“Prayer Room” Sarah Betshabaz Independent (release date: February 19, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich Sarah Betshabaz, a young singer-songwriter from Latvia, accompanies herself on piano on the title track of her new album. “Prayer Room” is a ballad as intimate and quietly passionate as its subject, that special space where petitions are given air and lifted like balloons toward the Maker. Whether as a musician, songwriter, or singer—her soprano voice is tender and vulnerable—Sarah Betshabaz is captivating. Sarah Betshabaz ..read more

“Grace and Mercy” Jennifer Lynn From the album Bluebird (album release date: July 21, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich Christian singer-songwriter Jennifer Lynn’s “Grace and Mercy” sparkles with tenderness and authenticity. It is an autobiographical ode of gratitude to God for always being there in her life, through the good times and the bad. Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, Jennifer, from Ontario, Canada, delivers the message in a resolute but lovely voice. The song blends the earthy twang of contemporary country with the melodic fluidity of CCM. Jennifer Lynn Music ..read more

“That’s My King” CeCe Winans From the forthcoming PureSprings Gospel / FairTrade Services CD More Than This (single release date: February 2, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich Veteran singer CeCe Winans has the training, the talent, the experience, and the chops to put any song over. Her new single, “That’s My King,” is no exception. Her celebration of the King of Kings overflows with energy. It’s buoyed by a thumping rhythm section and rapid-fire lyric reading. Like other CeCe singles, “That’s My King” deftly straddles the CCM and gospel lanes. Kyle Lee produced this fresh and vibrant single. CeC ..read more

“All Mighty God” Andy E. McGuire Moravera Music (release date: May 13, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich After listening to Andy McGuire’s “All Mighty God,” anyone who has lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s disease—I can empathize, having lost my mother, grandmother, and several aunts to the affliction—will need to have tissue handy. McGuire, a country and gospel singer-songwriter from Georgia, penned the song to pay tribute to his mother who had a hard life but never lost her faith, even while battling the debilitating disease. The heartbreaking lyrics capture McGuire’s sorrow and his own faith walk ..read more

“Jesus” Sydnee Danielle Revival Music Co. (release date: August 18, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich Sydnee Danielle’s debut single (and testimony) “Jesus” is as fine a Pick of the Week as any this year. It’s a breezy, melodic, and heartfelt paean to the Lord from a singer whose vocals couldn’t be more ideally suited to this sweet song. Given that “Jesus” has one foot in CCM and one foot in gospel, it’s likely to be a crossover hit and inspire cover versions aplenty. The song, which Sydnee told syndicated columnist Dr. Eunice Moseley came to her in a dream, was produced by Terrance Howell and Jes ..read more

“Running to the Light” Amanda Joy Powell From the independent album Made Anew (release date: July 14, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich “Running to the Light” is another melodic treat from Ontario-born Christian singer-songwriter Amanda Joy Powell, now residing in Cumberland, Virginia. It takes its place alongside “A Million Moments” and the Christmas song “This Child of Bethlehem” as her finest singles. In spite of the knowledge that the Lord loves us just as we are, Powell sings in “Running to the Light” that she would rather seek the light than be content in the darkness. Amanda Joy Powell ..read more

“Thank God I Do” Lauren Daigle Centricity Music / Atlantic (release date: March 8, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich I recognize that “Thank God I Do” has been around for a bit, but no time like the present. Christian singer Lauren Daigle’s single is her best since the 2018 smash hit, “You Say.” A haunting piano intro leads into a prayer closet expression of gratitude for God’s protection. Daigle then raises the temperature when she gushes, “I don’t know who I’d be if I didn’t know you / I’d probably fall off the edge.” As a singer, Daigle has been compared to Adele, and that similarity is especia ..read more

Top Nominees Include Brandon Lake, Jason Ingram, Jeff Pardo, Katy Nichole, Kirk Franklin, Lauren Daigle, Naomi Raine, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard  Nashville, TN (August 9th, 2023) – The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce nominees for the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Top male nominees include Brandon Lake with eleven (11) nominations, songwriter Jeff Pardo with eight (8) nominations, and Jason Ingram and Kirk Franklin receiving six (6) nominations each. Top female nominees include Katy Nichole, who picked up four (4) nominations with Lauren Daigle, Naomi Raine, and Tasha Cobbs Leo ..read more

Saved By Grace The Nashville Recordings Bless Up Records (release date: July 7, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich Accepting an invitation from Dean Miller, who discovered the Christian group on social media, Saved By Grace trekked from their Erie, Pennsylvania, home to Omni Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. There, Miller helped the ensemble produce its five-song EP The Nashville Recordings. Maybe it’s the Music City atmosphere, but the EP reveals an easy-rocking country-flavored group that works in earthy melodies and hooky refrains. Rebirth, or literally “saved by grace,” is the primary theme of The ..read more

“He’s Love” The Caleb Project feat. Cassie Graham-Price (release date: April 25, 2023) By Robert M. Marovich For those who feel lost and “stuck in the moment / and the moment won’t let you go,” the Caleb Project is here to tell you “He’ll do it for you.” Written by Caleb Project founder Bryan Iler, “He’s Love” has an easy acoustic feel that is part country, part CCM. Graham-Price’s vocals set the appropriate tone, and the scrumptious harmonies evoke Lady A. Iler said writing the song was a cathartic response to the unexpected and avertible death of his mother, whose hand he held as she breathe ..read more