times with the Lord. Totally. Loving. It!
Also, I know you mentioned Watermark. Since they are my FAVORITE of all time, I must simply suggest their CD Purest Place. You might already have it, but it is a gift from heaven.
Natalie Grant – any of her stuff is fab!
Bethany Dillon
Mark Schultz – I have his first two and love them…his piano playing, voice and lyrics are straight from the heart of God.
Hillsongs – any of them
Hope it helps.
Ooh Ooh Ooh. love this, gotta comment!
My ESSENTIAL cd’s in my van:
1. Amy Grant Legacy, Hymns, & Faith~ particularly What you already own, Do you remember the time, & Fields of plenty/be still my soul.
2. Girls of Grace cd by Point of Grace (whole cd)
3. The song “I am” by Nichole Nordeman. Get some kleenex.
4. Wholehearted hymns by wholehearted worship volumes 1 & 2.
*Warning* Unless you like you some OLD SCHOOL GOSPEL skip #5. Don’t laugh!
5. The best of hee haw gospel quartet especially Turn your radio on, Dust on the bible, Where could I go but to the lord and In the Garden. Yes, I’m serious!
Last but not least. Our all time FAVORITE children’s singer in our house is Raffi. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him or not, but he is for adults & children. Our kids know every song by heart and so do I. : ) All of his cd’s are great but the one the kids ask for the most is
6. Let’s Play by Raffi
Have fun!
Seal. All of his albums are incredible. I particulary recommend this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Best-1991-2004-Seal/dp/B00063F8BC/sr=8-1/qid=1171819828/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-2831918-5793443?ie=UTF8&s=music
If you decide to use Rhapsody.com as your download-from-online-of-choice, I have a songlist I cna share iwth you That’s about 8 miles long.
Wow I cannot believe no one mentioned Superchick! I love them right now as does my daughter. They have a myspace profile so you can listen before you download. We are also listening to Relient K. Mandy Moore is pretty good for mellow with no bad language! Last but not least we love Anna Nalick. Good luck!
You and I have pretty similar music taste it seems. I LOVE Chris Tomlin and have both Arriving and See the Morning in my CD rotation. Two of my personal favorites are Nichole Nordeman and Sara Groves. I have the 2 latest Nichole Nordeman CD’s and I love them both. I have most of Sara Groves CDs and find them all awesome, but a good one to start with is probably her Conversations CD.
A neat CD the kids and I enjoy together is called “Seeds of Purpose”. You can find it here http://www.worshipmusic.com/883727000528.html
It’s God’s Word set to cool music. Very good stuff!
Have fun with your music shopping!!
I’m a recent lurker, commenting for the first time. You’ve gotten quite a few great suggestions.
I second Barlow Girls! (Another Journal Entry-CD, especially the individual songs: Need You to Love Me & Never Alone)
I echo Casting Crowns, their debut CD (Casting Crowns) is better than the second (Lifesong).
Like you, I’m a big Arriving fan also! At the same time as it came out, Matt Redman’s Facedown came out and it is equally as fabulous! I alternate between those two quite often. You would need to purchase the CD as each song flows into the next in a natural, worshipful, way. It’s typical for me to get caught up in the music and compelled to raise my hands in the middle of the kitchen while doing chores. I love it!
Anything Third Day, but especially their Worship CDs.
Anything by Jeremy Camp! He’s awesome!
Newsboys Adoration & Devotion are great worship CDs, and the kids will love some of their older songs (Shine & I’m Not Ashamed).
Nicole Nordeman’s song Legacy is my heart’s cry!
Have fun! There’s so much good stuff out there!
Angel
Ooh-ooh, this is so much fun. I LOVE music. About as much as books (and how happy I am to know you also are listening to Continuum and Corinne Bailey Rae). Now, I’ve already tried to peddle Hannah Montannah on you, so my record isn’t great. But you might want to try Jack Johnson’s “In Between Dreams.” (He did the soundtrack to “Curious George” movie, but he isn’t a “kid music” performer.) His stuff is catchy, smooth and thoughtful. You might also like Michael Buble (think Harry Connick Jr.). I love his rendition of “Feeling Good.” And if you care anything for Billie Holiday’s music, check out Maeleine Peyroux (I have “Half the perfect world.”) The similarity is uncanny. I should stop now.
Bebo Norman’s album Try is a must-have. I guarantee you’ll know a couple of the songs that get a lot of play on Christian radio, but there are some gems on there that weren’t on the radio, too.
