In the late '90s, Vineyard Music seemed to me to be at the forefront of modern worship, a style of music that was sung by leaders at churches and also the congregation as a whole, but in a more contemporary style, not the style of the traditional hymns. Vineyard churches and their music label put out many recordings in this time and this Hungry: Falling On My Knees album is one of their best. Worship leader Kathryn Scott's vocals and great songs like the title track, "Be The Centre" and "Breathe" anchor this recording from a church service in London, but appearances from Vineyard worship leaders from around the world contribute as well. The styles of songs vary as well, from the slow and contemplative to the raucous praise and include Celtic sounds, rock and other musical styles.

Release Year: 1999
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In 1997, Rich Mullins, who wrote songs such as "Sing Your Praise To The Lord", "El-Shaddai" and "Awesome God" in the decade or so before, passed away in a car accident. 25 years later, friends of his and new artists that were inspired by him drove out to the house he once owned in a rural area called Bellsburg, outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Right in his former living room, they recorded new, simple covers of his well-known and lesser-known songs. It's definitely great to hear these songs being performed by old-timers and the next generation of singer-songwriters. Plus a few rare, unreleased, early tracks by Rich Mullins himself are included in this album as well. It's a great remembrance of one of my favorite songwriters of all time.

Release Year: 2022
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mewithoutYou's first album was a nu-metal album, in my opinion, but by this album, they were a band that straddled heavy rock and folk music. Vocalist Aaron Weiss alternates between spoken word and screaming while the guitar, bass and drums meld with the lyrics well. It's not often you get heavy rock albums with harp, melodica and brass instruments. The lyrics are very poetic and hard to understand, and they do include Muslim, Christian and Jewish imagery as well as images of nature. There's really no other band like mewithoutYou, and Brother, Sister is one of their best albums, in my opinion.

Release Year: 2006
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Sara Groves is one of my favorite singer-songwriters and I've been blessed to see her play a number of times in the last 10 years since she only lives two miles away and even hosts concerts at a small event space she owns. When this album was released, though, I was just a fan who had not heard her play in person. Mrs. Groves weaves stories of the glories and struggles of life, love and the beauty of God in a way that makes me weep, smile, and even sometimes laugh. Producer Brown Bannister and the studio musicians hit every note correctly as well. "Loving A Person" definitely made me cry the first time I heard it and it's one of my favorite songs of all time. The other songs on this album are just about as emotionally impactful.

Release Year: 2005
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If you enjoy this album, right now is the time to act! For the next 3 days, you can get in on the Kickstarter for this album's upcoming 25th anniversary! The album is being remastered and will only be available on vinyl and deluxe CD through this Kickstarter, so get your copy if you want it and support the artist. I know I did order a vinyl and I'm trying to decide if I should get a CD too because I have a music collection problem.