Tasha Layton – Never (Extended Single Release) – EP

BEC Recordings

Release Date: September 22nd 2023

Reviewed by: Joshua Andre

Tasha Layton– Never (Extended Single Release) – EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

Never
Never (Collins String Version)
Never (feat. Matthew West)
Never (Acoustic Version)

Way back at the end of 2018, BEC Recordings signed worship leader Tasha Layton – the latest artist in what seems to be a signing spree. Matty Mullins, Stephen Christian, Jorge (now known as George Mhondera), Aaron Bucks, River Valley Worship and London Gatch were all presented a spot on the label in 2017, while Brian Ortize, Free Worship and Battledrums were signed to BEC Recordings in 2018. These days, BEC Recordings looks way, way different; yet this doesn’t mean Tasha was added to the roster just to make up numbers nor for the sake of it. Rather, with Tasha’s debut EP Love Running Wild scoring a 5/5 rating, and me enjoying her brand of worship-pop music very much; let me just let you all know, that Tasha’s joy and effervescent love for Jesus has shined through on very song she has released. With Tasha’s vocals being simply extremely powerful and strong, more-so than any other debut artist over the past few years in my opinion; Tasha unveiled Into The Sea in 2020, an EP that I reviewed here, and a release that further confirmed my assertions of Tasha being one of today’s most inspiring worship leaders. The release of Look What You’ve Done – a 3 song EP in 2021 (not reviewed!), further reminds us of Tasha’s staying power and songwriting prowess- in a CCM industry that desperately needs revamping quickly in order to stay relevant and relatable. And as Tasha’s worship melodies are a breath of fresh air, we were introduced to Tasha’s full length debut album How Far in May 2022 (which we reviewed here). As Tasha continues to remind us how much she is on fire for Jesus and her prowess as a songwriter and as a singer; I am continually in wonder of a God who loves me unconditionally and calls me to be in relationship with Him! And now, as we fast forward to the present, Tasha is back… this time with a brand new song called “Never”. The single released in June this year, but now, Tasha has unveiled three new versions- and they’re all incredibly impressive.

My brother Jon voiced his thoughts on “Never” a few months ago, and I echo that sentiment. And as Jon reiterated, I feel as though Tasha’s song ‘Never’ is ‘Never Been Unloved’ part 2, because to characterise God has ‘never’ doing something can seem a little counterintuitive, but to hear the lyrics from Tasha’s track…it all makes sense. God never lets us down, He never abandons us, He’s never stopping to work through us the things in our lives that need breaking, shaping and remoulding. He’s never idle in making us who He knows we can be, and He’s never undertaking anything that He can’t finish- He always finishes what He’s set out to do, in our lives, and in the lives of people around us. As said by the lyrics themselves, we ought to be reminded that we are ‘…never forgotten, never forsaken, never abandoned, not for a second, I am safe in Your hands, always and forever, You’re never not working, my heart is the proof, there’s not a broken too broken for You, will there ever come a day when You’re not holding me together? You say never…’ … Thematically similar to that of Jason Gray’s ‘Nothing is Wasted’ and even Michael W. Smith’s ‘Never Been Unloved’ back in the day, this song has stood out, thematically, compared to a lot of songs unveiled as singles and as radio singles this year, Christian music and mainstream alike. A song that encourages us to always place our faith in Christ, no matter how it looks on the outside, this is a must, for anyone who has enjoyed previous Tasha Layton material, or other similar artists like Riley Clemmons or even newcomer Katy Nichole. I don’t think that there’s anything to add to this review of the song- because the song speaks for itself, and it is inspirational and encouraging without anyone trying to champion or critique it. But these three new versions (duet with Matthew West, a strings version and an acoustic guitar version) remind us how brilliant of a song this is in its own right, and also encourage us to remember that God never leaves us and that He never forgets His promises. If we try to understand the traits of Jesus with our human and finite mind, you’ll probably end up being confused if we don’t use the right tools to find out. But this song speaks about what God is not, and what He never does and never will do- and that is equally as profound and powerful and hard-hitting. It isn’t known what is next for Tasha. We’ll next hear her singing one of Casting Crowns’ hits in “Glorious Day”. But if Tasha’s second album is anything like “Never” and “I Lay It Down” (yet to be reviewed!); then I reckon we’ll all be in for a treat! Sophomore slump? Who knows, but at this point in time, I reckon a resounding ‘no’! Well done, Tasha, can’t wait for you to hear what is next from you, as you continue to bless us all with more songs! Fans of Hannah Kerr, Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe, Sarah Reeves, and Mia Fieldes will love Tasha Layton!