MercyMe’s Highest Debut of their Career

May 16, 2010 in Other with View Comments

MercyMe’s “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” Gives Band

Highest Chart Debut of their Career

No. 3 Album in the Nation also Boasts No. 1 Single   “All of Creation”

By Velvet Kelm of The M Collective

NASHVILLE, TN…..5/12/10….Last week, INO Records’ multi-platinum and award-winning band MercyMe unleashed The Generous Mr. Lovewell, giving the band the highest chart debut of their career, bowing in at No. 3 in the nation on Billboard’s Top 200 SoundScan Chart, and No. 1 on the overall Contemporary Christian SoundScan chart.   The album is the No. 1 selling record at Family Christian Stores, Lifeway, Mardel, Berean and most other Christian bookstores, has already hit No. 1 on iTunes® Christian Albums chart (No. 5 overall), and boasts the No. 1 single “All of Creation,” which continues to hold the top spot on both the Christian AC and Inspo charts after six weeks.

“I am excited about this sales debut by MercyMe,” remarked INO Records’ President Jeff Moseley. “To continually outdo themselves on each release is rare.  In this business environment, a No. 3 debut by an artist is outstanding. We think  it shows that the power of a song and a creative album still moves people and enhances their lives.”

The excitement about The Generous Mr. Lovewell began with great reviews from USA Today, Billboard, Christianity Today and more, and then ignited a massive twitter groundswell as artists such as Chris Daughtry, The Jonas Brothers, Mandisa, TobyMac, Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and more tweeted their support for MercyMe and The Generous Mr. Lovewell.   In addition, fans all across the country have been sharing their stories of seeing Mr. Lovewell in action as they experience and watch good deeds take place all across the world.

“We have just been blown away by all the support from everyone for this album,” commented lead vocalist Bart Millard.  “But more than that, it’s incredibly humbling to see the “love well” idea take flight – there are so many people out there living for Christ and truly living His love in the lives of others.   I am in awe and incredibly thankful for the opportunity to witness it all!”

What’s New for May 4th, 2010?

May 4, 2010 in Other with View Comments

There are a number of highly anticipated releases today. What are you planning on picking up?

MercyMe: The Generous Mr. Lovewell
Article One: The One I’m Fighting For EP
Gateway Worship: The More I Seek You
Austins Bridge: Times Like These
The Letter Black: Hanging On By A Thread
Kylie Jean: Vertical

Carlos Whittaker: Ragamuffin Soul

May 3, 2010 in Album Reviews, Reviews with View Comments

Release Date: 4/27/2010

Follow Carlos on twitter:@loswhit

Facebook

Myspace

RagamuffinSoul.com

Carlos Whittaker; have you heard of him? If not, maybe www.ragamuffinsoul.com should be on your daily blog read. Most know him from his blog & twitter account, @loswhit, but his main love is being a worship leader. Recently, he was the worship leader at Buckhead Church, one of Andy Stanley’s branches of Northpoint Community Church in Atlanta GA. His blog site averages 20,000 daily readers and you might have seen him recently on network morning shows from ABC to CBS. The reason for his sudden exposure is due to his hit YouTube video featuring his family and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” Whittaker’s calling and purpose can be summed up in his mission statement. “To ignite a movement of authenticity among all generations of Christians that morphs the face of the evangelical church in to a place of being real with yourself, others, & God.”

The man determined to make Christians “real” joined Integrity Records last fall to release a worship album. He never intended to release an album, but when the opportunity arose, Carlos took it and ran. People might wonder, what can Carlos bring to the worship genre that’s any different from the overwhelming flood of artists that fail to challenge us? Well, this album is filled with songs that will inspire, challenge, knock you down and make you want to live a life for the kingdom through all your actions, not only when there is a dire need. In reality, with only a single run through of this album, the audience will have a good hold on the lyrics and a clear understanding of Whittaker’s intent.

Ragamuffin Soul, which is named after his successful blog and love for reggae, is his debut album. It’s a well rounded collection of worship music from the beginning track “Rain it Down” to the end “We Will Dance.” Well-known producer/songwriter Jason Ingram, whose past projects include work with Bebo Norman, Point of Grace, Brandon Heath & others, produced this project. He co-wrote the 2009 hit “Give Me Your Eyes” with Heath. Carlos says that working with Ingram was enjoyable and he made the process very smooth.

As a debut album, you might expect a few hit and misses, but honestly, there isn’t a track that falls below the line here. Each song has a distinct background, in fact Carlos wrote 11 of the 12 songs on Ragamuffin Soul. Here is a breakdown of a few songs on the album:

  • “God of Second Chances”: This is a beautiful song that illustrates God’s love for us. No matter how many times we screw up, and we will, He will give the repented heart “Second Chances.” Carlos wrote this song with his adopted son Losiah in mind, and how God not only gave Losiah a second chance, but also the Whittaker’s. “Righteous Savior / by your wounds we are healed / Your compassion draws us here / how amazing / is the mercy of the Cross / that You would reach out for us / so let the praises rise / You rescue with unfailing love / Hallelujah to our God.”
  • “No Words”: is a song that ironically enough—has words. It speaks about how now there is are an overuse of words in regards to worship songs. That there is really “no words” that people can place on what the Lord has done for us.
  • “Can’t Start This Fight”: is a wonderful song that will motivate the audience to get up and stop malingering on what to do and find a place they can stand for Jesus.
  • “Shine On”: is my personal favorite from this album. This song reminds me of Matthew 5:14-16, when Jesus tells us “You are the Light of the World.” “Shine on our city / Shine in our homes Lord / Shine for the needy / Shine for the low / Shine for the broken / Shine for the poor / Shine for searching / ‘cause we’re like Saul on this road.”

Mr. Whittaker has delivered a nice addition to the genre’ that has been needed for sometime. His songwriting is exceptional. He knows from being a full-time Worship leader what types of songs will relate best to people, and how to inspire Christians to live a life for Jesus. Some might say it is just another worship album, but that is not the case. I challenge you to take a listen, hear the lyrics and you will not be disappointed.

9/10

Review by Ben Dempsey of RocktheCross.net

Page 4 of 60« First...«23456»102030...Last »