ChristianDance

(by Jasper Tan) "Come Alive" by JONATHYN is an uplifting CCM-Pop track that talks about spiritual renewal, grace, and finding purpose through our Christian faith. The song dwells on the classic darkness-to-light narrative, which is a common theme for those who are struggling with their Faith. The song begins by describing our state of being in a spiritual exhaustion, mirroring that feeling like we are breathing lead. It also speaks about our life that at times feels like it is dead, despite being alive in this world. This happens when we keep on making the wrong turn, and these frequent mistakes become our frustration. And in a twist of irony, sometimes we are being led to deeper depression, especially if we are clutching for hope, yet this is devoid of a firm foundation. And the chorus is where we are reminded that it is only through God and his gift of hope, which gives us new life and makes us feel much more alive. This is the emotional peak of the song, where the song tra...

Have you ever felt too far gone for grace? Like all of the wrongs in your life are just too many to be forgiven? If that is the case, then "Paradise" by New Life Worship has an important message for you. The song takes us back to one of the most powerful scenes in the Bible, the thief on the cross.  The song puts you right there. The thief, hanging right next to Christ on the cross. Guilty, undeserving, and despite that brave enough to be "Crying [to Christ] for mercy // Remember me." What this scene/song tells us is that it isn't about earning His mercy… It's about receiving it. The thief didn't have time to make things right again; he had no religious track record and no credentials. But he saw and accepted Jesus for who He was… and that was enough.  "You could've counted all my wrongs // Instead you counted me your own." These two lines alone are so precious. Just think about it! Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered paradise, extravag...

What if the dancefloor can point you straight to Scripture? That's exactly what Divine Vibes does with "Overcome" - a melodic house track built around one of the most powerful instructions given in the Bible: Romans 12. The message found in Romans 12 is simple and can make the world around us a much better place for all. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." In other words, don't fight fire with fire. Instead of retaliation, choose goodness. Instead of cursing those who hurt you, bless them. The lyrics deliver this message with the same clarity: "Live in harmony // Live in peace // Never pay back evil with evil // Do what is honorable." So, do we now sit back and point a finger at the governments that are causing this mess? No! This song (scripture) is a call to action, and asks you to look at what you can do here and now, and in the world around you! It challenges you to really love one another, to hang on tightly to what is ...

"The Bottom of Myself" by Mike Janzen is a spiritual journey with an Americana-pop groove. The song invites you into a space where the dark moments of life meet light.  Have you ever felt as if you were lost in a desert storm? Then you're not alone. Janzen also knows that feeling. He beautifully captures the struggle of losing your way with the following lyrics: "Fell down in the middle of the darkness // Woke up and the world had changed // Stumbling, squinting in the daylight // Wanna run but sometimes you gotta wait." But there is more, because Janzen shows that there is hope.  Instead of running away from the pain, Janzen sings: "sometimes you gotta wait." Why? Because at the end of yourself is God. Your weakness is where His strength begins. "When the clocks tickin twelve it's true // At the bottom of myself is You," this is where truth emerges. You might be trying to find your way home, but real peace comes when you stop striving...

(by Jasper Tan) "The Oldest Lie in the World" by Meagan Tubb & Shady People is a delightful Blues-Rock CCM song, soulful and gleefully blending classic blues and contemporary rock. It's quite rare for me to hear a CCM track that is produced from this type of genre. It offers a different type of reaching out to listeners by its solid foundation of blues-rock, with a groovy, mid-tempo rhythm that also sets a contemplative tone. It entertains as well as reminds us to watch out for fake self-worship, that the Gospel truth only comes from God. Meagan's vocals deliver a soulful and powerful performance. It stands out because of her rich vocal quality that is smoky and complements very well with the song's bluesy tunes. The guitar work is deftly played and impresses, with the tasty riffs and very well executed guitar solo that brings an emotional depth to the song. Coupled with the organ and steady beats of the percussion, this complements the whole song to deliver a...

Jordan West and the Red Letter Society continue their ambitious journey through the Psalms. "Psalm 9 (Thank You)" is a message of thanksgiving to a sovereign, righteous God who defends the oppressed and judges evil with perfect justice.  The song emphasizes the two core promises found in Psalm 9: "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." And, those who know God's name can trust Him, because He "has never forsaken those who seek Him." So, what do you do when depression fills your heart? Do you feel abandoned? Instead of focusing on pain, this song declares that God remains seated through (your) chaos. He is and always will be a stronghold even when "war" draws near. The lyrics ask: "My trials feel unseen // Have you forsaken me?" , and emphasize that you are not unseen.  The chorus invites us to praise through our fears. "I will thank you," because we trust the promise that our God judges...

(by Jasper Tan) After making a review of Action Worship's song "All Praise (Dawn)" early this year (which, by the way, moved me so much), Action Worship is here once more with a beautiful follow-up single called "At The Feet (Midnight)." Continuing their songwriting sessions at a beach house retreat, "At The Feet" is a powerful and once more immersive Christian contemporary worship song that captures a raw and intimate atmosphere of worship. Like their other previously released songs, the track is anchored in a "Beach House" setting, leaning on a warm, organic, and slightly lo-fi feel as compared to the more traditional stadium worship recordings of other Worship songs. This makes the song feel more like a shared spiritual experience rather than a polished studio recording. This has always been Action Worship's greatest strength with their songs. And this creative process has definitely defined the signature sound of the Action Worship te...