You’ll be addicted to this one!
Hi Boomama! This is only the second time I’ve been brave enough to leave a comment (first time was for Kelli)…but, I just have to say that I think you would love Third Day. Also, Dh and I LOVE Chris Rice. He is an amazing songwriter. His lyrics are so heartfelt. Have fun filling up your little doo-hicky with music!
Sherry
Hi Boomama! I read your blogs all the times, and can I just say Love It. Thanks for such fun writing.
As far as the music requests, the cd in my player at the moment (and by moment, I mean since about December when I re-found this cd) is Jennifer Knapp.
I don’t think she has put anything out in a while, but her cd “Kansas” is So very good. You can probably find it pretty cheap because I think it came out like 8 years ago. Ahem. Oldie but a Goldie, as they say! Enjoy!
I can’t believe someone did not mention Big Daddy Weave – I love their remake of Rich Mullins “Hold Me Jesus” on the new CD. Their first CD also has some great car music – nice and upbeat. Also anything from Mercy Me. I heart iTunes.
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, but feel like I can officially comment now that I’ve got my own blog up and running.
As for music – we finally ditched the Veggie Tales as well…I couldn’t take anymore Silly Songs W/Larry!
My recommendation is John Mayer. Anything of his.
You’re blog is great and fun to read! I love how you express yourself in words. God bless. I’m going to check out that CD.
I’m brand new to the bloggin’ world and I’m blown away by y’alls creativity.
trying again
Gosh- You’ve got a great choices of Music here in your comment section. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to add anything to it. I love Passion. I ditto the “Hillsong” (no “s” – it is Hillsong or Hillsong Australia) – “Hillsong London” has a fantastic album that I take with me if I travel: “Shout God’s Fame”
I’m currently listening to Dennis Jernigan’s “Giant Killer: A heart like David”
Also to: “Lakewood Live: We Speak to Nations” — The title track is powerful.
The Kitchen CD player also frequently plays Selah’s “Hiding Place” – that album can stir the soul if you let it.
On the secular Side – Norah Jones has some good stuff…but So does Harry Connick Jr. :-) Depends on your secular tastes.
And for the kids – if you want them past Veggie Tales – Try Sandra Boyton’s “Philadelphia Chickens” or “Dog Train”
In the car – we’re listening to “Newsboys: Thrive” (My 6yr DS loves it!)
On the quiet side of worship there’s also Terry McAlmon. He’s not great for driving – but great for devotional time or personal prayer time.
HTH
~Comfy~
I agree with the people who recommended the Jars of Clay Good Monsters album. I liked their first album but haven’t been a big fan since then. This one is excellent though — great music, great lyrics. My hubby gave me a Shuffle for Christmas, and Good Monsters is one of the first things he put on it for me.
delurking to HIGHLY recommend Brad Kilman’s Clouds are Forming. If you’re looking for raw, intimate, honest worship, here you will find it. He’s on i-tunes, but if you wanted to actually purchase the CD, you might have to go to his personal website, http://www.bradkilman.com
I would also recommend Charlie Hall’s On the Road to Beautiful. Title song is AMAZING. A little edgier than say, Chris Tomlin (whom I love) or Matt Redman (whom I also love), but great music. You can also find Charlie Hall on itunes.
If nothing else, check them out, listen to the itune samples. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!
~~blessings!
My favorite new worship CD is Between the Dreaming and the Coming True by Bebo Norman! He is an amazing singer and I think it’s a lot like the Chris Tomlin that you adore! :)
The David Crowder Band is fabulous…one of my all time favorite worship songs ever is “O Praise Him”.
I love, love, love Phillips, Craig and Dean’s NEW CD, “Top of My Lungs” (which is how I sing it in my car.) If song #2,3, AND 4 don’t get you close to heaven, I don’t know what will. You will LOVE it.
Oh, oh, let me add: for secular music: have you ever listened to Steve Tyrell? He has such a neat voice; his songs – and his singing – make me HAPPY. My very favorite of his CDs is titled, “A NEW STANDARD”. I’ve given it as gifts, or “pick-me-ups” to pals and every one says it’s their new favorite. It’s great, happy music for the car, but also a REALLY wonderful CD when you are entertaining and want something cool playing in the background. Rock on.
i love, love, love music. here are a few of my current faves:
-Future of Forrestry
-Leeland
-The Fray
-Jason Morant
all excellent, you won’t be disappointed!
