This edition of New & Notable is for April 2025 and covers releases from March 21 to April 24. Once again, we appreciate all the dedicated artists who continue to create outstanding music, and we have compiled a list of some of this excellent music for you, including two artists who concluded trilogies this month.  We appreciate the emails sent to us at utrsubmissions@gmail.com, so keep them coming.

ALBUMS & EPs

Jesus – Jon Guerra

Jon Guerra’s Jesus is a tender, intimate album built around the words of Christ and scripture. Intricate acoustic guitar, emotive strings, and gentle vocals create a sound that feels both personal and reverent. The songs invite quiet reflection, offering a softness that still carries deep conviction. Jesus is a quiet and moving expression of faith. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

As Foretold: Part 3 – Poor Bishop Hooper

As Foretold is a 3-part series on the life of Christ, using the prophetic fulfillment passages found in Matthew’s Gospel as its framework. This is the third and final volume covering the time from the triumphal entry to the resurrection. It contains great instrumentation and vocals with compelling lyrics. As always, Poor Bishop Hooper delivers a gem. [SPOTIFY LINK] Complete Trilogy [YOUTUBE LINK]

Cosmic Supreme – John Mark McMillan

This is an album of reinvention for John Mark, showing an unbarred exploration into the meaning of life, spirituality, and the character of God. Wielded with poetic lyrics, mysticism, and transcendent production, perhaps his and Sarah McMillan’s most important work to date, giving mature Jesus-followers the invitation to leave behind the religiosity that so easily entangles us. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Folk! (Pt. 2) – Rend Collective

This Irish collective has done more than return to their folk-loving worship-playing roots in this EP, they showcase a wrestle with the darkness and the inner demons that we can all relate to. Listening to this calls us towards repentance, fierce joy, and justice, making it a homely yet courageous release from the band. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

It Is Good To Be Here With You – Nick Chambers

What a pleasant surprise this release was to us! It may sound on the surface somewhat simple, but the music and arrangements are quite complex with influences of retro folk and classical music. The songwriting is at times personal and devotional without a hint of being clichéd. It is a beautiful listen from the first to the last track. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Paper Thin – Olwen Ringrose

This record is expertly written with personal observations about life, family, and faith. We love the wonderful sound of a recording with real musicians in the studio, and this release captures this pristinely. The music is catchy and a supremely enjoyable listen, with songs you will remember. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

 Love Who I Am – Allison Eide

It’s unusual to hear this level of lyrical and musical maturity and depth from a new artist, but Allison brings both with her album Love Who I Am. She openly confronts feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt and addresses our need to see ourselves through God’s eyes. Listening will surely encourage you. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

ALL THE TIME – Baily Hager

Baily Hager’s debut album ALL THE TIME delivers bright synth-pop sounds with real honesty. As the first female artist-producer signed to Capitol CMG, Baily combines fun, catchy songs with serious moments about leaning on the Lord through mental health struggles and life’s pressures. It’s a refreshing, positive listen, perfect for young women looking for uplifting pop. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Live at Gruene Hall – Sixpence None the Richer

Recorded live at their hometown concert hall northeast of San Antonio, Texas. Leigh Nash, Matt Slocum, and company prove they still have the chops to thrill a crowd and make a memorable live recording. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Where The River Goes – Matthew Clark

An artist we have admired for many years, Matthew Clark, concludes his Well Trilogy with this record. The Well Trilogy consists of three albums of songs, each accompanied by a book of beautiful, personal essays by various authors (available at his website). The music is beautiful and detailed. You will not only enjoy listening to the music, but you will also be enriched by the wonderful messages contained in this album and all the Well Trilogy albums. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

 Jericho – gio., Dell Mac

Pushing out from the lines of hip hop to include genre-bending pop and simple folk guitar work, this Boston native creates artwork packaged as music. Master of collaboration gio. brings myriad influences into the studio to create approachable tunes to be enjoyed universally. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Move Honey – Deja Moon

Get ready for the refreshing, alt-rock sounds of the duo Deja Moon, otherwise known as Zach Bolen and Brian Eichelberger of Citizens. This debut collection of tunes boasts refined production and delivery that only comes from decades of experience, giving it a sense of wit, edginess, and truth-telling that will leave you wanting so much more. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

SINGLES

“Jehovah Jireh” – Jeremi Licata

Jeremi Licata’s “Jehovah Jireh” rolls in with a laid-back indie rock feel, full of warmth and encouragement. Beachy, trembly guitars and Jeremi’s earnest vocals make it easy to join in and smile along the way. It’s a light, positive track that lifts your spirit. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Where Would I Be” – Peter Burton

Toe-tapping Americana music with pop sensibilities answers the question, ‘Where would I be without Jesus?’ A great song to add to one of your playlists. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Praise The Lord (Sunday Prelude)” – Bay Turner & Jordan Feliz

Bay & Jordan take you to church with this song & we’d all love to spend a Sunday morning at this church! From the Kirk Franklin references to the smooth groove and group background vocals, this is a great Gospel/R&B track. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Regret” – Kristen Budde

This is a topic we all can identify with for sure, choices we made that we now regret. Kristen expressed this beautifully. The music is excellently recorded with an Americana-folk vibe and lovely vocals. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles