I hope everyone had a safe and fun Fourth of July. July is the month where families and friends get together to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, also known as the birth of the
Cedric Austin | Metro Voice Music Editor
United States, which was signed on July 4, 1776. I encourage you to get some sun, enjoy the summer and create a playlist of your favorite Christian artists. Also, I would like to thank each of you for being faithful readers of Metro Voice.
Faith And Family Night
The Kansas City Royals will host their annual Faith & Family Night at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 6:15 p.m.
The event will feature Scott Dawson of Safe at Home and testimonies from select players as well as a post-game concert by Newsboys. You do not want to hear how amazing it was from all your friends. You want to be there and see it for yourself! Secure your tickets at Royals.com/faith. Metro Voice is proud to be a community sponsor.
July New Releases
Anthony Brown & group therapy, “A Long Way From Sunday”, Tyscot, Provident Records
Bright City, “Hello Maker”, Bright City Collective, SHOUT Music
Greater Vision, “Still”, Daywind Records – New Day
Manafest, “Stones”, Fuel Music, New Day
Le’Andria Johnson, “Bigger Than Me”, RCA Inspiration, Provident Records
Maranatha – Heart of Worship Hymns, Capitol Records
Bryan Popin, “I Got Out”, Fuel Music, New Day
Gold City, “Treasures Of Gold”, New Haven Records, Provident Records
Hillsong
Who is Hillsong? This is most likely a question you will never be asked. Hillsong has been taking the Christian music industry by storm since the drop of their first album titled The Power of Your Love in 1992. Hillsong United formed in 1998 as part of Hillsong Church’s youth ministry. The band consists of several rotating worship leaders from the church. United has since released several live and studio albums. Their latest studio album is titled, “Wonder”. After listening to this album, I cannot find a single song I do not love. One of my favorite songs on the album is, “So Will I (100 Billion X).” The line that spoke most to me from this song was, “and as you speak, a hundred billion failures disappear.” This album is definitely one that should be on your summer playlist. My other picks to listen to on this new album are Wonder, Not Today and Shadow Step. I wouldn’t quite say that many of these songs would be usable for your worship team needs, but I will say you will definitely enjoy them for your listening pleasure.
Southern Gospel Royalty
Greater Vision
“For a quarter of a century, Greater Vision has inspired audiences with their rich vocal blend and their effective ability to communicate the message of the gospel. They have established a firm place at the pinnacle of Christian music, and have become the most awarded trio in the history of gospel music.” For those of us who love southern gospel music, we are never disappointed by the sound or lyrics that Greater Vision has brought in years past. Not only is Greater Vision releasing a new album, but we will also enjoy the added baritone voice of Jon Epley. He has traveled with The Inspirations, The Ball Brothers, and the LeFevre Quartet. Be on the lookout for “Still,” which will be released by Daywind Records in July.
Gospel Music on Another Level
Anthony Brown is an urban contemporary gospel artist and musician.
Anthony has had a lot of influences. As a young man he was really excited about classical music. He studied Chopin, Handel, Bach, and other great performers. Anthony thought the level of musicianship was pretty amazing. In gospel music he would attribute the Hawkins family, Andrae Crouch and the Clark Sisters as being pretty influential in his music. When asked to define his music style he says, “it’s a balance between gospel, classical, jazz, even theater. It is music wrapped up in the message of love and hope. I don’t like to classify it just as gospel or Christian music. I think it is just music, but the message behind it is definitely one of love and hope.” Anthony started his music career in 2012 with the release of Anthony Brown & group therAPy. The hit song from that album which seemed to play on every radio station around the country was Testimony. Besides Testimony, some of Anthony Brown & group therAPy’s other hits are Do It Again, Water, Trust In You and the chart topping Worth. Every choir I know has sung Worth a time or two. Do yourself a favor. Run out and buy or download on any digital platform Anthony Brown & group therAPy’s new album, A Long Way From Sunday, which is coming out this month.
–By Cedric Austin
