Silver Stone Artist

Release Date: April 30th 2021

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Emily Faith– When I Met Jesus (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

1. When I Met Jesus

These days, more and more music that I have been listening to that has resonated with me… has been artists that are signed to a label. Whether Christian music or mainstream; I’ve been aware of the album because it’s been advertised on Apple Music or on Wikipedia or on websites like New Release Today and Jesus Freak Hideout. And that’s predominately because these artists are signed. Yet today, as I was perusing the internet looking for new music to listen to and be inspired by, I found an article, and New Release Today promoting independent CCM/country artist Emily Faith, and her music video for her latest single “When I Met Jesus”. I hence decided, after knowing nothing about her, to take a chance- after all, when have NRT steered me wrong? The result is one of the most refreshing songs and artists I’ve heard in a while. If you love artists like Gabby Barrett, Lauren Alaina or Maddie & Tae, together with the lyrical depth of Francesca Battistelli or Natalie Grant; when Emily’s single (and the rest of her discography!) is definitely for you!

While I loved pop and it was fun, I did not want to lose my roots. That’s why I wanted to bring country into the Christian music I was making and combine the two genres. It’s been a really awesome journey – finding the perfect mix between country and Christian. I hope it connects with people while staying true to who I am. [My songs are] very raw, very real, connection and relationship based, and often very fun and even spontaneous. I want to form meaningful relationships with people through music.

For quite some time I’ve wanted to write a song [When I Met Jesus] that puts to words the life changing moment when someone realizes they want to be a Christian. I can’t wait to share that experience with listeners. God is here. Jesus is here. He’s my comfort and the place I can go when I have struggles and He’ll help me through it. The song tells that story. It’s something people can relate to from all different levels and backgrounds depending on what they’re going through in life.

A testimony type track that delivers praise and worship to the Almighty, Emily goes straight to the point here and earnestly and fervently cries out to God, outlining that ‘…I was lost when I was found on my knees face to the ground, more than a feeling, when I met Jesus, my sin was deep His love is wide, I was changed for good that night, more than a feeling, when I met Jesus…’. This song is Emily’s story and because the track is so personal and honest and emotional for Emily; the passion and joy of Jesus and His unending love, evidently shine through here. These days country music and CCM are blurring more and more- and Emily’s foray into CCM music is surely going to help both the CCM and country music industries. And while we all may not know much about Emily, we do know this, that she spends time engaging in leadership work through serving as the Children’s Hospital Teen Board President working as an advocate for children’s hospitals in Oklahoma… also volunteers as a music teacher at Granville Community Music School in Oklahoma City, a music school for underprivileged communities, which intertwines her calling as a musician and Christian beautifully And that ‘extra’ stuff she does outside of music- immediately makes me admire and respect her very much. Am I a fan after one song? You bet I am! You all will be to after listening to “When I Met Jesus”!

That is by far my greatest passion. Working with those kids and getting to share the gift of music with them has been something I’ve cherished for the past three years,” Emily says. “As Christians, that’s something we’re called to do – give back to others and be leaders in our community while shining the light of Christ. It’s been a great place to connect, give the children something to look forward to each week and bring some joy into their lives.

Score: 5/5

RIYL: Lauren Alaina, Maddie & Tae, Gabby Barrett, Carrie Underwood, Natalie Grant, Francesca Battistelli