“Grace” - Ed Kowalczyk

Just in case you didn't know, Ed Kowalczyk, the former frontman of Live, went solo, and with a holy vengeance at that.

On his debut single, Ed shows a passion that we've never heard from him before. Ed works hard to get his message across, that, no matter what you look at or what you have to say, his faith is real. It's the kind of intensity that makes you want to stand up and shout “Yeah, that's right, I do still have faith; so put a sock in it!”

Okay, maybe holy vengeance was the wrong term to use. How about a holy passion? Yes, that will work.

This is quite the contrast from his days with Live. I went back and listened to two of Live's most loved songs: “I Alone” and “Heaven,” songs of similar tempo where Kowalczyk sings in a similar range, and I was shocked at the difference in the intensity of his voice on “Grace.” Whereas, with Live, it almost sounded easy (even on “Heaven,” which is another faith declaration), Kowalczyk works hard to make sure that you know that he means and believes every word he's singing.

Now, if a line a ever existed between alt-rock and alt-metal, EK sure found it on “Grace.” The song starts out nice and easy, and doesn't immediately give the impression of a smashing power-song, but once the drums and EK's voice kick in, you get the impression that you're in for something good, and something intense. The chorus rolls along nicely until the whole song finds a new level when, on the bridge, we get some distortion scratching and those metal-esk guitar riffs. The change is subtle, though, and only serves to tie the whole song together into one extremely heartfelt message.

In four words: “I love this song!”

In three more words? “You will too.”

You can listen to "Grace" using the YouTube video below:

Like what you've heard so far? Stay tuned for more great finds at Christian Music Discovery, the place for good Christian music.

Don't like what you've heard so far? Let me know! Click my profile link on the right, and shoot me an e-mail to let me know about an artist, album, or song that you think we should feature at Christian Music Discovery.

Afterthought: After hearing this song, my wife better understood what many of Live's songs were about. I'm sure some of you can appreciate her epiphany.

"You Were There" - Norman Hutchins

This has simply got to be one of my favorite black gospel songs of all time.

I remember very distinctly, as a child, listening to this song over and over and over again after the passing of my father. The message of this song is so simple: “God, you said you would never leave me or forsake me, and you stayed true to your word.”

The music, as black gospel goes, is relatively simple, but the progressions are skillfully written so as to help take the listener on the same journey down memory lane that Norman Hutchins takes, citing the general idea that, through it all, God was there. It also serves to take the listener back through their own personal experience with God, putting you in remembrance of all the times that God has shown Himself faithful. The addition of that strong mass choir sound after the bridge drives it home, and really serves to bring comfort to the listener. Wow!

Honestly, I'm totally thrilled to be able to share this song with you. It's been extremely helpful to me, and I pray that it is the same with you.

You can listen to "You Were There" on the YouTube video below:

Stay tuned for more great Christian music @ Christian Music Discovery, the place for good Christan Music.

"Finder Of The Lost" - Dorothy Savage

Ok, so I've already let you know that I love the alternative sound with female vocals, so it's no surprise that my first plug would fall into the category.

Dorothy Savage has one of those voices that could fit with so many different styles of music. As a matter of fact, the Christmas Album that she just dropped has a lot of that lounge/jazz/pop sound to it.

Here however, we have a powerful ballad that expresses perfectly what it means to be found in Christ. Against the driving pulse and electric guitar riffs, Dorothy's voice cuts through and delivers this message with great clarity, expressing oh so clearly that there is hope even in what seems to be the darkest of times. That message is perfectly summed up in the key line of the chorus: "At the very moment that we're breakin' is the very moment that you breakthrough, and this is how we know we're found."

I also love how the music and the progressions are intelligent and well thought-out, which are elements that tend to get short-changed on songs with powerful messages (this is the musician in me talking.)  Without being overdone, there's enough variety and demonstration of instrumental skill in the music to really reinforce and drive home the point, which is what it's supposed to do.

I hope you enjoy "Finder Of The Lost," and stay tuned for more great music discoveries!

You can listen to "Finder Of The Lost" on the YouTube video below:

Welcome to Christian Music Discovery!

Well, it's official: a place now exists on the web where you can discover all sorts of great Christian music. The best part is that you're already here!

I created Christian Music Discovery to present great Christian music that you may not ever discover in your regular course of living. I work to identify music that is not only great Christian music, but great music, period. In following this blog, you'll get to be party to all of the great discoveries I come across. That means new songs for you to download, new albums for you to add to your library, and new artists for you to follow!

Together, you and I are going to look at all varieties of Christian Music, new and old(er); from indie to major label, from heavy metal to electro-pop and all that lies in between.

Why cover so many bases? Because there is (and has been) a whole lot of good Christian music, and you deserve to know about ALL of it!

I also feel that it's important for us to see all that God has done in the lives of people who have been willing to give their lives to preaching the Gospel in music, and leading His people in worship. It can only be beneficial to see what God has done through so many singers and musicians!

With all that being said, I know you'll find something here that moves you. If you have any artists you'd like to recommend, or any suggestions, feel free to let me know. Enjoy all your new finds @ Christian Music Discovery, the place for good Christian music!