In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell

It's very seldom that you hear a Christian working in the music scene as a pop singer. But for our music review today, I'm introducing you to Brian Littrell. He is a member of the famous band Backstreet Boys and also a contemporary Christian recording artist. I am happy to hear him say that he attributes all his success in life to God and that his faith has been "the utmost important thing in his life."

This song went all the way to #1 in the Christian Charts. Although "In Christ Alone" has already been around for many years, I personally did not know that it had a verse to it. When I first heard it, I couldn't believe what I have been missing for years! I feel this should be the song of every person especially those who experience successes in life...

Here are the lyrics:

Verse 1:
In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I’ll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

Chorus:
In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
"My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone!"

Verse 2:
In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor than just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord

Chorus:
In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
"My source of strength
My source of hope

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
"My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone
Is Christ alone
Is Christ alone."

Here's the mp3 version:

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Here's the Youtube version:

Here's the live version of Brian singing this song:

Indeed, in Christ alone I will glory!

Whatever I do, I do it for the glory of God!

  

Hillsong Publishing Music Conference Manila July 16, 2011

Profile of speaker: Steve McPherson

I was totally excited when I first heard that there will be a seminar / workshop by Hillsong in Manila. I inquired at House of Praise (Panay) and luckily it was the last day of early bird sale (P800), normal rate is (P1000). Well, on the day of the event, I was the only one from my Church but I went anyway with some of my new friends in CBCP. We were on time and decided to seat at the front balcony of the CCF Auditorium. It was the first time I went there and was really surprised to see a very big house of worship.

Anyway, we started with songs from Hillsong. The only song I remember singing is Heart of Worship. After the introductions have been made, we started our morning session with a topic called "Leading Worship". I guess most people came for this session due to the necessity of properly leading worship in the Church. I, on the other hand, came for all three reasons: I want to improve on my worship leading. I want to know if I'm violating any copyright laws especially when it comes to worship songs. I want to write better songs.

LEADING WORSHIP
The 10 points that were discussed: (Based on my notes from the sermon)

COMMUNICATION
* Leading worship is all about getting people's focus from their circumstances and shift their focus to the Lord. It is about communicating a message. (The team members are all worship leaders)

My handbook

1) Believe in what you say [MESSAGE]
* The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on
   fire. What is your message? Is it about hey look at me?
   or is it I love you and I want to worship God with you.
* You are a big part of your message. Do people see the
   same person off and on the stage?
* Be passionate. Do you believe in the power of God to
   use that music / song for worship? Remember, we are
   not just using worship songs (as in a concert), but we
   are worshiping God.
* Have a revelation that God placed you there (in that
   Church, in that ministry, in that moment) for His
   Kingdom.

2) Believe that people can change [PURPOSE]
* Expect God will touch and change lives
* A great singer/worship leader would want to touch lives
   of people, inspire them, and believe in the work of the Holy Spirit
* It's our job to do the hard work, it's God's work to do the heart work.

3) Live what you say [CREDIBILITY]
* Credibility is key; Unless you have credibility, we can't lead effectively.
* People follow and carefully watch our lives as worship leaders. This is integrity
   and authenticity before God.
* Heb 13:15 => "What is the fruit of our lips?" What is my lifestyle?
* Be you! Is it just an act?

4) Know when to say it [TIMING]
* Observe and lead through what you observe
* There's a right time and a wrong time
   o Timing is important especially when bridging people from their focus on the world
      to focus on God.
   o Dynamics also play a big role / can be used to lead people to worship
   o Voice (breathiness, projection, etc.) will also help
   o Flexibility to change => responding to situation but respecting leadership (esp. if
      there's a time limit)

5) Know how to say it [METHOD]
* Creativity greatly enhances communication

My Wrist Tag/Band

* Use tools to make time of worshiping God interesting; keep it memorable & captivate them through:
   o Song Selection
   o Order of Songs
   o Music Drama
   o Visuals / Media
* Avoid being too predictable & interruptive to what God is doing
* Know how to communicate through face and body - be appropriate
* Preserve & learn as you go & trust God
* Don't allow those bad days to drag you down

6) Know why to say it [PASSION]
* Know why people need to worship
* We need to remind people / ourselves of how great he is.
* Testimony - this is the fire that fuels your passion (Think about how I got saved...
   The way he healed me... the way he placed people in our lives, etc.)
   This is how we remind people of what God has done in their lives.

