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

Gold: Britt Nicole~ Music Review by Michelle Pell

“Gold” is the third studio release of Christian pop artist, Britt Nicole. I believe this album is such a great hit because of the diverse topics Britt Nicole sings about. Her songs tell boys and girls they’re worth more than gold, she sings about her desire to look like love to others, she challenges listeners to reach the world for Christ, and encourages believers to stand on Christ through the good times and bad. The album is full of intoxicating beats that make you want to stand up and dance. It contains fun and interesting auto-tuning while still letting Britt Nicole own voice to shine. I love that Britt Nicole was able to take the type of music popular with today’s secular culture, put her own unique spin on it, and replace the morally-bankrupt lyrics with God-honoring words that offer encouragement, challenge, and life to her listeners.

1. Gold

2. All This Time (Hit Single)

3. Look Like Love

4. Who You Say You Are

5. Ready or Not (feat. Lecrae)

6. Breakthrough

7. Stand

8. The Sun Is Rising

9. Amazing Life

10. Still That Girl

11. Seeing for the First Time

The Story Behind “Gold”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rusx31pEWzo

Never Gonna Stop: Jamie K~ Music Review by Michelle Pell

Jamie K  ~  Never Gonna Stop

3 out of 5 stars

This new, debut album from new Christian music artist and producer, Jamie K, is definitely for the hip hop, R&B, and rap-loving lilies out there. The songs on Jamie K’s record, Never Gonna Stop, are foundational truths straight from the Word of God. As young women of God, I think we should be filling our minds with what is pure and true. Jamie K does an amazing job of singing truth directly into the hearts of  her listeners through lyrics straight from Scripture, upbeat rhythms and fun voice tricks. Topics of her songs include: the personality of Christ, her commitment to praise, and sacrifice.

Find Jamie K’s alubum, Never Gonna Stop on iTunes and Rhapsody now!

Track List:

1. All I Do

2. Justified and Sanctified

3. Jesus Is

4. Never Gonna Stop

5. Have You Ever

6. Sacrifice

7. Gonna Fight It

8. Who You Are

9. Set Me Free

10. Just Wanna Fly

Jamie K had generously donated 3 copies of her new CD to us to give away to you wonderful followers!! To enter to win, simply leave a comment saying how much you want Jamie K!!

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?!

Owl City~ All Things Bright and Beautiful Review by Michelle Pell

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Owl City is an electronica musical project by singer/songwriter Adam Young. Like many bands started in the 2000s, Owl City gained popularity on social networks before being discovered by Universal records.

All Things Bright and Beautiful is Young’s third album, preceded by an EP, Of June, and his debut album Ocean Eye’s along with hit single, “Fireflies.”

If you’re looking for something new and fresh to mix up your current playlists, you must check this out. Every one of his songs is so fun and whimsical, they even make me laugh out loud sometimes. No matter what genre you tend to favor I’m convinced that this will be a new favorite for you.

Track List:

1. The Real World

2. Dear in the Headlights (my favorite!)

3. Angels

4. Dreams Don’t Turn to Dust

5. Honey and the Bee

6. Kamikaze

7. January 26, 1986

8. Galaxies

9. Hospital Flowers

10. Alligator Sky (Album Version)

11. The Yacht Club

12. Plant Life

13. Alligator Sky

14. How I Became the Sea

15. Shy Violet

Did you know that Michelle loves vintage jewelry?!

21 By Adele~ Music Review by Michelle Pell

Usually I will stick to reviewing christian artists and their albums but Adele has been getting such hype lately I decided to check it out and see what all the excitement is about. Here are my thoughts:

Adele currently has two albums out. One named 19 and the other 21, each getting their name sake from how old she was when she recorded them. Her latest album is soulful, full of songs of love, and of love lost. Her sound is very new and fresh, which I think is very important with all the popular music lately sounding all the same. Adele has a strong, breathy, soulful voice and her music has a oldies flair while still keeping it modern.
This album is very clean with no language and no mention of drugs, alcohol, or sex. The only thing I didn't like was that every song seemed to be one of love lost, or bitterness. I think those are okay in moderation though, as long as you mindset doesn't become one that thinks that every man is like that and there is no true prince. As long as you do it the right way, all will be well. All in all, I really like Adele and her style of music and I hope to see more albums from her in the future.

