Category Archives: Songs
CCM vs. SG Smackdown: “Wish You Were Here”
I’ve decided I’d like to start a new series. Here’s the idea: I take two songs, one drawn from Southern Gospel, the other drawn from a different genre like CCM or country, that have very similar themes (maybe even similar … Continue reading
Filed under CCM vs. SG, Other Genres, Songs
Borrowing: Wandering Shepherd, by Dan Fogelberg
The late Dan Fogelberg is underrated among singer/songwriters, but a few of you might recall songs like the wedding hit “Longer” and the understated chart-topper “Leader of the Band.” He was a powerful influence on Michael Card, and you can … Continue reading
Great Songs vs. Good Songs: What’s the Secret Ingredient?
I am a fiercely attentive student of great songs and great music. I spend many hours just absorbing the work of skilled lyricists and musicians, trying to understand the rhyme and the rhythm. As a wannabe musician and songwriter, I … Continue reading
Filed under Songs
Sing it Again: “Love Them While We Can”
Most people might not know what a smooth pop singer Steve Green was before he launched his solo career. But he turned in some truly silky work with the Gaither Vocal Band in his early years with them. One of … Continue reading
Filed under Sing it again, Songs
Ballad Buffet!
“It’s a ballad!” “Oh, that’s helpful.” There’s been some recent discussion around the southern gospel blogosphere over the vagueness of the generic term “ballad” by itself. I personally believe David Bruce Murray nailed it with his categorizations, even though they … Continue reading
Filed under Great Music, Other Genres, Songs, Songwriting
My Favorite Southern Gospel Songs of 2011, Part 2
Here are my top five southern gospel songs of the year. 5. The Crossing, Crabb Revival (written by Gerald Crabb) — First time I heard this, I thought “Instant classic.” Others have agreed with me. 4. We Will Stand Our … Continue reading
Filed under Songs
My Favorite Southern Gospel Songs of 2011, Part 1
2011 was a good year for Southern Gospel, with many excellent new songs. Even with my (I gather unusual) policy of limiting my top ten list to songs first introduced in 2011 (i.e. excluding covers of previously recorded material), it … Continue reading
Filed under Commentary, Songs
Borrowing: “Lazarus” by Wes King
Time for another entry in the “borrowing” series. I’ve got a BOATLOAD of ideas in this category… just trying not to dump them all on you at once. Stay tuned for many more to come! Wes King is one of … Continue reading
Folk Rhyme Meets Southern Gospel: He Saw it All
The Booth Brothers’ “He Saw It All” was probably embraced largely by virtue of its uniqueness. Everyone knows the picture the lyrics paint—a mute man talking, a deaf girl listening, a crippled man running, and a blind man who saw … Continue reading
Filed under Songs, Songwriting
“Filler” and Brian Free’s Philosophy of Song Selection
During an NQC interview with BFA, Brian was asked how he goes about choosing songs for an album. This was his answer: We don’t pick “filler” songs. A lot of groups will pick 2-3 good songs and then… they’ll need … Continue reading →
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Filed under Commentary, Songs