But I AM giving away Shaun Groves' newly released and fantastically crafted cd, Third World Symphony.
I know I've blogged about this before but Matt and I have a very short-list of Christian artists that really move us. There's a power in these guys that comes from their expert blending of truth, poetry, heart-felt sincerity and musicality that is incomparable with other more mainstream Christian artists.
I won't walk too far down the rabbit trail here but scores of Christian musicians are facing mounting pressure from Christian radio stations which will only play *lighter* music. The radio stations want songs with softer lyrics which fit a particular soft-rock pop song style. BLECH. Thankfully, many Christian artists are still generating music that is weighty, unique, powerful and relevant. They're just doing so independent of record labels and going "underground" so to speak. (Read more here and listen to more gourmet Christian music here at Under the Radar.)
Shaun Groves has always been on our short-list. (Along with Shane & Shane; the Gettys; Andrew Peterson; Seeds Family Worship and Sons of Korah.) I can't explain why exactly we like his tunes so much. His heart sings through his words palpably. You can hear his earnestness and it's urgent and pleading. It's as though he's just singing to God and could care less about any other audience. But you happen to be at the door listening in; overhearing the overflow of his heart and blessed because it's also the overflow of your own.
But it's not just his honesty that compels us to listen to his music repeatedly. His poetry is inspired. I don't know what else to say about it. His lyrics are effortless, poetic and infused at every turn with grace.
And the music itself is GREAT. The fast rolling riffs of "Enough" and the surprising twangy banjo of "No Better" are toe-tapping and enjoyable without distracting from the song messages.
I could say much much more about this cd. Many of the phrases keep stabbing at my soul and haunting me (in a good way) with the encouragement of God's truth. Words like this . . .
"When you throw your stone, aim it at the heart . . . where every crime comes from, where every stumble starts and save the next for me . . . We've all got hell to pay and grace pays all we owe. Lay me down with the liars, brawlers thieves and backbiters. Lay me down with the others 'cause I'm no better."
"In this brawl between the empires of our good Lord and the liar will you stand? Please stand with me. 'Cause right now my faith can take it but oh, when they come to break it, will you pray? Please pray with me. So we'll stand and pray 'til the dark gives way and we will sing, sing, sing."
"Thank you for daily bread. Through us fill the empty. Thank you for bodies whole. Through us mend the breaking. All is grace, All is grace, All is grace and grace enough for all."
Have I convinced you to buy his album yet? :) (Buy it on itunes, amazon or on Shaun's website)
Take a listen below and become convinced!
I'll give away a copy of Shaun Groves' new cd to one randomly chosen commenter. To enter the cd giveaway just tell me who your favorite moves-you-deeply artist is and you're in!
Third World Symphony by shaungroves
3 comments:
I have really been encouraged and refreshed by listening to River's song "Caught up In You." I heard them for the first time two weeks ago, and have really been blessed by their music (especially after hearing them in person and their testimony's.
I've never heard any of Shaun Groves music. I have to admit that as far as sacred music goes I still keep to a fairly narrow spectrum (Galkins, Pettits, Northern Lights, etc.) mainly because I just don't know who is good. I love the words of many of the Getty's songs but I've never really heard them singing them :-) All that being said, I am really grateful for your giveaway because I'd love to hear Shaun's music - it's obviously had an impact on your life & I'd love some exposure to something new. Thanks!
favorite artist...huh. Funny, I don't have one! Michael always says the most surprising thing about me is that although I studied music in college, I listen to very little. I like to say it's because I prefer my music live and in person, and I know that's true - but usually I have a hard time finding things worth listening too, for the same reasons you mentioned, so I typically just stick to instrumental stuff around the house or in the van. I'm always up for trying out new music, though! (may I enter, even if I don't have a fave?)
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