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CD Review & GIVE AWAY: Joe Day’s “GRACE” a refreshingly well-crafted expression of faith & art

November 16, 2010 at 10:28 am, by Rich Kirkpatrick

Grace is the name of Joe Day’s new 11-song CD and with a warm, approachable and styled production vibe it sounds much like message of its title. It’s definitely a Seattle cup of coffee—pull up a seat and enjoy the rain, conversation and atmosphere. I feel as if I am able to converse with the artist who wrote these songs. They are delivered with a natural human feel. In a refreshing way this is not the big stadium anthem worship sounds we have heard many times or the “God or girlfriend” lyric of CCM.

The guitars and instruments reject the modern tones that have been recently overdone while being current and modern. I love recordings that have that timeless quality of being familiar and fresh. It is not an easy balance. This CD does that hands down.

Tracks like  “Death to Life” demonstrate the depth lyrically. Day tells the story of being the prodigal while declaring some really solid theological points and well-crafted borrowing of biblical language like “I was a white-washed tomb…”

“I was at war with you, sinful even in the womb
I was a white-washed tomb, then you came and made me new”

The refrain makes this song a congregational where we can all sing along.

“You are my redemption, you are my salvation
You called me out of death to life
You beckoned me from dark to light”

The tune “Christ is Risen” surprises me in a good way creatively expressing some profound Christian thought with so few words.

“O – oh…look at the tree
O – oh…isnʼt the fruit good to eat
Ah – all…in Adam will die
O – oh…in Christ we will all be alive”

So, in summary Joe Day’s album “Grace” is a refreshingly well-crafted expression of faith and art—I love just listening as well singing along. Definitely I am adding this to my play list.

I am excited to share this music with you, and actually give away two copies! All you have to do is comment here in the blog comments below. At the end of the week I will randomly draw two of you and you will get the CD in the mail.

Please do not wait, however to get this CD on iTunes.

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  • http://rlcblog.com Dusty Rayburn

    I am always looking for some new music. Appreciate the heads up and the opportunity to win a copy.

  • http://journeyofaworshipper.blogspot.com/ Ryan Rotman

    Thanks Rich. I’ve never heard of Joe Day, but I’m always on the lookout for new music.

  • Matthew Robbins

    Sounds awesome. I’ve been listening to some of the sample online and this sounds very interesting. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • http://rkweblog.com Rich Kirkpatrick

    Very cool! Three comments within 5 minutes of posting. This is good stuff, guys. There also guitar sheets on his website which is linked above.

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  • http://reflectivemusings.wordpress.com Jonathan Griffiths

    Thanks for doing the giveaway – nice review.

  • http://www.facebook.com/barrywestman Barry Westman

    Thanks Rich! I always enjoy listening to new music!

    Barry Westman

  • http://www.twitter.com/ivoryjohn John Wylie

    I am down, always on the search for more music.
    I am also a poor college kid.
    So, free is even better :D

  • Paul Hahn

    Count me in! Thanks for always staying up to date with new music…dunno how you do it…

  • Brandon

    hook it up

  • http://www.benterry.com Ben Terry

    I have a copy but would love to win one to give to a friend!

  • Jeremy S

    Joe’s great!

  • http://www.areyouthere-god.com Missy

    I love discovering new worship music!@

  • Odette ellis

    Love listening to him at church. The cd sounds great!

  • Mike

    Always love the MH worship band when I visit Seattle…. would love to win a copy of this music!

  • http://www.theomodernity.tumblr.com Nick K

    I love all Mars Hill worship music and especially Joe Day’s!
    Christ is Risen is my favorite song!

  • James Alliott

    I haven’t heard any Mars Hill music so would be cool to here some – I’m from the UK btw.

  • http://www.Rock-life.com Doug V

    Mars hill Worship is Awesome! Thanks for the review!

  • Mercy

    I’ve been going to MH for about one and a half years and only recently realized that so many of the songs that sound like a new arrangement of an old hymn were actually written by Joe Day. Good solid lyrics with tunes I can relate to. God truly has blessed us at Mars Hill (and many others) through Joe Day.

  • Tim Sharpe

    Man, I’d love to hear this album. Sounds like it’ll be fantastic.

  • Michelle g

    I’m ALWAYS on the lookout for new stuff to share with my youth group!!!!!!!! I’d LOVE to have this album!!!!!!

  • http://olympia.marshillchurch.org Justin

    We’ve been singing Joe’s songs at Mars Hill for about a decade now, what a blessing he is! He is well-known around the church as arguably being the best songwriter to serve at MH, and he keeps on cranking out great songs, year after year. Thank you God for Joe!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692817563 Alex McLean

    I’m definitely interested – always looking for something new! Thanks for the post Rich.

  • http://www.contemplativecreativity.com Nate Sutliff

    Great stuff. Haven’t heard it before now but definitely on my list to pickup now (unless i don’t have to)

  • http://fischer.org.za Karl Fischer

    I love this statement “this is not the big stadium anthem worship sounds we have heard many times or the “God or girlfriend” lyric of CCM”

    I’ll buy it anyway :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1148676498 Jeremy Blasongame

    too late for the drawing, I hope not?

    • http://rkweblog.com Rich Kirkpatrick

      sigh…yes we have drawn 2 winners!

      Mike and Brandon…Brandon has claimed his. If Mike does not by Tuesday however, I will redraw. ;) Mike…you there??

  • david

    i hope i get in the redraw!

  • http://fischer.org.za Karl Fischer

    I bought it …. it rocks.

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