Re:Creation by Steven Curtis Chapman~ Review by Michelle Pell

The newest album from Steven Curtis Chapman is very fun because it contains some stellar new songs along with exciting "recreations" of some of his past hits. Including some of my personal favorites: Dive, Live Out Loud, and Speechless.

This album is also special because it has two currently popular singles on it (Do Everything and Long Way Home). Even though Steven Curtis Chapman could be called a seasoned veteran when it comes to the christian music realm, his attitude has remained humble. He has been able to remain trusting God even when going through a terrible tragedy: the death of his young daughter.
The tracks on this album speak of doing EVERYTHING to God's glory, the long journey we are taking to our Home, and how to experience heaven here on earth.

Track List:
1. Do Everything (Single)
2. Long Way Home (Single)
3. The Great Adventure (Re:Created)
4. Dive (Deeper)
5. All That's Left
6. Heaven in the Real World (Re:Created)
7. Speechless (Re:Created)
8. Live Out Loud (Re:Created)
9. For the Sake of the Call (Re:Created)
10. Magnificent Obsession (Re:Created)
11. Meant to Be
12. More to This Life (Re:Created)
13. Sing Hallelujah

Casting Crowns~ Come to the Well Review by Michelle Pell

"Come To The Well" is the fifth studio album of one of Christian music's most successful acts, Casting Crowns.The Atlanta based music group is committed to delivering thought-provoking music about topics that truly matter to their listeners. "...these songs are among the most intensely personal offerings the group has ever shared," says the group's website. The group does not preform shows on Sundays because the seven band members are all worship leaders at their own home churches. "Courageous" is showcased on Sherwood Pictures newest movie of the same title and challenges men to lead lives committed to Christ while imploring husbands to be leaders for their families. Popular single, "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" is all about compassion and love for the broken, and "Face Down" is a beautiful worship song. For the romantics out there, "Wedding Day" and "Angel" are both adorable love songs. One is about the best day of the singer's life and in the other the singer is amazed that an "angel" would love him. Whether you are a seasoned Casting Crowns fan or you are just now discovering the band, you will be greatly satisfied with the blend of scripture-based lyrics and contemporary rhythms the newest album offers.

1. Courageous (see the movie trailer for this song's inspiration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9VT_NBIVfs)
2. City On A Hill
3. Jesus, Friend of Sinners (hear more about this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9HuJJ-5AyY)
4. Already There
5. The Well
6. Spirit Wind
7. Just Another Birthday
8. Wedding Day
9. Angel
10. My Own Worst Enemy
11. Face Down
12. So Far To Find You

Michelle's Picks 2

Hey!

Here are my last two top picks of music video's!

Pick #3




Pick #4



Did you know that Michelle loves vintage?!?!

Michelle's Picks!

Hey Everyone!

Here are some of my current favorite music video's!

Pick #1






Pick #2




Did you know that Michelle loves Reeses?!?!

Royal Taylor: Black and White Review by Michelle Pell

Black and White ~ Royal Tailor

The band Royal Tailor met while attending a Bible college together in Indiana. After graduating they spent a year working with the youth in Granite City, Ill. 

“Take a generous helping of soul...splatter it with bouncing rhythms, blistering guitars, engaging vocals, stellar musicianship and catchy pop melodies that make you want to move--all textured with the truth of God's grace--and you have Royal Tailor.” This is how the band’s website describes the kind of music they play, and I don’t think I could say it any better. Their site also says that they have a sound that “evokes Bruno Mars, Maroon 5 and a hint of Michael Jackson, Royal Tailor captures audiences with an infectious musicality.” But I think that even if one of those is your favorite, I believe Royal Tailor will soon move to the top of your list.

But are you wondering what in the world “Royal Tailor” even means? There’s a saying that says” Jesus ruled with the heart of a servant, and served with a heart of a king.” So the band says that with their name, they pay honor to God. “Royal” means royalty, King of Kings, Lord of Lords.” Tailor” means fixing men and adjusting our lives. Also because as sons and daughters of the King, we are royal.

