Category: Music

Do you ever feel alone? Do you ever feel like you're on your own, with nobody to rely on? Do your friends and family sometimes blow you off and make you feel like you're not worth their time? Do you ever feel abandoned? We've all been there at some point. I've played this song over about a dozen times this morning...and not because it's new and I'm just getting to know it. I love this song because it touches the place in my heart that needs reassurance. It reminds me of what I already know: Go...
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Who doesn't like free music? I know I don't...not...like free music. Okay, that was awkward. Let's try again: Who likes free music? I do! I'm sure you do too. Here are four free songs you can download: Andrew Peterson's Many RoadsEsterlyn's TreasureAudrey Assad's The House You're BuildingSean Keith's Amen Yep. Free. All you have to do to get them is become a member of the NRT (New Release Tuesday) website. That's free too. Then they'll send you an email each week to let you know that there ar...
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I'm on a roll. You want even MORE free Christian music? Yeah, I thought so. Every week or so I get an email from iTickets.com. They tell me about a new FREE mp3 or two. I like that. This week's freebie is Lift Up by Abel's Offering, from their album Testimony. To get it, go to iTickets.com and sign up. You too can get free music every week! ...
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Love Christian music? Want some FREE Christian music? Jesus Freak Hideout has been a destination site for Christian music fans for many years...13 years so far. About a decade ago I considered trying to compete with them, but they're simply too big and too good at what they do. They're awesome. They do album reviews, interviews with artists, devotionals, and more. You should totally check them out. While you're there, click the link on the left that says "Downloads". You'll find around 15 free...
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Finally, Zoo Seven's new album Lifesaver is available! Did I mention that it's absolutely FREE? Yes, free. Zoo Seven is Del Currie...you may remember him, along with a few friends, from the band Fono. In case you're not familiar with any of that stuff, you can visit Zoo Seven's music page and listen to each song. Then, when you find that you like it, you can download it! Then, when you've downloaded it, you might consider spreading the word on your blog, website, or social networking site. T...
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Judd and Maggie have a new album coming soon! Choose will debut July 17th, and they're giving away a new song to promote it. Visit their website to download a free copy of Someone. If you like what you hear, pick up a copy when it's available. Take a look at their concert schedule as well...I'm sure they're great fun at a live show. ...
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Dear Veterans: thank you.     ...
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Jennifer Knapp was, at one time, the darling of the Christian Rock set. Then, quite suddenly, she disappeared. Rumors abounded as to what happened to her, but the truth is pretty simple. Here's what she's been doing for the past seven years: I completely had to divorce myself from the whole thing because I never really took ownership of what music meant for me as an individual. I needed to figure that out, so I really left the music business with the idea that I may not ever do it again. T...
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Are you the (awesome) kind of person who loves bluegrass music? Yeah, I thought so. How would you like not one...not two...but eleven free songs from a really talented group of bluegrass musicians? Yeah, I thought you'd like that. Mountain Holler is offering exactly that many songs, for absolutely free (minus the cost of your computer, internet connection fees, and listening time). You should go and listen, and download their songs. If you live in the Colorado area, you should check them out li...
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How'd you like 21 free songs? Yeah, I thought so. In exchange for your free registration, Gotee Records has at least 21 mp3's available for download right now. Simply register and go to their Artists page...you can see which artists are giving away music. Gotee was started by tobyMac and friends, and doesn't sign artists from your uncle's "praise team" that only practices during Sunday School...they're cutting-edge acts, like: Grits Family Force 5 The Katinas Sarah Kelly Out of Eden Mar...
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For two days only, Derek Webb is giving away music. Not a promotional mp3, but an entire album. You can get your own copy of Stockholm Syndrome at NoiseTrade. If you're not familiar with Derek's music, you can hear samples before downloading. Before his solo career, Derek was both a lead singer and songwriter for Caedmon's Call. After leaving the group, Webb didn't enjoy as much commercial success...but he's had more artistic freedom. I like both his music and his message, and recommend him. ...
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Do you remember the Dove ads from 2008, showing how far from reality a typical cover model's picture is? Makeup, photo tricks, digital enhancement and retouching give us the impression that these 'beautiful people' are something they're not. Johnny Diaz wants young women to see that they're beautiful, valuable, and important without looking like a falsified version of a real woman. From his 2009 album of the same name, here's Johnny Diaz singing More Beautiful You. ...
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I just finished widening my pages here on GodWords. I did it so I could post more videos without resizing them. My narrower page forced me to shrink YouTube videos to fit...so I reworked the graphics and stylesheet to make more room. I thought it would be good to post a wider video right away, to see how it looked. I looked for a good one on YouTube, and was surprised...no, shocked...to see that I'd never posted this video. Jake Shimabukuro is a really, really good ukulele player. George Harri...
