Help Skyhawk Drive!

After many years of being a band, Skyhawk Drive is in need of a new van and trailer. They are raising money on the popular band site Kickstarter, and there are plenty of awesome rewards, such as signed EPs, t shirts, even up to a Skype concert! Skyhawk Drive has a heart to minister, their music is powerful, but most of all these guys have a heart to serve God. Watch the video below and donate to Skyhawk Drive by clicking HERE. I know I will be!

My favorite Christmas songs!

With Christmas just around the corner, I'd like to share with you a few of my favorite Christmas songs! There's no way I could post all of them but here's a couple. They're in no particular order, I love these songs equally. Enjoy!

"Christmas Shoes" by FM Static

"Merry Christmas McAllister" by Skyhawk Drive

(This song was removed from PureVolume, and isn't on YouTube, so here you go!)

"Happy Christmas" by Sent by Ravens

"His Favorite Christmas Story" by Capital Lights

"Do You Hear What I Hear" by Flyleaf

"I'm Gettin' Nuttin' For Christmas" by Relient K

Music Review: "Christmas Together EP" by Jamie Grace

Looking for some good Christmas music? This four song EP recently released by Jamie Grace is sure to give you that Christmas cheer!

The EP starts with "Christmas Together", an original fun song about the times we share as a family during the holidays. Jamie Grace's music has always been fun beats with a positive message, and this song fits the bill perfectly. "Christmas Together" is full of witty lyrics, but brings everything together to remind us cherish the times we have as family together at Christmas.

I really like Jamie Grace's spin on "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"; one of my favorite Christmas songs! Jamie Grace takes an awesome classic and add a fun beat and her signature vocal style. It's definitely a different take, but a great one!

When I saw she had covered "Christmas Don't Be Late", I had to smile. This is such a cute song, and Jamie Grace brings the fun and whimsy of this song to 2011. Definitely a fun track, even if it is a little unexpected.

The final song is "What Child Is This", and features fellow Gotee labelmate, Abandon Kansas. This is the more serious song on the EP, and they did a great job collaborating. This version of "What Child Is This" has become one of my favorites. Once again, Jamie Grace puts her spin on a classic, adds her beautiful voice, as well as Jeremy Spring's great vocals. The addition of "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" just adds to the beauty of this song. Best track on the EP!

Jamie Grace has done a great job on this EP. She's taken classics, put her own spin on them, and made something for everyone.You can get the album on iTunes or Amazon MP3 for a really good price!

"Christmas Together" Music Video

I love Jamie Grace's new music video for her song, "Christmas Together". I'm going to see her in concert today and can't wait. Let this song put you in the Christmas mood!

Music Video: "Quota" by eleventyseven

Check out this very funny music video from eleventyseven! Their new album, "Sugarfist" is available on iTunes.

My predictions for Christian Grammy Winners 2012!

I was sorely disappointed at the number of nominees for the Gospel Category. Quite small. But, I guess that's what we have the Dove's for. Here are my picks for winners. You can see the list of Christian nominees at Justin's Christian Music Spot.

Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance:
"Do Everything" by Steven Curtis Chapman. It's innovative, fresh and creative. You gotta love the guy. SCC consistently puts out great Christian music, and he is the forefather of Contemporary Christian music. No contest.

Best Gospel Song:
"Sitting With Me" by Mary Mary. There are some strong contenders in this category, but in my opinion this is the best written. Love this song and the message behind it.

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song:
I am torn between "Hold Me" by Jamie Grace and "Blessings" by Laura Story. Both are great songs, and congratulations to both of them for getting the nods so early in their careers. Laura Story will probably win, but I'm hoping for a Jamie Grace takeover. If Chris Tomlin wins I will throw something.

Best Gospel Album:
I've only heard two albums from this list, and I'm having a hard time between "Hello Fear" and "Something Big". Both are excellent albums with rave reviews, but I think I will go with "Something Big" by Mary Mary.

Best Contemporary Christian Album:
Most of these I don't really listen to, seeing how I like Rock better, but I was surprised at Royal Tailor's nomination. I think it will be between Gungor and Brandon Heath, but I hope Royal Tailor wins. If Chris Tomlin wins I will be quite angry.

Music Review: Skyhawk Drive's self-titled second album!

Well this is a review that is LONG overdue. If you have ever read my blog, you probably know I am a huge fan of Skyhawk Drive. I've followed their journey for a while now, and it just keeps getting better! Let's get to the music!

 One thing you'll notice different than the band's first EP is that gone are the days of the happy punk pop for Skyhawk Drive. Their new sound is more mature, and tackles deeper issues. I really like it! Starting us off is a haunting intro that leaves you full of expectation for the first track, "Whisper", with just a tease of the chorus in a piano background. Beautiful! "Whisper" is one of my FAVORITE songs of 2011. The feeling in the music, the passion in Ronnie's voice all speak to the listener. "Whisper" is a strong song with powerful lyrics that plead for God to direct our lives. This is a must listen to track. The edgier sound of Skyhawk Drive is amazing!

 "Brothers In Arms" is my tie favorite with "Whisper" on this album. Opening with a soft piano and epic drums, the band begins to sing the chorus as one, then all of a sudden Ronnie lets loose, and the song begins. Is this really the band that sang "Their Dance, Your Chance" back in 2009? They were good then, but they're awesome now! I love the chorus, that says "Wake me before the dawn, brothers in arms, stand till the fight is won, together as one." The music behind this song brings the rock edge, and the lyrics bring a strong story of unity. 

 

 Halfway through the album, we come to "Something More", a Switchfoot-esque song that speaks of following God, taking a leap of faith and giving into "Something More" - God. "I'm moving forward, I'll die another day" and other lines in this song challenge us as Christians to trust in God and do radical things. "A Simple Song" is a beautiful, acoustic love song that speaks of struggling to share one's feelings with someone, but nevertheless finding the courage to share them. This is such a pretty song, both in the lyrics and music.

"The Getaway" is a fun song that is an anthem of a generation. Don't tell us we're not good enough, that we'll never be able to achieve our dreams! There's a fun rock beat, fun lyrics that not only make for a good song, but a life anthem as well.

WHY ARE THESE GUYS NOT SIGNED TO A MAJOR LABEL? Seriously.....This EP, produced by Ben Kasica, has the band sounding better than ever, with some of the best music I've heard this year. Skyhawk Drive has come a long way since "Center Stage Shout Out", and I believe they will only get better. "Skyhawk Drive" is a must have album. I've (unfortunately) never had the chance to meet these guys or see the band live, but I've been able to tune into a few Livestream sessions they did, as well as watch them live on YouTube, and their passion for music is amazing. Be sure to recommend Skyhawk Drive to your friends, ask your church to have them come play, "Like" them on facebook, follow them on Twitter....buy their music on Amazon MP3 or iTunes. But whatever you do, be sure to keep your eye on them!