I have had the pleasure of not just seeing, but MEETING Watermark twice. They are lovely people. Sadly, they are no longer performing as a duo (she has decided to puruse motherhood full-time and sing when she can, he has chosen to continue doing more producing (such giants as Phillips, Craig and Dean). My husband and I saw their final concert at Moody Bible in Chicago. PHENOMENAL. Anyway, I recommend Phillips, Craig and Dean…any CD. Their harmonies are rich and wonderful to listen to. Their music is heavenly (I imagine this is what heaven will sound like). Enjoy!
Hey – In my CD player in the car is the Alive Forever CD by Travis Cottrell (Beth Moore’s worship leader). Singing praise music nice and loud taking kids to and from school is good =) I would second the Casting Crowns also. Have fun!
Watermark: “Constant” and “All Things New”; especially, “Who Am I?” from “All Things New”.
Caedmon’s Call: “In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship” and “In the Company of Angels II: The World Will Sing”.
They are all just beautiful.
Johnny Lang.
He is amazing. He actually used to be secular and then got saved. His latest cd is called “Turn Around”. I would HIGHLY recommend this cd to anyone!
I love love love Sufjan Stevens and know that you will love him too (even though I don’t really know you) :) He’s been dubbed Christian Indie Rock. Amazing instrumentation and amazing lyrics (although not all 100% kid friendly). Definitely download his versions of Come Thou Fount and Holy, Holy, Holy. Some others I would consider safe: chicago, for the windows in paradise, the transfiguration, To be alone with you, he woke me up again, the avalanche.
Other Sufjan songs that have great lyrics, but are not the best for kids: anything from come on feel the Illinoise: john wayne gacy jr (about the serial killer but just love the line “And in my best behavior I am really just like him.†Casimir Pulaski day, jacksonville, man of metropolis. They are all so amazing. Just download a few and you will be hooked!
I’m also a huge David Crowder, Matt Redman, Jeremy Camp (Empty Me is awesome!) and of course Chris Tomlin fan!
Casting Crowns. They are by far my favorite contemporary Christian group. Their newest CD is ‘Lifesong’, and it is fan-tas-tic.
A few ‘oldies but goodies’ also include: anything by Keith Green (read his biography too, titled “No Compromise… if I could go back in time, I would have put this on the recommended reading comments, seriously).
Also: Revival in Belfast, Sara Groves (I’m not too keen on her latest album, but the 2 albums before this one were awesome), and Passion.
If you have John Mayer’s Continuum, then you don’t need anything else. ;0)
I love Caedmon’s Call, Mark Shultz and Amy Grant. Ooh..Michael Buble is amazing!! Highly recommended! Good luck finding some new tunes!
Kelli
I’ve been lurking here for a while and really enjoy your blog.
Here are my top two. I can’t get away from the Getty CD though.
1. Casting Crowns
2. Keith & Kristyn Getty – In Christ Alone
As for Alex, God Rocks, – Bibletoons is a wonderful solution for both of you. It is all scripture to music. My kids can quote scripture becuase of it.
I did not have time to read everyone’s comments but I did see that someone mentioned Jack Johnson. I would HIGHLY recommend his cds Brushfire Fairytales and On and On. His music is so mellow and cool that it’s impossible to be stressed while you listen to it. If you like John Mayer and Corinne Bailey Rae you’ll like him too.
The song I am wanting to hear over and over right now is In the Middle of Me by Todd Agnew. I also love Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Tree 63 & Barlow Girl. The Absolute Modern Worship CD’s (2005) are great too! I am hoping for a nice pink i-pod soon…I keep dropping hints for my birthday:)
OK these are the “you can’t go wrong – everyone a winner category”
Casting Crowns – If you like deep lyrics and a great groove get this – challenging.
Mercy Me – ya know the kings of powerful get you in the gut songs like I Can Only Imagine.
Bethany Dillon is only about 19 and has way more wisdom and depth than I did at that age – I lover her and my kids love her. She’s not poppy more – dunno…adult
Amy Grant’s second Hymns album is a perennially awesome tribute to the hymns we all sang in wooden pews all over north america – with an awesome groove and brilliant voice.
On my list to buy soon are:
Mark Schultz – get ya in the gut tear jerkers
Jars of Clay, Third Day and …
alittle Toby Mac – that white boys’s got talent to get the whole family dancin’ (in a Christian sorta way!)
