Do you think that it’s possible for an artist who has been around for a long time, who has had a ton of hits, and who has inspired and encouraged the hearts of many, to be only considered an influential artist- not now but 5-10 years into the future? Do you think that’s possible? Can an artist simply fly by relatively under the radar for quite a long while, unnoticed by the general public but then miraculously garner widespread and exponential acclaim and recognition, for whatever reason? Some may say no, and simply put, the artist I’m speaking about today has had plenty of hits and has been around since the turn of the century. Thus, you might tend to agree with most readers and listeners of music out there- that whom I am writing about should in fact be whom Jon is writing about instead. However I reckon this artist doesn’t fit in Jon’s category, and if you think about it, fits quite nicely in and amongst other artists like Tori Kelly, Lauren Daigle, Jess Glynne, Maren Morris, NF, Marc Martel, Colony House and Shawn Mendes to name a few. It might take convincing, maybe even convincing to the length of this entire blog, and maybe even longer than that; but Matthew West is sure to be an artist on everyone’s lips, if not by the time you finish reading this blog, then definitely by Valentine’s Day this year, when his brand new album Brand New releases. Are you sceptical? I mean, if Tenth Avenue North and For King and Country are present on Jon’s list, then surely Matthew’s discography deserves a place on “Most 100 Influential Artists of All Time” as opposed to ‘potentially being influential in the future’? Well to sway your scepticalness, read on- and to directly answer this question of why Matthew is in one list, while Tenth Avenue North and for KING & COUNTRY in another; let me first ask you all a question.
Mandisa – Way Maker (Single)
Sparrow Records
Release Date: January 3rd 2020
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Mandisa – Way Maker (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Building 429 – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (Single)
3rd Wave Music / The Fuel Music
Release Date: January 10th 2020
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Building 429 – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Continue reading Building 429 – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (Single)
BEST OF 2019- PART 9: TOP 15 ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF 2020
I know I say this every year, but this time I mean it. 2019 was the year that we were presented with the most hard hitting and poignant songs, as well as the most inspirational albums in recent memory. From songs like “Almost Home” (MercyMe), “Greater Than All My Regrets” (Tenth Avenue North), “Head Above Water” (Avril Lavigne), “The God Who Stays” (Matthew West), “Fear No Mor” (Building 429), “I Don’t Care” (Ed Sheeran), “Sucker” (Jonas Brothers), “If I Can’t Have You” (Shawn Mendes), “Miracle” (Tauren Wells), “Lose You To Love Me” (Selena Gomez), “AMEN” (Micah Tyler), “Unstoppable God” (Sanctus Real), “Rescue Story” (Zach Williams) and “Goodness Of God” (Bethel Music); to albums like No Shame (Tenth Avenue North), Head Above Water (Avril Lavigne), Spectrum (Westlife), People (UNITED), Native Tongue (Switchfoot), Ocean (Lady Antebellum), No. 6 Collaborations Project (Ed Sheeran), UNITED (newsboys), Out Of My Hands (Mallary Hope), Unstoppable God (Sanctus Real), Rescue Story (Zach Williams), Reason (Unspoken), Victory (Bethel Music), GIRL (Maren Morris), Haven’t Seen It Yet (Danny Gokey) and the highly controversial Jesus Is King (Kanye West) – this year had it all. Sweeping ballads, head banging rockers, introspective tear-jerkers and just plain fun pop tunes to dance to. And now that it is nearing 2020, it’s that time again in our best of series. To talk about our most anticipated albums for the upcoming year ahead in 2020. So now without further ado, let me list 15 albums that will release within the next twelve months, of which I am anticipating. So which albums are you looking forward to?
Continue reading BEST OF 2019- PART 9: TOP 15 ANTICIPATED ALBUMS OF 2020
MOMENTOUS MONDAYS: INFLUENTIAL ARTISTS OF ALL TIME – WEEK 35: CARMAN
I turned 30 last week. Gee…whizz. That’s a big loaded statement to start off my next blog post. Yes, I did turn the big proverbial 3 0 on last week Monday, and after a big long break of just over a month between the last previous blog (Week 34 was for KING AND COUNTRY published online in mid-November) and now, I’ve managed to catch up on a very much needed time of rest, relaxation, and just generally working hard at my work as a café owner and operator. I’ve learnt to slow down a little during my time away, and to remind myself that though this year has been great as I’ve explored a vast myriad of music at my fingertips quite literally (you can search on Youtube for any musical content you wish!); my life wasn’t just music. Over this month when I wasn’t immersing myself into this particular artist and that, I found out how much time I was undertaking the discovery of new artists throughout the year. I was letting this blog series take control of my life, not necessarily consciously, but nevertheless, that’s what I was doing. To put it bluntly, I found a little of my identity in my blog post series this past year. Which isn’t that good. Still, here I am back, and ready to get into yet another year of exploring artists that I believe have made a mark on today’s music culture, amongst people, and shaped music in general. One such artist that I’m about to delve into at the moment, is 1990s and 2000s CCM legend, Carman!
Continue reading MOMENTOUS MONDAYS: INFLUENTIAL ARTISTS OF ALL TIME – WEEK 35: CARMAN
John Barrowman – A Fabulous Christmas
Decca Records
Release Date: November 29th 2019
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
John Barrowman– A Fabulous Christmas (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Big Daddy Weave – Joy! He Shall Reign (Single)
Fair Trade Services
Release Date: November 1st 2019
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Big Daddy Weave – Joy! He Shall Reign (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Continue reading Big Daddy Weave – Joy! He Shall Reign (Single)
Chris Tomlin – Christmas Day: Christmas Songs Of Worship
Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: November 15th 2019
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Chris Tomlin– Christmas Day: Christmas Songs Of Worship (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Continue reading Chris Tomlin – Christmas Day: Christmas Songs Of Worship
Danny Gokey – The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Collection
Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: October 25th 2019
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Danny Gokey– The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Collection (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Continue reading Danny Gokey – The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Collection
Ginny Owens – A Midnight Clear
ChickPower Music
Release Date: November 29th 2019
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Ginny Owens– A Midnight Clear (Amazon mp3/iTunes)