Black River Christian
Release Date: April 24th 2020
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Josh Wilson – Revolutionary (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Revolutionary
Josh Wilson has always been the quiet achiever. Plugging away at song writing and releasing melodies that tug at the heart. From songs like ‘That Was Then, This is Now’, ‘Carry Me’, ‘Pushing Back the Dark’, ‘Saviour Please’ and ‘3 Minute Song’, to ‘I Refuse’, ‘They Just Believe’ and ‘Fall Apart’ to name a few; we are reminded that Josh Wilson the multi-instrumentalist has once again delivered with his new song ‘Revolutionary’ that just dropped digitally yesterday. Upon the heels of his highly successful Black River Christian debut EP Don’t Look Back at the end of 2018, with the standout songs ‘Borrow’, ‘Dream Small’ and ‘OK’; Josh’s talent as a multi-instrumentalist makes him one of the most underrated singer/songwriters I’ve heard and enjoyed within the last few years. Josh has always given us stories to think about and songs to sing, and nothing is any different in this new track just released. Whether this song is just a release on its own, or part of a bigger project coming out later on during the year, it remains to be seen, but one thing is true- even with this track, Josh is still one of the most unique artists I’ve come across this side of the millennia (I can’t even think of any other artists that can undertake the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, ukulele, banjo, glockenspiel, as well as some percussion with such poise and professionalism), as we’re reminded through hearing this song that love and grace and kindness, though not necessarily revolutionary concepts per se, can still seem like they are, to a lot of people that may believe that giving grace, showing kindness and loving without condition shouldn’t be as unconditional as it really is.
Kindness seems like a term that people equate with someone being deserving, to even receive it in the first place. We know that as children of God and as Christians, we are called to show kindness regardless, and that in turn would show the world that the way we love people and show kindness to the ones that are indeed different from ourselves, is how the Lord our God in heaven shows kindness and love to His creation. This song is a perfect one to reflect and meditate on during a coronavirus pandemic season, as we seek out new and ingenious ways of how to show kindness and grace to each other in need. As Josh himself relays to us, ‘…’Revolutionary’ [the song] is all about kindness. I believe that kindness matters. It’s so easy to get caught up in all of the negativity we see in the world and on the news, and this song is a reminder that we are called to more than that. We’re called to love as Christ has loved us. I am so encouraged by the acts of kindness I’ve seen recently, even amidst a worldwide pandemic, even in an election year. In many ways, our struggles are actually bringing us together. We’re learning that we all have a lot more in common than we thought, and it’s beautiful to see the ways people are serving each other. The lyrics are a prayer for God, through us, to start a revolution of kindness. Will you join us? …’
‘Revolutionary’ is a reminder that showing kindness is always a choice, and during such a season where everything is up in the air, the little acts of ‘nothing much’ as we may often call it, can seem like ‘the world’ to the other person, and such, Josh’s new track is one where we are called to something more than the self-centred life we can often lead during this time of isolation. Yes, physical distancing and socially distancing can be a bit of an issue, but such a song as this, can hopefully encourage us to see outside ourselves and see who is the person the Lord want us to encourage and to challenge during this time of uncertainty and waiting, between the now and the not yet. As Josh himself embarks on virtual tours during this time of ‘pause’, ‘Revolutionary’, co-written with former North Point Worship frontman Steve Fee, is a chance for all of us to step into the kindness that the Lord has called to during a time where people are needing kindness in their lives, more than ever. Well done Josh for such a poignant and poetically necessary song, one that can hopefully become a catalyst of positive change in the hearts of many, as the weeks and months continue to progress!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Brandon Heath, Steven Curtis Chapman, Tenth Avenue North, Big Daddy Weave