7) Have fun saying it [SIMPLICITY]
* If you're not enjoying it, how can others?
* If people feel that worship is fun and simple, then they would want to join in and
   not be spectators.
* Personally, if you feel burdened and feel it is like a job, then it shows in our worship.
   (Infectious)

8) Show it as you say it [EXAMPLE]
* People are visually oriented
* Body language => it is good to also see instrumentalist singing as they play.
* Your heart is on your face - be mindful of this!

9) Say it so people can own it [INCLUSION]
* People will not respond to a leader that does not seem to connect to them
* If you can't connect with them, then they will not follow you.
* Get them to participate
* We're not playing "to" people, but we're playing "for" people so that they will be able
   to worship God not you!
* Look at the songs:
   o Are they too High (keys)?
   o Are the melodies too tricky?
   o Is there too much music coming from stage? etc.

10) Say it so people will do it [PARTICIPATION]
* Encourage action / response so that they will do what you want them to do.

真實的悔改 from 讚美之泉 不要放棄 • 滿有能力

Another song from SOP (Stream of Praise) album 14 不要放棄 • 滿有能力 (Do Not Give Up • I Am Strengthened In Him) that is all about turning back to God. It is interesting that they use the word "turn" here. Sometimes, people use the word turn connoting a 360 degrees turn... meaning there is no change in life [a 360 degrees turn return the person to its original position]. What the song is saying here is a 180 degrees turn in life... meaning a total turn towards the opposite direction.

I am reminded of a song that I used to sing when I was in high school. The title is "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus". The verse 3 goes "The world behind me, the cross before me...No turning back, no turning back." It goes to show there are two sides and no neutral ground. You can't serve two Masters, either you are for Christ or against Christ.

Anyway, back to the song... I find it more apt for new believers to sing this, but this is also applicable to old believers because we are in the process of sanctification each and every day. So we still sin but we try, with God's help, to sin less. I hope and pray that God will use this song as a quiet time song when coming before our God.

Here are the lyrics:

主祢已救贖我們 (Lord, you have bought me with Your)
招聚我們為祢爭戰 (Precious blood and renewed my heart)
主我們同心尋求 (And you invite me to Your)
祢的國度祢的公義 (Kingdom and to Your righteousness)
求祢赦免我們 得罪了祢 (Lord, I come to repent all of my sins)
從今天起我們要 (I want to walk in Your ways)
順服祢旨意 (Let me live again)

主我們真實的悔改 (Today, I turn my life to You)
回轉到祢面前 (To Your holy calling)
求祢赦免我們的罪 (O Lord, cleanse my spirit, my soul)
潔淨我們的心 (Restore my heart again)
主再次賜下祢恩典 (Today, I live in Your mercy)
再次賜下憐憫 (In Your loving kindness)
求祢塑造我們生命 (Refine me, and make my life new)
為祢而活 一生討祢喜悅 (To follow You. And live only for You)

Here is the mp3 version:



Here is the Youtube version:

Lord, I turn my life to You... from sin turn 180 degrees to You!

  

When You Wish Upon A Star by Jackie Evancho from Dream With Me

A new version of the classic song from the Disney movie "Pinocchio". The original was sang by Cliff Edwards in the character of Jiminy Cricket. (I'm sure you're trying remember the movie now)

Maybe you've heard a lot of other versions but this one is just so calming and relaxing and sincere coming from this very young and talented girl of 11 or so. Jackie Evancho flawlessly sings this classic with her operatic voice within that small body of hers. (I couldn't believe it when I first heard her sang Nessum Dorma.) I love also the instrumental in this song. It surely brings back memories of a childhood when I myself dreamed as I watch "Pinocchio".

Here's the song lyrics:

When you wish upon a star,
Makes no difference who you are.
Anything your heart desires will come to you.

If your heart is in your dream,
No request is too extreme.
When  you wish upon a star as dreamers do.

Fate is kind...
She brings to those who love...
The sweet fulfillment of their secret longing.

(Musical break)

Like a boat out of the blue,
Fate steps in and sees you through.
When you wish upon a star,
Your dreams come true.
Your dreams... come true...