Did you know that Michelle LOVES vintage clothing?!

What If We Were Real- Mandisa~ A Music Review by Michelle Pell

Mandisa, who's albums have hit top christian charts, was in the top eight of the fifth season of American Idol. Recently, on a talk show, Mandisa shared an experience she had with one of the judges, Simon Cowell. Before she went of the show to audition, she felt like she would be okay if they critized her about her voice but not her weight. Simon did not make fun of her heaviness to her face but after she left the audition, she later found out that he insulted her to his fellow judges. Later in the the show Mandisa was able to go to Simon publicly and tell him that she forgive him. And that she can show him forgiveness because of the grace and mercy that Jesus showed her. Since then Mandisa has lost 121 pounds!
Mandisa has also published two others albums, plus a Christmas one. True Beauty and Freedom contain some of my favorite songs ever and are must-haves.

1.Stronger
A song of encouragement, Mandisa sings that all the struggles that we go through in life will truly make us stronger.

2. What If We Were Real
Mandisa starts out singing about her frustration with the pressure to always look perfect. Then goes on to sing about "what if we shared our brokenness, what if we were real?"

3. These Days
A song about all the hard and not-so-fun days of our lives and learning to find joy in each one of those.

4. The Truth About Me
She sings about what could happen if we learn to view ourselves through God's eyes and truly believe the truth, that we are beautiful works of art.

5. Say Goodbye
With the love of Christ we are able to say goodbye to all the guilt, our past, and the pain and learn to say hello to the freedom, grace, and peace found in God's love.

6. Good Morning (feat. TobyMac)
Everyday is new, and with God everyday is a good morning, full of sunshine and birds singing.

7. Waiting for Tomorrow
Mandisa sings about seizing the moment we have to further Christ's kingdom instead of "Waiting for Tomorrow" to do it.

8. Just Cry
Very heartfelt, Mandisa sings that it's okay to just let it flow sometimes and pray those tearful prayers.

9. Temporary Fills
This song is a little different sounding with a rock feel, about not wanting all these "temporary fills" but a life filled with Jesus' love.

10. Free
The chorus of this song is straight from John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

11. Lifeline
A praise song to Jesus, telling Him that He is all we need to keep us breathing and living.

I highly recommend this album. Every song is so fresh and different. 

"As Long As It Takes" Merideth Andrews~ A Music Review by Michelle Pell

In her second album (the first being "You Invite In"), Meredith sings about longing to hear God's voice, offering up everything to her Savior. Her songs have a pleasant mixture of worshipful lyrics and a pop sound. She reminds me a lot of Kari Jobe and Francesca Battistelli so if you enjoy listening to them, this is another lady to add to your list.

Meredith says, "These songs are very personal and my prayer for you is that these songs would reflect the truth of God's Word and draw the listener closer to Himself."

My hope is that as you listen to listen album it will remind you to wait on His will As Long As It Takes.

1. Never Move On

I interpreted this song as talking about the moment Meredith accepted Jesus. A beautiful song about a beautiful thing.

2. Only To Be Yours

A song of offering, she's giving all she's got for God's use.

3. Can Anybody Hear Me

In a time in her life when she's really struggling with hearing God's voice, she relies on her faith to get her through every trial.

4. As Long As It Takes

Waiting on the Lord can sometimes be very difficult, but when you put your complete trust in Him, He will carry you through.

5. Come Home

Singing to a lost friend, she expresses that no matter what they have done they will always be welcome back home.

6. All Will Fade Away

Even though the world right now feels like it's really wicked, we don't need to worry because soon, as Meredith reminds us, every thing will fade away when Jesus returns

7. What It Means To Love

God has shown us the true meaning of love, as expressed in this song.

8. Live Through Me

A pleading cry to Jesus to speak His words and to breathe His breath.

9. My Soul Sings

A song of wonder to the Man who redeemed her.

10. In Your Arms

Meredith reminds us that whenever the fears of the world get to much to handle, we can run to Jesus and he will hold us in His arms forever.

11. How Great Is The Love

The amazement at the love of Christ really comes out in this song.

WOW 2011 Disc 2~ A music Review by Michelle Pell

Last month I reviewed Disc 1 of WOW 2011. Now we're moving on to Disc 2.