–sorry for the novel—blessings from the great white north!
Hey there, I just love, love, love anything that Third Day has recorded and a big shout out to Lincoln Brewster, too. And as for the VeggieTales? My sweet mother-in-law purchased personalized VeggieTales CD’s that insert my son and daughter’s names (on their respective CD’s) at strategic places in the VeggieTales’ songs. Could it be any better than that I ask you? Talk about “Veggie-d out” but we surely love them, too.
You have got to hear NewSong’s “Live Worship”! It is the best of NewSong and it is in a worship service to beat all worship services!!! Absolutely amazing!
Dennis jernigan HANDS LIFTED HIGH.
Sorry if these have been posted – but really – It’s late and I don’t wanna read thru 64 comments (though I will tomorrow – to get MY groove on!)
K- first off these are all Christian artists -(although Give me some Def Leppard or BonJovi and I am a Happy girl!)
Mercy Me (ANYTHING IS GOOD)
Third Day (Again with the ANYTHING)
Anna Laura
Barlow Girl
Jars of Clay
Casting Crowns
Building 429
Superchic
Stellar Kart (pop-y boy band style but with a bite and a message)
Big Daddy Weave
Kutless
Christopher Wright
Caedmon’s Call
Boomama, Have lurked for a while and love your blog. My husband travels and preaches to youth full time so we have the great blessing of knowing some worship leaders quite well. Two that I would highly recommend are: 1. Ross King- cd To Make God Famous and 2. Billy and Cindy Foote- cd Not a God (yes these are the people who wrote Not a God that Phillips, Craig and Dean sing). Both of these artist are great and their lives are authentic!!! Both of these are on itunes.
Hey –
I love Chris Tomlin too. My very favorite (non-Christian) artist is Josh Groban, hands-down. His voice just melts my knees. Easy on the eyes too.
And here’s a group that I’m quite sure no one else has mentioned, but they’re my very favorite Christian band: Lost & Found. They’re a group of 2 guys – Michael on guitar and George on keyboard. Wow – their songwriting is top-notch, and they’re really talented musicians, both. Their sound is a little like “They Might Be Giants,” so it may take some getting used to if you’ve been listening to praise & worship type music. Lost & Found is a group that self-produces & markets their CDs, so you can usually only find them on their website: http://www.speedwood.com. They are absolutely HILARIOUS in concert too. I could go on and on. Just give them a try (I think they usually have a song or two you can hear as a “preview” online.) LOVE them! (can you tell??)
PS – My kids (11, 6 & 4) have ALL the Lost & Found songs memorized. They LOVE the music. They even got to go to a concert once and have their picture taken with Lost & Found.
I love Bart Millard’s Hymned CD. (He’s the lead singer from MercyMe.)
We saw the Chris Tomlin/Matt Redman/Louie Giglio concert Friday night and it was awesome!! Those guys know how to lead worship…it was an incredible experience.
By the way, I really enjoy reading your blog. You are a talented storyteller.
Okay, it is late and I am too lazy to read all of the comments, so I may be repeating someone here. I love, love, LOVE Delirious. Currently I am trying to wear out their newest live album, “Now is the Time,” but any of their records are great. They have a ton of P&W cds, but more recent albums are a mix of P&W and straight-up rock. Also love Matt Redman and Mercy Me. I like Norah Jones, U2 (watch out for the occasional bad word, but very rare), and Coldplay. I’m fairly generic in my tastes. Sorry. but, really, if you don’t own a Delirious album, you are missing out.
OK, I quit reading somewhere in the 30’s, but I second (or 25th whatever the case may be) Toni’s suggestion of Michael Buble. Butter. His voice is like buttah! And his version of “Feelin’ good” makes our whole family feel good!
And where is Jeana with her usual Rich Mullins suggestion?
OHHHHHH… The Sound of Music… Back in ’01, in the days before DVD players in minivans, my sister and I rigged up a mini-TV with a VCR on top of a milk crate in between the two front seats of her van, all held together with bungee cords. On our trip to Florida (I am the unofficial nanny), I happened to bring along TSOM because it’s my FAVORITE MOVIE EVER. I didn’t know how the kids would take to a bunch of singing nuns, but they were MESMERIZED. The music is great for big people and little alike. Also, “Sloop John B” by the Beach Boys, from Pet Sounds, one of my all-time favorite songs, is for whatever reason, something all kids LOVE.
wow what a response…
i also love..