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Christian musician Jennifer Knapp will be joining Lilith Fair for 2010. What do you think of that? Jennifer Knapp is a Christian artist, performing generally inspirational music. She's a talented rocker, and I like her music. Lilith Fair is an all-female traveling music festival, organized by Sara McLachlan. The name comes from a medieval legend that Adam's first wife was named Lilith.  I'd like your opinions: do you think that's a good idea? Why, or why not? Some might suggest that ...
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Most of you know that I'm something of a Christian music nut. One of my favorites, ever since hearing part of his first single on the radio in 1985, is the late Rich Mullins. He was a different kind of artist. Like Keith Green before him, Rich's words rang with authenticity, humility, and unflinching honesty. Lots of people make music, but Rich put truth to song. He wasn't just a singer/songwriter, either...he lived what he believed. Recently, a friend went through a traumatic situation. She's ...
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I like Thousand Foot Krutch. They have a new album coming out soon. If you click some of the buttons below, you can figure out whether you like TFK as well. If you like them, you might want to buy their album. ...
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Most of you probably don't know who Nick Cannon is. That's okay...he hasn't made a huge splash yet. He put out one rap album, hosted some Nickelodeon shows, did some cartoon voice-overs, did some stand-up comedy. He's currently the host of America's Got Talent...but his big claim to fame is that he's Mr. Mariah Carey. Yeah, that's right. He married Mariah. Anyway, I ran across this video tonight and it made me cry. We seldom hear a strong pro-life message from entertainers these days, and just...
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I'm not too familiar with Leeland. Since they've offered me a free mp3 in exchange for taking a survey, I'm going to become more familiar with Leeland. I didn't have to give any personal information to get a copy of Love is On The Move. If you're interested, you can take the survey and get this song. ...
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I like Shane and Shane. Not only are they talented singers, they're principled artists. A lot of their songs are simply Scripture set to music. A lot of people (myself included) hear that and think "Um...yeah. No thanks"...but it really works. Enjoy The Answer. ...
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Kutless is giving away a free copy of their new song Complete! Here's a direct download link for the ZIP file containing the mp3. If you want to enter to win some other Kutless gear, visit the Bible Study Magazine page and give them your name and stuff. What's up for grabs? Four Kutless Fur Lined HoodiesFour Kutless "I Do Not Belong" ShirtsFour Kutless Women's Orange Flower Tees Four Kutless Coffee Mugs Four Kutless CDs - To Know That You're Alive Four Kutless CDs - Strong Tower Four subscrip...
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I'll admit to being a bit of a Scrooge. Like a lot of dudes, I'm not real excited about the holidays. There are a few exceptions: I love buying gifts for people I care about, I love the downtime that everybody expects with the holidays, and I love the song O Holy Night. Some enterprising person has taken a clip from The Nativity Story and overlaid Josh Groban singing O Holy Night. I haven't seen the movie, but am impressed with the acting in this clip. Josh Groban, of course, could sing th...
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I used to write song lyrics. Not for a living, but because I felt the need to express myself with music. At one point in college, I tried to collaborate on an original song with a friend. What a disaster that was! Neither of us were able to allow the other to make the song something new...we both tried to make it our own. Collaborating can be tough. Imagine collaborating with dozens of artists around the world. Never mind the logistics...just think of how easily you could ruin a song, or end up...
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If you're like me, you sometimes wish that the music behind those great worship lyrics was a little more...well, inspiring. Look no further! Plagues of Xodus presents Death Metal Worship! ...
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Some of you have already seen this über-70's video from Sonseed. I'm sure it was well-done at the time, but times change. That's part of the reason that this video has almost 3000 comments on its YouTube page. Leave it to someone cool - like David Crowder - to put tongue firmly in cheek and make it sound halfway decent. Original video first, then the redo. Thanks, David! ...
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Hear it First is giving away the brand-new 33 Miles song Gone. I got the link in my inbox, but also found it online. I really like 33 Miles...they seem like they're having a great time while they sing about important stuff. What are you waiting for? Go get it!...
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Many of you know that Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter Maria died tragically a few months ago. Recently, Steven Curtis and his wife Mary Beth appeared on Good Morning, America. Here's the 8-minute interview, where the family talks about grief and about supporting each other. They're very clear that their faith has sustained them, but it's equally noteworthy that they appear to have succeeded in helping their son Will Franklin deal with losing his little sister...he was behind the wheel of the ve...
