Top Ten Songs for July

Halfway through the search for the song of the summer, and I think I've gathered some pretty good options! While all of them do not strictly match the normal criteria, at least I haven't added any songs from the kids camp that I was a volunteer at this past month!

1. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
This song is simple, but very catchy, especially the unique backing guitar work. One thing I love about Ed Sheeran is how he can turn anything into an amazing song. His lyrical work is also out of this world! This song so far is my song of the summer, although it is unique for that title.

2. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Two Ed Sheeran songs battling for the top spot! I'm almost considering this song as my favourite right now, but it isn't going to be the song of the summer for a few reasons. In my opinion, it's too reserved to fit the criteria, and it's a little old to be the new song of the summer. Still, it's an amazing song, and again so simple, but dynamic with only a few instruments and voices.

3. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
Slowly falling down the list again...I still love the song, but it's starting to lose it's special appeal. I may just have to give it a rest off my playlist, and then bring it back to boost it for my song of the year. I haven't heard the song that much on radios anymore too, or even on any top song playlists!

4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
Although not being played too much on contemporary radio stations (I've only ever heard it played on Life 100.3), this song is still in contention to be my song of the summer. It's upbeat, inspiring, and has a great message. I've listened to the song a lot, and one of the unique things that stands out to me is the pronunciation that the lead singer uses. It makes you hang off his every word!

5. She Looks So Perfect - Five Seconds of Summer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2BYmmTI04I 
This is my bet for the contemporary choice for song of the summer. Really a break-out song for this band, it again fits the criteria perfectly. Witty lyrics, upbeat tune, and it also doesn't hurt that it's a young and cool rock band. To be honest, when I first heard the band name, I thought that there was going to be five members...in reality, there's only four.

6. Scarecrow - Alex and Sierra - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g1YpDK7Dcg
This was the best possible first song for a new group. Fresh off their X Factor victory, this is exactly what you expect and want for this unique partnership. This could be a choice for the song of the summer as again it's fresh, unique, and up-lifting. I love the lyrics too, especially the line "You used to be my solid ground, but now I'm drowning in the sea."

7. Let Me Feel You Shine - David Crowder Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szwAJeuOiqg
I love this rocky worship tune! It's a great tune to turn up loud, roll the windows down, and just enjoy as you are cruising along! David Crowder is another rare talented musician of this day and age. Whatever tempo, whatever key, and whatever lyrics, he always produces a stellar track.

8. Meteor Shower - Owl City - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhi1oLbZlZ0 
A dynamic electronic song, the lyrics leave room for different interpretations, but I like to see it as a worship tune. Owl City is a Christian artist, but he does dabble in contemporary songs as well. He's another unique, rare talent.

9. Close to Your Heart - The Glorious Unseen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvTofjPqco
This song still captures my emotions every time I listen to it. I can't even begin to fathom what the response would be when the song is played live. The dynamic, mysterious synth that continues throughout, the haunting guitar riffs, and the undeniable powerful lyrics are simply God inspired.

10. We Are One - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tHSTwiBpew&list=UU7iti2AwppwLlsBW6SStZJg
Another Sky Terminal song! Again, from their new album, this song isn't as great as Say Hello, but it's still an awesome tune. I especially like the start, beginning with a drum track, and then bringing in the electric guitar, and finally the full band. The chorus is also special, almost an anthem cry with the words "We are One!"

Tim Neufeld's Trees Album Review

Rating: 6.9/10
Website: http://timneufeldmusic.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/trees/id646473669

Marking the start of his solo artist journey, Tim Neufeld's Trees is his first album apart from Starfield, a band which he has led to Christian stardom. Also leaving Starfield's signature rock sound for the new folk style, Neufeld's talent continues to shine. Skilled at leading worship, this album provides a new, fresh, unique way to approach the Lord.

With only a few star songs such as Heart Starts Beating, Beautiful Things, and a version of 10 000 Reasons, the album as a whole does not really live up to expectations. The risk with doing something of this nature was the previous standards set by Starfield's immense success. Unfortunately for Tim Neufeld, Trees is definitely not of the same quality. While the talent of Neufeld cannot be denied, this album is lacking for a wide range of songs that are top notch. In particular, some songs were very disappointing, especially the version of Cornerstone. Again, referring back to Starfield, the special feeling of top songs that was previously created wasn't there for the majority of the record.

However, the album is still a pleasant listen, if not just a different experience. Tim Neufeld's vocals provide for a very relaxing sound, and the record represents a breath of fresh air into the worship music market.

Tim Neufeld