I have been a music lover for all of my life. I have a large iTunes library and it is full of many styles of music. I have many people to thank for my appreciation of music. Drake Flynt and the Choir of King Moravian Church brought a lot to the table. I listened to and sang hymns, spirituals and Requiems. Drake gives those in the church and those in the choir much. He gives history background and more about the songs. I also have my parents who listen to a wide variety of music. I have my band teachers from intermediate school through college to thank. The M-Staff and my friends at Laurel Ridge brought everything from worship songs, bluegrass, southern rock and more to me. I have my friend Rob to thank for my greater appreciation of Jazz. I have my friend Ryan to thank for introducing me to Christian rock and hip-hop.
I really appreciate artists who write their own music and lyrics. I appreciate the talent some artist have and share in humility. Alison Krauss & Union Station is a great group. Each musician is talented in their own right and bring it all to the table with the group. She & Him bring a mixture of styles and energy to their music. Brendan James sings and plays with honesty. Shane & Shane and Andrew Peterson write and play music that exalt the Lord.
Recently I have found Sovereign Grace Music. They produce their own music and produce other artists. They are taking solid scripture based hymns of the past and bringing them to new generations. They are updating the music and adding choruses. They are also writing new music. Bob Kauflin is heading this ministry up and doing a great job. I have two albums for you to check out Next 2009 Live (a collection of live songs sung at the Next conference) and Come Weary Saints. Come Weary Saints is a wonderful album balances with slow and faster songs. They all have tremendous depth and are so uplifting. You will put it on repeat and listen to it over and over. It is one of those albums you come back to when ever you need encouragement and peace in the Lord.
Caleb one of the men in the church has introduces one of the songs off Next 2009 Live to my church (Antioch Community Church). It is one of the updated hymns and is a powerful one. I have pasted the lyrics below. Here is a link to the Album at Sovereign Grace’s site and a YouTube link. I’m so thankful for Jesus Christ and this song really expresses it!
What A Savior
Words by Philip Bliss (1875), music and chorus by Devon Kauflin
From Next 2009 Live
Man of Sorrows, what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim, hallelujah
Bearing shame and scoffing rude
In my place condemned He stood
Sealed my pardon with His blood
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Savior, You showed Your love
Defeated our sin, poured out Your blood
So we praise You, Lamb that was slain
We offer our lives to proclaim
What a Savior
Guilty, vile, and helpless we
Spotless Lamb of God was He
Full atonement, can it be, hallelujah
Lifted up was He to die, “It is finished,” was His cry
Now in heav’n exalted high, hallelujah, hallelujah
When He comes, our glorious King
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we’ll sing
Hallelujah, hallelujah