"The overarching message is a call to action," says Tauren, the band’s lead singer. "A lot of our songs have to do with being Christ in the world.  We want to create a culture where students are doing the ministry. They are creating the ideas. They are dreaming the dream,  and then they are actually going out there and doing those things."

Track List:

1. Death of Me

2. Make a Move – Single  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbELfw2H_Xc

3. Freefall

4. Control

5. Gravity (Pulling Heaven Down)

6. Hold Me Together – Single  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbpJ2FeeJgw&feature=relmfu

7. Wannabe

8. Black and White

9. Run to Love

10. Hope

11. Love is Here

Did you know that Michelle loves to watch sports?!

Love Revolution by Natalie Grant~ Review by Michelle Pell

Love Revolution ~ Natalie Grant

4 out of 5 Stars

Love Revolution is the eighth album released by Christian music artist, Natalie Grant. She has gained great prominence, with four consecutive Dove awards for best female artist.

I think this album is a tad bit "rockier" than her past productions, but it still has a very beautiful sound; it's not an overpowering kind of rock. Natalie has one of the strongest voices of any of the female artists on my radar. Her songs are full of solid messages. The themes of being the change in our world, the wonder and glory of God, and finding our definition in His love are all woven into the songs on this album. Because of the amazing lyrics and messages in the songs on this album, I think it might be Natalie's best yet. I love how she includes adoring songs of worship along with songs of how we should act as Christians and even one about our inner beauty.

Track List:

1. Daring to Be

2. Love Revolution

3. Greatness of God (single)

4. Human (single)

5. Beauty Mark

6. Power of the Cross

7. Desert Song

8. Your Great Name (single)

9. You Deserve

10. Someday Our King Will Come

11. Song to the King

12. Your Great Name (Acoustic Version)

 

 

Did you know that Michelle loves old fashioned clothes?!

Michelle's Top Songs and Albums of 2011

Top 5 albums:

All Things Bright and Beautiful ~ Owl City

More Beautiful You ~ Jonny Diaz

Nightlights ~ Jimmy Needham

When I’m With You ~ JJ Heller

21 ~ Adele

Top 10 songs:

Honey Bee ~ Blake Shelton

Rolling in the Deep ~ Adele

Deer in the Headlights ~ Owl City

Cannons ~ Phil Wickham

D.A.N.C.E. ~ Justice

Count On Me ~ Bruno Mars

Hundred More Years ~ Francesca Battistelli

Every Other Weekend ~ Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney

Boasting ~ Lecrae

Jesus, I Am Resting ~ Tricia Brock

Did you know that Michelle vintage decor?!

What Are the Bands Up Too? ~ Rachel Melillo

Tobymac – Having recently returned from a ten-day tour in Europe, Tobymac is performing in various cities in the United States and in Canada a few times. Also, if you haven't gotten his latest CD Tonight or bought his book City On Our Knees, make sure you pick up a copy at your closest Christian retail store or at his website. Check out his website—www.tobymac.com –for more details.

Chris Tomlin – He'll be visiting the East Coast for a couple of music festivals in August, taking a break for September, and then in October he'll be touring around the mid-west and then heading south to Texas, Florida, and Arkansas. He has a new worship song out, “I Lift My Hands.” Check it out and see his website for more details on what he's been up to.

Skillet – Right now they're on the West coast and they'll be making their way across the country to the East coast before zipping back over to the west again! They have a new song out, so be sure and check it out. Also, head over to their website for featured videos and more news to come. Www.skillet.com

Peter Furler – Former vocalist for the hit Christian band “Newsboys”, Peter Furler has recently released a solo album. Not only is Peter pursuing a solo career in music, he's also venturing in a different artistic direction—painting! See his website for hand painted drum top paintings and canvas paintings. Www.peterfurler.com

Group 1 Crew – They're on their summer tour and are hitting cities in Texas, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, and more. Check out their website to see if they'll be near you. And while you're there, check out their gear, blog updates, new music and videos.

As you're heading back to school, note that many bands are having 'back-to-school' sales! As you're thinking of what you want to add to your clothing section, consider getting a new t-shirt, bag, or bracelet from your favorite band.

Did you know that Rachel is physically incapably of sleeping past 8?!