Our New & Notable for November 2025 covers releases from October 24 to November 21. Once again, it is our honor to share with you the work of these wonderful and dedicated artists. We encourage you to support them. You can use utrsubmissions@gmail.com to point us to music you would like us to consider, and feel free to comment here.

ALBUMS & EPs

 Sad and Beautiful World – Mavis Staples

At 86, Mavis is not slowing down one bit. She remains a champion for justice and faith. Her band here is soulful and spot on, giving her the perfect accompaniment. The songs originate from a variety of well-known songwriters, and she performs powerful renditions of them all. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

Peace to All Who Enter Here, Vol. 2 – Josh Garrels

With his first studio recording in five years, we receive more of what we have come to expect from Josh Garrels: pristinely arranged instrumentation and, instead ot clichés, thoughtful, artful lyrics, placing us firmly at the feet of Jesus. Welcome back, Josh! [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Love Like Raindrops Made of Light – Young Oceans

Put on your headphones and let Young Oceans help bring you some stillness and peace. Lovely and interesting arrangements will float you along with songs of worship and devotion. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

Asaph’s Arrow II – Kings Kaleidoscope

If “alternative hymns and choruses” is a genre, then Kings Kaleidoscope nail it with this album. Stripped back with a focus on the theology we often miss in contemporary worship tunes, this is worship for the misfits. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

The Garden Below – Julie Marie

A beautiful debut record with a warm vintage feel. Julie’s appealing vocals and thoughtful, well-crafted songwriting are a revelation. We are looking forward to more from this artist. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Modern Worries – Tyson Motsenbocker

Genre-defying, ethereal surf folk by this San Diego native will captivate you with honest ponderings about everything under the sun. A true modern-day Ecclesiastes writer, poet, and storyteller evaluates what overwhelms him about modern life. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Cotton Candy Sky – Allie Crummy

This EP gathers Allie’s four most recent single releases, and they are all superb. She is a terrific songwriter, and her alt-pop recordings are always stellar.  If you haven’t checked out her music, this is the perfect time.[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Covers – Paul Zach

Reminds us of the words of Theologians like Augustine, Calvin, and Aquinas that ‘All truth is God’s truth’. Paul Zach (along with a fantastic crew of collaborators) brings an amazing album of covers – deeply insightful and meaningful songs by mainstream artists captured in Zach’s own unique style. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Matthew: Gospel Collection – The Soil and The Seed Project

This inspiring 30-track album tells the story of the entire book of Matthew with all original music. The progressive bluegrass music presented here is of the highest quality. We found ourselves engaged for the entire recording. This project and others that support church and family ministry are available for streaming and downloading at their website [The Soil and The Seed Project] [SPOTIFY LINK]

MẸJỌ: Songs for the Back Row – Temitope

This is congregational rock with a worship and country edge. Temitope pushes the boundaries by crafting lyrics about inner transformation and outward mission, challenging believers to embody the worship they are singing.[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Better Way – Rashid Saint-Fleur

Better Way drifts on ambient piano, chill beats, and lo-fi R&B textures, with smooth vocals lifting prayers and reflections toward God. Rashid Saint Fleur is a hidden gem, perfect for meditative listening. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Snow After Fire – FYR FYTR

FYR FYTR will scratch the itch you have for 90s Alternative, but with a fresh sound that deserves listeners’ ears in the here and now. If you enjoy well-made rock and roll, give this EP a listen! [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

SINGLES

“Moving” – Ben Lawrence, Pyramid Park

A warm blend of upbeat acoustic folk and subtle synthetic elements, “Moving” evokes a time for every season and encourages listeners to persevere with hope, even when the road ahead is unclear. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Emmanuel?” – Hannah Hodges

Hannah gives us a passionate, honest, and personal song of questioning where God is in the midst of suffering. The music builds from gentle acoustic to powerful alt-pop and back, which matches the confusing emotions. We recommend listening closely to the lyrics on this one. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“deep down low” – Abby Siler

Gliding on airy indie-pop vibes, this new single from Abby Siler seamlessly blends soft club beats, ambient shimmer, and floaty vocals, making it both easy to sink into and surprisingly thought-provoking. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Arise” – poems of grace

The progressive rock music here fittingly depicts the desperate pleas to God. This track by poems of grace is unrelenting. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“How Much Longer?” – Tree63

This South African trio was all over the airwaves in the early 2000s but virtually disappeared. You can tell by their snappy, jangly brand of rock exactly why they captured attention back then and why we hope this song will be the sign of more music ahead. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Believe” (25th Anniversary) – Rachael Lampa, Stacie Orrico

This reimagined version of the Rachael Lampa classic is filled with as much nostalgia as beauty. The vocals from Rachael and Stacie are exquisite, now carrying a maturity and wisdom that adds new depth to the song. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles