Merge Worship

I thought it would be fun to share a few albums that might not be on your radar but should be on your iPod. At another time, I might do some categorized recommendations, but for now I'll share some albums that stay in my rotation. So, with that said, here's four newer albums and one classic gem.

1. Jonny Lang-Turn Around

This is a gospel album from an accomplished blues guitarist. Jonny Lang has a great, soulful voice. Dude can also kill a guitar. Favorite tracks are "Don't Stop for Anything", "One Person at a Time", "Thankful" (featuring Michael McDonald) and "Turn Around". Do yourself a favor and check this beast of a record out. Good from beginning to end.



2. Marc Broussard-Keep Coming Back

If you're not familiar with Marc Broussard, all of his stuff is worth picking up, but this latest album is chock full of 70s soulful goodness. Think Bill Withers/Tower of Power kind of vibe. Favorite tracks are "Hard Knocks", "Come in From the Cold" (live) and "Man for Life". Definitely a great throwback album with great musicianship and production.



3. Fellowship Church-Closer to the Start

This is not your Daddy's church worship project. It feels more like a good pop album that happens to be worship and outreach focused. It's also not your average church album's production. Everything is crisp and clean on this record. Favorite tracks are "God So Loved", "Shores of Mystery", "Til You Throw it Away" and "New Creation". Pick this one up if you're a little tired of "normal" worship music and use as inspiration to shake your own worship times up a bit.


4. Brooke Fraser-Albertine

To say I love this album would be an understatement in the arena of saying I merely love Coke. This is easily my favorite album I've purchased in the last 2 years. Brooke is a great writer and her voice is like fresh air. Favorite tracks are "C.S. Lewis Song", "Shadowfeet" and "Albertine". There really isn't a track on the CD I don't like. When the bridge of the "C.S. Lewis Song" hits and she sings "we are not long here..." it hits me like a ton of bricks every time. You can also hear Brooke singing on some Hillsongs United records. She wrote their song, "Hosanna" among others.

5. Cannonball Adderly-Somethin' Else

This is the best jazz record most people have never heard of. It's right on par with Miles Davis' Classic "Kind of Blue". Cannonball is a tour de force on sax and the rest of the band is smoking hot. Favorite tracks are ALL OF THEM! This record has my favorite version of "Autumn Leaves" ever recorded. The sax solo to kick off the improvisations on "One for Daddy-O" still slays me even though I can sing along with the entire solo note for note. If you're jazz collection is missing this iconic project pick it up now. You won't regret it.

What are the albums that get continual love in your iTunes?