The amount of high-quality faith-inspired music continues to astound us. And it’s our pleasure to spotlight some newly released music each month for you. We encourage you to send an email to utrsubmissions@gmail.com if there is music you would like to bring to our attention either as an artist or a fan – it makes a difference. Or leave a comment below.

ALBUMS & EPs

Land of the Living – Jason Gray

Whimsical, authentic, and hopeful are words that come to mind when listening to the latest delivery from this Minnesota native. Lyrics challenge the believer to see the bigger story in every smaller interaction. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK 

The Sounds of Jubilee – Cindy Morgan

A soundtrack to her novel “The Year of Jubilee”, this album features a wide range of Nashville musicians playing some simply wonderful Americana music. There is plenty to enjoy here so dig in. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Feel It – The Brilliance

A brave exploration into the fundamentals of a faith you can no longer feel, these are modern-day psalms and laments that blend styles and instruments effortlessly in a way only The Brilliance can. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Family Nights, Vol. 1 – Mission House

Two of UTR’s favorites – Jess Ray and Taylor Leonhardt – are together again in a community-centered live album that feels refreshing, calm, and sincere. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Phosphorescence – Kylie Dailey

Her music is a banquet of true-to-life poetry and lovely well-conceived and executed music. The more you listen the more you realize the depth of what she is doing. So listen closely and you will certainly be rewarded. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Crooked Rivers – Jason Lenyer Buchanan

This isn’t an album that gives you all the answers to life, but if you are a fellow pilgrim with questions, doubts, and life’s irresolutions, then these original songs will be a companion for your journey. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Perplexity – Orphan No More Co

Orphan No More Co is a collective from the UK made up of singers, songwriters, poets, and instrumentalists. Here they have created a powerful presentation that is musically and lyrically diverse and tackles faith issues on many levels.

Kenotic Metanoia – Lacey Sturm

An incredible insight into the chaos, resilience, and courage humanity experiences as we battle mental illness and shame.  Sonically powerful enough to please metal fans, with rifts that will capture fans of Alt Rock. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

Hallelujah Anyway – Rend Collective

A short but powerful entry into their catalog, this EP delves into longing for the “not yet” in our spiritual experience. Solid spiritual food to snack on while waiting for God to complete what He has started in us. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

SINGLES

“People Are Tender” – Zach Winters

As with many songs by Zach Winters, this is not only beautiful musically but reaches deep. He encourages us to let compassion be the rule with people: “people are tender/though they might just seem hard/our shields and protection/guard our tender little hearts” His new album is coming in 2024.
SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“When the King Comes” – Haylie Allcott

It’s the first-ever single by a new artist who I can’t wait to hear more from.  The lyrics are Tolkein-inspired, and the epic Celtic sound is majestic. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“All My Worst Ideas” – Chris Renzema

If you’re already a fan of Chris Renzema, you will be completely satisfied with this song. If you’re unfamiliar with his music, this is a great song to start with. It seems musically sparse and beautiful. It reminds us that it’s always a bad idea to wander away from our Maker, but God is Faithful to rescue us.  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Riptide” – The River Indigo

This is acoustic folk at its best, and the Nashville-based duo blends flawlessly as they deliver a tune that will tug at your heartstrings and get your feet moving. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“How Long” – FAITHFUL, Leslie Jordan, Ginny Owens, Janice Gaines

This group of female authors and songwriters has been creating some amazing music but this track is exceptional! It begins with a mournful lament over current injustice and cries for God (and The Church) to move, then crescendos with a confident Hope that God WILL act and bring justice- but when…? Haunting and moving and the live video is a MUST-SEE. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Drop in the Ocean” – Ian Yates

This Liverpool, England-based musician has dropped six full-length albums since 2010. A techno dance beat underscores lyrics focused on the greatness of God’s love. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Give It All Away” – Nicholas D’Andrea

Piano, guitar, and an AMAZING voice! This song is a prayer of surrender – an expression of a desire to give one’s life away. Lyrically simple, but in no way insignificant; this song expresses what all Christians should be singing. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“I Give Up” – The Royal Foundry

This Canadian rock outfit is back with their first new song of 2023.  Not surprised that the CBC reviewed the song and said, “Great harmonies and clever lyrics are driven home by an infectious hook.” SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Give it Time” – Terrian

It’s easy to relate to the vulnerability in this song about an artist chasing their dreams.  I love the lyric: “God never seems to color in a straight line.” Really interesting production too that fuses pop and R&B.  SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Steady, Steadily” – Hopeful.

These San Diego surf rockers give us an anthem to navigate the peaks and valleys of depression and discouragement. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“Grave Robber” – Crowder

Gravelly, chunky guitars open this high-energy new single that speaks of being brought back to life from spiritual death. This song may be on repeat before you finish the first spin. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK

“All I Have” – Illumination Project

An instant head-bopper, and a reminder of where our ultimate satisfaction lies. A bit of rock, a bit of funk, a bit of sax, and even some kids’ vocals thrown in. A little off the beaten path, but well worth the listen. SPOTIFY_LINK  YOUTUBE_LINK