Here's the mp3 version:



Here's the Youtube version:

Did you know that "When You Wish Upon A Star" won the 1940 Academy Award for Best Original Song!

  

Happy Working Song by Amy Adams from Enchanted OST

It's a Monday again, and I'm sure there's a lot of people out there who have the Monday blues. These are the people who hate Monday mornings, Monday traffics, early meetings, submission of deliverable, etc. This is not necessarily common to the corporate scene only but it also happens to people working at home or in school. Well, if you are one of these people, then I've got just the right song for you.

I remember a fun song from the Disney movie "Enchanted." I clearly remember the parody scene where Giselle (Amy Adams) was at Robert's (Patrick Dempsey) house and she decided to clean the house and cook breakfast. OF course, she calls her "new" city friends since she is not in the forest. And when she began to sing, all city creatures like birds, rodents and cockroaches came in to help her. My point being that work could be fun and happy. It depends on your goal and motive and attitude!

Here are the lyrics:

All right everyone, time to tidy things up

Come my little friends 
As we all sing a happy little working song
Merry little voices clear and strong
Come and roll your sleeves up 
So that we can pitch in
Cleaning crud up in the kitchen 
As we sing along

And you’ll trill a cheery tune in the tub 
As we scrub a stubborn mildew stain
Lug a hairball from the shower drain
To the gay refrain 
Of a happy working song

We’ll keep singing without fail
Otherwise we’d spoil it
Hosing down the garbage pail 
And scrubbing up the toilet
Ooh!

How we all enjoy letting loose with a little 
La-da-da-dum-dum
While we’re emptying the vacu-um
It’s such fun to hum
A happy working song 
Oo-ooh
A happy working song

Oh, how strange a place to be
Till Edward comes for me 
My heart is sighing
Still, as long as I am here
I guess a new experience 
Could be worth trying
Hey! Keep drying!

You could do a lot when you got
Such a happy little tune to hum
While you’re sponging up the soapy scum
We adore each filthy chore 
That we determine
So friends even though you’re vermin
We’re a happy working throng

Singing as we fetch the detergent box
Or the smelly shirts and the stinky socks
Sing along
If you cannot sing then hum along
As we’re finishing our happy working song!

Ah...wasn’t this fun?


Here's the mp3 version:



Here's the Youtube version:

Happy Working Monday!


  

Lucia's Theme from Lunar 2: Eternal Blue

Ok for those gamers who are into old school animated 2D gaming, you might remember a game called Lunar 2: Eternal Blue. I could still remember playing the game when I was still in high school and it is only now that I'm rediscovering the goodness that I've felt with the game.

The song that I'm going to talk about today is called "Lucia's Theme". There's an original Japanese version but for this post, I'll be sharing with you all the English version.

The song has a very wonderful solo and a catchy tune to it. Most of the songs in the first Lunar Silver Star Story and Eternal Blue here are backed-up by synths. (You could actually hear the clearer synth background in the intermission of the song.) On the side, some people might categorize the lyrics as cheesy, but hey we still love it for being innocent and simple and about love.

Here are the lyrics you've been waiting for:

When I was alone as one,
My eyes were as blind, I know.
Sky brilliant with blue elegance,
I couldn't behold.

When I was alone as one,
My heart was as ice, so cold.
Wind whispering sweet melodies,
I could not behold.

Sight to my eyes and warmth to my heart,
Your love has been such to me.
Pull closer now and strengthen my leaning
Toward love to heal all my wounds.

When our hearts both beat in time,
There's magic in your smile,
It seems there's nothing we can't do.

And within your warm embrace,
My heart will find a place,
Even from afar,
Our love forever shall be destiny.

Here's the mp3 version of the song:



Here's the Youtube version:

Hope this made you smile! Ü
  

Reaching For Heaven by Diana DeGarmo from Ice Princess OST

Hello again. I'm writing today about the song of Diana DeGarmo entitled "Reaching For Heaven". The lyrics are so uplifting and very inspirational. At first it talks about just thinking about dreams and spending night wondering it it would come true. The chorus bursts with energy and as if you've come out of your shell and you realized that it is possible for your dreams to come true and that I should just mope and dream forever.

I won't ever forget the story of this science geek girl who chose ice skating to be her project. She believed that science could enhance and help the skaters skate better. In the process, she began to skate as well and she realized that she loved ice skating. Although she had to go through several tests in her determination and commitment to the sport (including her mother's disapproval), she overcame all these that shows her passion for ice skating. This song was her dance piece for the finals.

Here are the lyrics:

All my life there was just me and my dreams
And the days went ticking by like the beat of my heart
Spend my nights wondering how it would feel
When the waiting would end and tomorrow would start
Suddenly I see the light out of the darkness I'm coming alive

Chorus:
So this is how it feels reaching for heaven
This is how it feels kissing the sky
This is what it means touching forever
Like a phoenix rising from the flames
I'm reaching for heaven

All this time I never knew I was so strong
But you made me find the fire
That was there all along
In your eyes I can see all I can be
Suddenly I want it all
I know you'll catch me whenever I fall


Chorus

You alone have shown me

Shining new horizons

Now for all I owe you

It's my turn to show you

Chorus

Reaching for heaven

This how it feels kissing the sky

This what it means touching forever

Like a phoenix rising from the flames

I'm reaching for heaven

Reaching for heaven

Heaven

Here's the mp3 version:



Here's the actual video of her skating to the song:

Hope you dream and reach for your dreams!
  

Banana Chips by Shonen Knife from Happy Hour

It's 1 am here in the Philippines, but am still craving for food, actually craving for some chips. Sadly, I don't have some on hand so I guess I'll just have to with some food music or some music about food (whichever works for you!)

The song that I chose is called "Banana Chips" by Shonen Knife. It's a cute piece taking about banana chips (duh!) It has a catchy guitar strumming and drum beating combo. It has me now in LSS (last song syndrome) mode as I can't get the tune out of my head.

Here are the lyrics of the song:

Banana chips for you!
Banana chips for me!
In the afternoon, banana chips and tea.
Sliced bananas lightly fried with coconut oil.
Mmmm... they're just a little bit sweet.
Banana chips, banana chips,
Banana chips, banana chips,
Banana chips, banana chips,
Banana chips, Oh yeah!

Banana chips for me!

Banana chips for you!

I can never get enough banana chips, it's true.

O I really like to eat...

Love their sweet smell of coconut oil.

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, Oh yeah!

Banana chips for you!

Banana chips for me!

In the afternoon, banana chips and tea.

It reminds me of the sunshine on the tropical paradise isle.

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, Oh yeah!

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, banana chips,

Banana chips, Oh yeah!

Here's the mp3 version:

Here's a live performance of Shonen Knife in the Philippines:

Here the promotional video in Youtube (the original version is in Japanese):

Go get out after watching this and buy some banana chips!
  

Come Home Running by Chris Tomlin from Not To Us

Chris Tomlin... one of my favorite Praise and Worship leaders and a great songwriter. He is one of person that I really look up to when it comes to serving the Lord. I just love his passion and his fervor for singing for the Lord and leading people to see Him every time he sings. To learn more about Chris Tomlin, visit his website here.

The song that I'm writing about today is entitled "Come Home Running." The song is based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the Bible. The lyrics are so heart warming & very apt in our world today where people find it hard to forgive one another. We see here a picture of our God (the Father) waiting expectantly for his Son to return home, return back into his loving arms. O how I wish everyday people will come back to God's welcoming arms and hands - the same hands that were pierced for our sins.

Here are the lyrics:


Oh heart of mine, why must you stray?
From one so fair, you run away.
And one more time, you have to pay
The heaviness of needless shame.


Oh heart of mine, come back home
You've been too long out on your own
And He's been there all along
Watching for you down the road


Chorus
So come home running
His arms are open wide
His name is Jesus
He understands
He is the answer
You are looking for
So come home running
Just as you are


Oh child of God so dearly loved
And ransomed by the Savior's blood
And called by name, daughter and son
Wrapped in the robe of righteousness

Here's the mp3 version:



Here's the Youtube version:

I hope you come back to God lost one!
  

