NF, THE SEARCH
I’m not a huge rap guy! But I’ve been gripped by this album since its release… It has become a staple in my workout routines, and, by far, the album I’ve listened to more than anything in 2019.
NF’s honest and vulnerable exploration of his personal challenges with mental health and depression are raw, real and relatable.
Standouts Tracks include: Change, Nate, Returns, Leave Me Alone, Only, Options, When I Grow Up and The Search
By the way, I loved NF’s surprise single that just dropped in December, Paid My Dues (December 2019). Evidently, it was written in response to a Rolling Stone article that dissed NF’s album, The Search, simply because it beat out Chance The Rapper’s album that was released the same week. NF cuts critics down to size for their tendency to simply point out flaws, instead of actually contributing something of meaning to this world.
KANYE WEST, JESUS IS KING
A radical encounter with Jesus has totally transformed Kanye’s life. This is our first glimpse into Kanye’s renewed faith, and it is inspiring! This is my second most listened to album of 2019. I love it!
Standout Tracks include: God Is, Follow God, On God, Hands On, Use This Gospel, and, Water
ZACH WILLIAMS, RESCUE STORY
Zach’s country, southern rock-n-roll style feels so fresh! The lyrics are authentic and compelling. My favorite lyric of the entire album appears in the first song, “Walk With Me,” “The way is clear and true… In this running with the devil world, I’m gonna walk with you.”Boom!
Zach’s duet with Dolly Parton is beautiful making you want to hit repeat again and again.
Standout Tracks include: Walk With You, Rescue Story, Slave To Nothing, Under My Feet, Stand Up, There Was Jesus with Dolly Parton
WE THE KINGDOM, LIVE AT THE WHEELHOUSE
I love the chemistry and vibe of this band — a multigenerational band featuring Ed Cash, his daughter, Franni Rae Cash and other family members.
Standout Tracks include: God So Loved, Holy Water, Dancing on the Waves
BETHEL MUSIC, VICTORY
My mother’s favorite song before her passing appeared on this album. We sang, “The Goodness of God” at her memorial and in the living room with her just nights before she passed… One of the strongest worship albums of the year, distinguishing itself with more of a country, rock vibe and really God-centered lyrics. Several songs have become staples at a2 Church.
Standouts Tracks include: Raise A Hallelujah, Goodness of God, Ain’t No Grave, Praise Is The Highway, Endless Hallelujah
LEELAND, BETTER WORD
Leeland Mooring is undoubtably one of the best singers out there! The first, full-on worship album, by Leeland is terrific! Once again, several of the songs have become staples at a2 Church.
Standout Tracks include: Inhabit, Waymaker, Better Word, Rain
HILLSONG WORSHIP, AWAKE
Just when you think they can’t do it again, they do it again! This album has become the soundtrack for my preparation when it comes to 2020. The song, King of Kings, is one of the most beautiful, poetic worship songs you’ll ever hear.
Standout Tracks include: Awake My Soul, Come Alive, See The Light, King of Kings
HILLSONG UNITED, PEOPLE
The song, Highlands, became something I listened to again and again in 2019 as I navigated a year filled with setbacks and loss. I’ve kept returning to this beautiful song for months.
Standout Tracks include: Highlands, Might Sound Wild, Whole Heart (Hold Me Now), As You Find Me, Good Grace
PHIL WICKHAM, LIVING HOPE THE HOUSE SESSIONS
Phil’s voice is incredible. I love the stripped down version of these songs, especially the modern hymn, Living Hope.
Standout Tracks include: Living Hope, Great Things, Song In My Soul, Till I Found You
SKILLET, VICTORIOUS
When you need to rock, turn up the volume and let the head-banging begin! This was also a favorite to listen to during workout routines in 2019.
Standout Tracks include: Legendary, You Ain’t Ready, Back To Life
SWITCHFOOT, NATIVE TONGUE
One of the greatest lyricists alive, Jon Foreman, and the band put together another great album chock full of great lyrics and catchy hooks!
Standout Tracks include: All I Need, Native Tongue, Take My Fire, The Strength To Let Go, Let It Happen
MAVERICK CITY, VOLUMES 1+2
This collective of worship leaders and musicians gathered to worship and record some of the moments that come out of these gatherings is inspiring! I believe I could listen to Dante Bowe sing the phone book… This dude’s voice is so unique and engaging.
Standout Tracks include: Take Me Back, My Soul Sings and Real Thing featuring Dante Bowe, You Keep On Getting Better featuring Majesty Rose, History featuring Alton Eugene,
ELEVATION WORSHIP, AT MIDNIGHT AND PARADOXOLOGY
While Elevation didn’t have a major release in 2019, their EP, At Midnight featured two great worship singles: Gone and See A Victory. Alsop, their album, Paradoxology featured a beautiful re-imagining of Hallelujah Here Below featuring Stephanie Gretzinger. Wow! Wow! Wow! I loved this version more than the original.