*Selah (in fact we are STILL listening to their Christmas cd it is so good)
*bethany dillon (isnt “beautiful” a great song)
* love chris rice (*he had something on tv saturday night..one of the church chanels..like a home jam session..i think he is like the Christian version of James Taylor..not that JT is not CHristian but KWIM..anyway love me Chris Rice
and i like chris tomlin but dont actually own a cd..crazy i know…
but i have two words for you Miss Boomama.. SARA GROVES…. i love “Past the Wishing” and i want to get “stationwagon” which i dont think is kids songs necessarily but maybe kid inspired songs..
Currently in my car CD player are the delightfully happy sounds of Pink Martini’s “Hang On Little Tomato”. Very groovy and very, very fun.
From their web site: “Somewhere between a 1930s Cuban dance orchestra, a classical chamber music ensemble, a Brazilian marching street band and Japanese film noir is the 12-piece Pink Martini.”
I’ll send you a copy. You will LUV it.
Ok, living with a guy who calls himself “Musicfreak” and has an email that goes “imarocker”, I know my way around a CD or two…
Currently, I’m fascinated by Big Daddy Weave (What I Was Made For)…lovin’ it…just lovin’ it!
Of course, I stole my hubby’s Michael Sweet CD “Him”…and he finally succumb to pressure and bought me my own copy for Christmas…that CD makes me cry and sends me to the heavens EVERYTIME…without fail.
When I’m in my edgy, rocker mama mood, I put on BonJovi…pretend I look good in leather pants, and dream of riding off into the sunset behind my husband on his Harley…**ahh, sweet daydream**
And, Heather, BonJovi fan and Def Leppard listener…You be one of my interpeeps, girlfriend!!!
Rock on, sistahfriend, rock on!!!
Gotta have a little Journey as well. doncha know.
I am totally diggin’ on Joy Williams right now. Her song, “We” completely rocks my socks.
Check out http://www.kals.com for some more ideas. You can stream us online and get some great ideas!
I dug up an old favorite today…Shane Barnard – Rock’s Won’t Cry. It’s mostly acustic guitar and is awesome! This CD came out before he was Shane & Shane. I believe he was a worship leader at Texas A & M at the time. Too bad he’s an Aggie. :( Enjoy!
If you want to kinda rock out.. Barlow Girl or Downhere. Mellow mood… Nichole Nordeman or Joy Williams. Chris Rice or Andrew Peterson are also reallllllyyyyy good!
Secular, but wonderful. Rootsy, acoustic, folksy:
-Brandi Carlile
-Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez
A Christian artist who’s now being played on secular radio thanks to Grey’s Anatomy:
-Matt Kearney
Hope you enjoy them!
Just putting in another vote for Ana Laura and would recommend Warren Barfield and LOVE Jeremy Camp.
I absolutely L-O-V-E Delta Goodrem. She is a young girl from Australia with the most beautiful voice. I listen to her 2 albums “Innocent Eyes” and “Mistaken Identity” all of the time.
Newsboys/GO is my current favorite, following a close second is Newsboys/Not Ashamed (from 1992)….I pulled it out of my CD rack and it’s new to me all over again, haven’t listened to it since middle/high school.
If you are needing motivation to do something (ie: clean house) you might like Tait’s cd Lose this life. Of course, Josh Groban is always great to listen to. With so many other great artist listed, I think I should stop here because when it comes to music I can go on and on.
I was gonna read the comments to make sure I didn’t repeat what someone else said but dang, there are too many!
I love HillSong United, they have TONS of great worship music. We play their songs during worship on our Tuesday night service @ The Basement.
Also:
Third Day
Jeremy Camp
Adie Camp (Jeremy’s wife, formally of The Benjamin Gate, her new solo CD is great)
Misty Edwards (for serious alone time with Jesus)
Jason Upton (ditto)
Plumb (rock)
Rachel Masdon (check her out on myspace, she’s not on iTunes yet, but VERY good, she’s a Bama girl too)
Carl Cartee (Amazed, they play him on WDJC)
Christ for the Nations (they have great worship music)
David Crowder Band
Matt Redman
Rita Springer (saw her live, she’s awesome!)
Shane & Shane
Sarah Kelley
I know the list is long, but trust me, check them out!!!