Hallelujah by Katherine Jenkins from Katherine Jenkins: The Ultimate Collection

From games, we now go to the opera scene. When we talk about opera singers, names like Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli are the first to come to mind. But I'm not going to talk about them. I going to write about a fabulous singer named Katherine Jenkins... after some more facts. hehe

Recently there has been a sub-genre that has been growing in popularity. Wikipedia shows this subgenre to be popera or pop opera. This is where we find strong artists like Josh Groban, Il Divo, etc have excelled the past few years. Katherine Jenkins, a natural Welch mezzo-soprano, is I believe a popera singer as she includes classical-pop songs in her repertoire. She has had quite a journey before realizing her success in the music industry - not bad for someone who is only in her early 30s.

But enough of her, it's now time for the music. It is entitled "Hallelujah".

Verse1:
Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music do you?
Well it goes like this
The fourth, the fifth,
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah


Verse2:
Well, baby I've been here before
I've seen this room, and I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
And love is not a vict'ry march
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah


Verse3:
There was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show that to me, do you?
But remember when I moved with you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah


Verse4:
Maybe there's a God above
but all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who adore you
But it's not the cry tthat you hear at night
It's not somebody who has seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah

Here's the mp3 version:

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Here's a live version from Youtube:

I hope this posts drew some hallelujah from you!

EXEC_CHRONICLE_KEY/. from Ar Tonelico Hymmnos Concert

I'm writing this time about some game music. Music definitely enhances the experience while playing video games as such a good music will definitely "UP" the game several notches! Here is an example of game music from the game "Ar Tonelico: Melody of Elemia". The song is sung by Akiko Shikata in an imaginary language: the language of Hymmnos. (sounds like a mix between hymns and chanting... hehe) Well the song is pretty good especially the arrangement (also done by Akiko).

Click Ar Tonelico: Melody of Elemia for the plot of the game, songs, the language Hymmnos and other stuff about Ar Tonelico. Below is the lyrics and translation in English from a post in the Ar Tonelico forum.

EXEC_CHRONICLE_KEY/.

Lyrics：Tomoko Shinoda, Akira Tsuchiya
Composition & Arrangement: Akiko Shikata
Vocal & Chorus: Akiko Shikata
Hymmnos: Akiko Shikata

Wee ki ra chs Chronicle Key en grandee sos dius yor.
For the sake of protecting you, my precious person, 
I shall turn into the Chronicle Key

Wee ki ra araus tes soare an giue mea iem.
In exchange for the sacrifice of my body, now I shall offer this song

Was au ga whai pauwel ferda enter whou na nedle sor,
Why the power dwells in the unselfish people?

en whai pauwel gaunji yasra whou na cenjue sor tou zuieg.
Why the power tortures the kind people that doesn't want to fight?

Was au ga, Diasee, Pauwee,
In this sadness, oh, Child of God, Child of Power

aiph yos delij zuieg, en nedle eterne falfa,
If you detest the fighting and seek the eternal peace

slepir tes pauwel an hyzik,
I shall send to sleep your power and your body

fatere tes pauwel chs deleir, en ousye yor.
or the power will turn into a calamity that will bring ruin upon you

Wee ki ra selena anw yasra wiene,
I shall play a gentle melody

en chs Chronicle Key sos yor.
and turn into the Chronicle Key for your sake

Wee ki ra araus tes soare an giue mea iem.
In exchange for the sacrifice of my body, now I shall offer this song

Was au ga whai pauwel ferda enter whou na nedle sor,
Why the power dwells in the unselfish people?

en whai pauwel gaunji yasra whou na cenjue sor tou zuieg.
Why the power tortures the kind people that doesn't want to fight?

Was au ga, aiph yos delij
If you detest...

Was au ga, Diasee, Pauwee,
In this sadness, oh, Child of God, Child of Power

aiph yos delij zuieg,
If you detest the fighting...

en nedle eterne falfa,
...and seek the eternal peace

slepir tes pauwel an hyzik,
I shall send to sleep your power and your body

Was ki ra, grandi en eterne slepir,
For the sake of protecting you, I shall grant you eternal sleep

presia aterra cremia sos viuy lonfa,
Please, accept the salvation of your darkened soul

yehar lamenza der soare mea.
And let that the deep laments you have crafted be freed by my prayer

presia aterra cremia sos viuy lonfa,
Please, accept the salvation of your darkened soul

yehar lamenza der soare mea.
And let that the deep laments you have crafted be freed by my prayer

Here's the mp3 version:

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Here's the Youtube version:

I hope you enjoy this. More posts to come!