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I have a kid. No, not a baby goat...a little boy. Because I have a little boy, and because I'm a Christian, the Rules clearly state that I must buy VeggieTales stuff. Fortunately for those who make the Rules, I'm happy to comply.Today's video gem features GodWords favorite Andrew Peterson and his good buddy Randall Goodgame in a 'making-of' feature from the newest Veggie DVD. It gives us just a little glimpse into the warped minds of these two talented artists. Enjoy!...
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Andrew Peterson is one of my very favoritist artists. Using only words - the same kinds of words I use - Andrew can create a picture that tells a story like very few songwriters can. Today's video turns the tables. Created by Trevor Little, Andrew's song Family Man gets penciled into our hearts and minds. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the hard work that goes into projects like this. I've wanted to create 'fan-videos' of some of my favorite music for a long time now, and can only dream o...
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If you're anywhere near Colorado tomorrow, come to Heaven Fest! It's a noon-to-midnight Christian music festival that's geared toward ministry to non-believers. Check out who's going to play, and consider that the tickets cost whatever you can afford...and that tickets for your non-Christian friends are absolutely free.See you there!...
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Fans of P.O.D. are eagerly awaiting their newest release, When Angels & Serpents Dance. Good news! You can download one of their new songs absolutely FREE!Just click here and you'll see the link to download Shine with Me.Sounds very good. You'll probably like it. ...
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You want great music?You want free music?Of course you do! Now's the time. Don't waste a moment...head over to Downhere's website and grab your free download of Wide-Eyed and Mystified.Why are they giving away a popular album? Head on over to their community message boards and find out. ...
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This just came in from Steven Curtis Chapman's manager:"It has been a little over a week since the accident that put Maria Chapman in Jesus' arms. These have been dark and trying days of deep sadness. The Chapman family is struggling with grief and wrestling to come to terms with the new normal, a world without Maria. It will be a long road. And yet, I want you to know that they are holding on to the truth of Gospel, just as I hope I would, just as you expect they might. It is not a false stren...
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Christian artist Meredith Andrews has a new e-card out, promoting her album The Invitation.I really like the sound of her voice...it's the kind of stuff that's fun to sing along with. The e-card has a short clip of Meredith, inviting you to listen and say hello when you see her on tour. Check it out!Meredith Andrews' E-CardMeredith Andrews' websiteMeredith Andrews' MySpace page ...
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One of my favorite groups of all time is Casting Crowns. They've described what they do as "discipleship set to music"...and that's something I can get behind. Their newest video, Slow Fade, was released today on Yahoo video. I went and got it so you could see it. The song will be featured in the upcoming movie Fireproof with Kirk Cameron. Enjoy!...
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Kutless will be releasing their new album, To Know That You're Alive, on June 24, 2008. To get some buzz going, Kutless and BEC Recordings are giving away the first cut. It's called The Feeling, and I like it.If you're not familiar with Kutless, now's a good time to start. This is a good song...a crunchy rock anthem that would fit nicely behind the credits of an action movie. As usual, you'll need to surrender your email address to get the free song. The official Kutless websiteGet the FREE song...
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Congratulations to all who were nominated and chosen! Most Christian artists do what they do with no regard for awards other than God's "well done, good and faithful servant". In my opinion, those who live that way deserve all of the awards.Take a little time to browse through the winners. If you're unfamiliar with some of them, now's a good time to get to know their music.Read more about the Dove Awards, if you're so inclined.Song of the Year"East to West"; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; My Refuge Mu...
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If you've never heard the name T-Bone Burnett, it's possible that you really have been living under a rock. He's a musician, producer, and songwriter (among other things). He's toured with Bob Dylan - back in the day, not recently - and produced music for artists like these:Bruce CockburnCounting CrowsElvis CostelloLos LobosRoy OrbisonSpinal Tap (yes, THE Spinal Tap)The Wallflowers...and his wife, Sam Phillips (the artist formerly known as Leslie Phillips). In addition to working well with other...
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Some people never learn.The point of the gospel is to share it. Some churches never quite get around to helping people share their faith...so they completely miss the point. Here's another example of someone missing the point: "'Call My Name’ is the best upbeat radio song from Third Day, ever", says Bob Thornton from Tulsa's KXOJ. "I'd play it ten times an hour if I could!" Source With all due respect to Bob Thornton (and I do respect him), it's a good thing he can't play it 10 times ...
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Jazz fans: here's some free music!Artist, Songwriter, and Producer Eric Copeland is offering three free mp3's:It's So Cool End of the DayWalking on AirWhat are you waiting for? Go get 'em! Just visit his website and look for "Free Stuff"....