I wish I could tell you that I had a favorite one out of the two discs but, truthfully, I don't think I can pick between them. In past years of WOW albums, I have been able to determine which disc I enjoy more, but this year's collection has so many good songs on both discs and so many of my favorites, I just can't choose.

Some of the songs on Disc 2 are a little more rock sounding and some a little more pop. That's what I love about WOW...there's just something for everyone.

This is a great Christmas gift for that person on your list that you just have such a hard time picking out something they will like. This album has so many songs with different sounds, they're bound to find some they love!

1. Get Back Up~ TobyMac
2. Beautiful Beautiful ~Francesca Battistelli
3. Born Again~ Third Day
4. Lay Em' Down ~NeedToBreathe
5. Healing Begins~ Tenth Avenue North
6. Born Again ~Newsboys
7. Hero ~Skillet
8. Walk On The Water~ Britt Nicole
9. Let The Waters Rise~ Mikeschair
10. Forgiven~ Sanctus Real
11. Your Love Is A Song Switchfoot
12. Follow You~ Leeland (featuring Brandon Heath)
13. More Beautiful You~ Jonny Diaz
14. Starry Night~ Chris August
15. No Matter What~ Kerrie Robert
16. 
    
17. Deluxe Tracks
18. I'm Not Alright (Broken-World Remix) ~Sanctus Real
19. Walking On The Stars (Garcia Glam Mix)~ Group1Crew
20. Live Life Loud (The Uprok Remix) ~Hawk Nelson

The Song That Got Me In The Christmas Spirit

I love country music and Chris Young is my current favorite. This Christmas song got me in the Christmas mood. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.

Haylie

Must Have Books and Cd's~ Book and CD Reviews by Michelle Pell

During this Christmas season I wanted to tell you three of my must-have books and Cd's. These are great ideas for Christmas presents and for you to ask for also!

Books:

Dreaming of Dior by Charlotte Smith

This book is packed full with beautiful illustrations of the most gorgeous dresses and gowns I have ever set eyes on. The pages are lined with pieces from 1790 all the way to 1995 fashion. This book is a must have for any fashion-loving girl.

And The Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh

“Seven secrets to sexual purity".The subtitle to this book tells just what's in it. Seven practical ways to keep your purity in a world that's telling you it's okay to give yourself away. This book is like a breath of fresh air.

Hallie's Heart by Shelly Beach

A heart-felt tale of two women, this book shows how two girls, coming from hurting homes and struggling with life, can help each other heal and together find renewal in God.

Music:

WOW New and Next

This CD came out in the beginning of this year and has 12 up and coming songs. Artists such as Chris August, Kerrie Roberts, and Satellites and Sirens sing about winning the Christian battle, singing glory, and how God is our anchor. This CD is super cheap, priced at only $2.99 or free with any WOW purchase at most stores.

Kari Jobe

Kari has a sweet, clear, beautiful voice that is restful and calming. The songs on her CD are filled with lyrics singing praise and glory to our heavenly Father. On her CD is also my absolute favorite worship song, Revelation Song. She sings it beautifully.

The Light Meets the Dark - Tenth Avenue North

Some of the most popular songs on this CD include Healing Begins and You Are More. Tenth Avenue North brings a fresh, unique sound to the Christian music industry, and I love that their music is filled with verses straight from Scripture.

Wow Hits 2011~ "In Our Headphones"~ A Music Review by Michelle Pell

The complete Wow Hits 2011 album has thirty songs on it and two CDs. So I decided to split it up and do one review on each CD. I'll be starting with Disc One (as you may have guessed).

Wow Hits music albums have something for every taste, from pop, worship, and adult contemporary to rock, urban, and indie. I myself love every song on the 2011 edition, no matter what the genre. Disc one is full of encouraging songs talking about witnessing to a faithless world, the greatness of God, hope of Heaven, and finding our help in the Lord. It includes known artists such as Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, and Natalie Grant, along with some new ones like Josh Wilson, The Museum, and Matt Maher. I have the deluxe edition which features 6 bonus remixes, but it is a bit more expensive.

I was especially excited to find the song Our God was included in the album. The meaningful lyrics remind me that our God is stronger than anything that may come against us, and renews my hope in a fallen world.