Ok…I am like #86 but I can’t help but comment on this. I love music – and I pay attention to lyrics. I too listen to Chris Tomlin. Other favorites of mine:
Casting Crowns – LOVE their lyrics – latest CD I have is LIFESONG
Mark Schultz – his songs tell stories.
Third Day
Jeremy Camp
Todd Agnew
Rita Springer – this is when I just want to soak in worship
Ok…I was #87…took too long to finish my comment. That’s what happens when a 2 year old is on your lap while you’re trying to type!
anything jeremy camp.
anything mercy me.
i totally agree with you on watermark. love them!
i really like joy williams, too.
there is this TX band (i think) called nickel & dime. they broke up a few years back, but if you can find the cd titled eight through nine, it is a total gem.
yes, anything chris tomlin is wonderful.
have listened to much of david crowder’s stuff? he’s got a great, completely original sound that, try as they may, no worship leader i’ve heard can accurately imitate.
and yes, john mayer is wonderful!
carrie underwood’s cd is great! i’m sure she’ll have more than a few #1’s from that.
one the country front…absolutely anything rascal flatts is incredible! amazing harmonies, great lyrics, and all together great stuff.
sorry if i went a little overboard. music’s kinda “my thing”
I lean more toward Christian rock. In fact, that’s all I listen to. My favorite bands are linked on my blog’s sidebar. Quick list: Jeremy Camp, Pillar, Seventh Day Slumber… can’t remember the others.
There are, however, two exceptions to my Christian rock rule: Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memories” (oh, how I love those hymns) and Celtic Woman.
I also LOVE Thousand Foot Krutch and as such, I have no objections to getting my rap on. My kids might object, however, but not to the music… only to Mommy singing along.
We are full up with “High School Musical -Soundtrack” and Hannah Montana at the moment, I have a 9 yo daughter. Any way, good ole Atlanta boys – Casting Crowns and Third Day are some of my favorites. I also like FFH. My MP3 also holds some of my FAVES from the 80’s. Bon Jovi, etc. Oh I have also found that I really like some of American Idol’s Chris Daughtry stuff. He’s rock though.
I recently discovered Toni Collette and the Finish on MySpace, then headed over to iTunes and purchased their “Beautiful Awkward Pictures” album in its entirety. It’s my favorite CD of the moment. Mellow, groovy stuff.
Chris Rice is fantastic! My husband just ordered his new hymns CD for me, and I can’t wait to get it. He’s my very favorite singer.
Anything by Bebo Norman or Jars of Clay is fantastic. The most recent albums by both of them are their best yet.
She’s not Christian, but Imogen Heap is an incredible artist (you might have heard her as the closing song in the Narnia film). She has one song with the H-word in it, but you can poke around on iTunes and find plenty of her other songs.
Have fun!
One of my dear friends, Tina Hutchison, has a CD that I cannot turn off. I listen to it at home, in the car, and at work. She is a beautiful person with an amazing ministry. You can listen to some of her music, read more about her and her ministry Holding Out Hope at http://www.holdingouthope.org
You will love it!
Ok, I haven’t seen my favorite mentioned Steven Curtis Chapman. I think everything would be kid-friendly except his Love album (would’ve been good for Valentine’s Day though).
For worship music – Sovereign Grace music, Indelible Grace, and Keith and Kristyn Getty.
I hate to be a downer but Phillips, Craig, and Dean deny the Trinity, they are Oneness Pentecostals. The Trinity is foundational to the historic Christian faith. You can read an article here http://www.aomin.org/PCD.html. This does provide a conundrum, some of their music is written and performed by Christians (they don’t write all of their own music), but should we as Christians listen to them? Why do Christian radio stations play their music and why do Christian bookstores sell their music? I think $ might be considered more important than theology.
love corrine bailey rae!
try these (contemporary gospel):
Smokie Norful
Donnie McClurkin
Mary Mary
you can hear samples of their music on their websites:
smokienorful.com
donniemcclurkin.com
mary-mary.com
let me know what you think!
Hopefully, you’ll enjoy some of these suggestions.
http://ispeakbeanish.wordpress.com/2007/02/20/my-playlist/
i just love john crawford’s two cds, “surrender” and “8 days”. http://www.crawford2u.com/new_music.php
he’s on spirit radio a lot.
i also love alan jackson’s “precious memories”, a gospel country cd.
and keith urban’s new cd is awesome, it’s country.