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More free music! House of Heroes is giving away three free mp3's from their upcoming release, The End Is Not the End. They're not exactly free free. To get them, they're asking you to help spread the word about their ministry. Like Derek Webb, they want 5 email addresses first. They'll get one message, and their addresses won't be stored for future use.After listening to By Your Side, I'd say they're worth at least seven or eight addresses....
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Some of you remember Chris Sligh's time on American Idol. Actually, a whole bunch you probably remember it. It is, after all, the biggest thing on TV. If you're not familiar with Chris, you can see his audition video below.After placing 10th on the show, Chris carried on. You can pre-order his new CD Running Back to You at his website. Here's what one reviewer said about his album:It was amazing...it is truly one of the most complete Christian projects I have ever heard. It actually reminds me o...
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Maybe you all knew about this. Maybe it's such old news that nobody's talking about it anymore. Maybe I've been living under a rock.Why didn't anybody tell me that Michael Sweet has hooked up with Boston?Really...I'm a little peeved at you guys. Boston is the uber-awesome arena rock band known for such smash hits as More Than a Feeling and Hitch a Ride. Michael Sweet is a founding member of the trailblazing metal hair band Stryper, and a successful solo artist in his own right.I don't know how l...
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I just found this video...it's another version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow with What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Other versions of the song can be found by clicking the tag below, and other posts about the artist can be found by clicking on his name below.Simply beautiful....
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Do you like free music? No, not the kind that your third-cousin cooks up in his bedroom during summer break from junior high school...but the really good kind?There are a lot of places to find free and legal downloads of Christian music online these days. My goal is to harvest the digital goodness from each and every one...and to tell you about them.Today's free mp3 offering comes from Free CCM. It's powered by INO Records, so you know the music will be first-rate.Available now: Dive by Disciple...
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Most of you young'uns are only familiar with the DC Talk version of the song I Wish We'd All Been Ready. Here's an opportunity to hear it from the man who wrote it: Larry Norman.This is the best video of it I could find...my goal was that you hear the words as he sang them. If you know of a better copy, please let me know....
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Sunday Edition is offering a free mp3 of their new song Naaman in exchange for your name and email address. If you like Southern Gospel, visit their website and check them out. Website: Sunday Edition...
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Some of you are aware that the Imperials (the new ones, not the original ones) are suing an Imperial (an old one, not a new one). Yes, it's confusing. That seems to be the basis for the lawsuit. Armond Morales, an original Imperial, sold the rights to the group to his son for $1. The (new) Imperials now want him to stop calling himself an Imperial and to stop saying that he won Dove awards and Grammy awards. I've already posted a link to the open letter from Armond Morales to his son Jason. In t...
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Heaven Fest is coming! If you love good music, and live ANYWHERE near Colorado, you'll want to be here July 26 2008. I've been to music festivals...and after talking with the folks putting on Heaven Fest, I can tell you that it's probably not going to be quite like any of them. Spend a few minutes on their website, and start spreading the news. It's going to be an awesome time. I'll be there, and I hope you'll find me and say hello....
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I'm a little fuzzy on the legality of publishing song lyrics online (or I'd have published tens of thousands of songs already)...but, if you're looking for the lyrics to Larry Norman's songs, here they are. It looks to have a pretty complete discography as well. This seems particularly helpful, since Larry's official website doesn't have a comprehensive list. If his brother and friends are interested, I'd be willing to help put a complete discography online at no cost. In the meantime, check out...
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The latest addition to the Larry Norman Video List: Goodbye, Farewell. Starts with comments from Larry about examining his own life after suffering from several heart attacks. ...
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It's time for another version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. No, I'm not obsessive about the song...it's just on my mind. I've probably listened to version #1 a hundred times, and haven't gotten tired of it.I was fortunate enough to see Tommy Emmanuel in concert last year (thanks, Allan)...and was completely blown away. If you have the opportunity to see him live, don't miss it. He's a lot of fun, and is an unbelievable guitar player. ...
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Many of you know The Imperials. You know, the trail-blazing Christian singing group from the 70's and 80's and beyond?Well, founding member Armond Morales sold the rights to The Imperials in 2005 for $1...to his son Jason. He was retiring, and happy that his legacy would continue.Sounds like a good story...right?Turns out there's been some confusion over the name. As a Christianity Today article says, The 2007 lawsuit seeks to have Armond Morales stop using the name "the Classic Imperials" - a n...
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I've always loved the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Maybe you have too. I've also been intrigued by the oooh oooh at the beginning of one version of the song, but never knew who sang it. Because I'd never heard the whole song, I figured it was a woman with a low voice...and thought it was beautiful. Turns out the song is pretty well-known (to everyone in the world but me, I guess)...and it's sung by a man. Now that I've heard the whole thing, it's more beautiful than I thought it would be. ...