1. Until The Whole World Hears - Casting Crowns

2. Our God (Radio Version) - Passion (featuring Chris Tomlin)

3. What Faith Can Do - Kutless

4. The Greatness Of Our God - Natalie Grant

5. Healing Hand Of God - Jeremy Camp

6. Hold Us Together - Matt Maher

7. Love Never Fails - Brandon Heath 

8. My Own Little World - Matthew West

9. The Words I Would Say - Sidewalk Prophets

10. Heaven Is The Face - Steven Curtis Chapman

11. Better Than A Hallelujah - Amy Grant

12. Before The Morning - Josh Wilson

13. Love Has Come - Mark Schultz

14. You Found Me - Big Daddy Weave

15. My Help Comes From The Lord - The Museum

Deluxe Edition Tracks

16. Tunnel (Savage Head Remix) – Third Day
17. Like A Child (Savage Rejuvenation Remix) – Jars Of Clay
18. Need You To Love Me (Fredtown Manila Remix) - Barlow Girl

Francesca Battistelli "My Paper Heart"~ In Our Headphones~ Music Review by Michelle Pell

My Paper Heart-Francesca Battistelli
This CD brings a fresh, upbeat feel to contemporary Christian music that I think much of today’s music is lacking. Francesca has positive lyrics, rhythm that gets stuck in your head, and important messages filling her songs.
When Francesca was only six years old she knew what she wanted to be: a singer. After going to see the Broadway show “The Secret Garden,” she had made up her mind.
Her dad was an assistant conductor for the national tour of “The King and I,” and her mom played Anna, the show’s female lead.
Francesca knew the road to theater fame wouldn’t be easy, but with one goal in mind she worked hard. Instead of signing up for sports or other after-school clubs, she filled her time with dance lessons and theater training classes.
When she was 15, she became part of an all-girl mainstream pop group in Orlando, an experience that helped pave the way for what she does today. She says it tied together two things she loved to do together: signing and dancing.
After the group split, Francesca felt she needed time to clear her head. She joined a youth ministry, and she says, “It was there that the Lord captured my heart for Christian music.” She started playing guitar and writing.

In this, her debut album, she shares the importance of following God’s will for your life, the fragility of a human heart, and accepting yourself as you are.
***my favorites

1. Free To Be Me***
In this song she says that even though we go through rough times, and we’re not always perfect, God loves us no matter what, and we are “Free To Be Me.”
2. I’m Letting Go***
As soon as the first notes in this song are played, you find yourself tapping your foot along to the fast-paced tune.
The story behind this song is that when she was 22, she decided to completely let go of every thing and give it to God.
3. Unpredictable
Even though we may think we have everything figured out, God can intervene at any moment and show us, once again, that he alone is in control.
4. My Paper Heart***
The name sake for her album, Francesca depicts how frail a human heart is, and that even though our hearts may break, God comes along and mends them and makes them whole again.
5. Beautiful, Beautiful***
When God steps into our lives, even though we feel like we’re worthless, He will make it beautiful.
I find myself continually getting this song stuck in my head; the haunting lyrics, I just can’t seem to forget
6. Blue Sky
She writes this song from the point of view of Jesus. Wherever we are, whatever we’re going through, no matter what we feel, when we open up and let Jesus in, His love will become our blue sky.
7. Forever Love***
This is one on the true worship song on the CD. Francesca is basically singing directly to God, and telling Him that He will be her Forever Love. I love it.
8. Someday Soon***
This is somewhat like a love song to her future husband. She tells him that she’s waiting and that she believes that someday soon she will be his.
9. Behind The Scenes
In this song Francesca expresses the feeling that I think a lot of us have all the time. That is, people don’t see what really is going on in your life, and that if they would only try, they could see a lot more.
10. It’s Your Life***
“It’s your life/ whatcha gonna do?/” That’s one of the lines of one of the most well known songs of the album. Your life is here, now. Are you gonna live for Jesus, or be a lukewarm Christian?
11. Time In Between***
In this, another worship song, Francesca tells God that it is the time in between His birth and His death the truly amazes her.


I love this album, and I believe that it is a must-have on your iPod. When you’re feeling down, hopeless, or faithless, her music lifts your spirits and reminds you that there is indeed hope.
　Check out her online store!
Also My Paper Heart is on sale for only $5!

http://www.francescamusic.com/ http://www.francescamusic.com/store