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Larry singing The Outlaw. Great song....
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Larry singing Let the Rain Fall Down in 2006....
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Larry singing one of his better-known songs on The Rock Gospel Show. [Update: Google video no longer available.]...
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Larry Norman, singing in 1975 to a select group of people. [Update: Google Video no longer available.]...
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Larry Norman is no longer with us. Of course, as the title of his most famous album says, he was only visiting this planet anyway.Larry was often called - and rightly so - the father of contemporary Christian music. His influence on Christian music can't easily be overstated. Here are Larry's final words to us, his fans:I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God's hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble...
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It's time to think about this summer's travel schedule. If you live ANYWHERE CLOSE to the Rocky Mountain region, consider coming to Colorado in July. Why? Simple: Heaven Fest!Seriously...this looks like it's gonna be a great day of awesome music, evangelism, and intercessory prayer. I've met with the folks who are creating the event, and by all accounts it looks like a God-directed event. I'm not going to miss a minute of it, so you should come and say hello. There will be contests and giveaways...
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It's been said that the heart of rock 'n roll is rebellion. At times, that's true...it depends on the song, doesn't it? I suppose some would respond that if it's not rebellious, it's not rock 'n roll. That may be true in a general sense, as a recent study indicates. At the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine, the 279 most popular songs of 2005 (according to Billboard magazine) were analyzed for references to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Here are the results:1/3 of the most popular song...
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Like Valentine's Day? Like punk? If your mental image of cupid includes a giant tattoo and pierced eyebrows, you might like today's free mp3. It's a special Feb 14-only download called Homemade Valentine by Children 18:3. They're part of the Tooth and Nail family, and show great promise. They were named the best unsigned band of 2006 by HM Magazine, which is saying something. David, Seth, LeeMarie Hostetter are siblings, and they apparently have a "legendary" live show. Look for them on tour, 'c...
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I've been on a Reliant K kick lately. I don't know why I've only really discovered them in the past few months...I guess I'm a bit slow. After hearing a couple of songs on a compilation album, I asked for Reliant K for Christmas. I got 6 of their CDs, and have been enjoying them a little obsessively ever since.I'm surprised at the maturity and depth of their lyrics, their brutal honesty, and at how much fun I have listening to them have fun. If you haven't really taken the time to check them out...
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Switchfoot fans know the name Jon Foreman...he's their energetic and insightful lead singer. Jon Foreman fans know that he's an incredibly talented man. If you live in southern California, you can see and hear Jon at Lou's Records in Encinitas on Saturday, February 9. I was in Encinitas for several days last fall, and drove right past Lou's. Now I wish I'd stopped in...it looks like a great place for music. Now for the free MP3: visit Lou's website and grab it. ...
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Tooth and Nail band Ivoryline is offering a free mp3 download of their new sure-to-be-a-hit song Hearts and Minds. I don't normally post direct links to downloads...I want GodWords visitors to visit each artist's website to get their free song. The idea is to promote the artists themselves, not my own website. In this case, the song isn't available from their website. They've chosen a craptastic download service that was a huge hassle...so, to save you from frustration, I've posted a direct link...
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Contemporary Christian artist Sandra McCracken is offering a free mp3 download:Ten Thousand Angels was heard recently on Grey's Anatomy. They liked it so much that it played for around 5 minutes, which required some editing to make the song longer!The song was written by Sandra, performed by Caedmon's Call, and sung by Derek Webb. To download this song, you'll need to give up your name, address, and zip. I'm happy to do that to keep up with what Sandra is doing....
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Finally! Here's album review #1:Undertowby Jeremy CotterTracks:Daddies SongEmpty Me A NewJESUS Is The OneSoon I'm Going HomeFind Them OffensiveHOLYSPIRITUndertowOn CalvaryGOD Qualified The CalledWe Thank You JESUSGODfatherTime To ChooseIf you like country-fried rock, you're probably going to like Undertow. Most of the album is a hard-driving wall of sound that shows that Jeremy and his band are willing to throw their hearts and souls into the music. Not afraid to take a risk, this album lets it ...
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I've got some making up to do! I spent a lot of time blogging on CCM Links about free mp3's, and putting off doing album reviews. Well, no more. Thanks to all of you who have sent music for me to review. I'm both honored and humbled, and you've had precious little to show for your efforts. I'm not exactly sure how I want to do album reviews, which is part of the reason that I put them off almost indefinitely. I want to be honest about each album, but I also want to be encouraging to each artist....
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